Several changes have been made recently to the Minnie Van service that was introduced across the Walt Disney World Resort a little more than a year ago.
When the service first debuted, the charge was a flat fee of $20 for transportation anywhere on Walt Disney World property. The price increased to a flat fee of $25 several months ago. Now, the price has changed yet again. Instead of a flat fee, the price for your trip will vary based on the distance traveled. You’ll see the total cost and pay for the service as usual through the Lyft app.
A few months ago, the Minnie Van service was expanded to include shuttle service to and from Orlando International Airport. You can now book this service, which costs $150 one way, up to six months in advance by calling (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529. NOTE: You still can not arrange for the airport shuttle service through the Lyft app.
For arrivals: You’ll be picked up near the baggage claim escalators in Orlando International Airport.
For departures: If you’re traveling domestically, Disney asks that you schedule your Minnie Van pick-up at least two hours prior to your flight departure time, and at least three hours before your flight departure if you’re flying internationally.
Even though the Minnie Vans can hold up to eight medium-sized suitcases, you can check your bags in advance at Resort Airport Services/Check-In. (You can’t send your bags separately on Disney’s Magical Express, though.)
Have you used the Minnie Van service yet? What did you think? You can leave a review in our Rate and Review section, or share your thoughts below.
We took a Minnie Van last year from MK to BCV after the fireworks one night and I thought it was great. Then this year I looked on the app and saw that while the pricing has changed, and it is now based on distanced traveled, it is 3-4 times what a regular lyft costs to the same location. I thought that was insane and just used regular lyfts. The only benefit I can see to using a Minnie Van is the drop off location or the car seat/handicap needs. Otherwise it just didn’t seem worth it.
At those rates, I think I’ll re-paint my own van like that and make a little extra pixie dust on my next Disney vacation.
I loved using the Minnie Vans that could accommodate a scooter! It saved so much time getting back and forth. This service also cut out the aggravation of waiting for the bus and trying to maneuver the scooter on the buses. We work so hard and save up for our Disney trips. The $25 fee for a one-way ride is a good investment on saving non-park time when we are down there. Please know that you have to call a special phone number and not use the app to get a mini van that could accommodate a scooter. The wait is a little longer for a handicap mini van.
No thanks, I think the most I paid this year for an Uber was MAYBE 11 bucks at the absolute highest one way, and that was from a vacation home around the Emerald Island resort off property to Epcot. I can’t justify paying 2-3xs as much for going 1/3 the distance for the privilege of riding in a polka-dotted SUV.
I stay at WDW properties but still rent a car. Being able to eat away from the parks and also be able to go to Walmart and buy essentials is worth the price of the rental every single time.
Aren’t vacations to escape Walmart?
We used Minnie Van service over Labor Day weekend. It was at AK park closing and the buses had huge lines. We wanted to go to DS, so we ordered a Minnie. It took a few minutes to arrive, but way better than standing room only on a bus and waiting long lines to board. The only bummer was it had to drop us off at the very end of West End DS and we wanted to go to the Marketplace. I am glad the fee will vary now based on location. Wonder if fees will be higher during peak times like the regular Lyft service.
This kind of pricing makes more sense to me and I’m glad they finally came around to doing it this way. Still, I can’t imagine why anyone would pay $150 for transportation from the airport when Magical Express is free. Even if you’re not staying on Disney property, a shared Mears shuttle costs only $23 one-way from the airport to a Disney-area hotel, or $37 round-trip.
good point