Everything You Want to Know About Walt Disney World's Minnie Vans

When Disney announced the arrival of Minnie Vans at the Walt Disney World Resort, fans of ride sharing programs were thrilled! Finally, an on-site option to get from place to place without relying on Resort transportation — and to make it easier to make those far-away Advance Dining Reservations!

Minnie Van

Here we’ve gathered everything you want to know about the Minnie Van service, including how to hail one of these charming rides!

What is a Minnie Van?

A Minnie Van is a vehicle (at present, the program is using the Chevy Traverse SUV for parties up to six or other Chevy-brand vans for parties with wheelchairs or ECVs) designed unmistakably to resemble Minnie Mouse! Minnie Vans provide a direct and private ride from one location to another at Walt Disney World Resort, to and from Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport (MCO), and as a ground transportation option between Walt Disney World and Port Canaveral for the Disney Cruise Line Terminal.

For transportation around Disney World Resort, each Minnie Van vehicle is able to accommodate up to 6 Guests and up to 2 complimentary child seats if needed.

Minnie Van

For transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport (when available), each Minnie Van vehicle is able to accommodate up to 6 Guests, and 6 medium-sized suitcases. Minnie Van airport service vehicles can also be equipped with up to 3 complimentary car seats.

Who’s driving the Minnie Vans?

Minnie Vans are “powered by” the popular ride share program Lyft, but drivers are long-time, experienced cast members of Walt Disney World (and they’re awesome!).

How much do Minnie Van rides cost?

Around Walt Disney World

Prices vary based on the distance from their pick-up location to their destination in Disney World. The cost includes a one-way trip from the starting location to any other location on property and perks like up to 2 expertly installed car seats, if needed, and phone chargers in the vehicle.

Guests can see the final price and pay for the service in the Lyft app. To serve as an example, we looked for a Lyft ride from Magic Kingdom going to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and — on the date and time we researched — the estimated cost was $43.08 to take a Minnie Van from Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom.

©Lyft

PRO TIP: When searching for a Minnie Van option, be sure to carefully type in the addresses you want to be picked up from and be dropped off at.

©Lyft

Placing “Disney” in front of the location (like “Disney Animal Kingdom”) seems to help the system find options more easily and identify locations on Disney property.

To and From Orlando International Airport (MCO)

PLEASE NOTE: At this time, Minnie Van service to and from Orlando International Airport is not available. We will keep you posted as the situation evolves.

The cost of taking a Minnie Van to or from Walt Disney World to Orlando International Airport is $155 one-way. (Gratuity is not included.)

Disney Cruise Line Ground Transportation

PLEASE NOTE: At this time, Minnie Van service to and from Port Canaveral is not available. We will keep you posted as the situation evolves.

Minnie Vans provide guests with ground service to and from Walt Disney property and Port Canaveral to the Disney Cruise Line Terminal for a one-way price of $249.

Where can I grab a Minnie Van?

Minnie Vans can provide service anywhere in Walt Disney World. Disney Springs offers four pick up locations. These are located at the Marketplace, by the Cirque du Soleil building, at the Lime Garage valet parking area, and at the Orange Garage valet parking area.

PLEASE NOTE: At this time, Minnie Van service to and from Orlando International Airport is not available. We will keep you posted as the situation evolves.

Minnie Van Airport Transportation service is available for all Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, Shades of Green, Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort, SpringHill Suites Orlando at Flamingo Crossings and TownePlace Suites Orlando at Flamingo Crossings.

When can I catch a Minnie Van?

Minnie Van service is available from 6:30AM to 12:30AM daily for transportation around Disney World.

For airport transportation (when available), Minnie Van service is available between 6AM and 11:59PM.

Disney states that “Hours of operation are subject to change.”

How do I request a Minnie Van?

Around Walt Disney World

First, you’ll need to install the Lyft App on your phone. When opening the app while on Walt Disney World property, you’ll select your destination within Walt Disney World. When confirming your pick-up location, choose “Select Minnie Van” OR “Select Accessible Minnie Van.” Minnie Vans are able to accommodate guests with standard wheelchairs, motorized vehicles and electric conveyance vehicles (ECVs). (Not seeing Minnie Van as the default? Continue to swipe through the options until you see and can select a Minnie Van.)

Vehicles will appear on a map in the app, and you’ll be able to see estimates for pick-up times. Select the ride you want to hail, and meet them at the designated pick-up location (also specified in the app).

To and From Orlando International Airport (MCO)

PLEASE NOTE: At this time, Minnie Van service to and from Port Canaveral is not available. We will keep you posted as the situation evolves.

To use the Minnie Van service for the Orlando International Airport you must call 407-WDW-PLAY to book your Minnie Van. These arrangements may be booked up to 6 months in advance (though rides may be booked until 11:59PM the night prior to arrival).

Disney advises that, when you call to arrange your Minnie Van, that you have your flight information handy.

For arrivals, the pick-up location at the Orlando International Airport is located by the baggage claim escalators.

For departures, domestic travelers are advised to request a pickup at least 2 hours prior to your flight departure; International travelers are advised to request a pickup at least 3 hours prior to flight departure.

Disney Cruise Line Ground Transportation

PLEASE NOTE: At this time, Minnie Van service to and from Port Canaveral is not available. We will keep you posted as the situation evolves.

To use the Minnie Van service to or from Port Canaveral for the Disney Cruise Line Terminal, you’ll need to book directly with Embarkation Services.

To tip or not to tip?

That is the question! Unfortunately, there’s no single answer or official rule. We’ve talked to several drivers who say they do directly receive the tips they are given; tips aren’t pooled and shared. So, if you want to thank your exceptional driver with a tip, you can and rest assured that she or he will be able to keep it! Tipping can be done in the Lyft app, in person, or not at all; it’s all at your discretion.

What are the advantages of using a Minnie Van?

If you’re staying at a participating Walt Disney World Resort, Minnie Vans are a convenient way to ensure you’ll have an efficient ride to wherever you need to go. For example, if you’re staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge and need to get to the Grand Floridian for dinner at Citricos, you won’t need to hop on a bus to Magic Kingdom, then grab a Monorail to the Grand Floridian. Rather, you can avoid those steps and head directly to your destination. (This is incredibly helpful for those who are chronically late!)

Minnie Vans also offer up the 2 car seats for no extra charge (and up to 3 for airport transportation) — giving the Minnie Vans an advantage over typical Lyfts and Übers which charge extra for these. Plus, Minnie Vans can haul up to six guests for a flat fee, whereas Lyft’s and Über’s lowest tier fees are only up to four passengers.

Regarding airport transportation for departure, Disney reminds that “While Minnie Van vehicles can accommodate up to 6 medium-sized suitcases, you can also check your bags in advance at Resort Airport Services/Check-In before you depart.”

Finally, while drivers for other ride share programs are a bit hit-or-miss, Minnie Van drivers are cast members of Walt Disney World and are held to the same high standards as other cast members. They can even give informed dining recommendations and give you the details about surrounding construction and goings-on around the Resort. 😉

We discuss and provide footage of Minnie Vans in our DFB YouTube video below!

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