Hi Kevin, welcome to planDisney!
In less than three weeks you'll be soaring high on
Dumbo the Flying Elephant, navigating exotic rivers on the
Jungle Cruise, and racing through a mine shaft on
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The variety of transportation options offered on theme park attractions is seemingly endless, as are the
ways to get around Walt Disney World Resort. My family just returned from a resort-only stay and we thoroughly enjoyed spending time on the Disney Skyliner, monorail, and buses. In fact, we took an extra loop on the monorail just for fun.
One night, my family needed to get from our resort, Disney's Riviera Resort, to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa for our dinner reservation at the Grand Floridian Cafe. We thought about taking complimentary Disney bus transportation to Magic Kingdom Park and walking or taking a boat to the Grand Floridian, but we ultimately decided we wanted to spend as much time as we could at the pool that day and opted for a Minnie Van, instead.
The recently resumed
Minnie Van service provides an efficient solution for families looking to travel directly from point A to point B around Walt Disney World Resort. This is especially convenient for resort-to-resort transport and travel to Magic Kingdom Park, where Minnie Vans can drop you by the park entrance as opposed to the Transportation and Ticket Center.
The cost of a ride in a Minnie Van depends on the time of day you are riding as well as the distance you are traveling. I recommend downloading the Lyft app and searching different routes within Walt Disney World Resort to give you an idea of pricing. You'll notice that Minnie Vans cost more than a traditional Lyft. In my experience, the Disney difference is felt in the incredible service. The drivers are experienced Cast Members. Your safety is their top priority but they're also a wealth of Disney knowledge. Our driver, Bobby, filled our drive time with Disney trivia and magical tales about his experience as a Cast Member. When we arrived at our destination, I found myself wishing we could take another loop around the parking lot!
Minnie Vans hold up to six passengers. They come equipped with two car seats that the Cast Member can install as rear-facing or forward-facing for infants up to big kids. We traveled during the daylight, but Bobby gave us a tip that pictures taken of the Minnie image on the front passenger door with a force flash are secretly Magic Shots. I'm already planning a nighttime ride for my next visit!
I know you're headed for a magical destination, Kevin. I hope you have a magical journey, as well. Getting there is half the fun!
Plan magic; planDisney.
Jennifer