Hi Margaret!
Welcome back to planDisney; I’m so glad to see our advice has been helpful and that you trust us with additional questions in planning your trip. I adore
Disney’s Minnie Van Service, so pull up a comfy chair and let’s discuss all the fun Disney details of this personalized, unique transportation around the
Walt Disney World Resort.
Minnie Vans are adorable, polka-dotted large sports utility vehicles that are available to reserve through the rideshare app Lyft in partnership with Disney. They can pick you up and drop you off anywhere within the Walt Disney World Resort property; they even have special privileges to drop you off closer to the theme park entrance than other methods of transportation. You can use the Lyft app at home to get an idea of approximate cost, which varies based on the time of day and distance traveled. When using the Lyft app, be sure to select “Minnie Van” as vehicle type when your destination is set to the Walt Disney World Resort. If practicing from home, be sure not to finalize this reservation to avoid a fee and reserving a ride when you aren't there but you can see the process and pricing to know if it would work for your family.
Minnie Vans are driven by Disney Cast Members who offer a friendly, personalized experience from the moment you’re greeted. The vehicles can fit up to six people, including two child seats which the Cast Member will install properly for you. I adore the custom Disney music playlists available, Disney shows on the installed screens, phone chargers, and fun touches each driver puts on the experience. They are very knowledgeable and have a wealth of information to share about their Disney career or ways to enhance your vacation as you are on your journey together. There is also an Accessible Minnie Van vehicle option available; you must select this vehicle type when reserving in the Lyft app if needed. Accessible vehicles include seating for four plus space for two wheelchairs and one child car seat.
As with many different Disney experiences, whether this service is “worth it” is a very personal view. For my family, we find great value in using a Minnie Van for times and locations where the traditional
resort transportation options may add logistics or time. For example, if we have an early breakfast reservation at a theme park or a resort, it is often worth the cost of a Minnie Van to us for peace of mind and a shorter commute first thing in the morning. Going from resort to resort is an especially efficient way to use this service, as you typically have to stop at a theme park and change transportation methods or vehicles using the complimentary options on site. I always recommend a Minnie Van for traveling to Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort for the
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, as you are dropped off very close to Pioneer Hall. If not coming on a boat from Magic Kingdom, this is the cleanest route to get to that iconic (and delicious) dinner show.
I hope this helps you understand what to expect from the great Minnie Van Service around the Walt Disney World Resort, Margaret. It’s always a wonderfully convenient, positive experience for my family so I hope you can find some scenarios where it makes sense on your upcoming vacation, too. Keep the great questions coming, we love to help!
Wishing you smooth travels,
Amy