Disney World is known for its magical experiences, and the Minnie Van service is no exception. But is this Disney Transportation option worth the higher price tag?

The Disney Minnie Van service is, no doubt, one of the cutest ways to get around Walt Disney World.  But what price tag do you put on Cute? The Minnie Van Price tag is a bit steep, averaging around $10-$40 higher than its Lyft or Uber competitors.  Let’s talk about why it might be worth it for you and your group/family on your next Disney vacation.

This blog is all about the Minnie Van Price Point at Walt Disney World.

Minnie Van Price at Walt Disney World: Is This Disney Transporation Option Worth It?

There are so many free transportation options at Walt Disney World that it’s hard to wrap your head around paying for a ride around the property.   From boats to monorails to buses, you can get where you want to go relatively easily- but not always quickly.  Lyft and Uber have changed the game on this but Disney World offers even a step above this with their Minnie Van Service.

 

So, what is a Minnie Van?

Well, ironically, it’s not a van.  There has been an evolution of these vehicles, particularly after the pandemic shuttering of this service.  Originally, when the ride service started in 2017, the fleet was made up of smaller SUVs (Chevy Traverse to be exact).  Now they are Chevy Suburbans, a larger SUV that can seat up to 6 additional guests.  This Minnie Van Ride service can pick you up from any location on Walt Disney World property and take you to the Disney Parks, Disney Springs, or back to your resort hotel.  Moreover, the Minnie Vans are equipped with two car seats, making them an ideal choice for families with young children. They can also accommodate those guests with accessibility needs. Additionally, the drivers are Disney Cast Members so they are incredibly knowledgeable about Walt Disney World and can offer valuable advice, Disney info, trivia, and tips.

Minnie Van Service: Pricing and options

As I stated above, the cost of using this service is higher compared to other transportation options within Disney World that are included in park admission fees, such as buses or monorails.  The price is also higher than using a regular Uber or Lyft driver.

Let’s look at how this works:

Booking a Minnie Van

• To book a Minnie Van you need to have the Lyft app on your phone.
• Open up the Lyft App and enter your Walt Disney World Resort destination.  In order to be able to request a Minnie Van you must be on Walt Disney World resort property.
• Confirm your pick-up location and tap “Select Minnie Van”.  It should appear as the top option but you may need to scroll to find it.
• The app then works like booking a regular Lyft or Uber and you will go through the process of accepting the price and confirming the Minnie Van option.
• You will see an icon representing your Minnie Van and the app will show you an estimated time.
• Payment for this ride service through the app.  You can add tips on the app or give a cash tip.

Minnie Van Price Range

The average price for a Minnie Van can vary widely, depending on where you start and where you are going.  Walt Disney World is a big place, it is estimated to be roughly the size of San Francisco! But in general, you are likely to see the Minnie Van Service priced between $35-$65 per trip.   The average non-Minnie Van Lyft (or Uber) price is between $10-$20 per trip, or $20-$30 to get one with a car seat.

Minnie Van Service Hours

Minnie Vans are available between 6:30 A.M. and 12:30 A.M. daily.

Benefits of Using Minnie Vans

Cast Member Drivers

Minnie Vans are a luxury to consider if the price fits in your budget.  One of the major benefits is the experience of riding with a friendly Disney Cast Member (what Disney calls their employees) who knows where they are going.  They can get you there not only quickly, but safely, and with a smile.  How many times have you had a bad or not-so-friendly experience with a Lyft or Uber driver? There are many, many friendly drivers out there but there are some who are not so friendly.  Alternatively, I have never had a bad experience with a Minnie Van driver.  This doesn’t mean every single Cast Member encounter I have ever had has been 100% magical, but I can tell you that every single Minnie Van Driver I have met has always been lovely, kind, and a wealth of Disney knowledge.

Location, location, location

What I love most about using the Minnie Van Service at Walt Disney World is that they can drop you off at locations where regular Lyft, Uber, or Taxis cannot.  If you are headed to Magic Kingdom other ride services have to drop you off at the Ticket and Transporation Center.  What this means if you have to then get onto a Monorail, Bus, or Boat to get to the Magic Kingdom.  If you use a Minnie Van they can drop you off right where the buses do.  This comes in really handy if you are trying to rope drop (get there before park opening), you need to get there fast for your Tron Virtual Queue, or are running a bit late for a dining reservation!

Another location benefit of using this convenient Disney transportation service is that Minnie Vans will drop you off at your hotel door.  Well, not always, they can’t drive you up to the door everywhere but at resorts like Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, or the lovely but large Fort Wilderness, they can take you to your building or cabin directly.  After a long day at the parks, I love having the option of hopping into a Minnie Van and having door-to-door service!

Accessibility and Safety

The Minnie Van service offers special SUVs that have space for 2 Mobility devices.  You can remain on your device while riding in the Minnie Van.  This can save the physical pain that can sometimes happen with transferring from a mobility device to a car, and save time. Requesting an accessible Minnie Van can easily be done in the app by choosing “Select Access. Minnie Van”.  The accessible Minnie Vans have seating for up to 5 other passengers, with the option of a car seat for one of those passengers.

These vehicles are regularly inspected for safety and are well-maintained.  Safety belts are provided for all passengers and the car seats are inspected and meet safety requirements so you can be assured they have not been in any accidents.  As a mom, I find this level of safety very reassuring!

Disney Touches

Minnie Vans of course outwardly show their Disney spirit as they are adorned with polka dots and Minnie bows.  On the inside, you will find a TV screen playing fun Mickey shorts (this brings back Magical Express vibes- RIP Magical Express) and extra charging cords.  The “Vans” are so spacious and

To sum it up, I think splurging on a Minnie Van when you are going to Magic Kingdom is definitely worth it, particularly during early morning rope drop when everyone is just waking up and could use some extra magic! Also, if Accessibility is important to someone in your party then the Minnie Vans can be super helpful and worth the extra price (but keep in mind the buses do allow guests to stay in their mobility devices also).

But everyone does Disney differently and you must consider your budget.  I have never splurged on a Minnie Van every time for all of my transportation needs.  Instead, I use them on Magic Kingdom days, or late nights after fireworks when we really need to get away from the crowds and need some extra pixie dust!

This post was all about the Minnie Van Price point at Walt Disney World

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