Minnie Vans - Point to Point Transportation On Property **UPDATED**

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drwadadli's picture
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MrHub wrote:

The main problem is there are not enough drivers. Every driver we had in January told us the same thing. They can add as many cars as they want but without drivers it wont make a difference. It also will not be as hard to get one once the popularity dies down either because truthfully, how often did you ever see Uber or Lyft or even taxis lined up at any of the Parks at closing. 2 or 3 maybe, but not 10 -15 of them. Most people are not going to pay $25 Plus tip when they can get a free bus ride back to their resort.

Not to sound like a scrooge, but you do realize that with the Minnie Van service, tipping is completely unnecessary since the cast members are paid hourly but you are welcome if you would like. Also, using the Minnie Vans for ECV's might be easier than loading and unloading with the bus service. Also, for parents with young kids, the car seats are included in the price compared to Uber or a taxi.

It is a convenience factor and I personal see a lot of people continuing with the service because they hate waiting a long time for the bus service or hate waiting for the loading and unloading of ECV's.

Only time will tell how the public will respond once the "newness" wears off.

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drwadadli wrote:
MrHub wrote:

The main problem is there are not enough drivers. Every driver we had in January told us the same thing. They can add as many cars as they want but without drivers it wont make a difference. It also will not be as hard to get one once the popularity dies down either because truthfully, how often did you ever see Uber or Lyft or even taxis lined up at any of the Parks at closing. 2 or 3 maybe, but not 10 -15 of them. Most people are not going to pay $25 Plus tip when they can get a free bus ride back to their resort.

Not to sound like a scrooge, but you do realize that with the Minnie Van service, tipping is completely unnecessary since the cast members are paid hourly but you are welcome if you would like. Also, using the Minnie Vans for ECV's might be easier than loading and unloading with the bus service. Also, for parents with young kids, the car seats are included in the price compared to Uber or a taxi.

It is a convenience factor and I personal see a lot of people continuing with the service because they hate waiting a long time for the bus service or hate waiting for the loading and unloading of ECV's.

Only time will tell how the public will respond once the "newness" wears off.

I personally love it, although I have yet to see any Minnie Van that could accommodate an ECV. I also don't recall that option coming up on the Lyft app. I wonder if you have to book that through Bell Services?

We didn't tip the first few rides, but then I started tipping as the Castmembers were so personable and shared great Disney information. We will continue to use the service on our future visits.

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JanJ wrote:
drwadadli wrote:
MrHub wrote:

The main problem is there are not enough drivers. Every driver we had in January told us the same thing. They can add as many cars as they want but without drivers it wont make a difference. It also will not be as hard to get one once the popularity dies down either because truthfully, how often did you ever see Uber or Lyft or even taxis lined up at any of the Parks at closing. 2 or 3 maybe, but not 10 -15 of them. Most people are not going to pay $25 Plus tip when they can get a free bus ride back to their resort.

Not to sound like a scrooge, but you do realize that with the Minnie Van service, tipping is completely unnecessary since the cast members are paid hourly but you are welcome if you would like. Also, using the Minnie Vans for ECV's might be easier than loading and unloading with the bus service. Also, for parents with young kids, the car seats are included in the price compared to Uber or a taxi.

It is a convenience factor and I personal see a lot of people continuing with the service because they hate waiting a long time for the bus service or hate waiting for the loading and unloading of ECV's.

Only time will tell how the public will respond once the "newness" wears off.

I personally love it, although I have yet to see any Minnie Van that could accommodate an ECV. I also don't recall that option coming up on the Lyft app. I wonder if you have to book that through Bell Services?

We didn't tip the first few rides, but then I started tipping as the Castmembers were so personable and shared great Disney information. We will continue to use the service on our future visits.

Oh we love them too Jan and will continue to use them over any other service when needed. And yes drwadadli, I do realize that the tipping is not necessary, but since the Minnie Van service is more a personalized service, I feel more obliged to tip something, but I know a lot of cultures don't see the same way and that is perfectly fine. I have also learned that a lot of people in the south don't tip the way we do in the north either. I guess where we live and the way I was brought up, I will always tip unless something is extremely bad.

Jan some of the Minnie Van drivers told us they have transported EVC's already in the Traverse's. If they get a standard Van they have to be the EVC's that are convertible (or come apart easily). If you don't want to break the EVC down or it will not, or the person can not get off it or out of a wheel chair, when you order a Minnie Van and get it confirmed, you just call the driver and tell them you need a large van for and EVC and they send one out to you.

I don't see this service going away and I hope it never does, but I do think it will get a little easier to get one in the future.

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MrHub wrote:

Oh we love them too Jan and will continue to use them over any other service when needed. And yes drwadadli, I do realize that the tipping is not necessary, but since the Minnie Van service is more a personalized service, I feel more obliged to tip something, but I know a lot of cultures don't see the same way and that is perfectly fine. I have also learned that a lot of people in the south don't tip the way we do in the north either. I guess where we live and the way I was brought up, I will always tip unless something is extremely bad.

LOL....(in a very joking manner)....since I am originally from Virginia then I guess I shouldn't tip like I do. Based on your experience, I guess I tip like a Northerner. Tipping is that little way to show that you appreciate what someone has done.

I also agree that different cultures tip differently. When we travel to Ireland, U.K. and some of the other European countries, I have a difficult time remembering not to tip. My wife constantly reminds me on the trips not to tip. It is actually considered an insult in some cultures/countries to tip.

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JanJ wrote:

I personally love it, although I have yet to see any Minnie Van that could accommodate an ECV. I also don't recall that option coming up on the Lyft app. I wonder if you have to book that through Bell Services?

We didn't tip the first few rides, but then I started tipping as the Castmembers were so personable and shared great Disney information. We will continue to use the service on our future visits.

Here is what the screen should look like on the Lyft app

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MrHub wrote:
I do think it will get a little easier to get one in the future.

I took cabs frequently at WDW, so I'm sure that I will give the Minnie Vans a try again next time I am there. Hopefully it will be easier for me to get one.

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As of this morning, the Minnie Van Service expanded to the All-Star Resorts. With this expansion, the Minnie Van Services is now available at ALL Disney owned resorts on property.

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Thank you!

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Today, Disney expanded the Minnie Van Service to Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin and the Four Seasons Resort making the Minnie Van Service available to all guest staying on property except those staying at the Good Neighbor hotels around DS. I expect that to chance some time soon too.

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I just saw that Minnie Vans are now open to everyone on property.

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They are! I just haven't had a chance to update the post yet.

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Minnie Van service is also adding two new Ford Transit 350 which can accommodate 2 EVC and wheelchairs.

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Excellent!

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Does it cost more to request and use the larger vans? confused confused

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Vettelover wrote:
Does it cost more to request and use the larger vans? confused confused

No...same price.

Mandy wrote:
I just saw that Minnie Vans are now open to everyone on property.

This was posted on May 5, 2018.

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Post Options Post by drwadadli on 4 minutes ago
This just announced!!!

The airport service aspect of the Minnie Van Service is now available both to and from the airport!!

The journey costs $150 each way, or $300 round trip. Unlike requesting a Minnie Van for transportation around The Walt Disney World Resort, the airport service needs to be arranged by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. The service will be available for arriving flights between 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. and departing flights between 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m..

Minnie Vans can hold up to six guests and eight normal-sized suitcases. Up to three car seats can be provided for the trip at no extra cost.

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Options!! Curious for any perspective on whether that is a reasonable cost. I've never used Uber, Lyft or a taxi from the airport to the resorts so nothing to base the $150 fee against.

Thanks for the update!

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It's similar to the price when I have used Tiffany Towncar.

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I will also say that is about what it would cost us for a limo to the airport from our house.

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We have used it to go to the airport and found the ride very enjoyable. They provide a few small snacks and water and they will also monitor your flight that day and keep you appraised of any changes. I would do it again, but definitely not with every trip.

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JanJ wrote:
We have used it to go to the airport and found the ride very enjoyable. They provide a few small snacks and water and they will also monitor your flight that day and keep you appraised of any changes. I would do it again, but definitely not with every trip.

Did they let you choose your pickup time, Jan? We always have TSA Precheck so 3 hours prior for MDE is usually unnecessary for us.

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Allie wrote:
JanJ wrote:
We have used it to go to the airport and found the ride very enjoyable. They provide a few small snacks and water and they will also monitor your flight that day and keep you appraised of any changes. I would do it again, but definitely not with every trip.

Did they let you choose your pickup time, Jan? We always have TSA Precheck so 3 hours prior for MDE is usually unnecessary for us.

I believe they provided a "recommended" time, but we asked for a bit earlier (it was later than MDE) but I'm sure you could ask for a specific time.

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I just read that starting on September 10th they are changing the pricing model on the Minnie Van service.

The new pricing will have a $15 base price, plus a per mile charge (I haven't seen what the per mile rate is or if there is a cap).

I wonder where the point will be where the new model rate is better for the user than the $25 flat fee model.

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I saw this too and wondered the sane thing. It doesn't say what the per mile rate is so it will be interesting to see. I really liked using Minnie Vans for resort to Magic Kingdom and Magic Kingdom to resorts if we are in a hurry because they pick up and drop off in the bus areas vs. Uber needing to pick you up at the Contemporary or TTC. It will be a bummer if this increases the rate since MK tends to be more removed from most of the resorts.

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Jen and I took a Minnie Van from Disney Springs to CBR on Sunday night. I would use it again. Curious to see what the per mileage charge will be.

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We got these cards when we rode the Minnie Van

PreviewAttachmentSize
971401ec-96d4-45db-b832-a13fd80ffa0c.jpeg
971401ec-96d4-45db-b832-a13fd80ffa0c.jpeg3.1 MB
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Ahhh! The new transportation collectors cards. So fun.

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We decided to use a minivan when when we were there two weeks ago. The Traverse was a little tight since we had four adults and two car seats (which they provide) but discovered that vehicle numbers 100 and above are Suburbans and of course much more roomy! We were told that if you request a Minnie Van it is possible to cancel and request another until you get a van with a number in the 100s!

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Nice! Thanks so much for the tip. muchlove

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I really wish their prices were more competitive. I priced out using a Minnie Van to go from our resort to Disney Springs when we arrive next month. Minnie Van was going to be around $36, while we can take a regular Lyft for $12 =( I just can't justify $20+ for a cute van.

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