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Joined: 10/29/2009
Posts: 9504
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.
