Disney Transportation, Explained - Part 2 - Minnie Van, Express Transportation, and other options
Previously, we talked about Walt Disney World's comprehensive FREE transportation system. If you haven't learned about that yet, review that post here.
Today, we're going to address other ways to get around the extensive property that come with a price tag. Why would someone want to pay for transportation when there is a free system? Usually, the benefit of paying for transportation is time savings - either saving time by traveling directly from one location to another without having to transfer, or time saved knowing that the transportation you paid for is more exclusive and you won't spend time in lines waiting for it.
Of these options, there are two Disney-owned options, and other independent options.
The Disney-owned options are:
Minnie Van
Express Transportation
Minnie Van
The Minnie Van is a whimsical minivan painted like Minnie Mouse. Nope, I can't make this stuff up. It works by using the Lyft app which you need to download to your phone to hail and pay for a Minnie Van.
You may need to swipe through vehicle options until you find the Minnie Van. The price based on where you are going will be displayed in the app before you pay for your ride, and you can hail a ride up 45-60 minutes ahead of time.
The Minnie Van can take you to select locations within Disney property and also to and from the Orlando International airport. As it is a private vehicle, you won't have to worry about fighting crowds or being stuck without a seat. And the best part is you are still riding a Disney owned vehicle driven by a Disney Cast Member.
This service is available 6:30 AM to 12:30 AM.
One note: Accessible vehicles are available, but you are advised to call (407) 828-3500 to specify this request.
Disney Express Transportation
Sadly, Disney express transportation will be ending August 16th, 2019. If you are going before then, you may still be able to enjoy it.
This transportation was an option for guests with Park Hopper tickets as an add on service. For $15 for one day, or $24 for multiple days up to 7 days, a guest with the Park Hopper option could take an exclusive bus from INSIDE of one theme park to INSIDE of another theme park, traveling through backstage areas.
The main benefit of this, aside from it being usually uncrowded, was that you didn't have to wait in another bag check or entrance line for the second park because the bus would drop you off at a location that puts you inside the park already.
The service was available 10 AM to park closing.
Here are the pick-up/drop-off locations:
Near Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom
Near Spaceship Earth at EPCOT
Near Rock N Rollercoaster at Disney Hollywood Studios
Near Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Uber, Lyft, Mears, and Other Taxi Services
Uber and Lyft have lately picked up a lot of momentum for being the option of choice for those who don't want to use Disney transportation, or who want to be able to travel to other area locations (like an off-property resort or that OTHER theme park).
One could use any taxi service or shuttle service (Mears is a big one in the Orlando area) to get to these as well, but recent reviews have Uber and Lyft coming out at about half the price of other services with more robust tracking and apps.
The cost of an Uber in Disney Property is usually around $8-$13 depending on where you are going. Disney to that OTHER theme park is about $13-$15.
Security is becoming more familiar with Uber and typically lets the driver enter the parking area without paying. Do not show your pass or parking voucher at the plaza, though, or security may assume the driver is there to stay rather than drop off and will direct you to a spot further away.
These services can also pick you up and drop you off at the Orlando International Airport. Uber has also made available the ability to request car seats to be in the vehicle.
Here are the drop off/pick up locations at the theme parks:
Magic Kingdom - you will be dropped off at the Transportation and Ticket Center as that is where the Magic Kingdom parking lot is. A tip is to request the Contemporary resort instead of the Magic Kingdom and walk to the park from there.
EPCOT - The standard pick up/drop off is near the front of the park by the bus drop off, but the parking lot and road to ECPOT are both very large which makes the transportation take longer to arrive. One tip is to exit/enter the park through the International Gateway and request drop off or pick up at one of the resorts nearby such as the Beach Club.
Disney Hollywood Studios - near the front of the park by the bus stops
Animal Kingdom - as you exit the park stay to the left instead of walking out to the bus stop "islands".
Renting a Car/Driving
Renting a car or driving yourself may be necessary if you plan to go beyond Orlando, such as taking a side trip to either coast of Florida, or Kennedy Space Center. Or obviously, if you plan to arrive in Orlando by car.
Other than that, it is not necessary. If staying at a Disney Resort, you can use the Magical Express from the airport. You can also use a taxi service, Uber, Lyft, or Mears shuttle, so don't worry about getting from the airport to Disney property.
Orlando International airport has many rental car agencies within the airport or a quick shuttle ride away.
The major concerns with having your own vehicle, in our opinion are the following.
Concern #1 - Fees
Disney is going to charge you to put that car pretty much anywhere except Disney Springs and the water parks. But Disney Springs offers no direct transportation to the theme parks to discourage leaving your car there in the free parking.
Parking lots at the theme parks will charge you as will the lots at the Disney Resort hotels. Here are the latest prices:
At the theme parks:
Preferred parking: car or motorcycle – $45-$50 per day*
Standard parking: car or motorcycle – $25 per day
Oversized Vehicle Parking: Shuttle, Limo, Camper Trailer, RV, Bus or Tractor Trailer - $30 per day
At the resorts, overnight (you must be a registered guest):
Disney Value Resorts: $13 per night
Disney Moderate Resorts: $19 per night
Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts: $24 per night
Campsites at Fort Wilderness - 1 car for free
If going to a resort for dining or an experience, day parking is free, but a time limit may be placed. At the Contemporary Resort, for example, the time limit is 3 hours.
Concern #2 - the Bubble
I don't know about you, but I go to Walt Disney World partly for the "bubble" effect. That effect where the real world ceases to exist. Where I don't have to make decisions other than do I want a dole whip or dole whip float. Where I don't see billboards or newspapers or CNN, which to me, in this world right now, is becoming increasingly important. If I drive, then I can still get the radio and hear the news. I can still go to Walmart and "enjoy" the lovely people of Walmart. I can still get on I-4 and see billboards. And I simply don't want to because I pay the big bucks to Disney specifically to escape.
That might just be me, but consider that when renting or driving.
However you cut it, you can get around Walt Disney World juuuuuust fiiiiiine. Some options are free, some come at a price. Knowing your options will help you weigh the pros and cons and come up with a plan that works for you.
Do you have tips on transportation around Walt Disney World you'd like to share with fellow readers? Leave us a comment. And if you like us, be sure to like our Facebook page so you can see when new posts are published. See you next week!
