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Credit: Chad Sparkes, FlickrWalt Disney World guests who enjoy the charm and convenience of the Minnie Van Service will soon have a new reason to smile — or perhaps even book their next Deluxe Resort stay. Beginning Wednesday, August 13, the service will begin offering direct transportation to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO) for guests at all Deluxe Resort hotels.
Previously, this premium airport transfer option was limited to Club-level guests, making it an exclusive perk for a small percentage of Disney visitors. Now, it’s being rolled out to a much broader group — though still one that’s firmly within the higher-end tier of Disney accommodations.
From Park Hopping to Airport Hopping: The New Minnie Van Offering
Minnie Vans, operated through a partnership with Lyft, are easily spotted by their signature red paint, white polka dots, and playful Disney theming.
They’ve long been a whimsical — and ultra-convenient — way for guests to travel between Walt Disney World locations, whether that means hopping from a theme park to a dinner reservation or making a quick trip back to your resort for an afternoon break.
With this new update, Deluxe Resort guests will be able to use Minnie Vans for airport transfers at a rate of $199 each way. Each vehicle can accommodate up to six guests and includes two complimentary car seats, making it an attractive option for families traveling with young children.
Accessible Minnie Vans will also be available, featuring seating for five people, one car seat, and space for two mobility devices.
Booking is straightforward:
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Open the Lyft app from select locations within Walt Disney World.
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Enter your destination (either MCO or your resort).
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Confirm your pickup location and review the fare estimate.
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Select “Minnie Van” from the available ride options.
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Track your driver in real time and prepare to be whisked away in Disney style.
Who Gets Access — And Who Doesn’t
The expansion applies to guests staying at the following Deluxe Resort hotels:
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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
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Disney’s Beach Club Resort
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Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
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Disney’s Contemporary Resort
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Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
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Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
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Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
That list notably does not include Disney’s Value or Moderate Resorts, meaning guests at places like Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, or Port Orleans will still need to use alternative transportation — such as Mears Connect, Sunshine Flyer, rideshare services like Uber/Lyft, rental cars, or private shuttles — if they want a direct airport transfer.
How We Got Here: The End of Disney’s Magical Express
For decades, Disney’s Magical Express offered complimentary bus transportation between MCO and Walt Disney World Resort hotels for all on-site guests.
Operated in partnership with Mears Transportation, this service became a beloved part of the vacation experience — complete with whimsical onboard videos and even the ability for guests to have their checked luggage delivered directly to their rooms.
But in January 2022, Disney officially retired Magical Express, citing changes in guest needs and travel trends. The decision sparked considerable backlash from fans who saw the free service as a defining perk of staying on property.
In its place, Mears quickly launched Mears Connect, a paid shuttle service replicating much of the Magical Express experience but without Disney branding or theming. Around the same time, other companies — most notably the Sunshine Flyer — entered the market, offering motorcoach service to and from the airport with varying price points and wait times.
When we initially shared the news, our readers were not thrilled.
One Disney fan said, “This isn’t a perk at all. How nice of them to bend us over for another 200 bucks each way. Bring back the magical express!” Greta noted, “I think this is ludicrous. This isn’t a perk. They need to be more creative with their “perk”. A perk should not cost money! Shame on Disney for saying this is a perk. Just one more way to take our money!”
Anna commented, “Deluxe resort guests are already paying exorbitant amounts, and that’s without a $400 plus tip ride. We used to stay at The Beach Club (pre-pandemic), so we could walk to and from EPCOT. We could do it with our Disney Reward Dollars and saving between trips, and we used the FREE Magical Express. Not sure it’s possible anymore. The Disney suits have officially lost their minds with this one.”
Maria wrote, “Rediculous.. thus is not a perk, bring back the Magical Express.”
Dan said, “Some of you would complain about a sunny day. Use it, don’t use it, nobody is forcing you to do anything…get a life. And I love all the “we used to be able” people who complain here. Maybe if you spent more time working or saving for the things you want (and it is a want not a need) instead of complaining on a tabloid site you could still have nice things.”
To which Maj replied, “Money is a consumable just like a lot of other things in life. It’s not a complaint when people voice their disagreement on what is supposed to be a “perk” but instead is a money (consumable) grab by Disney. I suspect that those staying in the listed resorts can afford the $199 (plus likely expected “tip”) each way, but why would they want to when even an Uber XL is a cheaper and easier way to get from A to B? Finding a less expensive alternative to a “Minnie van” leaves consumable dollars for other Disney schlock or dining. It’s also how smart people manage money.”
Where Minnie Vans Fit In
The Minnie Van airport service is a distinctly premium option in Disney’s transportation portfolio. While Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer appeal to guests looking for affordability (with fares typically ranging from $16–$20 per person each way), Minnie Vans are clearly targeting travelers who prioritize privacy, direct routing, and Disney magic over cost savings.
Consider this: A family of four could take Mears Connect for roughly $140 round trip. The same trip in a Minnie Van would run $398 round trip — but without any shared rides, multiple stops, or long wait times at the airport. Plus, for many guests, the idea of starting or ending their trip in a polka-dotted Disney vehicle with a friendly Cast Member driver adds intangible value.
Why Disney Might Be Doing This Now
The decision to expand Minnie Van airport service to all Deluxe Resort guests appears to be a strategic move to:
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Enhance the value proposition of Deluxe Resorts after several years of price increases.
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Offer a middle ground between basic shuttle services and entirely private town car or limo arrangements.
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Create another revenue stream from transportation — a category where Disney once offered more for free.
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Capitalize on growing rideshare acceptance, as guests have become more accustomed to app-based booking and payment.
It’s also worth noting that while Minnie Vans are operated via the Lyft platform, the drivers are Disney Cast Members, meaning the service retains Disney’s trademark guest service standards.
Disney Transportation in 2025 and Beyond
Transportation has always been a defining part of the Disney experience, from the iconic monorail to the relatively new Disney Skyliner gondola system. In recent years, however, there’s been a noticeable shift toward paid convenience — with options like Minnie Vans positioned as upgrades rather than standard inclusions.
Whether this signals a permanent move toward more tiered transportation perks based on resort level remains to be seen. But for Deluxe guests, the addition of Minnie Van airport transfers offers one more seamless — if costly — way to bookend their Walt Disney World vacations.
Bottom line: If you’re staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort and want to travel to or from Orlando International Airport with maximum convenience, no shared rides, and a touch of Disney flair, the expanded Minnie Van service might be worth the splurge.
Just be prepared to pay for the privilege — and perhaps enjoy the fact that your vacation starts the moment you step into that cheerful, polka-dotted vehicle.