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Credit: DisneyIn 2005, Disney introduced the Magical Express, making it much easier for guests visiting the Walt Disney World Resort to get to and from their Disney hotel. The Magical Express would also take guests to Port Canaveral, where they would board their Disney Cruise, ready for some fun in the sun. The Magical Express was incredibly popular, transporting millions of Disney World guests to and from their hotels to the Orlando International Airport, for no extra cost.
Unfortunately, Disney discontinued the Magical Express in 2022, disappointing the many guests who relied on the service. Disney officials said the service was being discontinued since it was not being used by a majority of guests, but many thought that it was because Disney no longer wanted to provide a free service.
Related: Disney’s Magical Express Was Taken Away Out of ‘Stinginess’
Since the Magical Express was taken away, there are a few ways guests can get to their hotel from Orlando International. Guests can take an Uber or a Lyft, rent a car, or use Mears Connect.
And soon, guests staying at certain Disney World resort hotels will have a new, more exclusive, and fun way to get back and forth.
According to TikTok user @aestheticnursesam, beginning August 11, guests staying at Deluxe Disney hotels will be able to book a Minnie Van to transport them.
Related: Disney World Removed a Ton of Free Services, Leaving Guests Feeling Nickel and Dimed
Deluxe Disney World Resort hotels that will offer this service include:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa,
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Related: Disney vs. Universal Just Got Easier—New Transportation Link Set to Change the Game
While this perk can definitely make getting to and from the airport easier, it will come with a pretty steep cost. Uber and Lyft typically cost between $35 and $50 per trip, and Mears will set guests back $16 per adult (10 and older) and $13 per child (ages 3-9).
However, a trip on the Minnie Van will cost a whopping $199 each way, and that does not include a tip for the driver. Guests can book their Minnie Van trip up to 60 days in advance by calling the Disney Signature Services at (407)-939-7777.
Related: I Visit Disney World All the Time — And I Would Never Visit During This Month Again
Disney’s Minnie Van service will continue to offer transportation for guests to select locations within the Walt Disney World Resort. Guests can open the Lyft app and book a Minnie Van to any Disney World hotel, as well as the Swan and Dolphin, Shades of Green, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, as well as the Swan Reserve.
The cost of Minnie Van transportation within Disney World varies based on the distance from your pick-up location to your drop-off location. A Minnie Van can be reserved for up to six people. Wheelchair accessible Minnie Vans are also available and can accommodate up to seven guests.
Have you ever ridden in a Minnie Van during your Walt Disney World vacation? Do you think it will make getting to and from Orlando International more convenient? Do you think the cost of the service is too high? Share your thoughts on this new offering with us in the comments!