Walt Disney World is cranking up the perks for its priciest hotels, and this one’s all about how you start (or end) your vacation. Beginning Wednesday, August 13, Disney’s red-and-white-polka-dotted Minnie Vans will be ferrying guests to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO) — no Magical Express required. But here’s the kicker: this new airport option is only for guests staying at Disney’s Deluxe Resorts.
If you’ve never ridden in a Minnie Van before, think of it as the Disney-fied cousin of your regular Lyft — same app, but the ride shows up covered in dots and driven by a Disney Cast Member who knows their way around property better than Google Maps.
From Club Level to the Whole Deluxe Crowd
Until now, Minnie Van airport transfers were a Club-level exclusive, meaning you had to be staying in one of the already-elite concierge rooms to even get the offer. Now? Disney is letting all guests at Deluxe properties get in on the action — still a limited crowd, but definitely a bigger pool than before.
The eligible resorts:
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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
If you’re staying at Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, or Port Orleans — sorry, you’re still looking at other options like Mears Connect, Sunshine Flyer, Uber/Lyft, or a rental car.
One reader bluntly stated, “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 echoed the frustration, saying, “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 shared her perspective on the cost, “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 was succinct and to the point: “Rediculous.. thus is not a perk, bring back the Magical Express.”
Not all comments were negative, however. Dan offered a different take, saying, “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.”
Maj responded thoughtfully, adding, “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.”
What’s the Price Tag?
Get ready for sticker shock: Minnie Van airport service is $199 each way. That’s per vehicle, not per person, but still a splurge. You can fit up to six guests in one Minnie Van, and the price includes two child car seats (which is a lifesaver for families). Accessible Minnie Vans will also be available, with seating for five, one car seat, and room for two mobility devices.
Booking is all in the Lyft app:
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Open the app while on Disney property.
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Put in your destination (either MCO or your resort).
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Confirm pickup and review the fare estimate.
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Scroll to find and select “Minnie Van.”
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Watch your polka-dotted chariot make its way to you.
The Big Gap Magical Express Left Behind
This new offering is another chapter in Disney’s post–Magical Express era. If you’ve been going to Walt Disney World for a while, you probably remember Magical Express — the free bus service that would take you from the airport to any Disney Resort hotel (and even whisk your luggage straight to your room). It was operated by Mears Transportation, came with Disney-themed videos onboard, and was part of the magic for many families.
That all ended in January 2022, when Disney pulled the plug on the service. The replacement? Mears Connect, a paid version run by Mears without the Disney branding. The Sunshine Flyer came onto the scene soon after with its own themed buses.
Those shuttles usually run about $16–$20 per person each way, so for a family of four, you’re looking at roughly $140 round trip. Compare that to a Minnie Van: $398 round trip for the same family — but you’re not sharing with anyone, there are no extra stops, and you’re on your way as soon as you hop in.
Who’s This For?
This move is aimed squarely at travelers who don’t just want to get to the airport — they want to do it in style, on their own timetable, and without the small-talk gamble of sharing a bus with strangers. You’re paying for time, privacy, and the Disney touch.
Also, let’s be honest — Deluxe resort guests are already shelling out hundreds (sometimes over a thousand) per night for their room. In that context, $199 each way for an airport ride might feel like just another line item on the vacation bill.
Why Disney’s Rolling It Out Now
A few reasons stand out:
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Perceived value — Deluxe rooms have seen price jumps in recent years, so perks like this sweeten the deal.
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More monetization — Free transportation perks are disappearing, replaced by premium paid options.
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Rideshare habits — Guests are now used to booking and paying for rides via apps.
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Disney service control — With Cast Members behind the wheel, the company keeps the guest experience firmly in-house.
The Minnie Van airport option joins a transportation lineup that’s been steadily shifting toward tiered perks. Monorails, buses, ferries, and the Disney Skyliner are still there for everyone, but premium add-ons like Minnie Vans offer an “upgrade” for those willing to pay.
It’s part of a broader trend: Disney is positioning certain conveniences — whether it’s extended evening hours, prime transportation, or even dining availability — as exclusive benefits for top-tier resort guests.
