New in 2025: Minnie Van Airport Service for Deluxe Resorts — Your Complete Guide to Getting Between MCO and Walt Disney World

Lyn Prince
Aug 13
4 min read

If you love the on-property Disney World Minnie Van experience, there’s magical news: beginning Aug. 13, Walt Disney World is offering Minnie Van airport transfers as another option for Guests staying at Deluxe Disney Resort hotels (including Deluxe Villas). Below you’ll find everything you need to know—eligibility, pricing, capacity, accessibility, and how to book—plus a head-to-head breakdown of all other ways to get from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World (Mears shuttle, rideshare, taxis, public transit, rental cars, private cars) and how to move around the resort once you arrive.

Disney World Minnie Van Airport Service: Fast Facts (what’s new)

Who’s eligible: Guests booked at Deluxe Disney Resort hotels/Deluxe Villas. Service expands resort-wide at this tier starting Aug. 13.

Booking window: From 60 days before your visit up to 2 days prior. Call (407) 828-3500 to check availability and book (guests under 18 need a parent/guardian to call).

Vehicle capacity:

Standard Minnie Van: seats up to 6 passengers.
Accessible Minnie Van: seats 5 plus space for 2 mobility devices (max capacity 7).
Car seats: Up to 2 complimentary car seats available.

Route: Direct, private transfer between Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Price: $199 each way (plus tax) for the vehicle

✅ Good to know: Minnie Van airport transfers previously existed pre-2020 and returned as a premium option. Expect a private, Disney-operated vehicle (via the Minnie Van fleet) and a family-friendly setup with car seats—ideal for travelers who value door-to-door convenience and accessibility support.

Should you choose a Minnie Van from MCO?

Best for:

Families needing reliable car seats (included) or an accessible vehicle that fits both passengers and mobility devices.
Deluxe-hotel guests who want private, no-stop transfers with Disney service and theming.

Considerations:

The flat $199 + tax each way will be more expensive than most shared shuttles and many rideshare trips—especially for smaller parties.
Luggage handling is standard curbside pickup—no automatic baggage delivery like the retired Magical Express program

How Minnie Vans compare to every other MCO ↔ WDW option

1) Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine (shared shuttle)

What it is: The primary airport shuttle service replacing Magical Express, with Standard (shared) and Express (direct/private) options.
Standard pricing (2025): $17.60 one-way per adult, $14.30 one-way per child (3–9); Round trip: $33.60 adult / $27.30 child. Children under 3 ride free (lap).
Value example: Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids 3–9) round trip ≈ $121.80 vs. Minnie Van $398 round trip.
Pros: Cheapest predictable fare; operates from both main and C terminals; no surge pricing.
Cons: Shared ride and multiple stops can add time.

2) Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

Typical cost: widely varies with demand and vehicle size; often ~$35–$60 one way for a standard car; larger vehicles cost more.
Pros: Door-to-door, on-demand, usually fast.
Cons: Surge pricing can spike; car seats not guaranteed unless you book specific categories.

3) Taxi

Typical cost: ~$60–$80 one way (before tip), metered (no surge). Mouse
Pros: Queue right at the curb; predictable availability.
Cons: Usually more than baseline rideshare; request a car seat if needed.

4) Public Bus (LYNX Link 311 → Disney Springs)

What it is: Public express bus from MCO ↔ Disney Springs every ~30 minutes, 5:00 a.m.–~11:00 p.m., $2 one-way. From Disney Springs you’ll transfer to a Disney bus/ride to your hotel.
Pros: Cheapest option by far.
Cons: Not door-to-door; requires handling luggage and a transfer—longest total travel time.

5) Rental Car

Pros: Full flexibility for off-site dining, groceries, or non-Disney parks.
Cons: Daily rental + tolls + fuel; you’ll self-navigate and park. (Check Disney’s current resort/park parking policies before booking.)

6) Private Car/Limo Services

What it is: Pre-booked sedan/SUV/limo point-to-point service (e.g., via Mears private vehicles).
Pros: Meet-and-greet, luggage help, guaranteed car seats (confirm when booking).
Cons: Costs vary; usually more than rideshare, less than Minnie Van for small groups.

7) Brightline (if you’re arriving from South Florida)

Note: Brightline trains arrive at MCO’s on-airport station—you’ll still need ground transport from MCO to Disney via shuttle, rideshare, taxi, or Minnie Van.

How to book the Minnie Van airport service (step-by-step)

Confirm eligibility (you must be at a Deluxe Disney Resort hotel or Deluxe Villa).
Call (407) 828-3500 60 days to 2 days before arrival to request availability and book. Be ready with flight numbers and times and all passenger details (Disney prefers the Guest books directly).
Pick your vehicle type (standard or accessible) and confirm car seats if needed (up to two, complimentary).
Watch for your confirmation with meeting instructions at MCO and pickup details for departure day.

Getting around once you’re at Walt Disney World

All Guests can use Disney’s complimentary on-property transportation network to move between resort hotels, theme parks, Disney Springs and water parks:

Buses (resort-wide)
Monorail (Magic Kingdom/EPCOT loop resorts)
Disney Skyliner (EPCOT/Hollywood Studios to select resorts)
Watercraft (various routes)

You can also request Minnie Vans for on-property rides via the Lyft app (separate, dynamic pricing from airport transfers).

FAQs

Is the Minnie Van airport service round-trip?

Yes—book two one-way segments (arrival and departure). Current reporting lists $199 each way.

Can non-Deluxe hotel guests book the airport Minnie Van?

Not at this time; the Aug. 13 launch is for Deluxe/Deluxe Villa resorts

What if I need an accessible vehicle?

Request an accessible Minnie Van: seats 5 plus 2 mobility devices (max 7) and includes a complimentary car seat

Is there luggage delivery to my room?

No. This is private transport, not the old Magical Express luggage service.

Bottom line

If you’re staying Deluxe and want fast, private, car-seat-ready, accessible transport with Disney service, the Minnie Van airport transfer is the most seamless (at a premium).
If you’re focused on budget, Mears Connect Standard is the best value.
If you want max flexibility, compare rideshare vs Mears Express vs Minnie Van based on your party size and luggage needs.
Arriving from South Florida by Brightline? You’ll still transfer at MCO to one of the options above.