Minnie Van ?? Tipping

[AngiTN]

As to the original question regarding tipping, I can shed some light as I quizzed the drivers themselves (why not go straight to the source, right?)
When the program first rolled out, they placed CM in the position and they were categorized as being in a non-tipped position. Think along the lines of CL CM or GS CM (aka, Plaids, tour guides).
Along the way it got very confusing to guests when using the Lyft app as the ability to tip was still there. (one of the many issues with using the Lyft app that I don't think Disney saw coming)
So, tips were still added to some fares. Tips weren't sent to those drivers, their labor categories didn't allow it. So, as the program was developed they recategorized the drivers to a position that could receive the tips in their checks (or cash of course). This made things much clearer for all involved.
You'd tip for a Ride Share driver the same as you would for any personal service being provided (waiter/hairdresser/housekeeping/etc) so don't let the fact that you don't usually use Ride Share be a factor. Think the same as a waiter, if it helps.
As for "who they work for" again, it's one of the many confusing things regarding using the Lyft app that Disney didn't think through. Minnie Vans and Lyft has NOTHING to do with each other, other than Disney didn't want to bother with developing their own Ride Share software so they piggie backed on to Lyft's. That's the end of the connection.

One of the others is it's still a mess trying to order one at MK. Lyft's app still thinks it can't go there. You have to "force it" for lack of better words.

Really? do you think the wait for a MV would be longer than the walk from the Contemporary? Won't the app show me where the closest ones are to my hotel when I order it?

Yes, most of the time your wait time for a MV will exceed the walk time from the CR, even when you include the wait time for a regular Uber/Lyft.

 

[dizneefan13]

Thanks for the detail info, AngiTN.
How do you force the app if you're at MK and want a Minnie Van? I am going to use my discount and use MVs when going to or leaving MK.

 

[AngiTN]

Thanks for the detail info, AngiTN.
How do you force the app if you're at MK and want a Minnie Van? I am going to use my discount and use MVs when going to or leaving MK.

You can manually manipulate the pin to where you want it to be, for a pick up, if it keeps trying to correct you to the TTC. It is the bus stop, specifically.
For drop you, just type Disney Magic Kingdom and the driver will know.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I agree with everything you said, but I want to expound on a couple of the items...This, as much as lower fares, is probably the main driver of Uber/Lyft business traveler rides. Before you request the ride, you get an approximate ETA for the car (as well as the fare) -- and it's pretty accurate. Pickup is almost always quick and easy.

I live in a heavily populated suburb of Miami. For me to get a cab is a 45-60 minute wait, and I have the same problem of not really knowing when (or IF) they will actually show up.Yes, your ride is actually double-tracked, and in real time, not after the fact. It's tracked on both the driver's app and the rider's app, and you can share your ride progress with anyone you like -- so they can actually follow your journey. That applies to Uber, Lyft, Disney's MinnieVans, and also to Uber Taxi.

In addition to the double tracking, Uber has several additional protections. One is a very sensitive crash-sensor feature, which detects sudden movements in the driver's phone that might indicate a crash. Another is kind of a time-out indicator. If a driver has a ride in progress and they stop for more than a normal traffic jam or red light time period, a phone call is initiated to be sure everything is ok.

And finally, Uber not only tracks both driver and rider during a ride, they also track them post-ride. Drivers are tracked constantly, and the rider is tracked for a few minutes following the ride completion. The purpose of that tracking is to guard against the driver returning to the rider after the ride is completed. If that happens, the rider is called to be sure everything is OK.

In most urban markets (not Orlando), you can get that with Uber/Lyft as well -- BUT...you know about it up front. Those rides are a separate category of shared rides as reduced fares -- Uber Pool and Lyft Shared. But it's something YOU, the rider, choose -- not the driver.

I am so glad I came across your posts. I've always forked out the money for the Minnie vans b/c I know they are Disney employees and I'm scared of getting in the car with random strangers. However you have really explained the safety aspects of uber/lyft well and I think I may give it a try in a couple weeks when I am there again.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Minnie Vans and Lyft has NOTHING to do with each other, other than Disney didn't want to bother with developing their own Ride Share software

Ultimately probably better this way

 

[JimMIA]

One of the others is it's still a mess trying to order one at MK. Lyft's app still thinks it can't go there.

Yeah, Lyft is pretty amusing on all things local. They are totally clueless about anything outside the city limits of San Francisco.

 

[_19disnA]

Back to the OP's question, we used Minnie Van during our recent Disney vacation and the phone app has a place to tip AFTER you have reached your destination. You don't pay the drive with cash which we found very convenient. How much you might tip is a personal decision that always seems to provoke arguments on here........LOL.

We made small talk with the driver during the trip and he indicated he 'works for' Disney. We didn't get into all the nuisances of what that means.

 

[angelinaxox]

I have prebooked and paid for Minnie Van transportation from the GF to Port Canaveral. So I won't be using the app to book it. How would the tip work for this? Are we just able to use cash for it?

 

[JimMIA]

I have prebooked and paid for Minnie Van transportation from the GF to Port Canaveral. So I won't be using the app to book it. How would the tip work for this? Are we just able to use cash for it?

Cash is always the best way to tip, because it's an immediate "Thank You" to the driver without any possibility of delay or misdirection.

 

[angelinaxox]

Thanks for the response, JimMia!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I have prebooked and paid for Minnie Van transportation from the GF to Port Canaveral. So I won't be using the app to book it. How would the tip work for this? Are we just able to use cash for it?

Just wanted to echo @JimMIA, I’ve done the Minnie Van airport shuttle, so similar setup/booking/payment arrangement as Port Canaveral, and your only option to tip is cash on the spot. You can’t add it to your payment when you book.

 

[angelinaxox]

Just wanted to echo @JimMIA, I’ve done the Minnie Van airport shuttle, so similar setup/booking/payment arrangement as Port Canaveral, and your only option to tip is cash on the spot. You can’t add it to your payment when you book.

Thanks you! Not sure if you know or not the answer or not. When I have used the DCL transfer, I have received a paper with instructions the night before pickup as to luggage and time. I already have a time for the pickup, but can't remember if I was given instructions when I was arranging the transportation as to where the pickup will be located. It shows that I have transportation arranged on the DCL app but I don't see it listed on the Disney World app. Will I receive any info when I am at the GF like I do with DCL transfers to the port?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thanks you! Not sure if you know or not the answer or not. When I have used the DCL transfer, I have received a paper with instructions the night before pickup as to luggage and time. I already have a time for the pickup, but can't remember if I was given instructions when I was arranging the transportation as to where the pickup will be located. It shows that I have transportation arranged on the DCL app but I don't see it listed on the Disney World app. Will I receive any info when I am at the GF like I do with DCL transfers to the port?

I’m sorry, I don’t know how the Port Canaveral Minnie Van service works in terms of those details. For the airport service, they send several e-mails in the days leading up and day of with details/instructions about what to expect, pick up times, etc - in some ways they arguably over-communicate, but in my opinion it works well. I suspect PC is similar, but not sure. Sorry I can’t be of more help!

 

[angelinaxox]

I’m sorry, I don’t know how the Port Canaveral Minnie Van service works in terms of those details. For the airport service, they send several e-mails in the days leading up and day of with details/instructions about what to expect, pick up times, etc - in some ways they arguably over-communicate, but in my opinion it works well. I suspect PC is similar, but not sure. Sorry I can’t be of more help!

No problem. Thanks for the response. I am hoping it is similar to the communication you received for the airport service.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

The last time I was at Disney the "brief delay" to match you with a MV driver was so long the system would time out.

And then once you got matched it seemed to be a rather long wait for a ride. (A irate woman told me all this as I was waiting about 5 minutes on my Lyft. She seemed rather put out when I told her that Lyft said my driver was 5 minutes away, told me I was "wrong" and then seemed even more put out when he actually showed up. LOL!) I left her there, she'd already been there about 20 minutes and I have no idea how long it was going to take.

 

[JimMIA]

The last time I was at Disney the "brief delay" to match you with a MV driver was so long the system would time out.

And then once you got matched it seemed to be a rather long wait for a ride. (A irate woman told me all this as I was waiting about 5 minutes on my Lyft. She seemed rather put out when I told her that Lyft said my driver was 5 minutes away, told me I was "wrong" and then seemed even more put out when he actually showed up. LOL!) I left her there, she'd already been there about 20 minutes and I have no idea how long it was going to take.

I hope you didn't tell her what your fare was compared to hers! That would have been cruel, lol.

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

Thanks for the info. But I wouldn't mind more tipping thoughts or experiences.
As for driver's employee/"independent contractor" status, WDW's site does little to truly clarify, saying:
"What to Expect – The Experience
Minnie Van drivers are friendly Disney Cast Members who are trained to whisk you off to where you need to be—with a smile. Each vehicle is equipped with 2 child safety seats that our Disney Cast Members are expertly trained to install for you."

Undercover Tourist had a driver report: "She mentioned that all drivers go through eight hours of car seat training and ADA training each, and they need to know how to get around Disney World property without a GPS." They also had four phone charging cords available in the vehicle. (It's a generally helpful article with recs of when to use Minnie Vans, like for my party of six, who has to pay more for Lyft or Uber, or when closer service to MK helps for our PPO BBB appointment and our EMM.)

 

[Ross Kratter]

Thanks for the info. But I wouldn't mind more tipping thoughts or experiences.
As for driver's employee/"independent contractor" status, WDW's site does little to truly clarify, saying:
"What to Expect – The Experience
Minnie Van drivers are friendly Disney Cast Members who are trained to whisk you off to where you need to be—with a smile. Each vehicle is equipped with 2 child safety seats that our Disney Cast Members are expertly trained to install for you."

Undercover Tourist had a driver report: "She mentioned that all drivers go through eight hours of car seat training and ADA training each, and they need to know how to get around Disney World property without a GPS." They also had four phone charging cords available in the vehicle. (It's a generally helpful article with recs of when to use Minnie Vans, like for my party of six, who has to pay more for Lyft or Uber, or when closer service to MK helps for our PPO BBB appointment and our EMM.)

Zombie thread, but yes, they are definitely Disney Transportation cast members.

 

[rjejdisfam605]

I know that you drive and provide rides all around Disney as I have read your posts for a while. Too be honest, the reason that we use Minnie Vans are because we are "old school" and getting into a strangers car without having any control worries us. Would I like to save money? Yes! In fact, I try over and over to convince myself to just use Lyft and/or Uber but having a 7 year old in the car with me makes me unbelievably nervous. I have read only a few posts on this board where posters have indicated that their driver didn't speak english very well or didn't know where they were going and that they were nervous. Yes, only a few reports like this.

My question to all of this is, how do I know what the driver is like BEFORE they get to me? How do I know that they seem ok before I plop my 7 year old in a stranger's car? I do not mean this as sarcasm, I am truly asking. We live in rural area and don't have or need this type of service anywhere around where we live. Also, is there any way to request a certain driver? Am I able to set something up ahead of time if I find something that I am comfortable with? (Ex: can I work with you to drive us? LOL)

Resurecting an old post here....but I feel you. I have an 11 yr old, 5 yr old, and one on the way...We are headed back to Disney later in 2020 after our Jan 2019 trip. We hated taking the bus from All Star Movies because we were usually standing and that didn't make me feel safe at all (Some of the drivers of the buses were a little crazy that trip ) and one morning we just got started too late and were afraid we wouldn't make our breakfast reservation so we ended up trying a MV. WE LOVED IT! The car seat (clean and the same kind we had at home too) for the 5 yr old was great. Our 11 yr old is autistic and is all about talking about the road signs and disney facts--the driver was sooo good with him. Friendly and didn't give him weird looks because of the odd things he was saying. So we were sold on the Lyft thing and used it for the rest of our trip. I had never done a ride share thing because I was concerned about safety. For me and my husband it would be fine but with our kids it always made me nervous. We used two non MV Lyft drivers while there because we just thought we would try. Both times we ended up with these guys (two different drivers) that just made me uncomfortable. They were quiet--not that I want to be super chatty with a stranger but the lack of a hello or anything was weird. One of them drove a little erratic for my taste and without car seats. I was just as a whole more comfortable with the MV.

This time when planning our budget it was one of the first things we calculated in. With the need for two car seats this year it wasn't really an option for us.

I think too many people are so quick to criticize Disney and the way they come up with things like this that might be out of price range for people. Is it pricey? Yes. This is the first time I will be going on vacation two years in a row--so I don't spend this kind of money often but I am ok with it for the safety and experience. Its just like the more expensive Disney resorts, On or off property, or dining plan thing. Its all a preference and how big you want to go on your vacation.

I think if you can do it once or can afford it for your whole vacation then why not?

Its Disney...you are supposed to feel like you are special while you are there.