Minnie Van with 3 kids

[jsebsirois]

Hey there,

We'll be at WDW in a few days and we can't wait, but this will be the first time we visit with more kids (3) than parents!

Last time, we had a bit of a hard time using the WDW buses with two kids and the double stroller, so with a baby, we're thinking about giving us a break here and there by using the Minnie Van Service.

I'm just not quite sure how this service works if we have 3 kids (ages 4, 2 and 6 months old) as far as seats are concerned. Do we need to ask for an extra carseat (I know there are two in each van) or will the 4 years old be able to ride sitting next to us, without a carseat?

Thanks in advance!

 

[FCDub]

I don't believe the cars have the option to go get another seat. Your 4-year-old also should not be in the car without a car seat. Lots of people here recommend the Bubble Bum.

 

[sponica]

Also be aware they changed the pricing on the Minnie Vans. It's no longer a flat fee structure.

 

[JimMIA]

You can't request a third child seat. MinnieVans have two -- no more, no less.

A MinnieVan driver (or Uber/Lyft) is not going to drive your family without the proper number of federally-approved child car seats. YOU, as the "supervising adult," are responsible under Florida law for meeting the safety standards.

You are going to need to either provide the necessary safety equipment for your kids, or take the bus.

Sponica's advice above is also very relevant. There is no more $20 or $25 flat MV fare. The fare now is $15 + $2.75 per mile -- and that adds up in a hurry. What formerly was a $25 ride may now be a $40-$45 ride.

 

[Momma of 4]

I have 4 kids, 3 of which would need car seats, and when I asked about this I was told I would have to call a second Minnie Van and split the adults and kids.

 

[JimMIA]

I have 4 kids, 3 of which would need car seats, and when I asked about this I was told I would have to call a second Minnie Van and split the adults and kids.

And the fare would be?

With the handicap accessible MV's, if the group is too large for the accessible vehicle, they call an additional regular MV at no additional cost. But I can't imagine them doing that when a family has more adorables than the MV can safely transport.

 

[Momma of 4]

And the fare would be?

With the handicap accessible MV's, if the group it too large for the accessible vehicle, they call an additional regular MV at no additional cost. But I can't imagine them doing that when a family has more adorables than the MV can safely transport.

Haha you know, I didn't even ask. I just made a mental note to pack everything in backpacks and load the kids up like pack mules and deal with the bus

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Would you let the 4 year old ride around at home unsecured? Probably not. Why risk it at Disney.

 

[scrapquitler]

And the fare would be?

With the handicap accessible MV's, if the group is too large for the accessible vehicle, they call an additional regular MV at no additional cost. But I can't imagine them doing that when a family has more adorables than the MV can safely transport.

I guess if you had to use two Minnie Vans because your party doesn't fit safely in one because you have more children than carseats, then you would have to pay the full fare for each Minnie Van. Why would they give you a discount? I understand them giving a discount/free extra vehicle for someone with handicap access issues, but other than that, it's reasonable to expect to pay.

 

[AngiTN]

Hey there,

We'll be at WDW in a few days and we can't wait, but this will be the first time we visit with more kids (3) than parents!

Last time, we had a bit of a hard time using the WDW buses with two kids and the double stroller, so with a baby, we're thinking about giving us a break here and there by using the Minnie Van Service.

I'm just not quite sure how this service works if we have 3 kids (ages 4, 2 and 6 months old) as far as seats are concerned. Do we need to ask for an extra carseat (I know there are two in each van) or will the 4 years old be able to ride sitting next to us, without a carseat?

Thanks in advance!

I don't believe the cars have the option to go get another seat. Your 4-year-old also should not be in the car without a car seat. Lots of people here recommend the Bubble Bum.

You don't mention how many TOTAL people there are. So first, you have to be sure you have no more than 6 people. If you fit, and if the 4 yo can safely use a Bubble Bum then that is your only option to use a Minnie Van. A 4 yo would be borderline to use a Bubble Bum, depends on the size of the child. Most 4 yo are still using a 5 point seat

 

[monorailsilver]

I would just suck it up and take the bus or rent a car.

We have 3 kids so our first trip was dh took the double (joovy) and I took the kids on the bus (or boat). When we had 2 strollers for 2 kids, one was an umbrella and the other was a smaller stroller with tray, reclined a bit, etc..but I took the 2 kids and DH took the stroller. Strollers were folded when we got to the bus area this way we were ready to board. You can always wear your 6 mo old at that point. Even if you keep your kids in the stroller til the bus comes, have your stroller bag out of it so all that needs to be done is remove kids and stroller closes.

It is hard being outnumbered! I remember my first trip alone with 3 kids-5yo, 2 1/2 yo and baby. I held the car seat in one hand, held the 2 yo with the other and the 5 yo held the 2 yo's hand and we went to Walgreens. I was happy I did it and never looked back!