Minnie Van

[Disneydreaming85]

Hi all

Has anyone used a Minnie Van to port caneveral? I requested this through my travel agent and she has confirmed one is now available for me to book. Would be great to hear any reviews?

I've been asked to pay upfront for this, is this normal?

Thanks!

 

[MomOTwins]

Yes we booked for our upcoming cruise and it is normal to pay up front. It then shows up as a transportation charge in your reservation (just like booking DCL bus transportation, which is likewise pay up front). Tip is not included in the price, though, so we plan to bring cash.

I remember there was a review on here that was negative because the Minnie Van driver made a lot of small talk. That is totally true of the Minnie Vans at Disney World and is something we love about them and are looking forward to. From my experience of the Disney World minnie vans, they are veteran cast members with a lot of Disney knowledge and really get us excited for the day whenever we ride one. They also have Disney themed music playing and will "DJ" and take requests (e.g., we got them to play nothin but star wars on our way to Hollywood Studios once). They also do a really great job of securely installing car seats, if that is something you need--I am a safety nut so that is a big reason I am using them for our trip.

 

[Disneydreaming85]

Fab thank you! Yes we also need a car seat so that’s really helpful. I love a chatty cast member so is a big plus for me!

 

[BCV23]

We've enjoyed our Minnie Van rides to and from the port. All three drivers were real Disney lovers with lots of WDW experience. Although we didn't need a car seat, one of the drivers told us that all Minnie Van drivers have an eight hour course in proper installation of car seats!

Yes, I've paid at time of booking. However, the charge has not appeared on my DCL reservation. I think that is because Minnie Vans are part of the WDW umbrella not DCL. And yes, I bring extra cash to tip the drivers.

 

[MomOTwins]

We've enjoyed our Minnie Van rides to and from the port. All three drivers were real Disney lovers with lots of WDW experience. Although we didn't need a car seat, one of the drivers told us that all Minnie Van drivers have an eight hour course in proper installation of car seats!

Yes, I've paid at time of booking. However, the charge has not appeared on my DCL reservation. I think that is because Minnie Vans are part of the WDW umbrella not DCL. And yes, I bring extra cash to tip the drivers.

So it’s kind of funny how they record it. In the confirmation email I got when I booked it, it showed the minnie van cost as “transportion” in the breakdown of costs for my trip. On the website or app however, it does not show up as a separate line item but it IS included in the grand total cruise price (so if you subtract the per person cost and taxes/fees from the grant total, the amount remaining is the minnie van cost). It is there, just kind of hidden.

 

[BCV23]

So it’s kind of funny how they record it. In the confirmation email I got when I booked it, it showed the minnie van cost as “transportion” in the breakdown of costs for my trip. On the website or app however, it does not show up as a separate line item but it IS included in the grand total cruise price (so if you subtract the per person cost and taxes/fees from the grant total, the amount remaining is the minnie van cost). It is there, just kind of hidden.

That's interesting. When did you book your van? My most recent confirmation for an upcoming cruise has no detail at all other than the sailing date. I booked this one in June. Perhaps they've improved that.

For our first cruise with a Minnie Van reservation I did check the total after adding the van. The van charge was not reflected in the total IIRC.

 

[MomOTwins]

That's interesting. When did you book your van? My most recent confirmation for an upcoming cruise has no detail at all other than the sailing date. I booked this one in June. Perhaps they've improved that.

For our first cruise with a Minnie Van reservation I did check the total after adding the van. The van charge was not reflected in the total IIRC.

I booked our van in June too! So weird.

 

[BCV23]

Was it through a TA and is the statement from an agency? I booked myself.

 

[MomOTwins]

Me too! Well I guess all we can say to the OP is they or may not get an email from DCL showing the cost of the van as a “ground transfer” and included in the cruise grand total. Mysteries abound!

 

[BCV23]

Whoops, I was wrong. I opened up my final payment email for our upcoming cruise to check if the total reflected the van cost. Not only did it include that $480 but it was an actual line item. Must have looked at our other cabin yesterday. The confirmation email did not list the price though....just the sail date. Sorry for the confusion.

Enjoy your ride.

 

[drmel]

did you take your luggage in the minnie or did DCL pick it up at resort ?