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Uber/Lyft/Minnie Vans are extremely convenient

 Disney

Image: Disney

If, however, you absolutely must see something off property — whether it’s a restaurant, a mall, or even another theme park — rideshare is an incredibly simple option.

Disney has its own rideshare service, operated by Lyft, called Minnie Vans. They work similarly to the rideshare giants, with the only difference being that Minnie Vans are driven by on-the-clock Disney cast members in specialized Disney-themed cars. They are, of course, quite expensive — but the cost gets you incredible service and point-to-point direct service anywhere in the resort.

Uber and Lyft are far, far cheaper — but they do lack that professional touch from Disney. However, many rideshare drivers are also off-duty cast members, and some have knowledge of the area and things to do that rivals any industry worker. And, it’s exceedingly easy to hail one from any of Disney’s resorts (just don’t forget to tip in the app when your ride is done!).

A short trek over to the grocery store or a nearby restaurant is simple with rideshare — and, ultimately, cheaper than renting a car or dealing with gas. 

Disney’s transportation is completely free

 christiantlambert, Flickr (license)

Image: christiantlambert, Flickr (license)

So long as you avoid use of the Minnie Vans, you can navigate anywhere on Walt Disney World property for free, if you have the patience. This is a key fact that is regularly overlooked, but it’s true: Walt Disney World operates one of the most efficient and effective public transportation systems in the world, for free.

If you want to go from one resort to another, you can do it for free. Yes, you might have to transfer at a Disney transit hub, like a theme park or Disney Springs, but it’s doable and relatively simple nowadays. Additionally, with the advent of the Disney Skyliner, even more resorts are connected with non-bus transportation.

But even the buses, again, are free. The only cost is your patience. Yes, it takes more time to hop on a bus from Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort to the Magic Kingdom, then take the monorail (or walk) to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. But, again, it’s free.

Why not take advantage of that? 

It’s better for the environment

 christiantlambert, Flickr (license)

Image: christiantlambert, Flickr (license)

It might seem obvious to say, but public transportation’s biggest benefit in modern times is that it keeps cars that otherwise would pump out fossil fuel emissions off the road. It is simply wasteful to have hundreds of smaller vehicles transport guests from one side of the property to the other, just to shave off a few minutes of transit time. It is even more wasteful to do it when Disney offers a comparable alternative for free.

No, you specifically choosing not to drive doesn’t have a major effect on the environment. But all of us, collectively, choosing to take a public transportation alternative is something that can benefit in the long term.

And, above all, Disney is operating a full fleet of buses, ferries, monorails, and gondolas free of charge — in the process, taking hundreds of vehicles off the road. We should encourage that behavior by taking advantage of such an offering.

Public transportation that works is, sadly, all too rare in this country. Disney has managed to build a system that is vast, efficient, and working. The more effective it is, the more likely it is to inspire other companies and localities to see the benefits of public transportation and invest themselves. That’s exactly how Walt envisioned his Florida Project would work.

Which, it should be said, is the real reason not to bring a car to Walt Disney World. Walt, himself, wouldn’t want you to. Isn’t that enough?

 
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