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It has been internally reported that all Walt Disney World Transportation Cast Members that were part of the Minnie Van service are included in the 28,000 mass layoff from US Operations.
Additional internal details include that the leases for the Minnie Van vehicles are also being ended indicating either a permanent or at least lengthy ceasing of this service.
Walt Disney World has yet to make a public announcement or comment on the operation of the service.
This is so sad! But it explains a post I saw on another site with a CM, posing by a Minnie Van and saying farewell. He didn't provide any more information but I am so disappointed this service is being put on hold (fingers crossed!) I'm looking forward to the world, especially Disney World, getting back to normal. I'm not liking this new normal at all.
We have a friend who was a Minnie Van driver - he got the call yesterday laying him off
I'm not totally surprised, it seemed that Disney never loved the Minnie Van, even though so many people did. We used it a couple of times, no better way to get from our FW Cabin to the MK for 7am, with Mom's ECV. The drivers were always so wonderful and chatty. I'm sorry to see it go, and sorry to see more people loosing their jobs.
As sad as this is, it is a large expense for the parks -- a lease for a fleet (undoubtedly hundreds) of vehicles, maintenance and drivers -- that can be handled through their 'normal' transportation (with a little timing and patience on the guest) or with 3rd-party (taxis, Uber, Lyft, etc.) agencies.
With lower resort stays and capacities, it is just not a viable financial option for them at this point.
As much as we would all like to think otherwise, Disney Parks are a business and, as such, must maintain a solid financial footiing through this economic downturn, cut cost where they can, and hope for the best.
It may be a wonderful opportunity for them to return to their roots.Quote:
Originally Posted by PopPhan
Another "boo" here! We loved the Minnie Van service. We weren't the biggest users, but would generally treat ourselves once a day to use the service as a quick out if needed.
One example was getting out of Rivers of Life with lines overflowing back to our resort. Sure, we had to wait fifteen minutes or so to get a ride, but it sure was relaxing cruising back to the resort comfortably seated by ourselves.
Another example is when we might have stayed at the pool just a little too long and we opted for a Minnie Van vs. bus to DS for a dinner ressie to avoid being late.
That's not to mention all these folks just trying to make a living! It's a shame that so many in service industries are being impacted by overly reactive governments and corporations. They can't break the American spirit and may be surprised how people adjust and adapt to leave them behind.
One of many cuts headed our way in the weeks and months ahead...