Terri's DVC Report: A Cozy Oasis at Magic Kingdom's McKim's Mile House!
Hey fellow Disney Nerds! Terri here, reporting live from the most magical place on Earth, the Magic Kingdom! Today has been an absolute blast, filled with classic attractions, delicious snacks, and of course, a little bit of DVC luxury. Speaking of which, I just had to share my experience at the newest DVC Member Lounge here at Magic Kingdom: McKim's Mile House in Frontierland! If you haven't checked it out yet, you are seriously missing out on a little slice of heaven!
The lounge is nestled right next to the Country Bear Musical Jamboree (what used to be the Shootin' Arcade!), and it's a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the park. As soon as you step inside, you're transported to a warm, rustic cabin vibe—it’s themed as a mile house, a classic stop for travelers in the American West. Think exposed wooden beams, cozy lighting, and a magnificent stone fireplace that just screams "relax."
The attention to detail here is classic Disney Imagineering at its finest. The story is that this "Mile House" is run by the fictional McKim family of hospitality pioneers, and you can see touches of their history everywhere. From Sam McKim-inspired concept art to the "boarding rooms" upstairs named for Disney Legends. My favorite part, though, is the sheer comfort. Jason and I settled into one of the plush armchairs, and it would have been the perfect air-conditioned break if it was not in the 60’s today. The amenities are fantastic, too. We're talking complimentary Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages (hello, unlimited Diet Coke!), coffee, and a selection of snacks like chips and cookies. It’s the perfect place to recharge both your batteries and your phone, thanks to the readily available charging ports and free Wi-Fi!
And of course, being early November in the Magic Kingdom, the Christmas decorating Cast Member Elves have already been through here.
The lounge is a true member perk and a fantastic example of the magic DVC adds to our park days. After all that relaxing, our stomachs were rumbling, so we checked in with one of the Cast Members at the Member Services desk (another great amenity here!) to double-check our dinner reservation. We ended up getting such great tips on the shortest route to the bus loop that we were energized and ready to tackle the evening!
And speaking of getting around, let's talk about the absolute best way to travel on property: the Minnie Van Service! After a long, wonderful day with our friends Bradley and Misty, we decided to splurge on this magical ride home. We all piled into one of the adorable polka-dotted minivans, and the fun continued right into the night! You simply book and pay for the service using the Lyft app while you're on Disney property.
The cost for a ride around the property is dynamic, meaning it varies based on distance, time of day, and demand, but you can typically expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $70 for a one-way trip within Walt Disney World property. It's definitely more of a splurge than the free bus system or a standard Lyft/Uber, but in my Disney Nerd opinion, it's worth it for the convenience. The vans are driven by friendly Cast Members, they're big enough for up to six guests, and most importantly for families, they come equipped with up to two complimentary car seats. When you're trying to get a tired group (or a group of tired friends!) quickly from the park gates to your resort, there is truly nothing better than that delightful polka-dot luxury! We also discovered another great perk about the Minnie-Vans is that they have an unlimited library of Disney music. Just ask the driver.
It’s a perfect Frontierland hideaway for Disney Nerd friends to slow down, relax, and share in the magic. It truly felt like a quaint little cabin.
If you're an eligible DVC member, make sure you carve out some time between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM to stop by McKim’s Mile House. It’s truly an exclusive little hideaway that makes you feel that extra bit of Disney magic!
That's all for my MK DVC report, folks! Until the next adventure... keep collecting those points!