Brightline Reveals Rail Route Choices & Cost Details for Disney Service in 5 Years

Disney and Brightline recently announced they entered into an agreement to construct a train station at Disney Springs which would provide guests flying into the Walt Disney World area an easy, quick transportation option. Now, Brightline has revealed more details including route choices and cost information.

As reported by OrlandoSentinel: “Brightline disclosed on Thursday (March 11) its most detailed explanation so far on costs for a corridor between the airport and a Disney World station, preferring a $1 billion route piggybacking on Road 417 through Hunters Creek over a more than $2 billion route along State Road 528 to International Drive.”

“Passenger service of nearly 17 miles from Orlando International Airport to a station at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs is slated to start in five years, said Brightline’s executive vice president of infrastructure development, Michael Cegelis.”

Brightline perfers the route in yellow that partly follows S.R. 417 over a route in green that partly follows S.R. 538.

“We think there are better, other ways to connect the important convention center area and I-Drive to the airport. That needs to happen. It’s imperative,” Cegelis said. “We think there are other, more efficient ways to do it than an hourly, intercity train.”

Brightline discloses costs and timing for Orlando-Disney-Tampa route, This Brightline chart compares the S.R. 417 route and the S.R. 528 route.

Brightline discloses costs and timing for Orlando-Disney-Tampa route, This Brightline chart compares the S.R. 417 route and the S.R. 528 route. (Brightline)

“The S.R. 528 alignment would cost $2.1 billion, require 1.9 million square feet of bridges, affect 76 private properties and involve a complex arrangement with SunRail.”

Disney Announces New “MagicMobile Service” Coming Soon to Walt Disney World

The MagicBand, the colorful wristband guests wear at Walt Disney World Resort, makes each visit even simpler and more seamless. Disney has continued to invent and innovate, and soon, they’ll be debuting a new option: Disney MagicMobile service! Check out the details as shared below via DisneyParksBlog.

Launching in phases starting later this year, Disney MagicMobile service is a convenient and contactless way to access MagicBand features like theme park entry through the power of your iPhone, Apple Watch or other smart device. Guests will be able to create a Disney MagicMobile pass through the My Disney Experience app and add it to their smart device’s digital wallet. It works like magic – most features will be available by just holding up your smart device near an access point, just like you do with a MagicBand. Disney MagicMobile service and its features will roll out first on Apple devices.

Guests may choose to use Disney MagicMobile service or a MagicBand – pick whichever option works best for you during your visit. You can even use both and alternate between the two for added flexibility. We’ll also soon be introducing more MagicBands in trendy new colors and fun designs featuring favorite Disney characters and stories.

Our existing digital room key feature will continue to be available specifically within the My Disney Experience app, which helps guests expedite their arrival by using online check-in service, going directly to their Disney Resort hotel room and using their phone to unlock their door. Disney Resort hotel guests may also still pick up a Key to the World card at their convenience by visiting the front desk.

Stay tuned for more information on Disney MagicMobile service and MagicBands!

New Spring Minnie Mouse Vera Bradley Collection Available

A new Vera Bradley collection is now available at Walt Disney World. Vera Bradley’s last major collaboration with Disney was purple snack-themed designs available last summer. These new pink items feature Minnie Mouse among flowers and are perfect for the spring.

There are multiple backpack, tote, and crossbody purse styles.

vera bradley spring bags

The main print featured on the larger bags is made up of several flowers in different colors.

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Tomorrowland PeopleMover Testing at Magic Kingdom for First Time in Weeks

Via wdwnt.com

Since it was announced in late February that the refurbishment of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom was extended until April, we haven’t seen the attraction moving very much.

Today, Cast Members were pushing the train cars, which we’ve seen in the past.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover closed on March 9, 2020, unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic, and has now been closed for a full year.

We later saw some cars running as normal, even with the attraction’s audio playing at the hub of the ride. No other cars on the track were moving independently.

Hopefully, the PeopleMover will be ready to reopen next month.

Bonjour! Village Gifts Reopens March 22 at Magic Kingdom

We announced this morning that the Main Street Confectionery is closing on March 29 for an extended refurbishment. The Main Street Cinema will be closing temporarily March 22 through March 28 to be transformed into a temporary treat shop while the Confectionery is closed.

The Main Street Cinema is home to art and collectibles as The Art of Disney, but many of those items will be temporarily sold at Bonjour! Village Gifts in Fantasyland starting March 22nd.

bonjour-village-gifts-2-20-21-1-8135589

Bonjour! Village Gifts has been closed for some time, and during this closure the exterior of the building received a makeover.