The heavily anticipated Brightline high speed rail that would connect the Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World is now scheduled to start service as early as mid-2026. The route from Disney property to the airport would cost anywhere from $1.03-$2.1 billion, depending on which exact route is selected.
Florida transportation authorities recently stated that they gave Brightline a deadline of mid-summer 2021 to negotiate an agreement with local and state agencies. This agreement includes securing leases that would involve adding the station at Disney Springs by the end of 2023.
With Disney’s Magical Express transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport ending in 2022, the Brightline rail could help reduce the impact of this loss once service begins. However, the train service still won’t be running for years after that end date.
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.”
“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)
“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.”
We previously shared the exciting news that Disney and Brightline have announced they have entered into an agreement to construct a train station at Disney Springs. Now, we are learning there is a potential timetable for the Disney Springs train station!
As shared by Orlando Business Journal: “Brightline has set a potential timetable for the completion of its Walt Disney World Resort connection. The Miami-based intercity rail provider in its November monthly ridership report said it wants to start revenue service on the connection during the second half of 2023.”
The Brightline station is intended to provide a convenient travel option between Walt Disney World Resort and Brightline stations at Orlando International Airport (OIA), Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach and planned stations in Aventura, Boca Raton and Port Miami.
The design concept for the proposed station at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort includes a lobby on the ground level, passenger facilities and an upper level train platform. The proposed location would be in close proximity to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks, two water parks and more than 25 hotels.
Disney’s initial news release states, “Brightline will offer a car-free connection to the millions of visitors from around the state and the world who plan to make Walt Disney World Resort part of their vacation plans,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “Our mission has always been to connect our guests to the people and places that matter, and Walt Disney World Resort is a tremendous example of this.”
We are excited for the possibility of this new option of transportation coming to Walt Disney World!
Brightline and Walt Disney World Resort announced they have entered into an agreement to construct a train station at Disney Springs, the popular shopping, dining and entertainment complex. The Brightline station is intended to provide a convenient travel option between Walt Disney World Resort and Brightline stations at Orlando International Airport (OIA), Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach and planned stations in Aventura, Boca Raton and Port Miami.
Brightline’s expansion from West Palm Beach to OIA is on track to be completed in 2022. The agreement is conditioned upon Brightline’s satisfaction of certain obligations including obtaining all necessary government approvals.
The design concept for the proposed station at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort includes a lobby on the ground level, passenger facilities and an upper level train platform. The proposed location would be in close proximity to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks, two water parks and more than 25 hotels.
“Brightline will offer a car-free connection to the millions of visitors from around the state and the world who plan to make Walt Disney World Resort part of their vacation plans,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “Our mission has always been to connect our guests to the people and places that matter, and Walt Disney World Resort is a tremendous example of this.”
“We’re excited to work with Brightline as they pursue the potential development of a train station at Walt Disney World Resort, a project that would support our local economy and offer a bold, forward-looking transportation solution for our community and guests,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort.
In 2018, Brightline was awarded the right to execute lease agreements with FDOT and the Central Florida Expressway Authority to connect OIA and Tampa. In February 2020, Brightline commenced engineering and design work for the proposed project.
Brightline is the first privately funded passenger rail system in America in over a century and was recognized by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in travel. Brightline is designed to reinvent travel and take cars off the road by connecting city pairs and congested corridors that are too close to fly and too long to drive. Providing fast, efficient, hospitality-driven transportation featuring the latest in customer-friendly amenities, Brightline currently operates in Florida between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, with plans to develop new stations in Boca Raton, Aventura and Port Miami. Construction to Orlando is underway and will be complete in late 2022. Brightline West which will connect Las Vegas and Southern California is shovel ready and expect to launch service in 2024.
