Today, Brightline and Walt Disney World Resort announced they have entered into an agreement to construct a train station at Disney Springs.  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.

We previously hypothesized future opportunities for a Land & Sea vacation options between Walt Disney World and Port Miami when discussed the early plans for a new Disney Cruise Line terminal at PortMiami. As we stand now, Disney will share a new terminal with MSC and the expansion of the Brightline route to Disney Springs will make it even easier for cruises to get to a Disney Cruise ship in Miami.