Brightline and Walt Disney World reached an agreement to build a train station at Disney Springs, the former Downtown Disney dining, entertainment and shopping complex.
The Brightline station will connect Walt Disney World Resort with 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’ expects to complete the expansion from West Palm Beach to OIA in 2022. The agreement is dependent on Brightline’s satisfaction of certain obligations, including obtaining all necessary government approvals.
“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,” Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline, said in a news release. “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.”
The proposed station at Disney Springs will likely include a lobby on the ground level, passenger facilities and an upper-level train platform, officials said. The proposed location would be near Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks, two water parks and more than 25 hotels.
In 2018, Brightline won 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’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,” Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort, said in a news release.
