Back in 2018, we learned that Brightline’s high-speed passenger rail from Miami to Orlando would include a stop at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World, but it’s now being reported that those plans have been scrapped.
When Disney first announced its involvement in the project, the track’s route was planned to head alongside State Route 417 bypassing the tourist corridor but many residents in the community of Hunter’s Creek took issue with it. Changes to those plans now have the tracks going through the I-Drive corridor along State Road 528.
According to the following statement published in the Orlando Business Journal from Disney spokesperson Avery Maehrer, the track’s currently planned route does not make way for a stop in Disney Springs.
As many people who are involved in this project are aware, the new route configuration does not support a Disney Springs station and as a result, we don’t anticipate being part of this project.
According to the proposal by SunRail and Brightline, there are plans for a south I-Drive station near the convention center which is close to Disney property. The exact location of the site has yet to be revealed. Still, the convention center is about a 20-minute drive from Walt Disney World.
OBJ says that the 170-mile Orlando to West Palm Beach expansion is approximately 80% finished and is expected to be completed by the end of 2022 with passenger service expected to start by 2023.
Senior Editor for the DIS and DCL Fan | Disney Vacation Club Member | Thrilled to have been a '13/'14 Disney Parks Moms Panelist (now planDisney) | Lover of all things Disney; the Magic of Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line | ºoº
