BREAKING NEWS: Disney Announces Train Station at Disney Springs, New Transportation Option from Airport

Today, 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. Learn more below.

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.

RELATED ARTICLE: 2020 Holiday Offerings at Disney Springs – What You Need to Know

It’s the holiday season, and you don’t need a park ticket or even a reservation to get into the holiday spirit at Disney Springs this year! While the offerings have been a bit modified this year, there is still plenty to see and do at Disney Springs. Learn more below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Kelsey Noland:

Now more than ever we could all use a little Disney holiday magic in our lives and I’m so excited we’ve officially kicked off the holidays at Disney Springs. One of my favorite traditions is watching the amazing transformation at World of Disney as beautiful window displays appear and holiday merchandise fills the shelves. Have you seen this year’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and Silver and Gold Collections? (Everything is on my shopping list!) This year is even more special as we find new and safe ways to celebrate with our loved ones and Disney Springs is the perfect place to enjoy the spirit of the season with family-friendly fun, sparkling décor, and gift ideas galore. Here’s a look at what’s happening:

1 – Virtual Gift Guide

Need a little gift-giving inspiration? The Disney Springs Gift Guide is back with an all-new format on Instagram! Head to @disneysprings and use the highlight buttons to explore 8 different gift categories including classics like “For Her” and “For Kids” and of course, the “For the Disney Fan” that has a little something for everyone! This collection of items will give you can find at Disney Springs but it gives you a little taste of the amazing variety of gifts to complete your shopping for everyone on your list. There’s always something new to discover so make sure you keep checking back through the holiday season.

2 – Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth 

We’ve taken all the holiday magic and spread out the fun with the new Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth featuring a collection of elaborately decorated Disney-themed Christmas trees. As in year’s past, each tree is themed to a popular Disney character, attraction, or story, with trees now spread throughout all four Disney Springs neighborhoods.

My absolute favorite tree is located in the heart of Town Center and is the crowning jewel to the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stoll presented by AdventHealth. Check out this time-lapse video of our cast members hard at work as they turn the holiday magic on for our guests.

Create a new holiday family tradition and prepare for a jolly holiday scavenger hunt that allows you to safely wander and explore the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. The scavenger hunt is complimentary and collateral can be picked up from select retail stores, Disney Springs Welcome Center, and Disney’s PhotoPass Studio. As you explore, don’t forget to take advantage of special discounts and offers available on the back of your map from select retail and dining locations. Once you complete your scavenger hunt, bring it to a redemption location for a special surprise.

3 – Santa’s Winter Watercade & Holiday Entertainment

Discover other select entertainment throughout Disney Springs that will immerse you in the holidays while you safely enjoy time together and make new memories. The popular Toy Soldier stiltwalkers and Snowflake Skaters will be back bringing holiday magic to the promenade along with guest DJs cranking out your favorite seasonal tunes at the AdventHealth Waterside Stage and at Exposition Park across from Disney’s Candy Cauldron.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays without a little snow and it’s in the forecast! Be delighted in a magical snowfall that will add a little extra touch to your holiday shopping happening intermittently at Disney Springs Town Center and West Side.

Later this month, Santa and Mrs. Claus will pack their winter wear as they plan to soak up the last bit of Florida sun before their big night. Keep an eye out this season on the waters of Lake Buena Vista where you might spot them waving and sending season’s greetings from afar in a festive and colorfully-decorated pontoon boat.

4 – Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar

Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar is back and has been transformed with merry décor and festive fun through December 30, 2020. The Light Deviled Eggs return to the menu alongside some new delicious additions like Grandma’s Favorite Sliders (made with venison!) and Milk and Cookies by the Fireside paired with Coquito and Malibu Rum (believe me, this is a must-try!). Popular holiday cocktails are back as well like the Jock’s Holiday Nog, Berry, Merry Margarita and a new Mistletoe Mule. Keep an eye out on the Disney Parks Blog for another story coming soon with a roundup of other delicious Holiday Eats & Treats you’ll find this holiday season at Disney Springs.

5 – Disney’s PhotoPass Studio

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs! Starting November 16, get all your family photos for the holidays, including a virtual backdrop featuring Santa, and other festive virtual backdrops that combine the magic of the holidays with the magic of Disney! To download all the photos taken the day of your visit (including your photos from the studio from that day), take advantage of a special offer of $49.99 for Memory Maker One Day*, in addition to great prices and specials on prints, available only at this location November 16 through December 26, 2020. Put on your ugly (or not-so-ugly) Christmas sweater, and jingle all the way to the studio – no reservations required.

6 – FreeForm’s “25 Days of Christmas” Photo Op

Freefrom is counting down to the holidays with another themed photo-op at Disney Springs. Be sure to make a stop at the new “25 Days of Christmas” Instagram wall located right outside Disney’s Days of Christmas. Tag those “elfies” using #DisneySprings and #25DaysofChristmas.

As you can see, there’s so much holiday shopping, dining, and fun to be had at Disney Springs this holiday season. Be sure to follow us on social media @DisneySprings as we continue to highlight new merchandise arrivals including any special Thanksgiving week deals and releases.

As a friendly reminder, be sure check our “Know Before You Go” resources to learn more about our current health and safety measures. If you’re planning to drive, please allow at least 60 minutes to reach your destination. Digital message boards along Buena Vista Drive will indicate when garages and surface lots are full.

*Disney PhotoPass Service and Memory Maker One Day are subject to the applicable terms and policies. Memory Maker One Day includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken within one day). Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations. The $49.99 special offer on Memory Maker One Day is available for purchase only at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs from November 16, 2020, through December 26, 2020. Special offer not valid for purchases made at other locations, online or in the My Disney Experience app. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers or used on previous purchases. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.