This New Train Station Will Connect Disney World With the Orlando Airport and South Florida

Reaching the Most Magical Place on Earth is about to get a little easier, thanks to a new deal signed between Walt Disney World Resort and passenger rail operator Brightline.

On Monday, Nov. 23, Brightline announced that it had reached an agreement with Walt Disney World Resort to open a new train station at Disney Springs, an area located just outside the Disney parks and filled with restaurants and shops. Though Disney Springs isn’t located inside any of the four theme parks that make up Disney World, the parks can be easily accessed from the area using the resort’s transportation network.

When the new train line opens, travelers will be also able to catch a ride directly from or to Orlando International Airport and eventually South Florida, eliminating the need for a rental car. The new train station will also make it easier for out-of-state and international visitors wanting to explore both Central and South Florida in one trip. Few details around the timeline for this new Disney Springs station are currently available.

“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, in a statement.

“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,” added Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort, also in a statement.

According to The Points Guy, the Disney Springs station is just one of several expansions that travelers and local commuters can expect to see from Brightline. The railroad began running between downtown Miami and West Palm Beach in 2018, and the roughly 140-mile extension to reach the Orlando airport is due to open in 2022. In addition, the railroad is building three new stations in South Florida, while the engineering and design work is already underway for an extension from Orlando to Tampa that would include the new Disney station.

Jessica Poitevien is a Travel + Leisure contributor currently based in South Florida, but always on the lookout for the next adventure. Besides traveling, she loves baking, talking to strangers, and taking long walks on the beach. Follow her adventures on Instagram.