Skip to Content

Disney Cancels Brightline Rail Station at Disney Springs

HomeDisney Cancels Brightline Rail Station at Disney Springs
Disney Cancels Brightline Rail Station at Disney Springs

In some very surprising news, Disney announced that they’ve canceled the highly-anticipated Brightline rail station that was supposed to come to Disney Springs.

According to a June 27 news report from the Orlando Business Journal, a Disney representative confirmed that plans for the station aren’t happening.

“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,” Disney spokesperson Avery Maehrer told the Orlando Business Journal.

June 28, 2022 Update:

Brightline Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Ben Porritt, told the Orlando Business Journal that even though a station isn’t coming to Disney Springs, there is still potential for one near the original site — but not on property.

Per Porritt:

“In addition to the airport, one new station will be located at the Orange County Convention Center and an alternative station will be placed near the original Disney Springs site, albeit not on land owned by Disney. Together, the three integrated stations provide access to the largest economic and employment centers in Central Florida, and offer the best opportunity for the success of Brightline and SunRail [Central Florida’s commuter train].”

The publication also noted that Disney didn’t share further details. At the time of publication, Brightline executives also couldn’t be reached for comment.

Brightline is a multibillion-dollar project. The now former Disney Springs station plan first announced in November 2020.

At the time of the 2020 Disney Springs station announcement, Brightline confirmed (via Spectrum News), “The design concept for the proposed station at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World includes a lobby on the ground level, passenger facilities and an upper level train platform.”

The agreement between Disney and Brightline was always conditional to the rail service meeting specific requirements, including securing all of the necessary government approvals. 

Per the Orlando Business Journal, “Brightline’s current route is expected to take it along State Road 528 and Taft-Vineland Road — through the International Drive corridor — and down Interstate 4. Its previous route — when Disney first announced its involvement — had the train heading down State Road 417 and bypassing the tourist corridor.”

The publication also noted, “Brightline’s $2.7 billion, 170-mile Orlando to West Palm Beach expansion is roughly 80% complete and expected to finish construction by the end of 2022. The service is expected to start by 2023.”

In November 2020, Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort, said in a statement given to Orlando Business Journal, “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.”

We’ll be sure to keep you in the loop if any future updates are shared.

The following products and services give us a commission on sales.

Get our free Quick Start Guide

Have our guide delivered right to your inbox with our 6-step Disney World planning process to make it less overwhelming. Snag our free guide ➡️

Take our course

Check out our course that will help you learn all about Walt Disney World planning with dozens of videos and downloadables for each step along the way. Get access now ➡️

Our recommend travel agency

We partner with Small World Vacations, Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacations Planners in business since 1996. Get a quote now ➡️

Want to stay deluxe on a moderate budget?

It’s 1 of our top fave ways to save! By renting DVC points, you can stay in deluxe accommodations for a fraction of the price. Check availability ➡️

Private car service

Quicksilver Tours will transport you in style. They assist with luggage at the airport, provide car seats, and include a free grocery stop. Book your car ➡️

Need a stroller, wheelchair, or scooter?

Buena Vista Scooters is a company with a great reputation who offers in-person resort drop off and pick up of strollers, scooters, and wheelchairs. Book your rental ➡️

Amazon recommendations

Check out our Amazon shop with trip essentials we love. Start shopping ➡️

WDW Prep merch

Get WDW Prep merch to show off your Disney knowledge (especially fun for spotting others during your trip!). Check out the WDW Prep merch shop ➡️

Allyson Koerner