It seems that Disney will not be moving forward with a new planned transportation option at Walt Disney World. In 2020, the Brightline and Disney announced that they were planning a partnership to bring a stop at Disney Springs to the proposed route. However, according to a report by the Orlando Business Journal, new plans seem to have nixed this idea.
The route was originally supposed to connect Disney Springs to the Orlando International Airport as well as other stops at Miami and Tampa. Plans fell through when new routing changed the Disney stop away from Disney Springs. New plans include a stop near Disney World, but not directly on property. Plans also include a stop at Universal’s Epic Universe when it opens by summer 2025, a direct competitor to Disney.
This change in plan could turn into a huge negative for Disney. Instead of taking guests directly to the Disney resort, it will now transport guests directly to Universal property. This is key in drawing in new guests who may find the convenience more incising to go to Epic Universe and the other Universal parks instead of Disney World.
With the reintroduction of the Minnie Vans, Disney is once again offering different transportation around the resort. Options for guests are always welcome, and convenience is always helpful when trying to gain a new customer. Will the cancelation of the Brightline station be the downfall of Walt Disney World? No. But, it could definitely impact a family’s decision on what Orlando theme park destination to visit in the future.