We’ve got a major update on the potential train between Disney World and the Orlando International Airport.
Orlando International Airport
Recently, the Orlando City Council voted to approve $500,000 for a study on a potential expansion of the SunRail system to include stops at Orlando International Airport, the Universal Orlando Resort, the Orlando Convention Center, and Disney Springs. And, Universal Orlando has announced that they’re also ponying up some change for the study.
Universal Orlando has announced that it’s putting $2 million toward the cost of the study needed to bring the SunRail line from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to International Drive, according to WKMG Orlando. The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission needs about $6 million total for project development and environmental study.
©SunRail
The study is a necessary step before federal or state government funding can be approved to begin building the site. The Florida Department of Transportation is contributing $2 million to the study, and Universal announced that they’ll be matching that money.
©Orlando Business Journal
“We will absolutely commit to match the $2 million that the DOT is putting on the table for the next stage, which will hopefully then match the commission’s as well, so we will have a fully-funded PD&E to go and get this thing done right with the (Federal Transit Administration),” said John McReynolds with Universal Destinations and Experiences.
©SunRail
Back in February, the Orlando local government agreed to contribute $500,000 to the potential SunRail expansion study. However, a few other organizations and potentially private businesses will need to fund the study, as the Orlando Sentinel reported that it will cost $6 million. Once completed, the study could help sway the federal government to construct the Sunshine Corridor project.
©SunRail
The two-year study would dig into projected ridership of the expansion, maintenance and operating costs, environmental impacts, station locations, and track alignments.
The push for an expansion of the SunRail system comes at a time when traffic congestion is strangling the roads among many of Orlando’s attractions, including Disney World. Another massive FDOT project — an expansion of I-4 outside of Disney Springs — aimed at reducing this congestion just began construction this month.
Disney Springs
The proposed corridor would connect the existing SunRail line to MCO along with another east-west line between the airport to planned stations at the Orange County Convention Center, International Drive South, and eventually, Disney Springs.
“Universal and the CDD still has land reserved for the station and some of the tracks, and we stand as committed a day as we’ve ever been,” McReynolds said.
©SunRail
We’ll continue to keep an eye on more updates regarding this potential expansion. In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest Orlando theme park news. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss out!
It’s Frankly Absurd That Disney Hasn’t Solved Its Orlando Airport Transportation Problem
Would you take a train from the airport to Universal or Disney World? Tell us in the comments.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Disney had solved it’s transportation problem and then Universal stuck it’s nose in and got Ronny to OK a joint Sunrail Bright line share line (commuter) to go to Universal. So Disney took back it’s back and said fine you go and see if Brightline want to be a commuter train. So far this a talk, talk, and more talk but no action from Brightline and no train to Universal. Brightline is now talking Tampa and maybe coming across the state that way with a station close to but not at Disney. So better keep your bus reservation to Universal or trying the Sunrail commuter train. And the congestion do to road work at Disney is Ronny’s doing along with his CFTB that gets big money from the people of FL to do a job they know nothing about.
Yes