Could Disney World ACTUALLY Get a Train Station? We Have a New UPDATE.

An expansion of Central Florida’s public transportation could benefit millions of tourists, but come at a heavy cost.

Disney Springs

For years, debate has raged in Florida over the potential expansion of the SunRail to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the region’s tourism corridor potentially including Disney World. Now a new study has confirmed the financial numbers involved in this possible expansion, and they’re eye-popping!

In late April 2024, John Taylor – Florida’s Department of Transportation’s Central Florida District Secretary – spoke to a gathering of local area mayors and city commissioners who serve on the SunRail board. Tyler revealed that a study conducted by the DOT found that expanding the SunRail to MCO and other tourist attractions would increase ridership from 1 million to 6 million people annually, but at a cost of $4 billion. A smaller plan, just connecting the SunRail to MCO would cost an estimated $400 million.

While Taylor was quick to argue in favor of the expansion, citing the success of other large-scale, expensive projects like MCO’s $3.2 billion Terminal C, the reaction among the gathered officials was mixed.

The proposed “Sunshine Corridor” expansion, which would add to SunRail’s currently existing 49-mile/16 station infrastructure, as well opening up the system to more night and weekend ridership – has been endorsed by Universal, who have pledged land for a station and other “incentives” for the project.

©Universal Orlando

Disney has been largely absent from the public discussion of the project, especially during their political back and forth with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. However, the study did include costs and ridership estimates for a station at Disney Springs, with Tyler specifically saying, “In the past, Disney has expressed to the department that they are very interested in expanding SunRail to Disney… We have continued to focus on getting a connection to that point. It makes sense from a transportation standpoint and we have no reason to believe we shouldn’t be pursuing that.”

Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer – he of semi-viral MCO tram narration fame – was highly positive, saying “I am more excited about possibilities for SunRail in the future than, quite honestly, I have ever been.”

©Orlando Airport

On the other hand, Seminole County Commissioner Amy Lockhart was much more reserved, saying “We are not a bottomless pit of money.” Volusia County Council Chairman Jeff Brower echoed the same concerns, stating bluntly, “Probably the biggest concern is where does the money come from.”

According to Tyler, the Sunshine Corridor would be funded by splitting costs between several sources, with 25 percent from local sources including private investors, 25 percent state support, and the rest from federal grants.

Orlando International Airport Terminal C

While the financial questions hang in the air, there’s no debate that the potential Sunshine Corridor of SunRail could change the face of a Disney World — and overall Central Florida vacation — forever. Stay tuned to AllEars for more updates on the project.