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Does anyone have any updated information on the train that you are supposed to take from Orlando International Airport to Disney Springs that is replacing Magical Express?

Unfortunately this is not going to be finished for at least another year so not really going to 'replace' Magical Express. But Mears will be offering bus service just like ME but not free and no luggage delivery.

Jack Peterson wrote: ↑Mon Apr 26, 2021 1:16 pm Does anyone have any updated information on the train that you are supposed to take from Orlando International Airport to Disney Springs that is replacing Magical Express?

It’s called Brightline, and they are still negotiating with the state and county over which route they want to take, a more southern line would go right from the airport to Disney Springs and eventually continue on to Tampa after more expansion, or a more northern route that would have an additional stop at Universal and then on to Disney Spring. Brightline prefers the southern as the northern could cost about an extra billion dollars and take longer to build since there are many more obstacles to navigate around, under, and over, the state prefers the northern as they would prefer the extra stop. The state is also negotiating for reimbursement of lost toll revenue, so it seems like there’s plenty more red tape to get through before they can even begin working on it. At last estimate the earliest completion for it now is 2023.

It isn’t replacing magical express it would just be an additional option. Mears Connect is replacing magical express, www.mearsconnect.com and from what I’ve read in multiple articles is the will be offering luggage handling services, although it isn’t specified what that will be exactly, other than it will be similar to what Magical Express currently offers.

Just Theo wrote: ↑Mon Apr 26, 2021 7:21 pm

Jack Peterson wrote: ↑Mon Apr 26, 2021 1:16 pm Does anyone have any updated information on the train that you are supposed to take from Orlando International Airport to Disney Springs that is replacing Magical Express?

It’s called Brightline, and they are still negotiating with the state and county over which route they want to take, a more southern line would go right from the airport to Disney Springs and eventually continue on to Tampa after more expansion, or a more northern route that would have an additional stop at Universal and then on to Disney Spring. Brightline prefers the southern as the northern could cost about an extra billion dollars and take longer to build since there are many more obstacles to navigate around, under, and over, the state prefers the northern as they would prefer the extra stop. The state is also negotiating for reimbursement of lost toll revenue, so it seems like there’s plenty more red tape to get through before they can even begin working on it. At last estimate the earliest completion for it now is 2023.

It isn’t replacing magical express it would just be an additional option. Mears Connect is replacing magical express, www.mearsconnect.com and from what I’ve read in multiple articles is the will be offering luggage handling services, although it isn’t specified what that will be exactly, other than it will be similar to what Magical Express currently offers.

Thank you for explaining it further than I ever could
Yes Mears will be similar but not free. I am hoping the luggage handling is similar to what Magical Express used to provide before COVID so.

I wonder if this will result in more guests renting cars to get to WDW?

There are some things with this Service that remain to be seen...but here are some things to consider. First, consider where it is coming from and whether a family would want to park their car, lug all their suitcases onto the train...(assuming they will allow baggage)...and then emerging, with all your luggage at Disney Springs. From there, you would presumably want to go to a hotel (on or off property). Let's assume, on-property. Currently, none of the Disney Shuttle busses to/from Disney Springs to resorts, permit people to bring luggage on board. So...they either need to change that policy, or come up with a separate service that takes care of these special guests...or someone else will need to do it. (Or...call a taxi or Uber/Lyft with sufficient capacity to carry you, your family, and all your luggage. $$$$

All these are things that someone has considered...and thinks that it will still make sufficient money to be viable...or that there is an economic case to be made for transfers to other Disney properties. Otherwise, I guess it will be an interesting ride for a same-day trip to shop at Disney Springs or visit Tampa for some reason.

Should be interesting!

randyf79 wrote: ↑Tue Apr 27, 2021 6:42 pm Lug all their suitcases onto the train...(assuming they will allow baggage)...

Otherwise, I guess it will be an interesting ride for a same-day trip to shop at Disney Springs or visit Tampa for some reason.

Should be interesting!

Brightline allows carry ons and checked Luggage. The service is already running Miami to West Palm Beach. Currently building the line from West Palm to MCO to be completed in 2022. So maybe Disney will offer a similar luggage service from the Disney Springs station to your resort. I doubt they’d want people “lugging” bags onto the Disney Transit city busses.

You could visit me in Tampa!