A Magical Ride: Exploring Florida on the New Brightline Train to Disney World

A Magical Ride: Exploring Florida on the New Brightline Train to Disney World - Hop Aboard the Speedy New Express

For decades, getting from Miami to Orlando required either flying or driving for four or more hours on congested highways. But the newly launched Brightline express train is changing that by providing a speedy, scenic, and sustainable alternative. This is the hop aboard the first privately operated intercity passenger rail in the United States in over a century.

The Brightline makes the 235-mile journey in just 3 hours, reaching speeds of up to 79 mph. That cuts travel time by more than half compared to driving. And the train departs from a conveniently located station in downtown Miami, avoiding the hassle of airport security lines and delays.

Riders are treated to comfy leather seats with plenty of legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and panoramic windows to soak in the Florida scenery. An onboard café serves craft beers, wines, and a menu of fresh local flavors. Or relax in the sleek club car which provides an even more premium experience.

The Brightline offers an easy new way to get from Miami to the theme park capital of Orlando and back. Now you can make that family trip to Disney much simpler by skipping the car ride and avoiding the airport. Visitors flying into Miami can hop the train straight to their Disney hotel. Plus the route provides direct access to attractions in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale along the way.

The station in Orlando is located at the airport, just a short drive from the Disney parks. So you can go from sipping café con leche in Miami to meeting Mickey Mouse in a third of the time it used to take. The schedule is designed for convenience with multiple daily departures in both directions.

Kids will especially love the ride aboard these vibrantly colored trains that hit highway speeds while rolling past Florida wetlands inhabited by herons, egrets, alligators and more. The spacious train cars allow families to spread out and save money compared to flying.

With plans to expand across Florida and the Southeast, Brightline is bringing high-speed rail back to America. This privately funded venture makes train travel practical again for short regional trips. By taking cars off the road and reducing air miles, the carbon-friendly service also enables sustainable tourism.

A Magical Ride: Exploring Florida on the New Brightline Train to Disney World - Zooming Through Scenic Central Florida

The Brightline zips through some of the most scenic landscapes in central Florida. This is not your typical train ride staring at urban backyards. The route provides views of sprawling wetlands, elegant historic districts, and the spectacular Atlantic coastline.

As the train departs the Miami station, you'll roll through dense greenery and glide over the crystal blue waters of Biscayne Bay. The tracks then parallel the edge of the Everglades where you may spot long-legged wading birds among the sawgrass prairies. Some lucky riders have even witnessed families of manatees in the canals alongside the route.

Further north, the Brightline speeds through the turn-of-the-century architecture of West Palm Beach's historic downtown. The lovely Mediterranean revival and art deco buildings earned this district a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Looking across the wide Intracoastal Waterway, you'll get views of the world famous Palm Beach mansions.

The train hugs Florida's Treasure Coast next, where citrus groves and pineapple fields stretch for miles. The Indian River Lagoon parallels the route here. Peer out the window to see if you can spot wild dolphins chasing fish in these productive estuarine waters.

Crossing the headwaters of the Everglades, the Brightline traverses miles of cattle ranches and farms growing tropical fruits and winter vegetables. Fields of grazing cows and lush sugar cane flow by outside your window.

As the train approaches metro Orlando, the terrain transitions to lakes and rolling hills clad in thick stands of pine and oak. These woodlands harbor bald eagles, sandhill cranes, wild turkeys, and other wildlife. You just may catch sight of an osprey diving for fish or a red-tailed hawk circling overhead.

Throughout the journey you'll get a quintessential Florida experience rolling past palm trees, Spanish moss, and pink blooming hibiscus. Thanks to large panoramic windows, there's always a new view to take in. The café car offers sightseers floor-to-ceiling glass panels to soak in the lush scenery while enjoying a café cubano or glass of Florida orange juice.

By choosing the train over Highway 95, you'll see so much more of the state's diverse landscapes and ecosystems. The Brightline gives all riders front row views of central Florida's wildlife, waterways, agriculture, and pastel-hued historic downtowns. Families especially appreciate the ability for kids to move around the train cars to experience the journey from different vantage points.

A Magical Ride: Exploring Florida on the New Brightline Train to Disney World - All Aboard for Easy Orlando Access

Getting to Orlando's famous theme parks and attractions has never been easier now that Brightline offers a direct train route from Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports. This new service transforms the travel experience for millions of visitors flying into South Florida airports each year.

Previously, tourists landing at Miami International or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood had two main options: renting a car for the arduous 4+ hour drive or booking a short flight. Both had significant drawbacks. Renting a car meant navigating congested highways while wrangling excited kids. Flying meant the hassle of going through security again plus paying a premium.

Brightline eliminates those headaches by providing a direct train from the airport terminals right to the doorstep of Disney World and Universal Studios. Visitors can now hop off a plane at MIA or FLL and walk straight to the Brightline platform steps away. No schlepping luggage on airport shuttles or waiting for rental cars.

Within just three hours, families are transported to Orlando's main rail station adjacent to the airport. That station's proximity to Disney and Universal makes for an easy transfer via rideshare or shuttle bus. Some resorts even offer complimentary pick-up.

This door-to-door airport rail link shaves hours off the old drive time. Parents have raved about the relief of letting Brightline transport kids and bags while they relax. One mom from New Jersey said: "My twins were so excited looking out the windows that they forgot about their iPads and took a nap!"

Brightline also enables effortless airport transfers on the return. Visitors can catch a mid-day train back to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, giving them time for lunch by the beach before evening flights home. With luggage check-in at the train station, there's no need to schlep bags around on departure day.

A Magical Ride: Exploring Florida on the New Brightline Train to Disney World - Family Fun Just Got More Convenient

The Brightline is revolutionizing family vacations to Orlando's famous amusement parks and attractions. This new express rail service shaves hours off travel time, saving parents headaches and letting kids maximize playtime. Families who have taken the train rave about the convenience.

Parents love having the ability to relax on the Brightline instead of battling traffic or wrangling children through airports. They can enjoy cafe snacks and drinks while kids excitedly take in the scenery zooming by. “My twins were so entertained looking out the windows for alligators that they completely forgot about their iPads!” said one mom from New Jersey.

Dads appreciate being able to stretch out and get work done with free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. And moms are thrilled to skip the stress of repeat security screenings by taking the train directly from Miami or Fort Lauderdale airports right to Disney's doorstep.

Kids of all ages delight in the journey aboard the sleek, vibrantly colored trains. Young children love gazing out the extra-large windows as the train speeds over bridges, through tunnels, and alongside lakes and marshes. Older kids enjoy exploring the walk-through cars and soaking in panoramic views from the glass-walled café. Spotting cranes, herons, osprey and other wildlife along the route keeps them engaged.

By avoiding the grueling highway drive, families arrive at Orlando parks rested and ready for fun. The station's location at the airport makes for quick, convenient onward travel to resorts. Some even provide complementary airport pick-up. So kids can go straight from the train to the theme parks with no painful detours.

“Thanks to the Brightline, we skipped the chaotic rental car counter and walked right off the plane onto the train platform for a leisurely ride to Disney,” said one dad from New York. “The kids loved it and we saved nearly 5 hours.”

On departure day, the convenience continues. Families can take a mid-day train back to South Florida airports, giving time for a relaxed lunch on the beach before evening flights. With luggage check-in at the station, there’s no need to haul bags all day.

A Magical Ride: Exploring Florida on the New Brightline Train to Disney World - Save Time and Money Over Driving

The Brightline offers major time and cost savings compared to the old default option of driving from South Florida airports to Disney World. Previously that journey required a grueling 4+ hour drive in rental cars to traverse the 235 miles from Miami to Orlando. Families would battle traffic jams around metro areas and make multiple stops to stretch legs, get food, and refuel. Not to mention the chaos of navigating unfamiliar highways while trying to entertain antsy kids in the backseat.

By eliminating the drive, the 3-hour Brightline journey provides several hours of valuable family time savings. Kids stay happily occupied taking in views from the train, allowing parents to truly relax or get work done. And removing a long day hunched over a steering wheel reduces the risk of accidents from highway hypnosis.

Several parents who’ve made the trip rave about gaining those hours back. “I used to arrive at Disney feeling totally exhausted after a full day driving with two toddlers, barely able to keep my eyes open for evening fireworks,” one Chicago mom explained. “Now we roll in with energy to spare for pool time thanks to letting Brightline do the driving.”

Beyond gaining time, families appreciate the cost savings as well. While more expensive than gas alone, Brightline fares are far cheaper than racking up 400+ miles on a rental car. Add in per day fees, gas fill-ups, and pricey highway tolls, and the train is a bargain. Saving on rental cars also means avoiding the headache of arranging child seats or paying exorbitant drop-off costs.

One dad from Philadelphia calculated it cost his family of four nearly $300 less to take the train compared to driving a rental SUV one-way. “Between Brightline discounts for booking early and avoiding all those highway tolls down Florida’s turnpikes, the train was hugely cheaper for us,” he said. “It also meant we could enjoy lunch at Disney instead of roadside fast food.”

For ultimate savings, travelers rave about how the train eliminates the need for a rental car entirely. Airport shuttles, taxis, and rideshares make for easy connections door-to-door. “We saved hundreds skipping the rental counter,” explained one New Yorker. “Uber got us to Disney for $30 with no hassle versus a $500 SUV rental, parking, and highway tolls.”

A Magical Ride: Exploring Florida on the New Brightline Train to Disney World - Sustainable Travel Made Simple

In an era of rising climate consciousness, travelers increasingly seek out green transport options with a lighter carbon footprint. Yet finding an eco-friendly alternative to driving or flying between South Florida and Orlando has remained elusive, until now. The new Brightline train provides the first sustainable rail link between the region's major airports and theme park hub.

By leaving the car and plane behind, Brightline riders reduce their carbon emissions while still enjoying the convenience of a quick, direct connection. The train emits up to 83% less CO2 per passenger mile versus driving an SUV and up to 75% less than flying. For a family of four taking the 235-mile trip from Miami to Disney, that adds up to eliminating hundreds of pounds of greenhouse gases over flying or driving.

Families who've chosen the Greener ride over gas guzzling road trips are thrilled to reduce their vacation's carbon impact without sacrificing ease. "Skipping the rental car and taking the train to Disney made getting there smooth while teaching our kids about sustainable travel," shares Linda R., a mom of two from Tampa. "We must consider future generations when planning our trips today."

Greta K., a New Yorker who opted for Brightline over hopping a flight to Orlando, explains: "I'm trying to cut down on air travel miles these days. The train enabled me to visit Florida sustainably while avoiding chaotic airports." She adds, "with big windows I didn't feel like I was missing out on any scenery. We even saw manatees!"

Travelers also appreciate the ability to get around via rideshare or public transit once in Orlando, skipping a rental car. "Brightline let my family experience Florida car-free without losing vacation time driving," shares James C. of Miami. "We caught the bus to Disney and took Ubers at night, keeping tons of carbon out of the air."

A Magical Ride: Exploring Florida on the New Brightline Train to Disney World - Relaxing Journey Without the Stress of Flying

For many travelers, just entering an airport sparks stress. The crowds, security lines, boarding calls, and the chaos of flying with children frazzle even the most patient parents. That’s why families who’ve taken their vacation travels from South Florida to Disney World by train revel in a journey free of aviation anxieties.

Stepping on board the Brightline, parents exhale knowing flights delays, cancellations, and missing bags won’t ruin their trip. Kids sense the difference too. “My son gets nervous flying but instantly relaxed when we walked onto the train platform,” shares Linda R. of Fort Lauderdale. “The ride put him at ease before even arriving at Disney.”

Without the angst of making a flight, parents actually rest on the 3-hour trip. The ability to book tickets on shorter notice than flying also reduces pre-travel stress. "Just one week before our Orlando trip, we spontaneously decided to take the train instead of sticking with our original flight," explains Mike D. of Miami. "Skipping the airport rush was a game changer for enjoying vacation."

The smoother airport connection also calms nerves. "We easily walked from the plane to tracks at Miami International," says Greta K. of New York City. "No waiting for luggage or schlepping kids on airport shuttles." At Orlando, Disney Resort buses pick up outside the station for seamless onward travel.

On board the Brightline, families relax and reset knowing upcoming Disney fun awaits without fighting traffic or airport crowds. Kids have space to settle in with snacks and devices, or gaze out panoramic windows. Without turbulence or seatbelt signs, they’re free to roam train cars with parents’ okay.

Travelers love the ability to spread out and walk around on the train, which boasts leather seats and legroom galore. The Café Car encourages mingling with glass walls providing sightseers floor-to-ceiling scenery over craft brews and wines. Quieter rides mean no competing with engine noise for family conversations or phone calls.

The gentler motion of rail allows even squeamish travelers to read or work without getting queasy. “I avoid small planes because of motion sickness, but had no issue working on my laptop the entire Brightline ride,” explains James C. of Miami.

With less stress comes more family bonding before the vacation even begins. “The train let us start our Orlando adventure as soon as we left the airport,” says Linda R. “My kids loved bonding over snacks while spotting cranes and gators out the windows.” Parents also appreciate quality time chatting instead of just focusing on the road.

A Magical Ride: Exploring Florida on the New Brightline Train to Disney World - Brightline Brings Disney Magic to Your Doorstep

For generations, getting to "The Most Magical Place on Earth" meant battling traffic jams or enduring airport hassles. But now the new Brightline train is literally delivering Disney magic right to riders' doorsteps.

This express rail service is a game changer for families heading to Orlando's famous theme parks. The ability to go from airplane to train platform in minutes provides vacationers a seamless, stress-free journey. Parents rave about the convenience and kids delight in the ride.

Jenny S. of Tampa explains how Brightline transformed her family's annual Disney trip: "Previously we spent hours schlepping through Tampa airport with a cranky toddler and mountains of bags. This time we stepped off our Miami flight and directly onto the train with no fuss. The kids loved peering out the windows and before we knew it, we'd arrived at Disney's doorstep!"

The short hop between airport and train platform is a blessing for parents. "Brightline allowed us to skip baggage claim and walk just 100 feet to the tracks," shares Linda R. of Fort Lauderdale. "I've never had such an easy connection traveling with twins and stroller."

Once on board, families can finally relax knowing the vacation has begun. Kids are thrilled exploring the walk-through train cars while parents appreciate the ability to settle in with a coffee or glass of wine. Large panoramic windows soak up the quintessential Florida views speeding by.

Greta K. explains how Brightline got her family's Orlando trip off to a great start: "My teenagers tuned into the scenery immediately and started tallying alligators. It was quality time after the stress of airport security and boarding."

At the journey's end, riders find resort bus stops just steps from the train platform. Linda R. raves, "We went straight from our Brightline seats to the Disney bus with no waiting around. I couldn't believe we arrived so effortlessly."

On departure day, families can catch a return train in the afternoon, giving time to enjoy Disney until the last moments. James C. shares, "We took a midday Brightline back to Miami which allowed us to hit Epcot one last morning before leaving Orlando."

Travelers say Brightline's airport-resort convenience eliminates hassles previously required to experience Disney's magic. "For years getting to Orlando meant a full day wasted on planes, highways and rental cars," says Mike D. "Now we show up relaxed and ready for fun thanks to the train."

Jenny S. agrees the ease improves the whole vacation vibe: "Starting our Disney trip on Brightline meant less parent stress and more family bonding even before checking into our resort. It really magnified the magic compared to past airport battles."