New Update on SunRail Train Connecting Orlando Airport to Disney World and Universal Orlando

Sunshine on the Rails? SunRail Extension Could Bring Big Changes for Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Travelers

Getting from the airport to your favorite Orlando theme park may one day be smoother, cheaper, and way more relaxing — if a long-awaited rail expansion finally gets the green light.

According to reporting by the Orlando Sentinel, the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission just unanimously approved a critical $6 million feasibility study for the proposed Sunshine Corridor, a game-changing SunRail extension that would connect Orlando International Airport to the heart of the tourist corridor — including stops near Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, the Orange County Convention Center, and International Drive.

For visitors navigating Central Florida’s ever-busy highways, this could be a major win.

Related: Disney World to Open Sunrail Station at Disney Springs

What Is the Sunshine Corridor?

The Sunshine Corridor is a proposed rail link that would extend east from existing SunRail tracks to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and west toward Disney Springs, International Drive, and the Orange County Convention Center — all major destinations for tourists and business travelers alike.

This route would directly benefit guests headed to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando by providing an alternative to ride-shares, rental cars, and hotel shuttles. The expansion would also add 12 miles of track that would later support Brightline’s future high-speed connection to Tampa, further increasing accessibility for travelers arriving from both coasts.

Why This Matters for Tourists

• Easier Airport Access: No more dealing with I-4 traffic or trying to guess which Terminal your ride-share driver is circling. Visitors could hop on a train at the airport and head straight toward their resort or convention.
• Disney & Universal in Reach: While station stops still need to be finalized, early plans call for stops near Disney Springs and Universal Orlando — and Universal has already donated 13 acres for a future station at the Convention Center.
• More Transportation Options: With Brightline now serving MCO and growing SunRail ridership, this extension could transform the way both locals and tourists get around Orlando.

A Long Journey to the Station

The project still has miles to go before any track is laid. The newly approved two-year study — known as a Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) analysis — will examine everything from station locations and operational costs to ridership projections and environmental impacts. It’s a mandatory step before federal or state funding can even be considered.

Estimated to cost at least $4.4 billion to build, the Sunshine Corridor won’t be cheap. But it has the backing of heavy-hitting stakeholders: the Florida Department of Transportation is contributing $2 million toward the study, Universal Destinations & Experiences is adding another $2 million, and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (the District that oversees the property upon which the Walt Disney World Resort is situated) has pledged $500,000.

Walt Disney World has not publicly commented on the project or its involvement in the corridor, but with Disney Springs named as a potential stop, the House of Mouse stands to gain as well — especially when it comes to easing guest arrival logistics.

Related: Universal Orlando Announces SunRail Station Near Epic Universe

What’s Next?

With the PD&E study now in motion, the next two years will determine whether the Sunshine Corridor is truly feasible — and if so, how soon the vision could come to life.

In the meantime, traffic-weary tourists and locals alike will be watching closely. If the Sunshine Corridor becomes reality, it could mark one of the biggest transportation upgrades to hit Central Florida since the opening of MCO itself.

TL;DR for Theme Park Travelers:

• 🚆 SunRail may soon connect Orlando Airport to major tourist spots, including Disney Springs and Universal Orlando.
• 🌞 The project is called the Sunshine Corridor, and a key $6 million feasibility study is now underway.
• 🛫 Tourists could one day ride the rails from their flight straight to the fun — say goodbye to rental cars and gridlock!
• 💸 At least $4.4 billion would be needed to build it, and this new study is the essential first step.
• 🎢 Universal is all in — donating land and funding — and Disney could benefit big-time too.

Stay tuned as we track this potential transportation game-changer!