Universal Orlando doubles down on development plans with regional train service investment
The future is looking bright for train travel in Orlando. Brightline, the fast eco-friendly rail service expanding through Southern Florida, is headed to the country's theme park capital later this year. Now, Universal has announced it will invest in a commuter rail station at Orlando's Convention Center near the park's Epic Universe expansion. This development means a public rail stop will be available to guests; in other words, they can visit one of the major theme parks without having to drive or use a car service.
What gives this news an interesting twist? A previously announced Brightline stop at Disney Springs was ultimately nixed last year.
Here's what we know about the new rail development so far:
Orlando's Right Rail coalition and Universal Orlando Resort announced the creation of the Shingle Creek Transit Utility Community Development District on Thursday. It's a limited-purpose public entity that will "plan, finance, construct, operate, own and maintain" a new Orange County Convention Center SunRail station.
This station will be part of a commuter rail line that is expected to link Orlando International Airport (MCO) with Orange County Convention Center, Universal Orlando Resort and the International Drive corridor. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the train service may come as soon as 2030.
"We are one step closer to creating a multi-directional commuter rail system that benefits our entire region," John Sprouls, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Universal Parks & Resorts, said. "The new SunRail corridor and convention center station will make it easier for residents to get to work, the airport and to the places they love. And it will enable business growth within the International Drive area and across the region."
Under the community development district plan, Universal will provide $125 million in financing for the project through bonds and contribute $2 million annually for station maintenance and operation. Additionally, the resort will contribute 13 acres of land to create the station. Along with a coalition of business owners along International Drive, it will contribute to the district's guarantee of $13 million in annual ticket sales for the Sunshine Corridor — the estimated annual cost to operate the rail line.
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Earn 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200K miles when you spend $150K in the first 6 monthsLIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus milesAnnual Fee
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The Capital One Venture X Business Card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit. (Partner offer)Pros
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- In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
- Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.
Cons
- The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month