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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Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees