A high-speed rail network connecting Orlando's major tourist destinations to the airport would be fantastic, especially for those visitors who can't afford, or who do not want to be burdened with, a rental car.
I'll certainly be using this when it's up and running.
There are alot of college students that come to the parks for Spring Break.
The closest thing we currently have to a bullet train in the U.S. is Amtrak's Acela line, which connects Washington with Boston. Although designed to run faster, Acela's top cruising speed is 130 mph, but that's only on two short stretchs in Rhode Island and Massachusetts; the train's average speed is 80 mph.
With so many stops between Tampa and Orlando, it's hard to imagine Florida's high-speed train will exceed Acela's average speed. In other words, the train isn't going to get you to Disney World much faster than your rental car.
If Orlando/Tampa Bay want high speed rail then these cities and the state of Florida should pay for it, and not burden the cost of this on taxpayers from across the country.
No wonder our country is trillions in debt and it just keeps getting bigger when the federal government is spending money that isn't a federal responsibility.
I would guess that when this rail line goes live, Disney will likely provide guests access to it via their packages, and maybe even phase out Magical Express. The problem with this new rail line though, is like I pointed out, more guests might decide to take a day trip to Busch or Universal or any of the other area attractions. So, while it's a plus for Disney in having a stop right on property, it could also benefit their competitors just as well. Because, while it makes it quicker and easier to get to Disney, it also makes it quicker and easier to get to other places as well.
I would guess that when this rail line goes live, Disney will likely provide guests access to it via their packages, and maybe even phase out Magical Express. The problem with this new rail line though, is like I pointed out, more guests might decide to take a day trip to Busch or Universal or any of the other area attractions. So, while it's a plus for Disney in having a stop right on property, it could also benefit their competitors just as well. Because, while it makes it quicker and easier to get to Disney, it also makes it quicker and easier to get to other places as well.
That said the train needs to come downtown to the Lynx station and not just stop in tourista-land or the airport - it needs to be convenient to the locals, not just airplane arriving touristas.
Doug D.
Orlando, FL
I would much rather use a train to get to disney from the airport than a bus, as the bus queues are terrible most times. If you could leave you bags and jump on a train that takes you to a set point in disney then use disney transport from there it would be a lot quicker and easier
I always drive to Orlando... getting there is part of the fun!