Now that the Orlando Airport Brightline Train has officially been open for a little while, we’ve had the chance to check it out.
And, of course, doing anything once obviously makes you an expert in a subject — which is why we feel like we have to share these secrets with you. Okay, these may not be secrets in the typical sense, but we do think they’ll change your mind about taking the Brightline Train at the Orlando Airport!
We checked out the Orlando Airport (MCO) Brightline Train on a trip down to Miami, so you can pretty much call us experts at this point. And, since we’re officially experts (we don’t make the rules) we’re sharing these secrets that might make you consider taking the train on your next Disney World trip!
There’s convenient access at MCO.
Since the Orlando Brightline station is at MCO, you might be wondering about the chaos that might ensue when arriving to catch your train. Luckily, that’s not something you need to be worried about!
The Brightline Station at MCO actually has its own drop-off and pick-up loop conveniently located near the station. When we arrived for our train ride, there were barely any other cars in the area and we didn’t find ourselves stressing out about getting all of our luggage out of the car while being yelled at by a traffic guard.
It might be cheaper than flying.
Getting to Disney World isn’t cheap no matter how you slice it, but some ways are more expensive than others — and it can depend on where you’re traveling from. Since Miami also has a Brightline Station, flying into the Miami Airport and taking the train to Orlando could end up being cheaper for some folks.
This could be especially true for visitors coming from the Caribbean and South America. Just take the train to the Orlando Airport and book transportation from MCO to Disney World!
Going through security is a BREEZE!
There are two types of people in this world: Those who abhor going through airport security and those who treat it like an Olympic sport. No matter which type you are, we guarantee that you won’t have to worry about either when it comes to Brightline.
Going through security was easy — almost too easy — and all in all it took us about 5 minutes total to make our way through after we arrived at the station. Efficiency is the name of the game with Brightline — boarding began only 10 minutes before we were scheduled to depart!
No restrictions on liquids.
Speaking of security being a breeze — you can take your full-size beauty products on Brightline trains! No need to buy travel-size items or squeeze your moisturizer into a smaller bottle, and forget about having to get rid of any snacks and drinks you can’t live without.
With Brightline, you won’t have a last-second panic attack thinking you might have left a bottle of sunscreen in the bottom of your bag from Spring Break 2004 in Daytona Beach.
The trains are new and clean.
This one really speaks for itself — and we know it’s not a secret, but it really does make a world of difference. These trains are brand-spankin’ new, meaning they haven’t felt the years of wear and tear that the giant Airbus in the sky has experienced.
The train we rode on was incredibly clean and litter-free, and the same can be said of the station. They’re also clearly marked, making it easy to find your way around!
The seats are roomier than what you’d find traveling coach on a plane!
Our seat was pretty roomy, and there was a seatback tray table you could unfold to work, eat, read, or whatever you might want to do on your trip. We felt like we had much more room than on a typical commercial flight flying coach.
There was also plenty of room overhead for luggage, and the seats themselves didn’t feel too cramped to us. There are different types of seats depending on your travel party and the type of trip you’re trying to have.
There are plenty of food and drink options.
Food and beverage service is at your seat like you’d expect on an airline, rather than in a dining or snack cart like you might find on an Amtrak train. There are assorted pastries for breakfast, sandwiches, and salads for lunch, and even kids’ meals and combos.
If you’re looking to wet your whistle, there are cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks, and of course — snacks! These are all additional charges on top of the cost of your ticket, but we felt the selection was a bit better than what you’d typically see on a flight.
You’ll find lots of daily trips.
If you’re looking for flexibility with your travel schedule, it’s hard to beat Brightline. In fact, they’ve already doubled service to the Orlando Airport since initially opening.
Now, you’ll find 30 trips to and from Miami each day — 15 each way — meaning more opportunities for you to snag a ride.
There’s a multi-ride pass option.
Planning on taking multiple trips with Brightline? There’s a pass for that. The All-Station Shared Pass allows for repeat travel between Orlando and Brightline’s five stations in South Florida — while eliminating peak fares for frequent travelers between the regions.
The pass starts at $1,199 for SMART service and “can be shared to book rides for friends, family, and colleagues.” The All-Station Shared Pass services Orlando, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and Miami, and allows for a total of 12 rides valid for 90 days.
If you normally travel to Disney World via car or plane and have the option of checking the Brightline Train out instead, it might just be a better option for you! Of course, every vacation is different, but at least you’ll also be a Brightline expert if you do decide to climb aboard.
As always, stay tuned to DFB for the latest news and information that might impact your Disney World trip!
We Rode the NEW Orlando Airport Brightline Train and It’s a Gamechanger
Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks
Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World
Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport
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Will you be hopping on the Brightline Train? Tell us in the comments.
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