Wonderful Experience – Smooth, Relaxing, and Memorable We kicked off 2026 by checking something off my mom’s bucket list: riding a train. After researching our options, we chose Brightline—and I’m so glad we did. We arrived at the Orlando station and parked in the garage. The walk to the entrance was easy and not bad at all, though parking closer to the entrance does depend on where you park. Overall, very convenient. When we arrived, there was a small hiccup with the ticket-scanning doors during security, but staff got everyone through and security itself was quick and painless. The station is beautiful, clean, and modern. The only downside is the waiting area—it can feel crowded when the train is full. Premium passengers do have a separate, more comfortable seating area, which is a nice perk. Some staff weren’t overly friendly, but it didn’t take away from the experience. Boarding happens very close to departure time, so don’t expect to line up early. Once onboard, everything was smooth. There were four of us, and the seating was roomy and comfortable. It was such a relaxing experience—just sitting back, enjoying the ride, and letting someone else do the "driving". It was a ladies’ trip, and my mom truly enjoyed every moment. Food and drinks are available onboard, but they are very expensive (think $4 for an 8-oz soda). I highly recommend bringing your own snacks and making it part of the experience—you are allowed to bring food with you. There are several stops between Orlando and Miami, but boarding and unloading were quick and efficient. Once we arrived in Miami, we explored the food court and loved having multiple restaurant options with a shared seating area. The staff there were incredibly friendly. On our return trip, the train was less crowded, so we stretched out, read, napped, and enjoyed the peaceful ride. The train was impressively smooth—the only noticeable movement was during track changes. Special shoutout to Mr. Ray and another wonderful staff member whose name I sadly didn’t catch—they were fantastic and truly enhanced the experience. Parking tip: If you have E-Pass or SunPass with a transponder, you can park right near the entrance. I had an account but no transponder, so we used the garage—still very convenient. Overall, this was an amazing experience, and it definitely won’t be our last. Next time, we’re planning a full weekend trip using Brightline. Highly recommend!