The Walt Disney World Railroad if officially open again and taking guests on a tour around the Magic Kingdom. This opening day attraction has been closed for four years to accommodate the building of the new TRON Lightcycle/Run attraction that is set to open in Tomorrowland in the spring. The reopening of the Walt Disney World Railroad comes just a day after it was announced that it was announced that the attraction would be back for the holidays. Yesterday, Cast Members were given the opportunity to experience the train.
Today the Walt Disney World Railroad opened at 10:00 AM. However, it is set to be operating between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM daily. There are variations on the schedule so check the My Disney Experience App or Walt Disney World Resort website for operating times.
Walt Disney World Railroad Description
Listen to the clamor of the engine, the chug of the wheels and the call of the whistle as you travel aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad.
Take your seat on 1 of 4 meticulously restored, vintage narrow-gauge steam trains—originally built between 1916 and 1928—and enjoy a relaxing 20-minute, 1.5-mile scenic round-trip tour.
It’s a convenient—and nostalgic—way to get around Magic Kingdom park!
Walt Disney World Website
The Walt Disney World Railroad originally opened to the public on October 1, 1971. Initially, this was the only stop for the train. The original Frontierland Station opened on May 1, 1972. This would later be replaced. A third stop at what was then Mickey’s Birthdayland Station opened on June 18, 1988. This is now as the Fantasyland Station. With the reopening, a new narration helps share the magic of the park as guests circle it.
The train is a narrow gauge railroad that makes the 1.5 mile loop in approximately 20 minutes with one of its four steam engines chugging away. Each of these steam engines were originally built by Baldwin Locomotive Works between 1916 and 1928. They were purchased by Disney from Ferrocarriles Unidos de Yucatán in Mexico. They were shipped to the United States where they were restored and also reimagined to look like engines from the 1880s. A set of passenger cars were built from scratch for each of the locomotives. The four engines that are a part of the Walt Disney World Railroad are:
- Walter E. Disney – originally built in May 1925
- Lilly Belle – originally built in September 1928
- Roger E. Broggie – originally built in May 1925
- Roy O. Disney – originally built in February 1916
The Walt Disney World Railroad has roots that go to Walt Disney himself, who was an avid train lover. He had The Carolwood Pacific Railroad in his backyard initially. It opened in 1950. It was a 1/8-scale train that featured a custom-built, steam powered locomotive. This train circled his property. When Disneyland opened in 1955, the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad would circle the park.
Are you excited about the return of the Walt Disney World Railroad? Is it an attraction you must experience when visiting the Magic Kingdom? Which engine is your favorite? Share your thought and opinions about this iconic attraction in the comments below!
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