The Walt Disney World Railroad has been chugging around Magic Kingdom since opening day in 1971. Its steam locomotives are genuine antiques, built in the early twentieth century and restored by Disney after years of hauling sugar cane in Mexico. Riding the train is a relaxing way to rest your feet, see the park from a different angle, and hear the whistle that has become part of Magic Kingdom’s soundtrack.
| Location | Main Street, U.S.A. station and Fantasyland station |
| Ride type | Steam train |
| Height requirement | None |
| Opened | October 1, 1971 |
| Current route | Round trip between Main Street and Fantasyland (the full loop is paused for construction) |
| Thrill level | None |
| Lightning Lane | Not offered |
What the ride is like
You board open-air passenger cars at the Victorian-style station at the top of Main Street, where the platform looks straight down the street to the castle. Benches face sideways, so everyone gets a view. A conductor narrates the trip as the train rolls through the trees along the park’s edge.
For many years the train made a full loop of the park with a stop in Frontierland. Construction on the new Cars-themed area, Piston Peak, has removed part of that track, so for now the train shuttles between the Main Street and Fantasyland stations. Disney has said the full circle will return once construction wraps up, though that is several years away.
Tips for riding
- Use it as transportation. Riding from Main Street to Fantasyland is a nice way to skip the crowds in the hub, especially if you’re headed to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
- Check the schedule. The train occasionally pauses for maintenance or weather. The My Disney Experience app shows whether it’s running.
- Train fans, look closely. Each locomotive has a name, and the conductors are usually happy to share the history.
Accessibility
Guests may remain in wheelchairs using the accessible car. ECV users need to transfer to a wheelchair. The Main Street station is reached by stairs or a ramp, and the Fantasyland station is at ground level.
Featured Photo: Walt disney world railroad no 4 by Zach Casper, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
