We now have a reopening for the Walt Disney World railroad with NEW narration!

It’s been FOUR years! We now have a reopening for the Walt Disney World railroad – and it includes new narration!

Walt Disney World Railroad

Skyliner. Monorail. Buses. Disney World has all the transportation, including railroads! Magic Kingdom has its very own railroad, which can transport Guests around the park.

The Disney website describe the railroad as: “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.”

You can board or disembark at any of 3 stations:

• Near the entrance to the park on Main Street, U.S.A.
• The Frontierland station
• The Fantasyland station

A noted train enthusiast, Walt Disney built his very first railroad in his backyard. The Carolwood Pacific Railroad, a 1/8-scale train, debuted in 1950 and featured a custom-built, steam powered locomotive that encircled his property.

Delighted with his miniature backyard railroad, Walt decided to share his love of trains with the whole world. The result was the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad, a favorite of Guests since the park opened in 1955.

Closure

Unfortunately, the railroad has been closed since the end of 2018 to make way for TRON construction. Testing for the railroad has been SEEN and HEARD several times, both inside and outside of the park. Not only that, but construction updates of Tron show the track and tunnel being worked on. 

We have been waiting for this moment for years, and the time has come! Disney just announced the reopening date for the Walt Disney World Railroad!

Reopening

The railroad will reopen this holiday season! We had heard reports that Disney hoped to reopen the railroad by Christmas Day, and it looks like that holiday wish will come true! Cast Member previews began today, December 22.

“Holiday season” could mean any day between now and early January. So, if you will be visiting Magic Kingdom in the next few weeks be sure to keep an eye open for the railroad! It’s likely we will not know a specific date until Disney officially reopens the attraction. It will be a nice Christmas surprise!

The Walt Disney World railroad will reopen this holiday season!

New Narration

There will also be new narration once Guests climb aboard again! “The familiar whistle of its steam engine will be complemented by exciting new sounds and voices,” the team of Imagineers shared. “A new conductor has assumed the role, carrying on the long tradition of warm welcomes and amusing anecdotes while adding fresh commentary and story to the journey.”

The creative voiceover process is as detailed as the train operation itself, and it all starts with the conductor. For these meticulously restored steam trains, the scenic grand circle tour must be guided by a voice the guests can envision and resonate with. Someone who grew up on Main Street, U.S.A., dreaming of the day they’d be on the railroad.

They’ve now achieved that dream, and they know everyone and everything at Magic Kingdom … an unofficial mayor of sorts. This conductor is humble, genial, and knowledgeable, and he’s eager to help passengers of these iconic steam trains get to their destinations around the park he loves so dearly.

This legacy attraction now holds true the very nostalgia of opening day and blends it with the wonder of new adventures, immersing you into story after story as it loops around the park. You may even encounter a character or two along the way!

Will you be riding the Walt Disney World railroad the next time you visit the Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below and on Facebook.