disney world park train tour

Complete Guide to the Walt Disney World Railroad at Magic Kingdom

All aboard! It’s time to talk about one of the best attractions at Magic Kingdom — the Walt Disney World Railroad.

Yes, we truly believe the train that travels around Magic Kingdom is not only iconic, but also worth hopping on at least once during a park visit — especially if you’ve never done so.

Because of the TRON construction, the beloved train was closed for several years, but that’s not the case anymore!

Here’s what’s new:

• Although the path is mainly the same (with some small changes near TRON Lightcycle / Run), the entire track has been refreshed.
• In addition, the 100-year-old trains themselves have also been refreshed.
• One of the most noticeable changes will be what you hear when riding. The train features a new narration and voiceover. Disney says, “Walt Disney Imagineering also seized this moment to revisit the narration and introduce an all-new voice to bring guests into the beloved stories they encounter as they travel from one magical land to the next.”

It’s no secret that Walt Disney was a big lover of trains. Riding the Walt Disney World Railroad is a great way to honor the man who started it all with a mouse.

The train might not be a thrill ride or an attraction everyone runs to, but it’s special and not to be ignored.

Plus, it’s a great way to get around the park without having to walk, perfect for little ones, and offers views that you can’t see anywhere else in Magic Kingdom.

So if we could have your attention please as we present to you our guide to Walt Disney World Railroad .

Before we get too far into it, make sure you check out our guide on the Best Rides at Magic Kingdom for information on every attraction and show at Magic Kingdom.

In this article

Walt Disney World Railroad Quick Facts

• Location: Magic Kingdom, stations at Main Street U.S.A., Frontierland, and Fantasyland
• Height requirement : None
• Suitable for: Everyone
• Attraction length: 20 minutes
• Do we recommend? Only as a time filler, not a high priority (but we think everyone should ride it at least once!)
• When to visit: Anytime
• Scheduled Refurbishments
• Tip(s): This is a great attraction to ride if you have a little one who needs to rest since you can stay on it as long as you like. You can get on and off on any of its 3 stops so it is also a good way to save some steps if you need to cross the park.

Description : The Walt Disney World Railroad is a 20-minute slow-moving, 1.5-mile scenic round-trip train ride around the Magic Kingdom. You can ride on 1 of 4 restored, vintage narrow-gauge steam trains that were originally built between 1916 and 1928.

There are 3 different places to find the Walt Disney World Railroad, including:

The Main Street, U.S.A. station

This is the main station for the railroad and located in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A.

You’ll see this station as soon as you enter the park. You can even see the train arriving and departing as soon as you scan into Magic Kingdom.

There’s a lot of history here thanks to photos and other memorabilia on display. Be sure to walk underneath the train station too for more history!

• The stop after getting on at Main Street, U.S.A. is the Frontierland station.

Frontierland Station

The Frontierland station is located in – you guessed it – Frontierland.

You can find it sitting between Tiana’s Bayou Adventure-Opening 2024 (same spot where Splash Mountain used to be) and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad .

Hopping on here offers cool views of the Frontierland area, especially Thunder Mountain.

• The next stop after getting on at Frontierland is the Fantasyland station.

Fantasyland Station

The Fantasyland station is located in the Storybook Circus area behind Barnstormer.

• The stop after getting on at Fantasyland is the Main Street, U.S.A. station.

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How to ride the Walt Disney World Railroad

The Walt Disney World Railroad only has a Standby Line. There is also no Single Rider Line.

Typically, the train doesn’t have extremely long waits. A lot of people can ride at once due to plenty of seating and the number of railroad cars. And with groups of people getting off and on, the wait is never too lengthy.

A complete roundtrip is about 20 minutes, with each Walt Disney World Railroad line arriving at each station every 5 to 10 minutes.

Typically, 2 or 3 trains run each day.

Do I need to use Genie+ for the railroad?

No, you do not need to use Genie+ for the railroad, especially because there isn’t a Lightning Lane available here.

Be sure to check out our touring strategies for Magic Kingdom for more Genie+ advice.

Rider Switch/Child Swap

The Walt Disney World Railroad does not have Rider Switch, but several attractions in Magic Kingdom do .

Learn more about Rider Switch.

What to expect when you ride

The queue for the railroad doesn’t have any interactive elements or games and is pretty standard, but each one has its own theming depending on where the station is located. All of the station queues are also outdoors and mainly covered/in the shade.

Ride Vehicles

There are 4 steam locomotives:

• Walter E. Disney
• Lilly Belle
• Roy O. Disney
• Roger E. Broggie

Each locomotive has 5 passenger cars, with each train holding about 365 passengers total.

All of the trains have benches that face forward and can fit around 3 to 5 guests.

Accessibility Information

Guests in ECVs must either transfer to a manual wheelchair or onto a train seat.

ECVs must stay at the station after guests have transferred, meaning you will have to go back to that station to pick up the ECV.

Folded strollers can be brought on board, but in-park rental strollers and any other stroller that can’t be folded must be left in the nearby designated stroller parking.

Handheld captioning  is available for guests with hearing disabilities.

On the Ride

Here’s a breakdown of the ride as if you’re leaving the Main Street station and taking a roundtrip.

When you exit the Main Street station, you’ll come upon a lot of foliage, along with different themed props and a brief peek into backstage areas as you make your way through Adventureland on your way to Frontierland.

Historically, as you approached Frontierland, you traveled through a tunnel that overlooked the finale scene of Splash Mountain where the animatronics sang on the riverboat. We will have to wait to discover what we’ll see after Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens.

Once you exit the Frontierland station, you’ll come upon Thunder Mountain and see some awesome views. You might even get a glimpse of the roller coaster in action.

The train then crosses a bridge that offers views of the Rivers of America and the Liberty Square Riverboat.

Next, the train pulls into the Fantasyland station before heading through Tomorrowland, where you’ll see unique views of Space Mountain and TRON!

After you leave Fantasyland, you’ll head to Main Street. If you’re on the inside, you’ll be able to see the Contemporary and views of the Magic Kingdom park entrance.

Is the railroad kid-friendly?

Yes, the railroad is kid-friendly.

It also makes for a great attraction if you have a little one who needs to rest since you can stay on it as long as you like.

If your stroller doesn’t fold and you have to park it, be sure to take your valuables with you and cover your stroller to protect it from those almost  guaranteed Florida rainstorms .

The Walt Disney World Railroad and all 4 steam locomotives debuted on October 1, 1971 – opening day of Magic Kingdom.

The fleet of locomotives were manufactured by the Baldwin Automotive Works of Philadelphia between 1915-1928 for the United Railways of Yucatan. The trains transported jute and sugar through the Yucatan Peninsula.

The locomotives were then restored and repainted for the park’s opening.

The Walt Disney World Railroad fleet has 3 locomotives named after members of the Disney family – the Walter E. Disney, the Roy Disney, and the Lilly Belle (after Lillian Disney). The fourth train is named after Imagineer Roger E. Broggie.

Other fun details

• Characters appear throughout the day at the Main Street station for distanced meet and greets. This is a fun way to see Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Daisy, and Chip ‘n’ Dale. They don’t appear at set times, but sporadically throughout the day.

• If open and available, you can watch fireworks from the Main Street station. This makes for a great view, but know that you won’t be able to see the projections on the castle as well. This is also a popular spot, so you’ll want to plan accordingly and grab a spot a decent time ahead of fireworks showtime.

• While currently unavailable (and it also remains unclear if this is returning), there was once a behind-the-scenes train tour called – The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour. It was a 3-hour tour prior to park opening that offered a peek at the railroad’s operations, led by a tour guide who was also one of the engineers.

Other Attractions on Main Street, U.S.A.

• Walt Disney World Railroad — Main Street, U.S.A. Station

Other Attractions in Frontierland

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Country Bear Jamboree
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
• Tom Sawyer Island
• Walt Disney World Railroad — Frontierland Station

Other Attractions in Fantasyland

Old Fantasyland

• Cinderella Castle
• “it’s a small world”
• Mad Tea Party
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

New Fantasyland

• Ariel’s Grotto
• Enchanted Tales With Belle
• Princess Fairytale Hall
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid

Storybook Circus

• Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• The Barnstormer
• Pete’s Silly Sideshow
• Walt Disney World Railroad — Fantasyland Station

Michael Campbell

Sunday 18th of February 2024

I think there's a little typo in your description of the trains: each locomotive has five passenger cars, for a total of 20 coaches (not 80 as the article suggests).

park • speed

Ride guide to walt disney world railroad.

A classic Disney World experience for guests of all ages, this slow moving railroad transports guests around the park, on an immersive journey through the lands of the Magic Kingdom.

Know Before You Go

What you will - and won't - find in this attraction

Ride Vehicle

Attraction Overview

The railroad consists of a beautifully restored steam locomotive, accompanied by a series of meticulously designed passenger cars. The train station, located at the entrance of the park, sets the stage for this immersive experience, with its charming architecture and vintage signage.

As you board the train, you'll be transported to a bygone era, where the clickety-clack of the wheels and the steam billowing from the locomotive evoke a sense of adventure and excitement. The cars provide comfortable seating, and some even have open-air sections, allowing guests to feel the breeze and enjoy unobstructed views of the park.

The Walt Disney World Railroad takes guests on a scenic tour of the Magic Kingdom, with stops at three stations: Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland, and Fantasyland. Each leg of the journey offers unique perspectives and glimpses into different themed lands, from the quaint charm of Main Street to the rustic Wild West of Frontierland.

As you traverse the park aboard the train, you'll pass through lush landscapes, charming vignettes, and even catch glimpses of popular attractions along the way. The gentle chugging of the locomotive, the rhythmic sway of the cars, and the conductor's friendly announcements add to the overall ambiance, creating a truly immersive experience.

The Walt Disney World Railroad is not just a means of transportation but a delightful attraction in itself. It allows guests to slow down, appreciate the intricate details of the park, and enjoy a leisurely journey through a world of magic and imagination.

Whether you're seeking a break from walking, a chance to relax, or simply a memorable way to soak in the atmosphere of Magic Kingdom, the Walt Disney World Railroad is a must-ride experience. It's a journey that harkens back to a simpler time, capturing the spirit of Walt Disney's original vision and adding a touch of nostalgia to your visit.

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Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, all reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, walt disney world railroad magic kingdom, {"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"breadcrumblist","itemlistelement":[{"@type":"listitem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/attraction\/","name":"attractions"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/attraction\/search\/walt-disney-world\/all\/all\/all\/","name":"walt disney world"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/attraction\/search\/magic-kingdom\/all\/all\/all\/","name":"magic kingdom"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":4,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/attraction\/search\/main-street-usa\/all\/all\/all\/","name":"main street usa"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":5,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/magic-kingdom\/walt-disney-world-railroad-magic-kingdom\/","name":"walt disney world railroad"}}]} attractions > walt disney world > magic kingdom > main street usa > walt disney world railroad, recommended by, ride length, motion level, individual attraction selection, ride seating photos & advice, walt disney world railroad highlights:.

• Travel around the Magic Kingdom on an authentic steam powered train
• Stations located in Main Street USA, Frontierland, and Fantasyland
• Walt Disney’s love of trains is a huge influence in the Disney parks — riding the Railroad is a must do for Disney history and train buffs!

Introduction | Attraction | Ride Logistics | Interesting Facts

Note: Walt Disney World Railroad is closed due to construction of Tomorrowland’s TRON Lightcycle Run. TRON is due to open by 2021, and there’s been no official word about Walt Disney World Railroad opening sooner. 

Introduction.

Board an old-fashioned steam train for a 15-20 minute tour encircling the Magic Kingdom, with a stop at Frontierland and Storybook Circus in Fantasyland.

Walt Disney developed a love of trains at an early age. When he was a young adult, he built a half-mile scale model railway in his backyard that he called the “Carolwood Pacific Railroad.” At Disneyland, a railroad was one of the first attractions he planned. Later, when he began the design for what is now known as Walt Disney World Resort, Walt made sure that the train station was located near the entrance to the park.

Because of this, the Magic Kingdom has featured vintage, steam-powered trains since its opening in 1971. One of the first things visitors to the Magic Kingdom see as they approach the park is the Main Street Railroad Station — and one of the first sounds they hear is likely a train’s steam whistle.

You can board the Walt Disney World Railroad at any of its three stations: the main station on Main Street, U.S.A.; the station in Frontierland; and the one in Storybook Circus in Fantasyland. You can also depart at any of these stations, or stay on board for the full 1.5-mile grand-circle tour , which takes about 20 minutes . A recorded narration describes the sights you’re seeing as you make the circuit around the park at a leisurely, 10-12 mph pace.

Main Street Station — When you walk into the Magic Kingdom, you walk through a tunnel — in the center there are stairs that lead you up to the railway platform.

Frontierland Station — The Frontierland Station is located near Splash Mountain.

RIDE LOGISTICS

Hop aboard the railroad at the Main Street station at park opening and might be able to can reach Splash Mountain in Frontierland before the crowds get there!

The railroad usually runs until just before the evening’s fireworks. In fact, the elevated Main Street station is a terrific, and extremely popular, fireworks and parade viewing area .

There are some great views of the back side of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad from the train.

Those in an ECV must transfer to a standard wheelchair to board the railroad.

Strollers are permitted on the railroad.

Waiting for the Walt Disney Railroad at the Main Street train station? Put a quarter into the Antique Music Box located in the waiting room to hear a selection of tunes. Or put a coin into some of the other machines scattered around the station to watch a short movie.

The seats are open bench style with backs.

Handheld Captioning Devices from Guest Services can be used here.

If you can’t get enough of trains, you may want to take the “The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour,” a two-hour behind-the-scenes peek at the Walt Disney World Railroad. Cost is $30 per person (theme park admission is required). For more information, visit our Tour Descriptions page . To make a reservation, call 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687).

INTERESTING FACTS

Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia originally built the brightly painted locomotives in the 1910s and 1920s. They were purchased from United Railways of Yucatan in 1969, disassembled and shipped to a Tampa (Fla.) ship repair dock where they were renovated, bolt by bolt. The passenger cars were fabricated from scratch in the same warehouse where the locomotives were renovated. Originally wood burners, the locomotives were converted and currently are oil burners.

The four locomotives, which hauled both freight and passengers in the Yucatan, were renamed the Walter E. Disney, the Roy O. Disney , the Lilly Belle and the Roger E. Broggie . (Broggie was an Imagineer who also was a train fanatic.)

There’s a nod to Walt Disney’s backyard train, the Carolwood Pacific, at the Storybook Circus station on the clock face and above the main entrance.

Another spot for train buffs is the Carolwood Pacific Room , located in the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge . This sitting room features railroad memorabilia, including a special exhibit on loan from the Disney family, with two of Walt Disney ‘s personal scale-model train cars and a piece of the original track. The art and architecture of the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge tell of the pioneers who built and stayed in late 19th century railroad hotels in the national parks region of the American West.

How long is Walt Disney World Railroad?

The ride takes 20 Minutes Find all the attractions by their length

Will Walt Disney World Railroad make me motion sick?

The motion level is Low. Slow moving train ride Details on handling motion sensitivity on your visit

Is Individual Attraction Selection available for Walt Disney World Railroad?

No Walt Disney World Railroad is not eligible for Individual Attraction Selection Find Individual Attraction Selection attractions

Is Walt Disney World Railroad included in Genie+?

No Walt Disney World Railroad is not included in Genie+ Find Genie+ attractions using our search

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The Walt Disney World Railroad

The Walt Disney World Railroad is a beloved attraction at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. It offers guests a unique way to experience the magic of Disney while also providing a convenient transportation option. Here is a guide to everything you need to know about the Walt Disney World Railroad.

The Walt Disney World Railroad is a narrow-gauge heritage railroad and attraction at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It operates on a 1.5-mile loop around the Magic Kingdom theme park, with stops at Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland, and Fantasyland. The Railroad features four historic steam locomotives that were built between 1916 and 1928, each named after a different region of the United States: the Walter E. Disney (Florida), the C.K. Holliday (Kansas), the E.P. Ripley (California), and the Roger E. Broggie (New York).

The trains are also equipped with air conditioning and comfortable seating, so you can enjoy a relaxing ride on a hot Florida day.

The Walt Disney World Railroad has been a fixture at the Magic Kingdom since the park opened in 1971. It was originally intended as a transportation option for guests, but it has since become a beloved attraction in its own right.

If you want to experience the Walt Disney World Railroad, there are a few different ways you can do so. The most obvious option is to simply board the train at one of its four stops around the park. The train runs continuously throughout the day, so you can hop on and off at your leisure.

Another option is to book a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Walt Disney World Railroad. These tours, called the “Round-Trip to Disney Railroad History Tour,” take place on select days and offer guests an in-depth look at the history and operations of the train. The tour includes a trip around the park on the train, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the train depot and a visit to the train workshop where the trains are maintained.

If you’re visiting the Magic Kingdom and want to experience the Walt Disney World Railroad, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, the train can get quite crowded, especially during peak times such as holidays and summer vacation. It’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot on the train, or to consider taking the train during off-peak times when it may be less crowded.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the train does not operate during certain events such as parades and fireworks shows. It’s a good idea to check the schedule before making plans to ride the train, so you can make sure it will be in operation when you want to ride it.

Overall, the Walt Disney World Railroad is a fun and unique attraction that offers guests a chance to experience the magic of Disney in a whole new way. Whether you’re looking for a convenient transportation option or just want to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the park, the Walt Disney World Railroad is definitely worth a ride.

Walt Disney World Railroad FAQ

How long is the walt disney world railroad.

The Walt Disney World Railroad is 1.5 miles in length and operates on a loop around the Magic Kingdom theme park.

How often do the trains run?

The trains on the Walt Disney World Railroad typically run every 20 minutes or so, although the exact frequency can vary depending on the time of day and the crowds at the park.

Is the Walt Disney World Railroad wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Walt Disney World Railroad is wheelchair accessible. There is a designated wheelchair-accessible car on each train that has a ramp and space for wheelchair users to sit. Guests with mobility impairments can also transfer to a regular train car if they prefer.

Is there a height requirement for the Walt Disney World Railroad?

There is no specific height requirement for the Walt Disney World Railroad. However, children who are too small to ride some of the other attractions at the Magic Kingdom may not find the Railroad ride to be as enjoyable.

Is the Walt Disney World Railroad included in the price of admission to the Magic Kingdom?

Yes, the Walt Disney World Railroad is included in the price of admission to the Magic Kingdom theme park.

Is the Walt Disney World Railroad suitable for young children?

The Walt Disney World Railroad is generally suitable for children of all ages. The train ride is relatively slow and gentle, and the trains have open-air cars with bench seating that allow riders to take in the sights and sounds of the park as they travel around the loop. Children who are too small to ride some of the other attractions at the Magic Kingdom may still enjoy the Railroad ride as an alternative.

Can I bring a stroller on the Walt Disney World Railroad?

Yes, strollers are allowed on the Walt Disney World Railroad. There is space in the open-air train cars for strollers to be parked, although you may need to fold your stroller if the car is crowded.

Is the Walt Disney World Railroad narrated?

Yes, the Walt Disney World Railroad is narrated. Each train has a conductor who provides information about the history of the Railroad and the attractions that can be seen along the route. The narration is available in English, Spanish, French, and Japanese.

Can I take photographs on the Walt Disney World Railroad?

Yes, you are welcome to take photographs on the Walt Disney World Railroad. The train ride offers many opportunities to capture beautiful views of the Magic Kingdom and the surrounding area. Just be sure to watch your step and hold on to your camera or phone as the train moves along the tracks.

Ryan has been attending theme parks since as long as he can remember and his first proper memory comes from when he was just three years old sitting in Main Street USA drinking a Nesquik milkshake from a carton while the piano was being played outside Casey’s Corner.

© 2024. ThemeParkTrader.com

Walt Disney World Railroad - Main Street, U.S.A.

All aboard.

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!

Find a Station 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

Walt’s Lifelong Passion

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.

Safety, Accessibility and Guest Policies

Times for walt disney world railroad - main street, u.s.a..

Walt Disney World Railroad

Top ways to experience Walt Disney World Railroad and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Walt Disney World Railroad at Magic Kingdom (A Charming Train Ride)

This article details the Walt Disney World Railroad at Magic Kingdom. We include a video of the train ride around the park.

All aboard! First, there’s a call of the whistle followed by a bell ringing in the distance. Can you hear it?

Suddenly, you feel movement as the wheels start to chug along underneath the train car. The clamor of the engine roars as you pick up speed. A conductor comes on over the loudspeaker, reminding everyone to stay seated.

As you look out toward the horizon, you see the entrance of Magic Kingdom Park. Guests below are headed in or out, many stopping for a family photo underneath the Walt Disney World Railroad station.

Of course, if you’re sitting on the opposite side of the car, you’ll have a brief view of Main Street USA in the distance. It’s time to sit back and relax as you embark on a relaxing 20-minute scenic round-trip tour of the park.

Here are a few details about the Walt Disney World Railroad and Main Street Station.

Walt Disney World Railroad

Walt Disney was many things to many different people. One of the ways his memory is special to me is because of his love for trains.

So for many of us, the Walt Disney World Railroad offers a nod to Walt Disney and his original backyard train, the Carolwood Pacific Railroad. If it weren’t for his dreams turned into reality, we wouldn’t have a train ride, much less a park to loop.

When you arrive at Magic Kingdom, the train station is one of the first things you’ll see. Guests enter the park on either side of the train station. A stairway leads up to the platform.

There is another set of stairs underneath the station. Guests with strollers, wheelchairs, ECVs, etc., can use a separate ramp that leads up to the train station.

Both levels of the train station offer a mini-museum of sorts. There are a few items and informational displays. Anyone interested in trains might want to take some time to explore the lower level.

Four trains circle the Walt Disney World Railroad.

• Roger E. Broggie
• Roy O. Disney
• Walter E. Disney
• Lilly Belle

Each train represents someone pretty important. For instance, Roger E. Broggie was the first Imagineer ever.

He helped Walt Disney create a scaled-down train ride in Walt’s backyard that became the model for the Disneyland Railroad. He is also well-known for his work in helping develop audio-animatronic technology.

Next, there’s the Roy O. Disney, named after Walt’s brother Roy. Without Roy, most of the things we love and know about Disney wouldn’t have been possible.

Roy Disney is credited for running the Disney business behind the scenes, leaving Walt with the time to create and invent.

Not having someone like Roy on your side could be detrimental to any business. So make sure to stop and have your picture made with him and Minnie (Sharing the Magic statue) below the Main Street train station.

The third train is the Walter E. Disney, named after our beloved founder and fellow dreamer. Who else would have a personal train that traveled on a 2600-foot track in their backyard?

Additionally, you can find Walt Disney with Mickey (the Partners statue) in front of Cinderella Castle. It’s another excellent photo option.

Last but not least, we have the train in honor of the woman behind the man, Lillian Bounds Disney, Walt’s wife. They met when Lillian applied for an animation job at the cartoon studios, and the two were married for 41 years.

If you can read the fine print below, it tells how she granted Walt permission to run his backyard railroad tracks through her flower beds.

Here is a look at the large balcony on the second floor of the Main Street Train Station. It’s worth taking a few moments to walk up and enjoy the views.

Until recently, this attraction was closed for several years. However, in 2023, the Walt Disney World Railroad reopened after the completion of the park’s newest attraction, Tron Lightcycle Run.

The train reopened with a completely refreshed track—a new voice shares beloved stories of each magical land you encounter.

Here is a photo of the gallery inside the train station. During busier times, guests might encounter a queue that has spilled over into this area.

You might want to check out a few antique games.

Most of the queue is outside. Each train pulls approximately six passenger cars. They all have about 15 rows, including the two rows on the front of each car that face each other.

Guests must be able to transfer to a regular wheelchair or from their ECV to experience the train. There is a designated seating area for those with accessibility needs at the front of the train.

Additionally, all strollers must be folded to board the train. Guest can leave their ECVs and strollers in a dedicated area. However, that means you must return to the station to retrieve them. Handheld captioning is also available.

*More details for those with mobility issues (i.e., wheelchair, ECVs) can be found here on Disney’s site.

After everyone boards the train, you’ll set off for the next destination, Frontierland Station.

Frontierland Station sits near the former Splash Mountain, soon to be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. After departing this station, you’ll pass Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and parts of the beautiful untamed wilderness.

New sounds in this area include Peter Pan, as he lands on the roof of the train from above. At first, he thinks it’s a big metal snake, but Wendy soon tells him it’s a train. This leads to a conversation about training shadows to stay put.

Soon after, the next stop is Fantasyland Station. This area lets out at Storybook Circus near Pete’s Silly Side Show and Goofy’s Barnstormer .

After departing Fantasyland Station, the next trip will return to Main Street Station. Along the way, you’ll go through a tunnel that passes the Tron Lightcycle Run and Space Mountain.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Walt Disney World Railroad is a fun attraction you’ll want to experience at least once during your vacation. We like to ride the train during the heat of the day when everyone is tired and needs a break.

It’s a wonderful place to rest. However, it does take up some time to ride. Each stop typically takes five or so minutes because guests have to unload. Then other guests have to load.

You can stay on as long as you wish. So stay put at each stop until you’re ready to disembark. When you are ready to exit, make sure to get off at the location closest to where you’re headed next.

For example, if you’re leaving the park for a break, you’ll want to exit at the Main Street Station stop. However, if you were going to ride Haunted Mansion, you would want to exit at Frontierland Station.

For more attractions, you might enjoy our list of Magic Kingdom rides . Or you might like these individual attractions:

• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Space Mountain at Disney World
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Review
• The Barnstormer

Resorts Gal specializes in Disney World Resorts, Characters, and Dining. You might enjoy some of our resources, like the list of Disney World Resort Hotel Reviews .

Additionally, we have an article covering our recommendations for the best off-site hotels near Disney World . As far as getting around, it’s essential to be aware of Disney transportation options . So the following guides might be helpful:

• Disney World Monorail Guide
• Disney Springs Transportation Options
• Skyliner Resorts with Travel Times

We have a complete list of Disney dining reviews . Usually, we recommend scheduling at least one  Disney World character dining meal  and a  Disney signature dining reservation.

If you plan to meet characters in the parks, there’s an updated list of  characters at Disney World . That review links to every meet available in each of the four parks.

Lastly, our most popular reviews include the  best restaurants at Disney Springs .

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Hi, I'm Amber the owner of Resorts Gal . We have stayed at every single Disney Resort Hotel. Our philosophy? We believe you can have an incredible time at the resorts without ever setting foot in a theme park. We live near the parks and visit weekly and would love for you to follow along.

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Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour

We all know that Walt Disney loved train and he even used them as part of the transportation around some of his parks. They play an important part of Walt Disney World and you can go behind the scenes and see how in this fun-filled (and fact filled) foray into the fascinating world of steam trains and their role at the Magic Kingdom Park .

Loco About Locomotives?

Join Disney’s railroad engineers before the park opens for a behind-the-scenes look at how they keep things chugging along.

On this eye-opening 3-hour tour sure to delight railroad enthusiasts of all ages, you’ll:

• Ride the rails around the park in a fully restored antique freight train.
• Gain exclusive backstage access to the roundhouse, where the steam engines are stored and serviced.
• Discover what it takes to keep these turn-of-the-century trains in top working order.
• Watch as Disney engineers prepare them for yet another busy day of service.
• Hear about Walt Disney’s lifelong passion for steam trains and how he decided to make them an integral part of Magic Kingdom park.

About Their Water-Powered Workhorses

A fixture at Walt Disney World Resort since opening day in 1971, all 4 trains are lovingly restored antiques. Lilly Belle, Roy O. Disney, Roger E. Broggie and Walter E. Disney, as they are affectionately known, once hauled sugarcane for United Railways of Yucatán in Mexico but were spotted by Disney scouts in 1969, and the rest is history. They now comprise the Walt Disney World Railroad and have been happily circling Magic Kingdom theme park’s 1.5-mile track ever since.

The Know Before You Go

View important information including departure time, Guest restrictions and transportation policies.

• Due to time constraints, this 3-hour tour departs promptly at 7:30 AM. Because the tour begins prior to regular park hours, standard Walt Disney World transportation may not be available and you may have to arrange alternate transportation to arrive at the location on time. Check with your Resort Concierge for transportation options.
• Guests opting to drive their personal vehicle may park at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and then walk to the Magic Kingdom park entrance. Please provide your confirmation number at the security kiosk at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Guests are responsible for their own transportation costs (e.g., taxi fare).
• Please keep in mind that this is an outdoor tour, so be sure to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately, including comfortable shoes, as there will be periods of walking and standing.
• No cameras, video equipment or cell phones may be used while backstage. Photography is allowed and encouraged in non-backstage areas.
• Guests must be 10 years of age or older and have a valid photo ID.
• Please check in at the Main Entrance of Magic Kingdom park 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour. You will forfeit the entire price of your tour if you no-show or cancel within 2 days of your reservation.
• Price is $49.00 per adult

Have you ever done this tour? It looks like it will be a lot of fun to learn all about these steam trains and the history that goes along with them. Join us next time as we continue around the Magic Kingdom and see all the little extras it has to offer.

Let me book your your chance to learn all about the history of these trains or any of the other tours and events we have talked about on your next vacation.  At DIF we offer personalized travel planning, lots of extras and kids get the first Mickey Mouse Ice Cream on me. Call me at 832-233-4468 or check out my page, here and we can get started on making me your personal travel assistant for free ! 

Related articles

• Magic Kingdom Extras You Don’t Want to Miss – Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour (chipandco.com)
• Top 5 Quick Service Dining Locations at Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)
• Magic Kingdom Extra’s You Don’t Want To Miss – Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (chipandco.com)

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We started our day meeting our tour guide, Matt, just outside the gates of the Magic Kingdom. The tour starts early, which is also a nice ‘plus’ for Disney fans, because there are not many people around. We entered the park well before park open, so it was lovely to get some photos of an empty Main Street USA.

Our train took us around the Magic Kingdom and then out of the park behind the scenes to the roundhouse, where the trains are stored and repaired as needed by a team of railroad engineers. The roundhouse is not a true train roundhouse, as the tracks are not circular, but rather the trains are backed up in the facility.

We were also taken up onto the train to see the engine works details. This was very interesting to see because as someone who knows next to nothing about trains myself, the engine is a serious matter and HOT. There is an engineer as well as a fireman at all times, the seats are small and space is limited. These men and women work on 90 minutes shifts to give themselves a break from the heat not to mention the hard work.

At the end of the tour, we headed back to the Main Street train station so the Roy O. Disney could start taking on park visitors. We went into the train waiting room where our guide spoke to use for about a half hour, explaining Walt’s love of trains, how he built the train that ran around his property in California, and why and how he decided to share his love of trains with park visitors.

The tour was fun, interesting and gave me an entirely new perspective on the trains I have ridden so many times, but never really considered seriously. I recommend this tour for anyone who loves the Magic Kingdom , trains, and of course Walt. The tours run early mornings, last about 3 hours and cost $54.00 per person. Your agent can help you make this tour part of your Walt Disney World vacation.

Thinking about a vacation ? Give me a call! I’m happy to help and make recommendations.

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• Why You Should Book a VIP Tour
• Making memories with the best photo spots in the Magic Kingdom!
• 4 Parks (Actually 5) in 1 Day!
• The Best Places to Relax in the Walt Disney World Theme Parks
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UPDATE December 24 -  It is official, the Walt Disney World Railroad has reopened at the Magic Kingdom! Disney announced on December 22 that the Walt Disney World Railroad would return this holiday season and yesterday (December 23) it officially reopened to adoring fans after being shuttered for four years.

According to the official website here are the opening times for the holiday season:

• December 24 - 29: 9:00AM to 6:00PM
• December 30 - 31: 9:00AM to 4:00PM
• January 1 - onwards: 9:00AM to 6:00PM

These times are subject to change so be sure to check the official website or My Disney Experience App for up to date information.

We are thrilled to finally see the Walt Disney World Railroad open again and hope everyone has a fantastic time enjoying this iconic attraction over the holiday season and beyond.

December 23 -  Disney has now confirmed that The Walt Disney World Railroad will reopen "this holiday season". It is set to return with a completely refreshed track looping the park, and an all-new voice to bring guests into the beloved stories they encounter as they travel from one magical land to the next.

When we heard the recent rumor that the Walt Disney World Railroad would reopen on January 1, 2023 we couldn't quite believe it. However, althought the exact date hasn't yet been confirmed we now know for certain that it will be happening very soon. To celebrate the news that the Walt Disney World Railroad will reopen this holiday season, Disney has just released an official video on Instagram of the Walt Disney World Railroad in all its glory traveling around the park past Big Thunder Mountain and also through the TRON Lightcycle / Run tunnel.

Cast member previews have already begun and we now just eagerly await confirmation of the exact date for the grand and long awaited reopening from Disney for this iconic attraction and we will be sure to bring you news as soon as it is announced. Until then, sit back and enjoy the video below.

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Disney Parks (@disneyparks)

December 22 - After the rumor that The Walt Disney World Railroad will reopen on January 1, the excitement continued yesterday for guests at Disney's Magic Kingdom as three of the engines were seen at the park. Wdwnt reported seeing Roy O. Disney, Lilly Belle, and Walter E. Disney with audio being tested. This can be seen in the video embedded below.

The hype around what is thought to be an imminent reopening of The Walt Disney World Railroad, is certainly reaching boiling point. We are, however, still awaiting an official announcement from Disney. We will bring you confirmation as soon as we have it.

UPDATE December 21 -  Yes, you did read this right! There is a current rumor floating online that Disney is trying to get the Walt Disney World Railroad open for January 1, 2023. Cast members have apparently been saying that the original plan was to reopen this iconic attraction for Christmas but this has not come to fruition but a January 1, reopening still appears to be on the cards.

The Walt Disney World Railroad has been shuttered since the end of 2018 to make way for the construction of TRON Lightcycle / Run. We had thought that The Walt Disney World Railroad would reopen alongside this new attraction in Spring 2023, however, this rumor appears to imply that we haven't got as long to wait as we once thought.

As always, with any rumor, this has not yet been confirmed or denied by Disney and we will be sure to bring you confirmation on the reopening date of The Walt Disney World Railroad as soon as it is officially announced. This is certainly exciting news for Disney fans!

December 16 - It has seemed like a painstakingly slow process and after four years of closure we are STILL waiting for the iconic Walt Disney World Railroad to reopen at Disney's Magic Kingdom. We do know that Spring 2023 should bring with it this very long awaited reopening alongside the new TRON Lightcycle / Run attraction.  

A video has been posted on twitter this week by Offhand Disney  showing the Walt Disney World Railroad traveling through the completed tunnel. So far, we are unsure of what the tunnel has in store for guests, lights? Sounds? We will update with further information on this when we have it and are very excited and looking forward to being able to bring you an exact reopening date for the Walt Disney World Railroad soon. 

I’m ready I’m ready I’m ready pic.twitter.com/pUc0eU5Rz2 — Offhand Disney (@OffhandDisney) December 14, 2022

October 28 - We have seen a lot of excitement surrounding the Walt Disney World Railroad in the last few weeks with a number of videos being released showing this iconic attraction in action. Reporter, Scott Gustin has tweeted a video which Disney has released of the Walt Disney World Railroad continuing testing.

Now, we had  been expecting a Spring 2023 opening of the Walt Disney World Railroad in alignment with the debut of the very long awaited TRON Lightcycle / Run but with the knowledge that the tunnel is near completion and videos being released of continued testing, we ask the question, could we see the Walt Disney World Railroad reopening prior to the debut of TRON Lightcycle / Run in Spring 2023? Disney certainly keeps teasing us but still there hasn't been an official announcement on a return date. On a positive note it is encouraging to continue to see testing happening and we will keep you posted on further updates when they are announced here on Theme Park Tourist.

Disney has shared new video of Walt Disney World Railroad testing: pic.twitter.com/bfx3UsaCs8 — Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 27, 2022

October 25 - There has been an exciting video posted to TikTok showing the Walt Disney World Railroad testing. We are now speculating a Spring 2023 opening for this very long shuttered iconic attraction and expect it to open alongside TRON Lightcycle / Run. 

@rjplansyourvacations We saw this as we were going to our reservation today. How cool?!?!?! #magickingdom #disney #disneytiktok #disneytrain #waltdisneyworld #wdw ♬ original sound - White Glove Concierge Vacation

There have been further TRON Lightcycle / Run construction updates online showing the Walt Disney World Railroad tunnel near completion with shrubbery being added next to it. This is all showing that good progress is being made and we will bring you news of the confirmed reopening date for the Walt Disney World Railroad as soon as it is officially announced.

Bamboo and shrubs recently transplanted next to the steam train tunnel through Tron. Note also the service walking railings at bottom of the photo. pic.twitter.com/Fiu0jOV8IJ — bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) October 22, 2022

September 15 - As we still come to terms with the fact that there was absolutely no mention at all at the D23 Expo of when we are to see the Walt Disney World Railroad reopening, we have some positive news as a number of guests spotted Lilly Belle entering the tracks behind the Magic Kingdom yesterday.

This certainly seems to be a positive sign that the Walt Disney World Railroad continues testing in preparation for its reopening which we are still speculating to not be until Spring 2023 when TRON Lightcycle / Run debuts. However, Disney may surprise us with a reopening earlier and we will keep you up to date with all announcements on our news and Facebook page.

September 12 - Okay, we are a little confused as we were certainly expecting one of the announcements to come out of the D23 Expo which took place over the weekend in Anaheim, to be a confirmed reopening date for the long shuttered Walt Disney World Railroad. However, Disney completely failed to mention it! 

Now, they did confirm that TRON Lightcycle / Run will open in Spring 2023 so this leads us to speculate that the Walt Disney World Railroad should also be back and open again by Spring 2023 at the latest. Just over a month ago we saw that the tunnel through the TRON lightcycle / Run attraction was nearly completed and from recent we can see that the tunnel now looks complete which is a very positive sign.

From the lack of mention of the Walt Disney World Railroad this weekend it could mean two things, firstly, they don't know or secondly they are keeping us guessing on purpose? I can't help thinking it is the latter of the two. We will update you with further information on this as soon as we get it but we can now very confidently say that guests should once again be able to ride the Walt Disney World Railroad in Spring 2023 when TRON Lightcycle / Run finally opens at the Magic Kingdom.

August 16 - We all eagerly await news of the reopening of the Walt Disney World Railroad and we are now another step closer. Bioreconstruct has recently posted a photo of the nearly completed Walt Disney World Railroad tunnel running through the new TRON Lightcycle / Run attraction.

Zoom in to see that bolts are ready the secure track through the steam train tunnel under Tron. Top left is a view of the guest walkway for Storybook Circus access. pic.twitter.com/vaKz1N9ICU — bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) August 13, 2022

To many it may feel like Disney is teasing us and although we were hoping for a 2022 for the iconic and long shuttered Walt Disney World Railroad we think a 2023 is now looking more realistic. It is positive that work is progressing, albeit slowly. We will keep you up to date on further announcements regarding the reopening of the Walt Disney World Railroad and TRON Lightcycle / Run on our news and Facebook page. 

UPDATE July 24 - We got very postiive news this week as we hit a milestone with the first group of Walt Disney World Cast Members beginning training on the Walt Disney World Railroad.  Walt Disney World Cast and Community  posted a photo on Facebook which surely is a great sign that the Walt Disney World Railroad is going to be up and running again soon.

We still await confirmation from Disney as to an official reopening date for the Walt Disney World Railroad which has was shuttered way back in December 2018! With work still continuing on TRON Lightcycle / Run many now speculate a 2023 for the opening of this new attraction at Disney's Magic Kingdom. Where does this leave the Walt Disney World Railroad I hear you say? Well, it seems unlikely Disney would begin training Cast Members if we are still months and months away from a reopening. Perhaps we will see a Fall 2022 reopening ready for the busy Halloween and Festive seasons? The news of Cast Member training is certainly pointing us in the right direction and we will keep you updated with further details as and when they are announced.

June 27 - We are all eagerly awaiting news of the reopening of the Walt Disney World Railroad and although we have had teaser videos of the train being tested and photos of the train emerging, we still don't have confirmation of when we will be able to actually ride the Walt Disney World Railroad once again. We have now found out thanks to a photo from Bioreconstruct on their twitter page that it seems like a lot of work is still needed on the tunnel and track for the Walt DIsney World Railroad which goes through the TRON Lightcycle / Run attraction.

A concrete form for additional wall at the steam train route through Tron. Note also the plastic covering at the tunnel. pic.twitter.com/51l2sTKMg2 — bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) June 25, 2022

The positive is that work is being done, the negative is that unfortunately it still looks like we are a long way off work being completed on the track and tunnel meaning fans of the Walt Disney World Railroad are still currently going to be disappointed. We will hopefully bring you positive news on this extremely long awaited reopening soon on our news and Facebook page.

June 9 - There was excitement yesterday when a number of guests saw the Walt Disney World Railroad engine and carriages emerge from wherever they have been stored these last three and a half years. A photo of the train can be seen in the post embedded below.

TRON Lightcycle / Run is progressing well but we still don't have a confirmed opening date. Although Disney hinted at a return of the Walt Disney World Railroad with a video posted on Instagram back in March, there still hasn't been any announcement of when this will happen. This new photo will give Disney fans hope but we are still playing a waiting game. We will be sure to update you with news about the very long awaited return of the Walt Disney World Railroad as soon as it is confirmed.

March 26 - The Walt Disney World Railroad at the Magic Kingdom is one of the most iconic Disney attractions which has unfortunately been closed since the end of 2018. This closure is due to its close proximity to the new TRON Lightcycle / Run site.

Disney has released a teaser on its instagram page of the Walt Disney World Railroad showing a Cast Member who works in maintenance telling us that they are original locomotives which have to be fired up every morning. The video can be seen here .

Lou tells us that him and his team are excited about getting closer to the reopening of the Walt Disney World Railroad. Now this isn't the first time our hopes have been raised as earlier in the year, guests spotted one of the locomotives being tested.

We assume that this iconic attraction will return to the Magic Kingdom at some point within its 50th Anniversary celebrations which is set to last through March 2023 so, although we are being teased about its return, we could still realistically have a long time to wait.

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The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

Please Note: The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour is currently unavailable. We are keeping the information below for your future planning reference, and will update this page accordingly when the experience returns. To learn about other tours and unique experiences that are currently available in Magic Kingdom , you can visit this page !

There’s just something about the Walt Disney World Steam Trains…

Magic Kingdom Train Station in the Fall

And The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour gives you the chance to explore the trains behind the scenes! This 3-hour tour begins before the park opens and takes guests on a Disney Steam Train ride on the rails to the roundhouse, where the trains are stored and serviced. Along the way, you’ll hear directly from the Disney Steam Train Engineers to learn about their work with the trains, and how Walt Disney’s love for these vehicles inspired both Disneyland and Disney World.

Note: No dining component is included with this tour.

Check in at the Magic Kingdom Main Entrance 15 minutes prior to your tour.

With possible exceptions during peak seasons, the tour is held daily at 7:30 am. (Please note: this tour is currently closed during refurbishment.) 

$54.00 (plus tax)

Additional Information

• The tour begins promptly at 7:30 am
• Due to the early start, regular Disney Resort transportation to Magic Kingdom may not be available. Be prepared to make alternate arrangements from a Disney Resort, and feel welcome to check with Resort Concierge to discuss options.
• Guests driving their own car may park at the Contemporary Resort, which is a quick 5-10 minute walk to the Main Entrance. Have your tour confirmation number ready to present to parking security.
• Comfortable shoes and appropriate weather clothes are recommended for this outdoor tour that includes walking for a large portion of the time.
• Don’t forget your cameras! Photographs are welcome for much of the tour.
• Guests must be at least 10 years old.
• Cancellation is required at least 48 hours prior to the start of your tour to avoid a fee equal to the price of the tour.

Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687

NOTE: Prices and inclusions are subject to change. Please visit the Disney World Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour Page to confirm information prior to booking.

Click here to see more Disney World Tours

Click here to see more magic kingdom experiences and tours, be sure to join our dfb newsletter to stay on top of all the news about dining in disney world, check out our other ebooks.

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3 Major Changes That Just Happened in Disney World

January 9, 2024 was an important day in Disney World, with the return of some beloved services as well as a major change to theme park reservations.

This year is going to be a big one for Walt Disney World. In 2024, we’ll get the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure , as well as the much-anticipated completion of the EPCOT transformation . But you don’t have to wait all year to see these major changes — there are three huge ones happening today.

Attraction Issue Bundle

Attraction special – haunted mansion, attraction special – jungle cruise, attraction special – pirates of the caribbean, big disney world changes.

Three major changes happened in Disney World. January 9 marked the return of all-day park hopping, along with the highly-anticipated return of the Disney Dining Plan. Additionally, there was a change with Park Pass Reservations, which will no longer be required for date-based tickets.

The Return of All-Day Park Hopping

Annual Passholders and Guests with Park Hopper tickets also no longer need to wait until 2 PM to park hop . Instead, park hopping can now take place at any time of day at any of the Disney World parks. Annual Passholders will still need to make a Park Pass reservation for the first park they will be visiting, and will need to have scanned in at that park before hopping to another.

This is a big change that Disney World fans have been asking for, as previously park hopping required visiting your first park of the day and then waiting until 2 PM to go to your next one.

The Return of the Disney Dining Plan

Back in May 2023 , it was announced that the Disney Dining Plan would return for stays beginning January 9, 2024. The Dining Plan is a popular way of pre-paying for your dining at Walt Disney World, with two plans available: The Disney Dining Plan, and the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan. You can learn more about both here.

Photo by Judd Helms

Now all vacation packages are eligible to add-on the Dining Plan, which is available when you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel with a valid ticket.

No Reservations Required for Date-Based Tickets

Finally, there was a major change for date-based tickets at Walt Disney World . If you purchase a date-based ticket, you will no longer need to make a Park Pass reservation. That means if you buy a Magic Kingdom ticket for June 28, you are confirmed for the park that day and will not need to make an additional reservation.

Park Pass reservations are still required for tickets such as Annual Passes . However, Good-to-Go Days are now available for Passholders, where they will not require a Park Pass reservation.

The post 3 Major Changes That Just Happened in Disney World appeared first on WDW Magazine .

More From Forbes

Disneyland paris is renaming one park to disney adventure world.

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Logo for Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris has announced that its second gate, Walt Disney Studios Park, will undergo a multi-year transformation to breathe new life into the theme park . Along with the expanded offerings at the park, which will almost double the existing footprint of the park, Walt Disney Studios Park will be renamed Disney Adventure World.

The €2 billion investment will include a previously announced Frozen-themed land, dubbed World of Frozen. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because a land of the same title recently opened at Hong Kong Disneyland in China. Disney Adventure World and World of Frozen will debut simultaneously.

“Today, we are changing the story of Walt Disney Studios Park, evolving from ‘how it’s done’ soundstages to celebratory theaters and adventures that come to life in immersive worlds. These fully realized adventure worlds will become the focus of the park’s new identity and appear as realms that guests discover as they navigate deeper within the park and are invited to participate in adventures inspired by our most beloved stories,” Tom Fitzgerald, Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Storytelling Executive and Senior Creative Executive for Disneyland Paris said in a press release.

When World of Frozen opens it will be located on the edge of Adventure Bay, a 70,000 cubic meter body of water. This will be the center point of the new expansion for the park and will serve as the central hub to the new lands and experiences that are being planned. According to Disney, Adventure Bay will also double as an entertainment stage that will showcase water-based entertainment that combines fountains, music, lights, and special effects.

Construction Starts in April on a New Park Entry

Construction in progress at Disney Adventure World

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Starting this month, the park’s entry plaza will be getting in on the transformation too. The entrance building will go from highlighting a filming scene on Hollywood Boulevard to a space that harkens back to the historic movie theaters in Hollywood. The entrance building will be renamed World Premiere and will open in Spring 2025.

Just outside of World Premiere will be World Premiere Plaza. The new theme will bring together facades from Broadway and West End theaters. The plaza will lead to Adventure Way, where a new family-friendly attraction will be constructed. The new ride will be called Raiponce Tangled Spin (or Rapunzel Tangled Spin in English) and is themed after the animated movie Tangled. Also along Adventure Way, theme park fans can to dine at a new restaurant called The Regal View Restaurant and Lounge. The table-service restaurant will include character meet and greets with the Disney Princesses.

“With our commitment to pushing the boundaries of immersion and innovation, we're crafting breathtaking new experiences and spectacular moments at Disney Adventure World that will resonate more than ever with our guests. It’s set to offer unique adventures in immersive worlds, serving as a perfect complement to Disneyland Park,” said Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris in a release.

This is Just the Beginning of Investments for Disney

Disney Cruise Line revealed the name of its next ship, the Disney Destiny, along with details about ... [+] its design theme, “Heroes and Villains.” The ship, sister to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, will draw on the legacy of beloved Disney stories, characters and theme park attractions to forge a cruise vacation that will empower guests to embrace their own calling aboard every unforgettable voyage. (Disney)

In September 2023, Disney announced it would be investing around $60 billion over the next 10 years in its Experiences segment. The investment is going towards “ expanding and enhancing domestic and international parks and cruise line capacity.”

According to Disney, there are over 1,000 acres of land that the company can use for possible development to expand the current footprint of existing theme parks.

“Throughout our history, we’ve created enormous growth by investing the right amount of capital into the right projects at the right moment,” said Bob Iger , Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, in a statement. “We are planning to turbocharge our growth yet again with a robust amount of strategic investment in this business.”

In 2024 and into 2025, Disney has already announced the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort, the completion of the renovation of EPCOT, the opening of Fantasy Springs at Tokyo Disneyland Resort, and more at its theme parks. Additionally, three new cruise ships are set to debut and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point will start welcoming cruisers this June.

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Walt Disney World Theme Park Tickets

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Florida residents, special offers.

4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket

• A Walt Disney World water park (either Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park—whichever is open)
• ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
• FootGolf at Disney's Oak Trail
• Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course (one round; prior to 4:00 PM)
• Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course (one round; prior to 4:00 PM)
• Admission to each of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks (Magic Kingdom park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park). One admission per theme park. One theme park per day.
• Valid from April 2 through September 22, 2024. Ticket must be used within 7 days of selected start date.

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4-day ticket (Ages 10+) from:

Special 3-Day 3-Park Ticket

Special 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket

• Admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park only. One admission per theme park. One theme park per day. Does not include Magic Kingdom.
• Valid from April 2 through September 24, 2024. Ticket must be used within 5 days of selected start date.

3-day ticket (Ages 10+) from:

Prices and Products for All Guests

Theme park ticket.

• Magic Kingdom park
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park

Park Hopper option : Visit more than one theme park on the same day. The ability to visit a park is subject to the park's capacity limitations.

Water Park and Sports option : Visit one theme park per day, plus enjoy a certain number of visits to a water park or other Walt Disney World fun. A 2-day ticket allows two visits, a 3-day ticket allows 3 visits and a 4-day ticket allows 4 visits. For each visit, you can choose one of the following:

Park Hopper Plus option : Visit more than one theme park on the same day, plus enjoy a certain number of visits to a water park or other Walt Disney World fun. A 2-day ticket allows 2 visits, a 3-day ticket allows 3 visits and a 4-day ticket allows 4 visits. The ability to visit a park is subject to the park's capacity limitations.

For each visit, you can choose one of the following:

All tickets and options are nontransferable and nonrefundable and exclude activities/events separately priced or not open to the general public. Parks, attractions and other offerings subject to availability, closures and change or cancellation without notice or liability. Water parks are subject to extended rehabilitation, seasonal, capacity and weather closures or may close for other reasons. On certain dates a water park may only be open for special events or to limited groups. Tee times are required for Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course and are subject to availability. FootGolf is available every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday during select afternoon hours, subject to availability. Miniature golf valid for one round. Round must start prior to 4:00 PM. Only one miniature golf visit per day. ESPN Wide World of Sports admission valid only on event days; some events require an additional admission charge; there are no events on certain days; days and hours of operation of concessions, venues and attractions vary. Visit espnwwos.com for more information.

1 to 10-day standard date-based ticket

• Date-based ticket that requires you to choose a start date.

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1-day ticket (Ages 10+) from:

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Disneyland Paris to transform second park into new Disney Adventure World

Disneyland Paris is marking its 32nd anniversary with a major transformation of its second park, Walt Disney Studios Park.

Walt Disney Studios Park originally opened in 2002 as a park that gave guests a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making magic. In recent years, however, Disney has leaned into more immersive lands and experiences that transport guests into their favorite Disney stories. Walt Disney Studios Park's transformation will reflect that vision with a new name, new attractions, new shows and more.

Soon, Walt Disney Studios Park will become Disney Adventure World. The rebranded park will open alongside its newest land, World of Frozen. Like its counterpart at Hong Kong Disneyland , World of Frozen will transport guests to the Kingdom of Arendelle.

World of Frozen will border the all-new Adventure Bay — a majestic body of water that will act as a gateway to the park's new themed lands that will surround it. Adventure Bay will also serve as an entertainment stage with 360-degree viewing, so everyone can have a front-row seat for new water-based shows with fountains, music, lights, special effects and more.

Though Disney revealed World of Frozen will be one of the lands Adventure Bay leads to, the theme for a second immersive world has yet to be announced. Disney has only shared that the concept and design of the land are currently being finalized. The two new lands will join Marvel Avengers Campus and Worlds of Pixar, roughly doubling the park's footprint.

As part of the revamp, Disney Adventure World will also get a new entrance in the spring of 2025, dropping guests into an open-air movie studio the moment they enter the park. Dubbed World Premiere, the reimagined entrance will incorporate decor that pays homage to Hollywood 's historic movie theaters.

As guests continue into the park, they will encounter World Premiere Plaza, with theaters celebrating Disney Animation and Pixar stories. This area will lead to Adventure Way, a landscaped promenade that leads to the park's other lands.

The area will also feature a new attraction of its own called Raiponce Tangled Spin. Based on the film "Tangled," this new take on a classic spinning ride will take guests through the movie's iconic floating lantern scene.

The new Regal View Restaurant and Lounge will also be in this region, with views of Adventure Bay. Guests can also meet their favorite Disney princesses at this table-service restaurant.

These new lands and attractions won't be the only additions to Disneyland Paris as part of this transformation.

Disneyland Paris' second park will debut a new stage show called "Alice & the Queen of Hearts: Back to Wonderland" this spring; there's also a show coming to Marvel Avengers Campus running between the end of 2024 and the spring of 2025. The Disney Village shopping, dining and entertainment complex and the Disney Davy Crockett Ranch bungalows will be undergoing major refurbishments.

Related: TPG goes behind the scenes as Disney unveils $60 billion toward future of theme parks

These projects fulfill Disney's promise to accelerate and expand investment in its theme parks, cruise line and other vacation experiences over the next 10 years. Earlier this year, Disneyland Paris saw the reopening of its iconic Disneyland Hotel after extensive renovations.

A specific opening date for Disney Adventure World will be released at a later date.

Related reading:

• The best credit cards for your Disney vacation
• How to use points to buy Disney tickets
• 13 new rides, attractions and experiences coming to Disney World in 2024
• Is Disney Genie+ worth it?