Welcome aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad! If you have visited the Magic Kingdom, then I am sure you are familiar with this expression when you board the infamous vintage, narrow-gauge steam train. In this article, I will be sharing reasons as to why you should board this train (if you haven’t already), its rich history and the huge impact it has had in Disney culture. Let’s get started!
History
Walt Disney loved trains; he was what most call a “train enthusiast.” So much so that Walt built his own railroad in his backyard, which was called The Carolwood Pacific Railroad. He was so proud of his creation that when the plans and arrangements to inaugurate Disneyland arrived, he made sure to debut a railway for all guests to enjoy. On July 17, 1955, the train opened and was called the Disneyland Railroad.
Guests were enamored by this locomotive, as it made halts throughout the park, allowing guests to get off at the various stops or stay on and enjoy a full 360 view. From that point forward, Disney knew that he had to spread his love of trains to his new park undergoing construction in Bay Lake, Florida. Therefore, on October 1, 1971, the Walt Disney World Railroad opened to the public the same day Magic Kingdom was inaugurated.
Impact
Trains are often associated with Disney; it is an emblem of the parks and is highly recognized in Disney pop culture. Why is it so popular? Simply because of its nostalgia. The railroad has been around for decades and most of the small children who were able to ride on the train the day of its debut, continue to enjoy its smooth course even as adults. A train symbolizes movement and a journey, which is exactly what the Walt Disney company strives to do. They are constantly making changes to the parks because our world continues to move and expand with technological advances, so they must keep up with these. The importance of a journey is also significant because we don’t just “go” to Disney, we are immersed in a magical bubble, in a world that heals our inner child. The journey of finding your inner peace is what makes Disney what it is. That is why the Walt Disney World Railroad is the first landmark you see upon entering the Magic Kingdom. It is a symbol of hope as you enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.
Reasons To Ride The Walt Disney World Railroad
The main reason to ride this train is the peaceful nature of the attraction. The train goes around the park in a total of 20 minutes, but you will experience pure bliss while on board. You get a glimpse of adorable and detailed animatronics once you board the train, sort of as a “sneak peek” of what is behind the park. The train offers an amazing view of the various lands Magic Kingdom offers and before it circles the entire park, it stops at Frontierland and Fantasyland. This is great if you want to avoid crowds and not walk to either land.
On my last trip, I had a virtual queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and taking the steam train saved me a lot of time. To ride the locomotive, it is typically a short wait time. There are many seats available allowing for easy and fast boarding. If you need a break from the sun, then climbing aboard the railway is ideal because it provides a gentle breeze that will cool you off instantly. The train is also aesthetically pleasing; it is vintage chic, the colors are vibrant and glossy, and the seats are comfortable. Apart from Cinderella Castle, for those looking to take iconic Disney World pictures, whether on or off the train, it makes for a perfect background.
Walt Disney once said, I suppose I’ve always been in love with trains. No truer words have been spoken. Walt truly showcased his love of trains in his own park and the generations that visit each year can appreciate his art. Riding the Magic Kingdom Railroad is a lovely experience, and I hope this article confirmed it for you. Yes, in one way or another I have always loved trains. Thank you, Walt, we know you did, and we sure love them too.
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Maria Mora
For as long as Maria can remember, there was always a Disney movie playing in her house. Whether it was The Little Mermaid, Dumbo, or Tarzan, she became enthralled with all things Disney. She has visited the Disney Parks over 100 times and on different continents! Her love of Disney goes hand in hand with her love of reading, which has motivated her through the years to become a zealous writer. She hopes that whatever she does helps her community. After all, with a little faith, trust, and pixie dust, anything is possible!
