The Walt Disney World Railroad is undergoing significant changes as part of the park’s largest expansion to date. Recent developments include the removal of sections of the railroad track near the Rivers of America and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This article explores the reasons behind the track removal, its implications for the railroad, and what guests can expect in the coming years.
Track Removal and Construction Updates
Recent aerial photos have confirmed that portions of the Walt Disney World Railroad track have been removed in the northwest corner of Magic Kingdom. This area, which previously hosted the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, is now a major construction zone. The track removal marks a shift from earlier plans, which suggested the track would remain in place during land-clearing activities.
The affected sections of the track are part of the railroad’s “grand circle tour,” which has been temporarily modified to operate as a shuttle service between Main Street, U.S.A., and Fantasyland. The Frontierland station and surrounding track are currently inaccessible due to ongoing construction.
Reasons for the Track Removal
The track removal is directly tied to the park’s expansion projects, which include the development of a Cars-themed area called Piston Peak National Park and a Villains Land. These projects require extensive land clearing, including the draining of the Rivers of America and the demolition of Tom Sawyer Island. The construction zone will remain active for several years, making it impractical for the railroad to operate along its original route.
Future of the Walt Disney World Railroad
While Disney has not announced specific plans for the railroad’s long-term future, the current modifications are expected to last until the majority of the construction is complete. This timeline could extend into the late 2020s or beyond. There is speculation that the railroad may eventually feature new show scenes or rerouted tracks to integrate seamlessly with the expanded areas of the park.
Disney has emphasized that the current shuttle mode is a temporary solution, allowing guests to continue enjoying the railroad experience while construction progresses. The modified route includes new audio featuring Stitch as a co-conductor, adding a playful element to the journey.
Conclusion
The removal of sections of the Walt Disney World Railroad track is a significant step in Magic Kingdom’s ongoing transformation. While these changes may alter the traditional railroad experience in the short term, they pave the way for exciting new attractions and expansions.
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Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
