After a four-year closure, the iconic Walt Disney World Railroad has reopened at Magic Kingdom just in time for the 2022 holiday season. This opening day attraction is a fan favorite that takes guests on a relaxing 20-minute, 1.5-mile scenic round-trip tour around the park’s perimeter. The railroad originally opened with the park on October 1, 1971 but closed in late 2018 due to construction on the highly anticipated TRON Lightcycle Run rollercoaster coming to Tomorrowland. This closure allowed Disney to fully refresh the railroad tracks as well as introduce exciting new updates to the classic attraction.
A Fully Refreshed Track
The railroad now features completely new track looping around the park, including a brand new tunnel constructed near TRON Lightcycle Run. The old railroad tracks had to be removed to make way for TRON’s massive show building, so this offered the perfect opportunity to replace the 50-year-old tracks. The refreshed tracks allow the train to follow an updated route through the park while maintaining the same familiar journey. The new tunnel provides a seamless transition as the train passes under the TRON coaster, keeping guests immersed in the magic.
An All-New Voiceover
In addition to the refreshed track, the railroad also features an entirely new narration and voiceover. Disney Imagineers wanted to revisit the storytelling of this classic attraction and introduce a new voice to guide the journey. The new narrator is a charming, humble conductor character who acts as an “unofficial mayor” of the railroad. He grew up dreaming of working on the railroad and now revels in sharing his love and knowledge of the park as he transports guests from land to land. The voiceover provides delightful narration, historical facts, and fun anecdotes about the sights and attractions seen along the route. The conductor’s warm and welcoming personality brings a sense of nostalgia while blending in fresh commentary.
Glimpse of Upcoming Attractions
The refreshed railroad also offers guests unique views of new and upcoming attractions at Magic Kingdom. As the train passes through Tomorrowland, guests can catch an exclusive sneak peek at TRON Lightcycle Run before it officially opens in spring 2023.The new narration even references TRON and the railroad’s rerouted track around the coaster’s massive, glowing show building. This provides a behind-the-scenes view of the highly anticipated new attraction coming to the park.
The Same Nostalgic Experience
While the refreshed railroad offers some exciting new updates, the heart of this classic attraction remains the same. Guests can still experience the nostalgia of Walt Disney World’s opening day as they enjoy a relaxing, scenic tour of the park aboard an authentic steam-powered locomotive. The four trains in operation are still the original 1916-1928 locomotives straight from Walt’s own vision. The railroad continues to be a fun way for guests to rest their feet and conveniently travel between lands. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the timeless experience of riding a vintage train at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
The Perfect Holiday Surprise
The return of this fan favorite just before the holidays is the perfect surprise gift from Disney. The railroad reopening restores the nostalgic feeling of Magic Kingdom and provides a new experience with the updated narration and track route. Riding the Walt Disney World Railroad is a quintessential Disney Parks experience, and many guests will be thrilled to climb aboard again after four long years. There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than taking a festive train ride around the Most Magical Place on Earth. All aboard! The Walt Disney World Railroad is steaming into Magic Kingdom once again, bringing its own special brand of magic to Disney guests this holiday season and beyond. This refreshed version of a classic attraction offers the perfect blend of nostalgia and new surprises.
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