“Choo Choo”! After a 2 ½ month closure for refurbishment, the Disneyland Railroad reopened today at Disneyland Park. The attraction closed on August 5, 2024 to begin a lengthy refurbishment to replace some of the track as well as to allow work to be completed on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Also a section of the track needed to be closed for the construction of the new Haunted Mansion expanded queue area. And while the Haunted Mansion expanded queue area is still under construction, the section affecting the Disneyland Railroad has been completed. But the New Orleans Square station remains closed while work continues on the expanded queue since that area surrounds the station.
History and Development of the Disneyland Railroad
The Disneyland Railroad made its debut alongside Disneyland Park on July 17, 1955. Walt Disney’s passion for trains played a pivotal role in its creation, inspired by his backyard “Carolwood Pacific Railroad” miniature model.
The construction of the original locomotives and passenger cars cost over $240,000, with each of the original two locomotives priced at over $40,000. And, the railroad was initially built with passing tracks at the Main Street, U.S.A. station but evolved over time removing the passing track option. However, you can still see part of the passing tracks still in place at the station.
The Disneyland Railroad route has changed several times since 1955 when new attractions were constructed such as the Haunted Mansion and Splash Mountain (now reimaged to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure).
Most recently, the railroad closed for the construction of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This closure completely changed most of the route and track from New Orleans Square station to Mickey’s Toontown station. A new bridge and tunnel were constructed to reroute the train along the edge of the Rivers of America and into Mickey’s Toontown without passing through Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Locomotives
Each locomotive is named after significant figures from American railroad history, with the exception of one which gives a special nod to Disney Animator Ward Kimball.
The names of the five steam engines are:
- C.K. Holliday
- E.P. Ripley
- Fred Gurley
- Ernest S. Marsh
- Ward Kimball
These engines run on clean biodiesel instead of traditional coal or wood, striking a balance between historical authenticity and environmental considerations.
The C.K. Holliday and E.P. Ripley, built in Disney’s WED Enterprises workshops, reflect the classic American 4-4-0 style. Notably, the Fred Gurley is the oldest piece of railroad equipment in Disney’s railroad fleet. Each locomotive boasts unique elements, including custom whistles that add to their individual charm.
Most passenger cars are designed for optimal scenic viewing, featuring side-facing bench seats. However, the Lilly Belle, a Victorian parlor car named after Walt Disney’s wife, stands out as a luxurious option typically reserved for VIPs.
Operational Details
The Disneyland Railroad operates from four strategic stations:
- Main Street, U.S.A.
- New Orleans Square (currently closed)
- Mickey’s Toontown
- Tomorrowland
Guests who require an accessible entrance to the attraction need to use the Mickey’s Toontown station or Tomorrowland station which provide ramps for wheelchair and ECV users. The Main Street U.S.A. station only has stairs and does not have an accessible ramp or elevator. Strollers are permitted onboard but are required to be folded.
The 20-minute grand-circle tour features a trip through the Grand Canyon as well as a trip back in time to Primeval World. These diorama displays showcase America’s natural beauty and prehistoric life, complete with audio-animatronic dinosaurs and scenic backdrops that became a part of Disneyland Park after the 1964 World’s Fair.
The Disneyland Railroad continues to blend nostalgia with modern efficiency, offering passengers a journey through time and the park’s various lands. But most importantly, the attraction serves as a tribute to Walt Disney and his enduring passion for trains.
More Disneyland News
To stay up-to-date on the latest Disneyland Resort news, check out these recent articles:
- Madame Leota Tiki Mug
- Know Before You Go!
- It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Bayou Country
- Buffalo Sauce Chicken Tenders at The Golden Horseshoe
- Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays
- Disneyland Railroad Reopens
And follow us on Instagram, Facebook and other social channels for even more up-to-date information.
As always, I’ll “see ya real soon” Mouseketeers!
References
- Broggie R. Walt Disney’s Railroad Story: The Small-Scale Fascination That Led to a Full-Scale Kingdom. 2nd ed. The Donning Company Publishers; 2014.
- Amendola D. All Aboard: The Wonderful World of Disney Trains. Disney Editions; 2015.
- Crawford M. The Progress City Primer: Stories, Secrets, and Silliness from the Many Worlds of Walt Disney. Theme Park Press; 2015.
