Trains play a special role in the Disney story. According to tradition, the character of Mickey Mouse was conceived on a train trip. Walt Disney and legendary animator Ward Kimball were both crazy about model trains. Numerous Disney films have featured trains, from Casey Jr. in Dumbo, to The General in The Great Locomotive Chase. So, it should come as no surprise that trains would play a significant part in the life of the Disney parks.
A total of four locomotives service the Magic Kingdom: the Lilly Belle, the Roy O. Disney, the Roger E. Broggie, and the Walter E. Disney, each of which previously hauled sugar cane in the Yucatan before coming to Walt Disney World.
Guests who share Walt’s passion can get an up-close-and-personal look at the trains of the Magic Kingdom in the “Magic Behind Our Steam Trains” tour.
1. What Is It?
The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains is a three hour tour that provides Guests a detailed look at the trains of the Magic Kingdom. On the tour, Guests will take a ride around the park, visit the roundhouse where the trains are serviced and stored, learn (and see) what it takes to keep the trains functioning, and hear about Walt’s love of trains.
As Guests ride the train around the Magic Kingdom, they’re given insider information on other Attractions throughout the park. While at the roundhouse, Guests also get to visit the pilot car of a steam engine, see how fire gets the trains started, and learn how the trains blow-off steam.
The end of the tour takes place at Main Street Station, where Guests are provided more information on Walt’s passion for locomotives.
2. What does it Cost?
Tickets for the Magic Behind Our Steam Trains tour cost $54 per Guest.
3. What Time Does the Tour Start?
Tours begin at 7:30 a.m., before the park officially opens. They last until 10:30 a.m. Guests begin the tour by meeting at the entrance to the park at 7:15. The tour does not run on Friday or Saturday.
4. Age Restrictions
Guests must be at least ten years old to take the tour. Because “Adult” ticket rates begin at 9 years old, there are no discounted “Child” tickets available for the tour.
5. Disney Pins
Before leaving, Guests are given a special souvenir: a Disney pin only available to individuals who have taken the tour.
When Walt Disney first began dreaming of building a park, he stated, “I just want it to look like nothing else in the world, and it should be surrounded by a train.” Trains circle Disneyland in Anaheim and the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, but in a way, they are also the beating heart of the parks. They are intimately tied to Walt Disney and his worldview, a vision that blended a love for both history and technological progress with a childlike sense of wonder and romanticism. The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains tour is a special way for Guests to share in Walt Disney’s lifelong passion.
Enjoy the magic of Disney all year ’round with Celebrations Magazine!
6 issues/$29.99!
Click here to order!
ncG1vNJzZmiblaGyo77AraCopqOlv6a%2F0meaqKVfZ31yhI5pb2hqZ2TBqbGMppigoZNir6a0yKebZqelp3q0wMSapGasopa2r7%2BMraauql8%3D