Disney World Railroad's Reopening Prep Continues After 34-Month Closure

The Walt Disney World Railroad closed in December 2018. The closure was not for a standard refurbishment but, instead, to allow construction to begin on the highly anticipated TRON Lightcycle Run roller coaster in Magic Kingdom Park’s Tomorrowland area.

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At the time of publication, Walt Disney World Resort officials have not announced an opening date for TRON or a reopening date for the Walt Disney World Railroad — it is presumed, but not confirmed, that the TRON coaster will open sometime during Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration, which officially began on October 1, 2021, and will end after 18 months in 2023.

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However, this does not mean that reopening preparations aren’t being made for whenever that (eventual) date happens to be!

Just this week, in fact, Disney filed a permit for “General Construction” on the Fantasyland Railroad Station. The contractor listed on the permit is Southeastern Construction & Maintenance, a company based in the Orlando suburb of Kissimmee, Florida.

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“General Construction” is, of course, a vague description, so this could mean that the Railroad Station is getting some minor touchups or receiving a major overhaul — the former, though, is more likely.

Nonetheless, any progress is good progress when it comes to getting the fan-favorite Disney World attraction back up and running as soon as possible!

More on the Walt Disney World Railroad

The official description of the Walt Disney World Railroad reads:

All Aboard!
Listen to the clamor of the engine, the chug of the wheels and the call of the whistle as you travel aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad.
Take your seat on 1 of 4 meticulously restored, vintage narrow-gauge steam trains—originally built between 1916 and 1928—and enjoy a relaxing 20-minute, 1.5-mile scenic round-trip tour.

It’s a convenient—and nostalgic—way to get around Magic Kingdom park!

Find a Station
You can board or disembark at any of 3 stations:

Near the entrance to the park on Main Street, U.S.A.
The Frontierland station
The Fantasyland station
Walt’s Lifelong Passion
A noted train enthusiast, Walt Disney built his very first railroad in his backyard. The Carolwood Pacific Railroad, a 1/8-scale train, debuted in 1950 and featured a custom-built, steam powered locomotive that encircled his property.

Delighted with his miniature backyard railroad, Walt decided to share his love of trains with the whole world. The result was the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad, a favorite of Guests since the park opened in 1955.

Are you looking forward to the eventual reopening of the WDW Railroad?

Let the expert team at Academy Travel help you plan your next magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district!