Guests in the Magic Kingdom area could hear the unmistakable whistle of a Walt Disney World Railroad train this morning. The train, which BlogMickey.com sources indicate is the Walter E. Disney, is out of the maintenance roundhouse and testing this morning backstage.
There was some recent roadwork that took place near the area where the backstage railroad tracks enter Magic Kingdom, so it’s possible that the train could simply be testing that portion of the track.
As we reported earlier, the railroad track replacement project has stalled recently as crews wait for the TRON Lightcycle Run project to make more progress.
We don’t think that this morning’s testing indicates an imminent return of the Walt Disney World Railroad, which we expect to remain closed through Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary on October 1, 2021. Disney has not said when the railroad will begin operating again.
It’s possible that Disney could be preparing to put a railroad car on display at the very least, like they did in early 2020. Either way, today’s testing will not include guest passengers, and it may not even be visible from inside Magic Kingdom.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
At one point in the 90’s they used to run shuttle service (forward and backward) between Mickey’s Starland and the front of the park during the construction of Splash Mountain. I don’t see why they couldn’t do shuttle service between main street and frontier land… Maybe they are hoping to do that with the 50th coming up. Here’s hoping!
If only the project could just move along no matter how late it takes to get the Disney world trains running again. I miss riding on ’em since last jouney on November 2018 for my early-birthday. Happen to be a veteran railfan of 51 years & student rail engineer of 11 years. Have passed my lessons 5 times since then. But not quite ready for larger engines yet. I enjoy playin’ with model trains & riding real trains in & around the nation. Disney World trains are some of the best! Hope one day on returning back to DW & hearing their whistles blow & seein’ them run again. I’m just like Walt Disney himself who had a strong passion for trains. Thanks for listening.
i love the train hope iut runs again
Agreed with Justin Gehrig. I’ve been saying that fir a while, but at least for the 50th would make Walt happy.