Anyone Know Any Train Attractions Near To Orlando ?

[jdybnsn]

Hi -

We are going to Orlando next Feb.
My young kids love trains (particularly british steam trains) and so I am wonderig if there are any such attractions near Orlando that I could take them to see (say within an hours drive) - they would just love to see an old fashioned American train.

Can anyone help ?

 

[jctwizzer]

try:

www.mtdorarailway.com

there's a rail trip from Orlando to Mt. Dora; and while in Mt Dora, there's another rail trip....may take some plannning to make connections..have a good trip

 

[ducklite]

Mount Dora is a great little town with all sorts of cafe's and little shops, art gallery's and antique stores. Try to plan your trip so you can spend a bit of time there!

Anne

 

[RumpleMom]

Disney offers a tour-Behind the Steam Train Tour at the Magic Kingdom. You learn about the history of the MK trains and about Walt's early train set-up in his backyard then you are taken to the roundhouse.

 

[sweet maxine]

This sounds neat!

ABout how long of a drive is it from the WDW area to Mt. Dora?

 

[ducklite]

This sounds neat!

ABout how long of a drive is it from the WDW area to Mt. Dora?

Allow 45 minutes to an hour.

Anne

 

[Poohbeck]

Disney offers a tour-Behind the Steam Train Tour at the Magic Kingdom. You learn about the history of the MK trains and about Walt's early train set-up in his backyard then you are taken to the roundhouse.

I remember reading there is an age-limit on this tour. My DS7 loves trains also (he was the biggest Thomas fan ever) we were going to do this tour last November but he wasn't old enough.

 

[CDSTapisRouge]

I remember reading there is an age-limit on this tour. My DS7 loves trains also (he was the biggest Thomas fan ever) we were going to do this tour last November but he wasn't old enough.

You are correct, the Magic Behind the Steam Trains tour at MK has an age requirement of 10 and older. If your kids are too young for the tour you can still show them the train at MK. If you go up to the locomotive at Main Street or Toon Town (Frontierland is blocked offf) you can get right next to it and the engineers would be more than happy to talk to them and take pictures

Hubby has done the Mount Dora (which is now Inland Lakes Railway, they just restructured) but I see they link that was provided re-directs you to the correct page. They do only operate on the weekends, just keep that in mind for your scheduling...Also (edited post to add: These are not Steam Trains...they use a 45 ton GE Switcher for their excursions! Just FYI).

 

[littlestar]

Stop at the Wilderness Lodge resort and go over to the Villas side (the vacation club part). There are pictures on the walls in the villas lobby of Walt Disney with his beloved trains. There's also some of the small rail cars (Carolwood Pacific) that he had in his back yard under glass on display. They are on loan from the Disney family. The old black and white photos of Walt with his beloved trains are fun to look at (and it's free )

Also, as others have said, check out the Magic Kingdom steam engine train that circles around the park. I make a point to ride it every visit to the Magic Kingdom.

Have fun!

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

There's also a train at Animal Kingdom, though not quite as impressive as the one at the MK. (MK's is an actual steam engine, AK's is a replica of a steam engine, much easier to drive ... I've heard train buffs refer to it as a "push button train")

 

[CDSTapisRouge]

"I've heard train buffs refer to it as a "push button train"

No, over at the WDW railroad we actually call it "A Tactor" LOL sorry Eric I had to go there Even though I have never met you, you know I love you...one Engineer to another

 

[BonnieA]

There is a huge model train village at Cypress Gardens. 1100 feet of track and 20 moving trains. I remember seeing it there years ago. Didn't know if it was still around since Cypress Gardens changed hands but I checked and it is still there.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

No, over at the WDW railroad we actually call it "A Tactor"

would that be "Tractor"?

That's the story of my life ... I have nice toys to play with, but not the best toys.

(that being said, I'd love to train on the big trains at MK, but I don't see that happening anytime soon)

 

[CDSTapisRouge]

would that be "Tractor"?

Yeah Yeah a TRACTOR...All those fumes (from the oil fired Steam train) seem to be going to my head, it is affecting my spelling You should come over and take the train tour someday, hubby is a tour guide (and a HUGE Red Wings fan...off the topic), would love to show you around the BIG BOYS.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

I've been meaning to get over there for the Steam Train tour ... perhaps next month

 

[jdybnsn]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their ideas - I'm busy checking them out right now