Is there a best time to ride the railroad?

[corinne76]

DS is a huge train fan so riding this all the way around is a must. Just wondering if there's a best time to do so, or should we just fit it in where ever?

 

[SMD]

DS is a huge train fan so riding this all the way around is a must. Just wondering if there's a best time to do so, or should we just fit it in where ever?

Ride while it's still light out, you'll see more. If you want to see if the Lilly Belle is open to the public that day, I'd go there first. You can also ask about a tender ride, which is 2 people in the seat behind the engineers. Ask if and when that might be available. Also, be sure to ride Casey Jr.

 

[corinne76]

Thanks. On our first day, we won't get to DL til after lunch. Do you think we should try the train that day or wait for another DL day so we can ask about the tender ride early?

And yes! Casey Jr. We actually got to ride it twice in row last time. Ds was just 2 and we rode it. When it stopped, he started crying. The CM said "what's wrong buddy?" To him and we explained that he loves trains and was just bummed it was over. Since the line wasn't super bad, the CM told us to stay on and let us ride again. It was such a sweet thing and DS was soooo happy

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

We actually really like riding it at night, but that's because it's actually a bit scary at night. Totally different experience than during the day.

 

[FryingPansWhoKnew]

I'll answer it from the other direction. Bad times to ride it are directly after a performance of some kind. So after Mickey and the Magical Map is over is a bad time to try to load at the Toontown depot. Or just after the Soundsational parade is a bad time to try to load at the Main Street depot.

 

[corinne76]

We actually really like riding it at night, but that's because it's actually a bit scary at night. Totally different experience than during the day.

this is good to know. We will make sure to ride during the day

I'll answer it from the other direction. Bad times to ride it are directly after a performance of some kind. So after Mickey and the Magical Map is over is a bad time to try to load at the Toontown depot. Or just after the Soundsational parade is a bad time to try to load at the Main Street depot.

lol never thought about this but makes sense! Thanks

 

[TechGuy]

I find a good time to ride is when I am near the train station, my feet are tired, and I need to sit for twenty minutes. It's nice as you can sit and discuss with your family/group what adventure to do next. You could even sit there until you make a decision, even if it takes two times around the park.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

Totally agree with TechGuy. When you need a break and you're near a train station--that's the perfect time!

 

[Imdboss]

We like to ride it when it's time to give the feet a rest and have a snack. Grab a churro or other treat and hop on for a relaxing trip around the park. I enjoy it during the day and at night.

 

[calilou]

I find a good time to ride is when I am near the train station, my feet are tired, and I need to sit for twenty minutes. It's nice as you can sit and discuss with your family/group what adventure to do next. You could even sit there until you make a decision, even if it takes two times around the park.

This is us exactly! It's great for a rest and regroup. We use it a lot to and from Tomorrowland to get to the Monorail when we stay at the DLH as well. We spend a lot of time on the train! It may not be as fast as walking but sometimes you need to conserve your feet!

 

[Angrose]

Don't forget to ride the Monorail too, and ask to sit up front! Those are two of DS7's favorite rides, the train and the Monorail. Oh, but you have to get off the Monorail at DTD. Not too big of deal, but you will either need to get in line again to get back into the park or you can use it as an excuse to walk around the gardens at DLH or have lunch/dinner at Trader Sam's or Tangaroa Terrace!

 

[taniahappy]

Any time of day, early in the day when its not crowded or late at night when, yes, it is a bit scary.

 

[corinne76]

Don't forget to ride the Monorail too, and ask to sit up front! Those are two of DS7's favorite rides, the train and the Monorail. Oh, but you have to get off the Monorail at DTD. Not too big of deal, but you will either need to get in line again to get back into the park or you can use it as an excuse to walk around the gardens at DLH or have lunch/dinner at Trader Sam's or Tangaroa Terrace!

the only place dd wants to eat is rainforest cafe so yes! I want to take the monorail there. Kill 2 birds with one stone

 

[figment_jii]

I would avoid riding the train while either of the parades are en route. They cannot run the train (or at least have to stop it for some period) because the parades cross the parade route near It's a Small World. Other than that, I like riding the train at all times of the day.

 

[DopeysMIL]

I find a good time to ride is when I am near the train station, my feet are tired, and I need to sit for twenty minutes. It's nice as you can sit and discuss with your family/group what adventure to do next. You could even sit there until you make a decision, even if it takes two times around the park.

This is our motto as well. We tend to use it as a slow mode option and just stay on as long as we like. Making new plans, people watching, etc. A great way to stay in the park and let the little ones nap!

 

[ludari]

I enjoy the train at Disneyland and enjoy riding it whenever I need a break.

 

[TechGuy]

This is our motto as well. We tend to use it as a slow mode option and just stay on as long as we like. Making new plans, people watching, etc. A great way to stay in the park and let the little ones nap!

... us big ones can nap on the train also

 

[Mugglemama]

In the last 5 years we've started using the train as much for transportation as for fun. The first time we did it because we had my mother-in-law with us who has mobility issues - and using the train instead of pushing a wheelchair meant we'd all get to do more throughout the day. But since then, we've continued to use the train to jot back and forth across the park for those times when we have FP's for a ride in another land or want to head over to a restaurant on the other side or something. We ride it 3-5 times per day on our trips now.

 

[disney144]

Best time is when your feet are tired!