If the train is on the tracks that day then guests can ride. However, you must go to guest services in the morning to make a reservation.
In May, we just asked the cast members working at the Main Street Train Station. They informed us that the car was on the track, and told us we could ride on the 4:00 train. We arrived back at 3:45 that day and had a wonderful experience. I would ask earlier rather than later because they do fill up.
So it isn't an official reservation type of thing? You can just come back later and go on? I hope it's running when we are there end of next month.![]()
It is not an official reservation, but it is not quite "just come back later."
They have to have the staffing to allow people on the Lily Belle (and, of course, it has to be on the tracks). As the PP said, if you go and ask, they will tell you if it's do-able on that day. If they can, they will tell you when. THEN, you just come back later and ride.
It is one of the "Disney magic" experiences I have yet to have. However, I came soooooo close it hurts.
Quick story if you want to read it:
DH and I were at the Park celebrating one of my friend's birthdays. There were about 10 of us hanging out celebrating that day. I knew I had to leave early to go to work, but came to be part of my friend's day for as long as I could.
About an hour before I had to leave we were at the Main Street train station. Discussion of the Lily Belle came up. The "birthday boy" (adult) had never ridden it either and is a huge Disney fan. We decided to give it a shot. (Nothing to lose, right?) They told us to come back in --- yep, one hour --- and we could ride the amazing Lily Belle. I looked at my watch, looked at my DH, and just wanted to cry.
45 minutes later I said good-bye to everyone --- knowing where they were all heading. DH was so sweet. "We may not even get on, you know." I said, "I know," and handed in the camera. I headed to the car to go to work.
Jump forward eight hours. I was with DH. He said nothing about the Lilly Belle for 30 minutes. Finally, I asked him, "So... did you?" He knew exactly what I was asking. He looked at the floor and just shook his head yes. DH, who enjoys Disney, but by no means would call himself a Disney-ite and knows that I breathe Disney every chance I can, rode the Lilly Belle along with my friend and several of my friend's friends on that day. I have the pictures my DH took to prove it.However, I smile knowing that it was my friend's birthday and he got to experience Disney magic on his day.
As for me? Someday.....
I'll just keep asking. One day I'll ask on the right day at the right time, when I can actually stay to return.
Good luck! I hope you get to ride. From what I hear, it's a pretty special moment.
- Dreams
Can someone clarify exactly where to ask about this? This is something I would really like to do if possible.
I try to remember to do this each trip, and have done so for about 4 of them I would say. Each and every time I just ask the CM's at the Main Street station right when they open up and they give me a time to check back when they should have the staffing to have somebody take me.
As others have said, go to the Main Street Station as soon as the park opens. Ask any CM there if there are reservations available for the Lilly Belle that day. If there are, they will tell you the times that are open. You choose a time and give them your name and the number in your party. You will be instructed to arrive at the Main Street Station 15 minutes before your reserved time and sit on the benches to the left after you walk into the station. They will put up to 12 on the car for each ride, so you'll probably see other people waiting there as well. When it's time to board, a CM will come and lead you to the Lilly Belle. When we rode two weeks ago, our CM just sat there like it was his break time. I've heard that others are full of stories and information. When you're done, you will get a really nice souvenier ticket. It's really nice experience.
When you're done, you will get a really nice souvenier ticket. It's really nice experience.
We usually do the Minnie breakfast with early entry, then head to the station. They usually escort you to the restaurant. I've never had trouble getting a reservation after our breakfast.
I didnt get one of those!! Grrr!