Magic Behind Our Steam Trains

[Terk-1]

Has anyone done the Magic Behind Our Steam Trains tour lately? How is it? Is it fun?

 

[Wendy1953]

Just went on the Steam Train tour last week of April. It was fun, a bit long however, but make sure you bring your camera...you get into the MK before it opens...great picture of the castle with no one on the streets!

 

[Terk-1]

How long is the tour? I know it starts at 7:30am, but around when did it end? Can you take pictures on this tour?

 

[travelin' tigger]

How long is the tour? I know it starts at 7:30am, but around when did it end? Can you take pictures on this tour?

I did this tour May 13 and it was amazing, especially for someone like me who isn't a "train fanatic". We met outside MK at 7:15 and Jim was our TG. It's an indepth tour of the trains, their history with Walt and the roundhouse. The tour was about 3 1/2-4 hours, depending on the trains and scheduling - ours ended around 11am.

And yes, you can take pictures. I ended up with ALOT!!

Feel free to ask anything else!!!

 

[garada3]

My husband and son (age 10) really enjoyed the train tour! All except for the early morning start

They actually took the first part twice - the day that they were originally scheduled, a Tuesday, had rainy weather in the morning. The tour started (with complimentary Mickey ponchos provided ) but was called off about an hour into the tour. They were given the choice of rescheduing later in the week or getting a refund. My train enthusiast son said 'reschedule'!

So they tried again on Thursday of that week and really enjoyed themselves. My son even got to throw the switch on the tracks outside of ToonTown! Thanks Conductor Jack!!!

Both guys came away from the tour with a lot of interesting information about the trains, Walt Disney and the Magic Kingdom and many pictures. As a matter of fact, my not so Disney loving husband was still talking about the tour the next day!

My husband did hear many guests on the tour(s) saying that transportation to the MK was difficult for the early start, so please keep that in mind when scheduling. I think they were finished at about 10:45am.

Definite

 

[Terk-1]

Thanks for the info. It looks like an interesting tour. I'll have to ask when I book about the transportation to the park, as I won't be renting a car.

 

[StacyPop]

How old do the kids have to be to go on the tour-my son will be 3 when we go-but is OBSESSED with trains-lives and breathes 'em. Would he be too young?

 

[Soupermom]

I believe you have to be 10 years old. My DS was 8 when we went in March, so we waited. A conductor did tell us that HE would have allowed an 8 year old, but not everyone. 4 hours touring the park and listening/being quiet so others could listen, would be a long time for a 3 year old I think. HTH

 

[CDSTapisRouge]

Hubby and I are (he is...I was) both tour guides for this tour. It starts at 7:30 (they will ask you to be there by 7;15) and it ends between 10 and 11 depending on the size of the tour (max is 20 people) and any delays that may occur with the trains themselves out at the roundhouse.

Children have to be at least 10 to take the tour.

As for transportation. It all depends on where you are staying. Magic Kingdom buses start running from the resorts to MK around 6:45am (all are on line by 7am). If you get out to the bus stop early enough to catch that first bus you will be fine. You could also get a taxi, if you don't mind paying the fair, just make sure that you tell the driver you are going to the Contemporary. If you say Magic Kingdom they will drop you off at the ticket and transportation center, if you say Contemporary, you can walk across to the MK entrance.

Some things to remember when you book though. The speil that the CM will give you is the generic tour speil. They will tell you buses do not run this early so you will need your own transportation....they will also tell you that cameras are not allowed on the tour. As mentioned the train tour allows cameras, there are even special locations set up just for pictures, so make sure you bring the camerea.

The tour is a really good one. There is a great mix on the tour. There are train buff that know more than the tour guide , train fans that want to know more and those that are along for the ride...honestly it doesn't matter what category you fall into, I have never had anyone on my tour that did not like it. Usually even those that were just along for the ride leave with a big smile and make comments about how much fun they had.