New Rumor about the WDW Stream Trains

[ztbz]

I heard from another Disney Cast Member that Al Weiss wants to get rid of or reduce the operating hours for the Walt Disney World Stream Trains in the Magic Kingdom. The reason why is so that more Disney guests will walk and spend more money in the Shops and Restaurants in the park. It seems that Al does not like guests riding the Train from Fronterland and Tune Town and then exit the park at the Main Street Station without spending a lot of Money in the Shops first.

 

[DVCconvert]

I don't think so. There's always tinkering with hours etc., but WDWRR is permanent.

 

[Peter Pirate]

That does not sound like Al Weiss to me.

 

[Captain Hook]

In the words of George Bush senior "Not gonna do it"

 

[TDC Nala]

I seriously doubt they'll get rid of the railroad.

 

[annie1995]

I believe they just re-furbished the main street station this last year, and the toon town station in 2004!! Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I highly doubt it's going anywhere after that.

 

[ryley26]

This will not happen this is one of Walts pride and joys.

 

[YoHo]

I've actually heard this rumor before. The Steam Engines are one of the more expensive attractions to maintain. I don't know that it will ever really happen though. While they certainly aren't as beloved as Disneyland's trains (just added a fifth and brought back the lilliebelle), there would be an uproard if they shut down.


On a somewhat related note, I got to meet Michael Broggie last weekend and Fullerton Railroad days. He was signing his book and stumping for the Carolwood Pacific historical society. The E.P. Ripley was there too for Kids to ring the bell and sound the whistle. CPHS has their own set of pins done by Disney for them too, so I picked one up. It was really interesting to get a little more history of Walt and his trains from someone who rode with him.

 

[DVCconvert]

On a somewhat related note, I got to meet Michael Broggie last weekend and Fullerton Railroad days. He was signing his book and stumping for the Carolwood Pacific historical society. The E.P. Ripley was there too for Kids to ring the bell and sound the whistle. CPHS has their own set of pins done by Disney for them too, so I picked one up. It was really interesting to get a little more history of Walt and his trains from someone who rode with him.

Michael is a very nice person, as is his wife Sharon--they've done alot to help maintain, expand and keep Walt's (and his father's) love of the iron horse a part of the company culture.
(if you haven't bot his book, it's a great read!)

 

[YoHo]

Have it, it's my favorite Disneyland/World related book.

 

[cpthook623]

I dont believe they will ever get rid of the railroad or the train. Walts favorite thing was steam engines and so the train is sort of a tribute to walt.

 

[Another Voice]

"Transporation rides" are considered the lowest form of attraction in the parks. The Skyway was closed, Keel Boats and Canoes (WDW) were beached.

The steamtrains require a huge amount of maintenance. There's been pressure on them for a long time. There were rumors that Disneyland had considered converting one of more trains into traveling restaurants (like the Napa Valley diner train).

Traditions and the favorites of "The Dead Guy" don't mean anything today. Only the coin in the bag and the complaints of guests count.

 

[Flora Fan]

The Behind the Steam Train Tours have been becoming more and more popular over the years. I'm betting that the Disney Executives realize that the patrons love the trains too. I just can't fathom that they would seriously consider this idea.

 

[Ted and Holly]

"Transporation rides" are considered the lowest form of attraction in the parks. The Skyway was closed, Keel Boats and Canoes (WDW) were beached.

The steamtrains require a huge amount of maintenance. There's been pressure on them for a long time. There were rumors that Disneyland had considered converting one of more trains into traveling restaurants (like the Napa Valley diner train).

Traditions and the favorites of "The Dead Guy" don't mean anything today. Only the coin in the bag and the complaints of guests count.

Unfortunately, I think your last statement is sad but true. The CoP was Walt's baby. Over the years, it has been open less and less (seems to me anyway).

I don't see the steam train as a valid means of transportation from one part of the park to another. It is not any faster than walking, even on moderately busy days.

But, I would hate to see it go.

Ted

 

[dbm20th]

Unfortunately, I think your last statement is sad but true. The CoP was Walt's baby. Over the years, it has been open less and less (seems to me anyway).

But why do you think that is? I mean HM was also his deal, as was Small World and a host of others.

I would hate to the the trains go, also. Not because Walt liked it. Because I like it

 

[Ted and Holly]

But why do you think that is? I mean HM was also his deal, as was Small World and a host of others.

I would hate to the the trains go, also. Not because Walt liked it. Because I like it

I hear ya. The lack of lines at CoP is pretty telling. But my comment was in response to others that said that those in charge would not do away with the trains because they were Walt's favorite. To agree with what Another Voice has said, Walt's wishes aren't the last word in what goes or stays.

Ted

 

[Anthony1971]

The trains in MK are as much of a tradition at Disney World as Mickey Mouse!!
While they may be talk of the costs to maintain them I do not think they will ever change.. If it did happen they might as well shut the doors as the parks are based on Walt's dream and it is widely Known that the train is part of it. Without his dream and honor of, the parks would nothing more then another six flags or universal park.
Mk does not open until the train whistle blows

 

[dbm20th]

I think it is also important to note that even if WDW wanted a more cost efficient situation, that does not mean they won't have a train running around MK. They may just want a more cost efficient version.

The other reason why they don't seem to worry about Walt's wishes may also have something to do with Walt's currently quiet approach to expressing those wishes. He doesn't seem to make his voice heard quite as much as he used to. For all we know, he may want a darn Acela screaming around the place

 

[Uncleromulus]

I guess my question is (the "cost" thing aside) is: How many guests do these trains prevent from going up (or down) Main Street?
I'll bet that many who do take the train to Toon Town, etc probably wind up walking back DOWN Main Street when they're leaving the parks. And just the opposite-those taking the train FROM Toon Town may well have walked there.