WDW Railroad - faster way to Frontierland?

[EEva]

Hi there
We will be park hopping to MK in October on the day of our MNSSHP ticket. We want to go in early to see the Festival of Fantasy parade. Our plan is to get to the park around 2:00 and watch from the Splash Mountain side of the parade in Frontierland. (FP+ for Splash Mtn. around 3:15 or so.)

I was thinking we could take the WDW Railroad from the front of the park to Frontierland. Is this a good idea? I know we will miss Main Street, but we will see that another day. Just wasn't sure if this would save us the time I think it will.

Thanks!

 

[hakepb]

I don't think it is guaranteed faster (depends on how long before a train arrives)
But it is a very enjoyable experience.

 

[RafikiTiki21]

If you are getting to MK at 2pm, I think this is a risky approach. Not sure of your family makeup, numbers, abilities.

Between security and then waiting for the train itself, it's hard to predict exact timing. The parade begins at 3, and begins in Frontierland. They actually stop the train so the floats and performers can enter "on stage" from backstage and have to cross the tracks. So worse case, you miss the parade while you're in the train and parade crossed the tracks just before 3pm.

You can enjoy the Main St approach and head to Frontierland, wait for parade, then use Splash FP afterwards (near the end of your FP window).

You can take the train back out if you want to experience it, but it's not likely more efficient on the way in based on your timing.

 

[GPC0321]

If Main Street is already getting crowded in anticipation of the parade, and there is a train in or approaching the station when you arrive, it probably would be quicker. At the very least, the train is a nice, relaxing little ride that would allow you to avoid navigating a potentially crowded part of the park.

Ah. Just saw you were arriving at 2pm. Hmm. And your FP+ is 3:15? Is that the end time of your FP+ or can you go later than that? I'd be tempted to wait for the parade at the train station, watch it from up there, then get on the train and ride to Frontierland. That's only if your FP+ is 3:15-4:15 though.

 

[CAS239]

Walking will always be faster unless you have members in your party that have a disability and can't walk at normal speed.

You have to board the train, then wait for everyone else to get on, then listen to the safety speech. The train is a more fun way to get there, but you'll be faster walking it

 

[Robo]

I don't agree that walking is automatically faster.
I've been answering this question since 2008 when I made the map below.

The timing of walking vs. the train is unpredictable.
It can certainly depend on the time of day that you arrive.
I can say that once the train is rolling, it will move much faster than a person can walk.
Take your pick and have fun!

 

[Alesia]

The train always takes longer.

 

[EEva]

This what I appreciate so much about the folks on this board!!
It's so helpful to get advice based on real world experience. On paper, it looked like a good idea . . .
It looks like it will be better in this situation to walk and not have to worry about timing with the train.

Also, my FP+ time for Splash Mtn. is just a ballpark. I have not hit my 60 day window just yet. I was thinking as most people going to MNSSHP will have their FP+ times start around 3:30 in order to get three, we might have more success getting the rides we want if we started with an earlier 3:15 or 3:20 start time.

I think I may be over thinking

 

[dreiwhit]

You have to board the train, then wait for everyone else to get on, then listen to the safety speech.

I've also been on trains held before arriving at Frontierland Station to let the train ahead clear the block.

FWIW, I can walk faster than taking the train.

 

[shyjade]

Whether the train is faster or slower, we often do take it to Frontierland when park hopping in the evenings because it gives our weary legs a nice break and we don't have to deal with crowds. Given the choice of walking directly to Frontierland or taking the train, we will always take the train.

 

[nilla]

We tried this a few years back and it took significantly longer than walking did. I suppose had the train been in the station and boarding right when we arrived, it might have been different, but it's not exactly a reliable assumption to think it will be there at just that moment.