WDW Railroad

[Pugsley]

Does anyone know when the WDW RR starts running? I plan to get there at opening and the first thing I want to do is Splash Mountain. What do you think of the idea of taking the train instead of walking? I was thinking it would be a great idea if the train makes its first run right at opening. If it doesn't, I'm afraid I'd fall too far behind the walkers.

 

[Kimberle]

I'm pretty sure it starts running 5-10 minutes after park opening. Make a PS for a b/fast before the park opens then you'll be the first in line!! They start serving b/fast at 8:05 for a 9 am opening.

 

[nzdisneymom]

The train arrives as part of the grand opening in the mornings, so it is in the station at Main Street when the park opens. FWIW, you'd most likely make better time walking over to Splash Mountain than taking the train unless the train is about to pull out when you board - and then it's not much difference in time over to Splash Mountain.

When are you going? In my experience (I don't go during Easter week or summer or Christmas, so if you're going during any of those times, just ignore me - hee hee), the line for Splash Mountain doesn't get long right away. In fact, because the queuing area is a long walk itself, you'll most likely encounter a "walk on" situation if you head to Splash Mountain first thing. A lot of folks don't want to do Splash Mountain to begin with because they don't want to start their day wet

Have fun! Splash Mountain is my 6 y.o.'s favorite ride at MK.

 

[LibertyBelle]

You are better off walking (unless it is a Magic Morning/extra magic hour...Sunday and Thursday). The train that is used for the morning show arrives at the station around 8:50 with all the characters. They do the morning show and then that train is returned to the roundhouse as it is only used for the show (It does not have railings on the passenger cars, so the characters can get off on the left side). The first actual train of the day waits just outside the station until all the entertainment is clear of the station (this includes the techs that are breaking down the equipement). The first actual passenger train sometimes does not even get into the station until 9:05 or later and then they will sit there for about 2-3 minutes loading. If it is a magic morning the trains start at 9am as there is no morning show. (Frontierland is not open for magic morning) In that case the train usually arrives at Splash Mountain at about the same time as the people that are walking.

 

[NHLFAN]

We finally saw the opening train with the Mayor and characters on Oct. 8...if anyone hasn't seen it before it's well worth getting to the park a little early for.

Also noticed the train wasn't running during MNSSHP.

 

[mansionfan]

I believe the train runs as soon as the park opens. I highly recommend a trip around the Magic Kingdom on the WDW Railroad. It is both relaxing and allows you to "soak" in the magic!

 

[Pugsley]

Thanks so much everyone, that’s exactly what I needed to know.

nzdisneymom, I’m going a week from today! I’ve been there about 20 times, but I’m taking a friend this time who has never been so of course I’m stressing about everything going well. I was just trying to save us some walking by taking the train, but it sounds like that’s not a good idea. Besides, it’s probably best to let her walk down Main Street since it’s her first time.

 

[LibertyBelle]

Originally posted by NHLFAN
Also noticed the train wasn't running during MNSSHP.

The train does not run during any of the extended park events. MNSSHP, MVMCP, E-Ride, Night of Joy, etc. The reason it doesn't run during the Halloween and Christmas party is because of the perimiter fireworks (they use the train tracks to set them off).

 

[nzdisneymom]

Pugsley - I tend to agree about walking down Main Street for your friend's first time being there! There is something truly magical about it. Have a great time next week!