Walt Disney World Railroad will reopen this vacation season at Magic Kingdom with an all-new narration and extra. It’s an early Festivus and/or Christmas miracle (most likely each–sorry, however this one took two miracles). In this submit, we’ll share the official announcement and provide commentary in regards to the return of the trains.
In case you missed it, Walt Disney World Railroad is “temporarily” closed for the development of TRON Lightcycle Run in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom. Heck, it’s completely potential that you simply’ve been visiting for a number of years and didn’t understand that was a working practice station on the entrance of the park, because it’s been completely decorative since December 3, 2018.
That’s when the Walt Disney World Railroad closed, which was nonetheless early within the building of the upcoming curler coaster. Even at the moment, it was fairly clear at that the railroad didn’t want to shut. TRON building might’ve occurred in such a method that the railroad closure occurred in a later stage of the challenge. It was nearly actually an operational cost-savings to not run the trains for a few years.
Of course, everyone knows how that performed out. TRON Lightcycle Run opening “in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary” became opening in Spring 2023. [Insert another “It’s been 84 years…” meme] Thankfully, the present opening timeframe for TRON Lightcycle Run ought to truly maintain this time.
We’re hoping to know on Christmas morning, and are additionally hoping that the “Spring 2023” opening of TRON Lightcycle Run is definitely sooner than anticipated. Okay, maybe that’s overly optimistic–and it certain looks as if we’re out of Christmas miracles given right this moment’s Walt Disney World Railroad information. Speaking of which, right here’s the official announcement from Walt Disney World…
Cast members and Imagineers are celebrating a second of nostalgia at Magic Kingdom this week as we put together to welcome company aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad as soon as once more for the vacation season. This opening-day attraction returns with a very refreshed monitor looping the park, and one other new shock for followers and first-comers alike.
Not solely did this historic practice endure monitor updates and upkeep—as 100-year-old classic steam trains do—the artistic minds at Walt Disney Imagineering additionally seized this second to revisit the narration and introduce an all-new voice to carry company into the beloved tales they encounter as they journey from one magical land to the subsequent.
“The familiar whistle of its steam engine will be complemented by exciting new sounds and voices,” the workforce of Imagineers shared. “A new conductor has assumed the role, carrying on the long tradition of warm welcomes and amusing anecdotes while adding fresh commentary and story to the journey.”
The artistic voiceover course of is as detailed because the practice operation itself, and all of it begins with our conductor. For these meticulously restored steam trains, we all know the scenic grand circle tour should be guided by a voice our company can envision and resonate with. Someone who grew up on Main Street, U.S.A., dreaming of the day they’d be on the railroad.
They’ve now achieved that dream, they usually know everybody and every thing at Magic Kingdom … an unofficial mayor of kinds. This conductor is humble, genial, and educated, and he’s keen to assist passengers of those iconic steam trains get to their locations across the park he loves so dearly.
While our conductor factors you to the acquainted sights in your left and proper, we embrace what makes Magic Kingdom a spot not like some other, the place you may escape into utterly new worlds and have fun with characters you’re keen on. This legacy attraction now holds true the very nostalgia of opening day and blends it with the marvel of latest adventures, immersing you into story after story because it loops across the park. You could even encounter a personality or two alongside the best way!
We are delighted to share Walt Disney’s love of trains with the world as soon as once more, taking company for the enduring grand circle tour of Magic Kingdom this vacation season. And earlier than your individual travels, we’re honored to welcome aboard our Magic Kingdom solid members because the very first to expertise this historic second beginning right this moment, waving to company throughout particular Cast Member excursions across the park.
In phrases of commentary, we’re excited. There are few points of interest we get pleasure from as a lot as transportation ones. Without query, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is what we experience most in Magic Kingdom. Part of that’s for TRON Lightcycle Run building images, however even with out that, it will be our #1 by a large margin.
Since the Walt Disney World Railroad closed, we’ve been getting our repair at Disneyland and have carried out that railroad greater than regular. Originally, my hope was that the Magic Kingdom counterpart would use the Universe of Energy dinosaurs so as to add related surroundings. Sadly, that has not occurred–a very squandered alternative, when you ask me. I most likely would’ve complained about that had the Walt Disney World Railroad reopened in mid-2020. At this level, I’m simply elated to have it again.
I additionally don’t have any robust response to the brand new narration (but). If I’m being trustworthy, I don’t even totally bear in mind the earlier narration. Doing numerous grand circle excursions on the different fort parks for the reason that WDWRR closed has most likely blurred collectively recollections of various dialogue.
One factor I’ll say is that narration is extremely vital on transportation points of interest, as it will probably carry the experience when there’s not a lot to see. Consequently, Disney followers usually maintain a variety of nostalgia for the model they first heard–or the one which existed throughout formative journeys. Swapping out narrations in a single day is tough because of this, as followers will usually by upset about dropping the acquainted–even when the brand new one is simply pretty much as good.
Walt Disney World Railroad received’t endure from that downside as a lot, provided that nobody has skilled it in over 4 years. Memories of the previous narration received’t be as recent!
Beyond that, Imagineering could be very cognizant of the historic significance of the railroad given Walt Disney’s love of trains. Accordingly, I might count on a disproportionate quantity of expertise engaged on this comparatively small challenge–and doubtless numerous people who find themselves likewise passionate in regards to the railroad and sustaining its integrity and significance.
Operationally, it is sensible to open the Walt Disney World Railroad now. In truth, I’ve been anticipating this announcement just about every single day for the reason that week earlier than Thanksgiving, when ops began getting actually severe about testing and coaching Cast Members on the stations themselves. It appeared like a foregone conclusion that the WDWRR would open quickly at that time, since Disney was paying for full staffing and operations, or near it.
The Walt Disney World Railroad will probably be important in offering wanted capability to Magic Kingdom throughout the busiest weeks of the 12 months–mainly every single day between now and January 9, 2023. More capability means promoting extra tickets, which is Walt Disney World’s rationale for bringing again the railroad earlier than TRON Lightcycle Run opens.
Ultimately, the return of the Walt Disney World Railroad is nice–however overdue–information. We’ve heard from many WDW followers who’ve watched your youngsters develop up, getting older into and out of (debatable) prime “train age” throughout the closure. That has been actually unhappy to listen to, however I’ve excellent news for you.
You by no means really age out of “train age.” It’s like Santa Claus. So lengthy as you maintain a particular place in your coronary heart and need to imagine (or some sentimental schmaltz like that), trains are all the time magical. Hallmark ought to actually make a vacation film about that. Seriously, although. I’m in my late 30s and nonetheless get giddy about trains, have visited a half-dozen completely different railroad museums, and completely love driving the rails. A sure sort of their magic may put on off, however trains really transcend age.
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Your Thoughts
What do you consider this information? Excited that the Walt Disney World Railroad is reopening this 12 months? Have you ever skilled the WDWRR, or has it been down ever because you began visiting? Happy that your children will lastly get to expertise the enjoyment of trains? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions we may also help you reply? Hearing your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!