Disney's The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour

Every guest that has visited the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World Resort, has heard, seen or ridden on this enduring attraction.

We have listened to the sound of its whistle as we enjoyed the breeze created by the 15mph that its real steam driven locomotives generate. It has taken us from Main Street U.S.A. to Frontierland or it may just have taken us back to where we started as we enjoyed a circular tour of the Magic Kingdom.

Ever wonder what it would be like to venture into the Magic Kingdom before the Park opens, and accompany the railroad engineers as they ready the massive steam trains for another day of service. Walk the backstage roundhouse where the trains are stored and serviced, and ride the rails as you explore how Walt Disney's lifetime love of steam trains led to their becoming an integral part of the Magic Kingdom.

Recently I was apart of a group of excited and wide eyed guests who spent three hours looking, listening and learning about the effort and preparation that goes into maintaining these wonderfully restored steam driven trains.

I will share with you now some of the highlights of this tour, but not everything we experienced that morning. It would be difficult to describe the special feeling you have as you stand on the Main Street platform awaiting the first train of the day with the various crews of cast members still scurrying about the empty park preparing it for the guests that would be visiting that day.

So here are my notes from my glimpse Behind the Magic.

Our small group of 12 persons gathered just outside the turnstiles of the Magic Kingdom at 7:30am. We were greeted by one of the train engineers named Jim who would be our guide this morning. After Jim performed a quick head count and checked our names off a list then directed us to the turnstiles.

We then made our way up onto the Main Street railway platform and as we waited for our train that would take us backstage Jim pointed out the unusual spectacle of a deserted Main Street.

Right on time at 7:30am we heard the Lilly Belle as it approached the station. We all boarded the train taken up most of the last car. For those that want a perfect photo opportunity be ready to help the crew out as a volunteer conductor.

Heading out to Frontierland and beyond we listened as Jim spoke about the transition in theme and how the train is integrated into the general overall theme of the park.

As we reached Toontown another volunteer was selected to assist the crew as they backed our train in the Roundhouse. We moved along the track that straddles a road called Centre Drive which was filled with cast members making their way into work.

After settling in at the Roundhouse we got off the train and Jim split our group into two smaller groups of six persons each. Each smaller group was given a detailed explanation of how a steam engine is operated. In a addition a variety of procedures and safety checks were explained and performed.

We climbed back aboard the train and headed out of this backstage area to Mickey’s Toontown where we took on water, as well as performed some additional train operational procedures.

During our stop at the Toontown station we all climb off and were given an official photo opportunity, so even though filming and photographs are prohibited during the tour bring your camera with you.

We climb back on the train and headed into Main Street station. It was about 9:15am as we arrived back and were given a bathroom break and offered coffee and bottled water.

This first part of the tour took nearly two hours. We were then directed back up to the Main Street platform and gathered some chairs in to a circle. Over the next hour Jim engaged in a casual and informal story telling session.

At the conclusion of our tour we all thanked our guide who in turn thanked us and presented each guest with a limited collectable pin that would commemorate our glimpse into a part of what makes a day at The Magic Kingdom just so magical.

Here are things you need to know before you go
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: $40.00 per person
Prices are subject to change without notice.
Much of this tour is outdoors, so don't forget hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Guests must be at least 10 years old to attend and minors must be accompanied by an adult
Theme Park admission is required.

TIPS & FUN FACTS
Walt Disney was such a fan of trains, he built a rideable, one-eighth- scale model steam train in his backyard. Called the Carolwood Pacific Railroad, it was named for the street on which his home was located in the Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles.