Summary of Disneyland Train Information
Overview
One of the tamest and oldest rides at Disneyland is the train. Not only can you ride on it and see a couple of attractions along the way, but it’s also an excellent way to get around Disneyland without walking too much.
- Rating: ★★
- Restrictions: No height or age restrictions.
- Ride Time: About 20 minutes for a round trip
- Recommended for: Train enthusiasts and anyone wanting to experience the dioramas and exhibits along the way
- Wait Factor: Medium. This train does not offer FASTPASS options.
- Fear Factor: Low, unless you are afraid of the dark or are sensitive to loud noises
- Herky-Jerky Factor: Low
- Nausea Factor: Low to none
- Accessibility: Accessibility varies by station. For audio from the Grand Canyon and Primeval World, use a handheld captioning device available at Guest Relations located at City Hall.
It takes about 20 minutes to complete a full circuit around the park on the train. Trains are typically scheduled every 5 to 10 minutes throughout the day. Use this experience to become familiar with the park layout upon arrival, or relax your feet while moving between areas later in the day.
The train is also the exclusive way to view the Grand Canyon Diorama. Between the Tomorrowland and Main Street U.S.A. stations, the Disneyland Train features a display showcasing a view of the Grand Canyon today, contrasted with a prehistoric version filled with dinosaurs.
Like any Disneyland attraction, the train or certain stations may close for maintenance or upgrades. To stay informed, check the Park Hours tab of the monthly calendar page.
The Disneyland Railroad may also close during fireworks shows, especially in windy conditions.
Disneyland Railroad Stations
You can board the train at any of four stations in Disneyland park:
Main Street, U.S.A.: Conveniently located near the entrance, City Hall, Main Street shops, and other vehicles. Access requires climbing several steps to reach the boarding platform. Wheelchairs can be folded and placed onboard, but riders must ascend the steps. ECVs must stay at the base of the stairs until return.
New Orleans Square: Close to the Haunted Mansion and a brief stroll from Splash Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. Wheelchairs and ECVs can board from the last car. Ascend the exit ramp near Haunted Mansion and wait for a Cast Member to provide further instructions.
Tomorrowland: Located near Star Wars Launch Bay, Autopia, and Space Mountain. While this station is somewhat concealed, it can be reached by walking between Star Wars Launch Bay and Autopia.
Mickey’s Toontown: Near Toontown and It’s a Small World. The last car can accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs. Access is via a ramp located at the boarding area (limited space available). Stand behind the yellow line outside the west exit gates for Cast Member assistance.
Tips for the Disneyland Train
If your children, or any adults in your party eager for some nostalgia, want to see Mickey Mouse first, consider taking the train. Board at Main Street for a direct route to Mickey’s Toontown, where you can meet Mickey in his dressing room as soon as you enter. However, check the day’s schedule beforehand to confirm he will be available.
This train is also a convenient way to exit the park in the evening. In fact, taking the train from the Tomorrowland station could be less crowded than using the Monorail.
The Disneyland Railroad is a fantastic choice for little ones who adore trains, but there are numerous other attractions throughout Disneyland that are equally enjoyable for children.
Fun Facts About the Disneyland Train
The Disneyland Train was not Walt Disney’s first experience with trains; he first built a 1/8-scale model in his backyard in 1949.
The Disneyland train system consists of five intricately restored, working narrow-gauge trains with four passenger cars each. The trains honor locomotive legends like C.K. Holliday, E.P. Ripley, Ernest Marsh, and Fred Gurley. The fifth train is named after Ward Kimball, an animator who nurtured Walt Disney’s love of railways. To explore more about the engines, you can visit Disneyland’s official blog.
The train’s luxurious caboose, the observation car, known as “Lilly Belle,” is named in honor of Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian. This VIP car is adorned with live palm trees, silk roses, brass fixtures, stained glass skylights, and plush burgundy velvet upholstery.
The original train cars were not discarded; they were relocated to Santa Margarita Ranch, where they now reside as part of the Pacific Coast Railroad.
