Fabulous 45th: Walt Disney World Railroad

DisneyParks Blog has started a new weekly series in order to get ready for Disney World's 45th Anniversary!

This week's spotlight was the Walt Disney World Railroad! One of my favorite things at the resort!

The Walt Disney World Railroad was an opening day attraction at the Magic Kingdom and featured 4 turn of the century steam trains. The steam train at the Disney parks is a tradition instilled by Walt himself because of his love for them. He had the "Carolwood Pacific", a scaled down version of a steam train at his own home!

When planning a train system for Magic Kingdom Park, a fleet of four locomotives were purchased, each with their own interesting history. Manufactured by the Baldwin Automotive Works of Philadelphia between 1915-1928 for the United Railways of Yucatan, these trains spent years transporting jute and sugar through the Yucatan Peninsula. The locomotives were restored, repainted and put in place in time for the park’s opening on October 1, 1971.

Since opening day, the Disney fleet has consisted of three locomotives named after members of the Disney family – the Walter E. Disney, the Roy Disney, and the Lilly Belle (after Lillian Disney). A fourth train is named after Imagineer Roger E. Broggie.

If you catch the Magic Kingdom Welcome show, you can catch a look at the Lily Belle! There is also a "Magic Behind our Steam Trains" Tour as well you can take part of!