The Disneyland Railroad in Disneyland Park is a vintage train that makes a full circle of the park. Walt Disney was a train enthusiast and even built a railroad in his backyard. When he designed the theme park, he put a railroad all the way around the perimeter.
The entire loop is 22 minutes long and approximately 1.2 miles. A train will run every 5 to 10 minutes throughout the day. You’ll be able to ride onboard 1 of 5 meticulously resorted, working narrow-gauge trains that include 4 sets of passenger cars.
- C.K. Holliday
- E.P. Ripley
- Ernest Marsh
- Fred Gurley
- Ward Kimball
You will have to fold your stroller to board. Also seat children on the inside so they aren’t tempted to lean out and touch the foliage.
Main Street Railroad Station
- The train station on Main street is the biggest train station in the park.
- If you want to schedule a ride with the train conductor you will need to do that at this station.
- On busy days, expect long lines at the New Orleans Square and Tomorrowland Station; Lines are light/moderate at Main Street and Fantasyland/Toontown Station
- Trip will take you through a Grand Canyon and Primeval World diorama (between the Tomorrowland and Main Street stations)
- On the right hand side of the entrance under the sign “to the trains” is a board with pictures of the train route and the engines. Whichever part is lit is where the trains are on the route
- One train (usually the CK Holiday) features the Lilly Belle VIP Caboose; I hear if you Go to the Main Street train station as soon as you can after the park opens. Ask if the Lilly Belle is running that day. If it is, they will allow you to make a reservation for one of the few spots available per day– provided they are not already gone, of course. They usually make 2-3 runs a day consisting of 12 spots. If you aren’t in the first 36, try the next day. Be aware, they will ask you to come back at a specific time, however, the train may be running later than expected and you may have to wait once you get there. Also, if it rains, the reservation can be canceled.
New Orleans Square
- Located between the Haunted Mansion and the French Market Restaurant.
- New Orleans Square Telegraph Office is based on the 1948’s “So Dear to my Heart.”
- The telegraph is typing out Walt’s opening day speech in Morse Code.
- Very congested station; avoid getting on at this station if you can.
Toontown Station
- Located outside of Toontown’s entrance next to Mickey’s Magical Map theater.
- This station is not very crowded unless you attempt to use it after the fireworks.
- Check out the colorful luggage and try to guess who it belongs to.
Tomorrowland Station
- Located between Autopia and Innoventions.
- Alien looking lanterns.
- Very busy after the fireworks as trains are already fully from New Orleans Square and Toontown.
You might also enjoy Animator’s Academy at California Adventure.
Learn more about Disneyland Parks.