Walt Disney World Railroad

Walt’s Lifelong Passion

noted train enthusiast, Walt Disney built his very first railroad in his backyard. The Carolwood Pacific Railroad, a 1/8-scale train, debuted in 1950 and featured a custom-built, steam powered locomotive that encircled his property. Delighted with his miniature backyard railroad, Walt decided to share his love of trains with the whole world. The result was the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad, a favorite of Guests since the park opened in 1955. Today, railroads exist at every Disney park around the globe.

Walt Disney World

The twin of the #1, it was intended to be named in Roy's honor and given the #2. Roy however declined stating that he didn't want to be compared to all the great achievements his younger brother had made. It was decided that the engine would be given the #3 and named in honor of Roger Broggie- the man responsible for the creation of the railroad. Roger was very opinionated on his locomotive showing distaste for the sound of the bell it had. It was later fitted with a bell from an old steam ship. The locomotive, like the Walter E. Disney, is a 4-6-0 "Ten wheeler" which pulls the yellow 300 series coaches. Like the #1, this locomotive was built in 1925.

The Amusement Park Railroad Thread

A total of six locomotives have been associated with the railroad over the years:

No. 1 — Walter E. Disney, formerly No. 274 of the United Railways of Yucatan. The Walter E. Disney is one of two 4-6-0 steam engines that pull passengers around the park. It was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1925.

No. 2 — Lillie Belle, formerly No. 260 of the United Railways of Yucatan. The Lillie Belle is a 2-6-0 steam engine, also known as a Mogul. It was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1928.

No. 3 — Roger E. Broggie, formerly No. 275 of the United Railways of Yucatan. Like engine No. 1, the Roger E. Broggie has a 4-6-0 wheel configuration. It was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1925 and was on the shop floor at the same time as it sister locomotive, the Walter E. Disney.

No. 4 — Roy O. Disney, formerly No. 251 of the United Railways of Yucatan. The Roy O. Disney is the only 4-4-0 locomotive, commonly called an American style steam engine. It was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1916. During the initial refurbishment, a major crack in the Roy O. Disney’s frame had to be repaired.

No. 5 — Ward Kimball, formerly of the N&S Coal Co. A collector traded the 2-4-4RT locomotive in exchange for a set of the original Disneyland Railroad passenger coaches. While the locomotive was obtained for the Walt Disney World Resort’s 25th anniversary in 1996, it was never placed in service, in part because it wasn’t big enough to pull trains up the 1 percent grade between Tomorrowland and Main Street. The locomotive was displayed for some time in Epcot Center in 1996 and later sat idle in the railroad roundhouse before it was sent to Cedar Point in exchange for a Forney locomotive that became Disneyland Railroad No. 5, also named “Ward Kimball.”

Railfanning.org Trackside Guide

The oldest of the four locomotives, the #4 Roy O. Disney was built in 1916 making it over 100 years old. It was the last locomotive however to be completed due to extensive frame work. After Roy died, the locomotive was named in his honor. Initially Roger Broggie showed skepticism for this locomotive being able to conquer the 2% grade the line had, however George Britton and Roy had confidence that it could tackle the grade and has been doing it ever since 1971. The locomotive is a 4-4-0 "American" style engine which was what a majority of early locomotives in America where built as. The locomotive pulls the 400 series blue coaches.

The Amusement Park Railroad Thread

Listen to the clamor of the engine, the chug of the wheels and the call of the whistle as you travel aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad. Offering convenient stops at Frontierland, Fantasyland and Main Street, U.S.A., it's the perfect way to preview the magic at Magic Kingdom park and take in the picturesque scenery.

The Walt Disney World Railroad is also a handy way to get around quickly and easily. And because the trains are scheduled to arrive at each station every 4 to 10 minutes at most times throughout the day, you never have to worry about waiting a long time to ride one.

Walt Disney World