The Disneyland Railroad is back on track with a full head of steam! After years of setbacks, the iconic attraction is finally running four trains simultaneously, a sight unseen since 2019. But the journey to this milestone was not without its challenges.
A Historic Comeback:
For years, the railroad operated with a reduced number of trains, a far cry from its former glory. The COVID-19 pandemic initially halted the four-train operation in 2020, and just as the park was recovering, a fire broke out in the New Orleans Square station in 2022. This fire, which started in the telegraph office and led to its eventual demolition, also impacted the nearby water tower, a crucial component for steam engine operations.
The Water Tower's Revival:
And here's where the story takes a turn. The water tower, a symbol of the railroad's functionality, has been restored to its former glory. This repair allows the steam engines to be filled once more, enabling the operation of all four trains at the same time. This is a significant development for the park's operations and a relief for fans who have eagerly awaited the return of this classic experience.
The Engines and Their Stories:
Disneyland Railroad boasts five engines, each with its own unique history. On December 23, four of these engines were in action. Engine #2, the E.P. Ripley, named after a founder of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, returned to service in 2023 after an extensive refurbishment. It is accompanied by the Holiday Blue train set and the Lilly Belle parlor car, accommodating 215 passengers with its side-facing blue-striped cars. The Lilly Belle serves as the caboose for this train.
Engine #1, the C.K. Holliday, pays homage to the first president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Its design is inspired by Walt Disney's miniature Lilly Belle locomotive. The accompanying Excursion train set features forward-facing cars with red and green accents. Engine #4, the Ernest S. Marsh, celebrated its 100th anniversary this year and stands out as it was not originally built for Disneyland, having been constructed in 1925. The Holiday Green train set accompanies this engine, featuring green stripes.
The oldest of the bunch, Engine #3, Fred Gurley, was constructed in 1894 and entered service at Disneyland in 1958. It is accompanied by the Holiday Red train set, formerly known as Retlaw 2, with side-facing red-striped cars. Engine #5, the Ward Kimball, is currently under refurbishment and is the park's second-oldest engine, dating back to 1902.
A Controversial Comeback:
The return of the four-train operation has been a long-awaited event for many Disney enthusiasts. But here's where it gets controversial—some argue that the reduced train operations in recent years have been a necessary safety measure, while others believe it has taken away from the full Disneyland experience. What do you think? Is the four-train operation a welcome return to form, or should the park consider a new normal?
Stay tuned for more updates on Disneyland's iconic attractions, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments. For more Disneyland Resort news, follow the mentioned social media accounts, and for global Disney Parks updates, visit WDWNT.
