Three train operation today 7/2

[Disone]

So today I went into the Magic Kingdom, entering at about 6pm to experience the steamboat and a full round trip on the railroad. I took the round trip first and Roger Broggie pulling the green cars was my train around the park.

Then I went on the riverboat and had the fortunate luck of getting into a whistle battle between the riverboat and Lille Bell who was pulling the yellow cars.

Then as I leave the park I noticed that Walter, hooked up to the red cars, is sitting at main Street station. So I guess all three trains were on the line today. That's kind of exciting. It's going to be a super long time before this happens with any frequency again. Glad they're letting them all get their legs stretched out before they go to one train shuttle operations.

 

[Disone]

So today I went into the Magic Kingdom, entering at about 6pm to experience the steamboat and a full round trip on the railroad. I took the round trip first and Roger Broggie pulling the green cars was my train around the park.

Then I went on the riverboat and had the fortunate luck of getting into a whistle battle between the riverboat and Lille Bell who was pulling the yellow cars.

Then as I leave the park I noticed that Walter, hooked up to the red cars, is sitting at main Street station. So I guess all three trains were on the line today. That's kind of exciting. It's going to be a super long time before this happens with any frequency again. Glad they're letting them all get their legs stretched out before they go to one train shuttle operations.

Quick update. Walter Disney pulled backwards out of main Street station and chugged in reverse towards Fantasyland. Perhaps they just brought Walter out at the end of the day to practice shuttle mode? Although it seems odd they would fire up a third engine to do that but it is in the realm of possibility.

 

[larryz]

Quick update. Walter Disney pulled backwards out of main Street station and chugged in reverse towards Fantasyland. Perhaps they just brought Walter out at the end of the day to practice shuttle mode? Although it seems odd they would fire up a third engine to do that but it is in the realm of possibility.

Gotta check 'em all out before the warranty on the refurb expires...

 

[WorldExplorer]

I know this isn't why you brought this up, but whistle battles must be a regular thing; I was on the boat around three and they did the same thing. I loved it!

 

[Disone]

I know this isn't why you brought this up, but whistle battles must be a regular thing; I was on the boat around three and they did the same thing. I loved it!

Actually it's a long-standing tradition. It doesn't happen as much at Walt Disney World as it does at Disneyland, because for whatever reason that isn't clear to me the riverboat and the trains line up more frequently at Disneyland.

But yes anytime a river boat is on the back stretch of the river and so is a train they typically engage in a whistle battle. I will miss that tradition

 

[MickMinn22]

I wish they would do shuttle service between both fantasyland and Frontierland during construction. I feel like the distance between main street and both stops is equal. One could go Main Street to Frontierland and other main street to fantasyland obviously alternating Main Street stops. I guess could be a logistics issue at main street with people waiting for two different trains.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

I wish they would do shuttle service between both fantasyland and Frontierland during construction.

the locomotives are watered and serviced at Fantasyland - technically they could figure out a way to do that at Main Street too (Frontierland would be tricky) but not sure it’s worth the hassle.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Anyone know the actual operation plan for the shuttle? I’m thinking they may only board at one station and offer passengers to get off at the other station or stay on board for a round trip.

Forcing everyone off the shuttle won’t be popular - but otherwise they won’t have the capacity.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Quick update. Walter Disney pulled backwards out of main Street station and chugged in reverse towards Fantasyland. Perhaps they just brought Walter out at the end of the day to practice shuttle mode? Although it seems odd they would fire up a third engine to do that but it is in the realm of possibility.

They were test runs. Lilly and Roger were handling regular service today. My guess is that it’s Walter’s turn in the rotation so Roger or Lilly will have their routine/scheduled time off starting tomorrow, or they’re planning to run all 3 over the next 4-5 days with it being busy due to the 4th this weekend. Either one would warrant going ahead and steaming up Walter today.

 

[EagleScout610]

steaming up Walter today.

I know we're discussing trains but this line gave me the image of a CM sitting in a sauna with Walt's head on a towl next to them

 

[Disone]

They were test runs. Lilly and Roger were handling regular service today. My guess is that it’s Walter’s turn in the rotation so Roger or Lilly will have their routine/scheduled time off starting tomorrow, or they’re planning to run all 3 over the next 4-5 days with it being busy due to the 4th this weekend. Either one would warrant going ahead and steaming up Walter today.

I would love to see a day or two of actual 3 train operation before shuttle mode starts for who knows how many years.

I might go back on Saturday but I also see that that cast member reservations are still available so I don't think they anticipated being too busy on Saturday. But maybe they'll run all three just because they know they'll be a surge of popularity to the attraction before it loses its grand circle route..

 

[Disone]

Anyone know the actual operation plan for the shuttle? I’m thinking they may only board at one station and offer passengers to get off at the other station or stay on board for a round trip.

Forcing everyone off the shuttle won’t be popular - but otherwise they won’t have the capacity.

Back when they did it during construction of splash Mountain it was one-way transportation only.

Also of note: They also didn't reverse any of the seats.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Anyone know if they’ve been running 3 trains the last 48hrs? Since the reports of low crowds my guess is no.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Anyone know if they’ve been running 3 trains the last 48hrs? Since the reports of low crowds my guess is no.

Just Lilly and Roger today - no wait to get on the trains.

When at DL they were running 3 trains and you had to wait for the 2nd or 3rd train to get on - they were packed.

They are still sporting July 4th decor!

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Many WDW Railroad CM’s were emotional for the last trips - I was on the last “Grand Circle Tour” to ever leave Main Street Station and pass the Rivers of America. All the CM’s were saying “several years” before they serve Frontierland again.

 

[JoeCamel]

Did I see they are going to shuttle from main street to fantasyland and back?
Hardly seems worth the effort for years of closure

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Did I see they are going to shuttle from main street to fantasyland and back?
Hardly seems worth the effort for years of closure

It’s better than a full close - and it keeps the kinetic energy at the entrance. It’s a small win.

 

[Purduevian]

Did I see they are going to shuttle from main street to fantasyland and back?
Hardly seems worth the effort for years of closure

I mean WDWRR was never really about transportation. It was always more of a placemaking attraction (like people mover, riverboat, and main street vehicles). So any movement/visuals is a win!

 

[Squishy]

Seems like it takes ~21 minutes from the train leaving a station to returning to it, it goes a lot slower when in reverse. Has more elaborate stitch storyline over the speakers on the return trip from MS to FL.