Walt Disney World Railroad Enters “Shuttle Mode” for YEARS as Major Construction Begins. It seems like Walt Disney World Railroad just reopened from a four-year closure, but that was 12/23/2022, just under three years ago, and now over half the Walt Disney World Railroad will be closed for what could turn into another few years before we get the full experience back. Even when it returns in the future, it won’t ever be the same experience.
Rivers of America is now officially closed and in the annals of the history of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Gone are Tom Sawyer’s Island and the Liberty Belle Riverboat. Walt Disney Imagineering is starting construction, replacing the whole area with a new Cars-themed land called Piston Peak National Park, which will feature two new attractions, one being an off-road rally racer ride, shops, and dining.
With the closure of Rivers of America and the massive construction process that starts today, Disney World had to close off the Walt Disney World Railroad from Main Street USA to Fantasyland via Frontierland. Which means Frontierland Railroad Station will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
What we know is the Disney Railroad will still operate in the Magic Kingdom, doing a push me, pull me run from Main Street Station to Fantasyland. Disney has announced that some of the seats for guests wanting to ride the railroad will be turned around so guests can face forward or backward on any given trip. Shuttle mode is what Disney Imagineering is calling it.
From the Walt Disney World website: To make way for the largest expansion in history at Magic Kingdom, the Walt Disney World Railroad will be operating under a modified route that excludes Frontierland station beginning July 7. The attraction will operate as a shuttle between Main Street Station and Fantasyland Station only.
What is the timeline, and how long with the Walt Disney World Railroad be closed? July 6th, 2025, is the last day to ride the railroad in its current form. On July 7th, 2025, Frontierland Station will be closed. The Walt Disney World Railroad could be operating like this for the next 5 years or more! With construction on Piston Peak, it will be followed by the construction of Disney Villains Land. Both of those will surround the train tracks on that side of the Magic Kingdom.
Walt Disney World Railroad Enters “Shuttle Mode” for YEARS as Major Construction Begins
Walt Disney World Railroad – Main Street, U.S.A. – Celebrate classic Americana at this picturesque train station near the entrance to Magic Kingdom park.
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.
Take your seat on 1 of 4 meticulously restored, vintage narrow-gauge steam trains—originally built between 1916 and 1928—and enjoy a relaxing 20-minute, 1.5-mile scenic round-trip tour.
