VIDEOS: First Look at the CHANGES Made to the Train in Disney World

Earlier this week we got the exciting news that the Walt Disney World Railroad would be returning for guests this holiday season, and then it OFFICIALLY reopened to all guests on December 23rd, 2022!

We got a first ride on the train after its years-long closure, shared a look at the train’s hours, gave you a peek at the TRON construction view from the train, and more. But now we’re taking a look at specifically what has CHANGED on the train!

One of the major changes Disney teased in their announcement was the addition of a new narrator. We got a first listen to the new figure in a preview video that Disney posted to their social media accounts…

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…but now you can hear it yourself in our videos!

It’s happening! We’re on the train! ? #mediaevent pic.twitter.com/kXlCEaushY

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) December 23, 2022

The new narrator is the “conductor” of the train. So the story goes, the character is essentially meant to be someone who “grew up on Main Street, U.S.A., dreaming of the day they’d be on the railroad.” They’ve worked to know everyone and everything at Magic Kingdom and they’ve achieved their dream of being on the railroad, so they’ll serve as your “unofficial mayor of sorts.”

 

Our next stop is Storybook Circus! We could spend all day being back on the Walt Disney World Railroad ? #mediaevent pic.twitter.com/s6RVlUZpGm

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) December 23, 2022

 

 

Disney describes the conductor as “humble, genial, and knowledgeable, and…eager to help passengers of these iconic steam trains get to their destinations around the park he loves so dearly.”

Hi Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ? it’s been a while since we’ve seen you from this angle! #mediaevent pic.twitter.com/sMxo8uxait

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) December 23, 2022

 

Along with the new narrator, we also got a first glimpse at the updated Train route. One of the major reasons that the train was under refurbishment for so long was because of the construction of the TRON attraction in Tomorrowland.

About to go through the TRON tunnel ? #mediaevent pic.twitter.com/wZTAu6ymsH

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) December 23, 2022

Now, the updated path of the train takes you through a tunnel near the TRON ride and you can get a special glimpse at the highly-anticipated attraction.

Y’all… we’re UNDER TRON right now and we’re not sure how to feel about not seeing it from the Peoplemover ? #mediaevent pic.twitter.com/NgyH1yzHdp

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) December 23, 2022

In addition to these updates, the Number 1 Engine has gotten a complete refurbishment!

Plus, the wooden railroad ties that have been used for the Train have been updated to be composite ties. These are expected to last around 25 years.

And the path of the Train has undergone some minor changes — moving a few inches up and down, or left and right in some places.

And the Railroad isn’t done yet! While the Walter E. Disney locomotive had its engine refurbished, the Roy O. Disney locomotive is next, which will be followed by the Roger E. Broggie.

Greg Kelsaris, a project planner with the facility asset management department in Disney World, previously shared that the team really “took the time to go through each part and say, ‘Hey, should we improve this? Is it good where it is? Should we replace it?’” So definitely take the time during your next trip to really get a good look at those trains.

Remember the Walt Disney World Railroad officially reopened for guests today, so you can hop on it during your next trip! Click here to learn about the train’s operating hours, and keep following AllEars for all of the latest Disney news and updates!

Are you excited about the return of the train to Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: We were invited by Disney to attend a media event for the Walt Disney World Railroad. This did not affect our reporting of the event — our opinions are our own.