Railroads have long played an understated but defining role in the identity of Disney theme parks. The slow-moving trains that circle each property are among the few remaining elements directly tied to Walt Disney’s personal interests, serving as both scenic tours and functional transit systems. They soften transitions between lands, set the park’s pacing, and reinforce a sense of storybook distance from the outside world.
In recent years, these same railroads have also become collateral in the ongoing push to expand park footprints with new IP lands and large-scale attractions. Because the trains travel along the perimeter, their tracks often intersect with the exact areas where expansion work must occur. This has led to multi-month — and sometimes multi-year — closures across several Disney resorts as infrastructure is reconfigured.
Disney’s History of Shuttering Railroads
The Walt Disney World Railroad in Florida remained closed for several years during construction of TRON Lightcycle / Run. Disneyland’s railroad in California paused during the restructuring of the Rivers of America and the later development of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Disneyland Paris has similarly suspended service during phased refurbishments and track replacements.
Now, another resort is following that pattern.
One Disney park closed its railroad in June to accommodate early construction tied to a new Marvel attraction. The project is being developed with a multi-level show and drop structure comparable to rides like Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and other tower-style systems. Because of the location of the build site, the railroad’s perimeter needed to be adjusted before construction could proceed.
This closure took place at Hong Kong Disneyland, which has been reshaping its identity through an extended expansion program on its journey to profitability. The park has repositioned itself in recent years with additions that include the Castle of Magical Dreams, World of Frozen, and multiple Marvel experiences such as the Iron Man Experience and Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!.
The current Marvel project represents the next phase in that ongoing portfolio shift.
Hong Kong Disneyland Announces Reopening of Railroad
Hong Kong Disneyland has now confirmed that the Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad will resume operations on November 15.
The reopening is happening earlier than initially anticipated, but service will return with one limitation: Fantasyland Station will operate as an alighting-only stop for the time being. Guests may exit at the station, but boarding there will not be available.
The railroad’s three locomotives — the Walter E. Disney, Roy O. Disney, and Frank G. Wells — will continue to pull outward-facing passenger cars offering views of Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Main Street, U.S.A. Trains typically run every 5 to 15 minutes, depending on operational conditions and crowd levels.
The reopening aligns closely with the start of the resort’s Christmas season, beginning November 14 and continuing through January 4, 2026. Seasonal programming will include Disney Christmas Live in Concert, the “A Holiday Wish-Come-True” tree lighting ceremony on Main Street, and winter overlays in World of Frozen, featuring snowfall effects and seasonal character costuming.
Do you like riding the railroad at Disney?
