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Disney Extends Magic Kingdom Railroad Closure Into 2022

All the way back in 2018 — which seems like several lifetimes ago — the incredibly popular Walt Disney World Railroad at Magic Kingdom was closed as the Park prepped for the construction of the highly-anticipated new roller coaster, TRON Lightcycle/Run. The original plan was to have TRON up and running in time for Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration, which kicked off on October 1.

Tron Lightcycle/Run
Credit: Disney

Unfortunately, things did not work out that way.

In March 2o20, Disney World — as well as theme parks around the world — was forced to shut down as everyone grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Florida Parks were able to open up a few months later, in the summer of 2020, but the closure put the new TRON coaster way behind the schedule.

TRON Lightcycle/Run is being constructed in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, and the Railroad runs right by the construction, so the whole line had to be shut down. While rumors had begun to swirl that the Railroad was preparing to reopen sometime in the near future, we can now confirm that it will be closed until at least early 2022.

Credit: Disney

Right now, Disney World’s refurbishment calendar goes through January 5 and the Walt Disney World Railroad is still listed as “Closed for Refurbishment” — along with the very popular roller coaster Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom Park.

Disney World refurb schedule
Credit: Screenshot Disney World Website
Disney World Refurb Schedule
Credit: Screenshot Disney World Website

Here is more information on the Walt Disney World Railroad, which takes Guests on a Grand Circle Tour of the Magic Kingdom:

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.

It’s a convenient—and nostalgic—way to get around Magic Kingdom park!

Find a Station
You can board or disembark at any of 3 stations:

  • Near the entrance to the park on Main Street, U.S.A.
  • The Frontierland station
  • The Fantasyland station
Credit: Disney

At this time, no reopening date has been announced for the Railroad and no opening date has been given for TRON Lightcycle/Run. It is likely that the Railroad may open before the roller coaster, as it will be able to run as soon as outdoor construction is completed — or nearly completed — for TRON.

Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!

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