Walt Disney World Railroad Downtime Expected as New Cars-Themed Attractions Begin Construction

Gallery / 3 Photos
Frontierland Concept Art Aerial View

Posted: Wednesday August 14, 2024 11:55am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The Walt Disney World Railroad at Magic Kingdom may once again experience a significant period of downtime in the coming years, as major changes are planned for the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island areas, including the construction of two new Cars-themed attractions.

Wide view of the new Frontierland, with two Cars-themed attractions replacing Tom Sawyer Island

Similar to the extended closure during the construction of TRON Lightcycle Run, the railroad is likely to be impacted by the extensive construction zone that will emerge as the new attractions take shape.

Walt Disney World Railroad track work during the TRON construction period

Earlier this week, Disney confirmed that the new Cars-themed area will be built directly on top of Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America - both of which are inside the railroad track.

In the short term, starting in 2025, according to newly submitted permits, the railroad's tracks will be positioned between the construction staging area and the actual construction site on Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America. The railroad is expected to be taken out of service to allow for the movement of vehicles and materials across the tracks.

Looking further ahead, the development of Villains Land will also affect the railroad's operations. As with the Cars-themed attractions, construction access and potential rerouting of the tracks may be necessary to accommodate the new land. However, details about the location and layout of Villains Land are not yet available, so it remains unclear how the railroad's path might be altered.

The Walt Disney World Railroad was closed for four years during the TRON Lightcycle Run construction project. During that time, the trains were available to board as a static exhibit, first at the Main Street U.S.A. station and then later at the Fantasyland station.

Walt Disney World Railway static exhibit

We do not yet have any confirmed construction timelines for either Cars or the new Villains Land, but we expect both projects to be completed by 2030, with Cars opening first.

Disney has yet to announce any operational changes to the Walt Disney World railroad due to upcoming construction.

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

graphite13262 hours ago

I may not anyway. I hate this idea.

Incomudro4 hours ago

With the removal of ROA, if they were to also remove Jungle Cruise - I might never go back again.

TrainsOfDisney9 hours ago

I have no idea what point you are trying to make. From a guest perspective I enjoyed eating there.

peter1143510 hours ago

It’s been on again, off again, and seasonal for decades. Decent is probably the best you could say and even that’s a stretch.

EricsBiscuit11 hours ago

Yet somehow these “backstage issues” did not prevent it from being a decent quick service option until relatively recently.

mattpeto12 hours ago

It’s also low capacity and takes a huge footprint. Like Speedway.

mattpeto12 hours ago

For the record, I I hate the idea too. Hope it doesn’t happen.

TheMaxRebo13 hours ago

Wow, way to read something into something that 100% is not there Walt was incredible at what he did and Roy was equally incredible at what he did and he enabled the projects that Walt had his heart in to happen and freed Walt to be creative

TrainsOfDisney14 hours ago

I mean… if you want to start bashing Walt Disney be my guest. Should be interesting haha.

TheMaxRebo14 hours ago

especially when you have your brother to figure out all the money stuff ;)

UNCgolf14 hours ago

I'm pointing out the fact that that plot of land could be far more profitable for Disney -- so much so that it would almost certainly justify shutting down Jungle Cruise from a Disney ROI perspective. That's not really the case for many other Disney attractions; most could only be replaced by a single new ride on the same footprint. That could still potentially increase profitability, but not to nearly the same extent. Jungle Cruise is almost unique due to the huge plot it occupies. It's roughly as large (and maybe larger) than the whole Frontierland/Liberty Square section of RoA, including all of Tom Sawyer Island. I think Speedway is the only comparable attraction in terms of footprint, but there are issues with developing there that the Jungle Cruise plot would not have. As I said, I don't think they have any plans to replace Jungle Cruise right now, but I also don't think anyone should be surprised if they decide to at some point for business reasons.