At a glance
The Disneyland Railroad is a railway that does a full loop of the main park. This steam train runs on a track around the different lands and stops at four separate stations: Main Street U.S.A., Frontierland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland. Passengers travel in wood and brass carriages, pulled by real steam locomotives.
This ride offers a gentle trip with viewpoints you can’t reach on foot. Along the way, the train passes through hidden scenery such as the Grand Canyon and the dinosaur skeletons visible on the Frontierland side. It’s a particularly calm experience that lets you see the park’s landscapes from another angle while you rest.
As well as being a historic attraction, the Disneyland Railroad is a handy way to get around from one land to another without crossing the crowds. The stations are decorated to match the style of each area, like the Frontierland station with its wooden architecture typical of the Wild West era.
A full loop of the park by steam train. Board at Frontierland for a circuit around Disneyland Park, with panoramic views of the lands and a trip through the Grand Canyon Diorama between Main Street and Discoveryland. Restful after a long walk, and handy for reaching another area without wearing yourself out.
History
Opened on 12 April 1992 with the park, the Frontierland station is one of the stops on the Disneyland Railroad, the steam train that circles the park. This kind of railway has featured in most Magic Kingdom-style parks since Disneyland Anaheim (1955). The station hasn’t changed much since opening.
Technical data
- Top speed
- 16 km/h
- Opened
- 1992
- Type Transport
- Opening date 12 April 1992
- Full loop duration 20 minutes
- Speed 16 km/h (10 mph)
- Vehicle type Steam train
- Inspired by Disneyland Railroad at Disneyland in California (1955)
Theme & story
Levels & accessibility
- Emotional impact low
- Minimum height None (open to all)
- Wheelchair access fully accessible
- Pregnant visitors suitable
Premier Access, Single Rider, PhotoPass
Not offered on this ride.
No Single Rider here. To save time, count on Premier Access or park opening.
No PhotoPass on this ride.
Not open during Extra Magic Time: it opens at the same time as the park.
Who it’s for
Pros and cons
Strong points
- Gets you between lands without walking
- A relaxing break away from the bustle
- Views of exclusive scenery
Weak points
- Queue times sometimes long at the main stations
- A very slow speed that won’t suit thrill seekers
- Some stations are closed for long periods
My verdict
The Frontierland station is one of the stops on the Disneyland Railroad, the steam train that does a full loop of the park in 20 minutes. Speed 16 km/h (10 mph), panoramic views of the lands, a trip through the Grand Canyon Diorama and a run past the dinosaur skeletons on the Frontierland side. Handy for getting between Frontierland and Main Street without walking.
I really recommend this attraction in mid-afternoon for a proper break in your day. It’s one of the only ways to glimpse some scenery you normally can’t see from the paths. Watch out though: several stations are regularly closed for long periods, so check the day’s information before planning your trip.
Best time to visit
Calculated from the ride’s queue time history, updated every day.
Map & getting there
Disneyland Railroad Frontierland Depot is at the far end of Frontierland, just past the Cowboy Cookout Barbecue restaurant.
Your questions about this ride
01 How can you avoid long queues for the most popular rides?
To avoid long queues at Disneyland Paris, I combine several tactics. First, Single Rider is free and really speeds things up on the rides that offer it, including Crush’s Coaster, Flight Force, Ratatouille and Spider-Man, as long as you’re happy not to ride with your group. Next, Disney Premier Access is a paid service that gives you priority access to the headline rides. If you’re staying in a Disney hotel, Extra Magic Time lets you into the park before official opening, and it’s the best time to ride the popular attractions back to back without queuing. Finally, heading to the most popular rides during a parade or a big show empties the queues considerably.
02 Are the queue times shown in the park reliable?
Yes, the queue times shown in the app or on the screens around the park are generally reliable. They’re often the same as, or slightly longer than, the real wait, which helps you plan your day better.
03 How can I find out if a ride will be closed for refurbishment during my trip?
Disneyland Paris publishes the list of rides closed for refurbishment on its official website, several weeks in advance. Because the parks are open all year round, the maintenance teams sometimes work on days when the parks are open, which leads to temporary closures. My advice: check this calendar (or the one on my blog) before booking, especially if there’s one particular ride you really care about.
04 Which rides might scare young children?
Several rides at Disneyland Paris can frighten young children even without a height restriction. Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains, in Fantasyland, has dark scenes with the witch that can catch them off guard. Les Voyages de Pinocchio also has some unsettling scenes. La Tanière du Dragon, under Sleeping Beauty Castle, is home to a very impressive animatronic dragon. Phantom Manor, in Frontierland, plays on a ghostly atmosphere and is really intense for toddlers. Pirates of the Caribbean switches between cheerful moments and darker scenes. I’d suggest watching how your child reacts before you get on.
05 How far in advance does Disneyland Paris announce ride closures?
Disneyland Paris publishes the list of ride closures around 2 to 3 months in advance. For major rides, the park tells visitors about planned construction work at least two months before it starts. I recommend checking the official calendar (or my dedicated page) a few weeks before your visit, as dates can change. That way you avoid the nasty surprise of finding out on the day that your favourite ride is being refurbished.
