At a glance
The Disneyland Railroad is a train line that takes you all the way around the main park. This steam train runs on a track that rings the different areas and stops at four separate stations: Main Street U.S.A., Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Discoveryland. Passengers ride in wood and brass cars pulled by real steam locomotives.
This ride is a laid-back trip that shows you viewpoints you can’t reach on foot. Along the way, the train passes through hidden sets such as the Grand Canyon and the dinosaur skeletons you can spot on the Frontierland side. It’s an especially calm experience that lets you see the park’s scenery from a new angle while you rest your feet.
Beyond being a historic attraction, the Disneyland Railroad is a practical way to get around, taking you from one land to the next without pushing through the crowds. Each station is decorated to match the style of its area, like the Frontierland station with its wooden architecture straight out of the Old West.
A full loop of the park by steam train. You board in Frontierland for a circuit around Disneyland Park, with sweeping views over the lands and a trip through the Grand Canyon Diorama between Main Street and Discoveryland. A restful ride after a lot of walking, and an easy way to reach another area without wearing yourself out.
History
The Frontierland station opened on April 12, 1992 along with the park, as one of the stops on the Disneyland Railroad, the steam train that circles the park. A railroad like this has been part of most Magic Kingdom-style parks ever since Disneyland Anaheim (1955). The station hasn’t changed in any major way since opening day.
Technical specs
- Top speed
- 16 km/h
- Opened
- 1992
- Type Transportation
- Opening date April 12, 1992
- Full loop time 20 min
- Speed 16 km/h
- Vehicle type Steam train
- Inspired by Disneyland Railroad (Disneyland California 1955)
Theme & world
Levels & accessibility
- Emotional impact low
- Height requirement None (open to everyone)
- Wheelchair access fully accessible
- Pregnant visitors OK to ride
Premier Access, Single Rider, PhotoPass
Not offered on this ride.
This ride has no Single Rider line. If you want to cut your wait, rely on Premier Access or get there at park opening.
No PhotoPass on this ride.
This ride stays closed during Extra Magic Time and only opens when the park does.
Who it’s made for
Pros and cons
The highlights
- Gets you between the lands without walking
- A relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle
- Views of sets you won’t see anywhere else
The downsides
- Wait times can be long at the main stations
- Very slow, so not a pick for thrill seekers
- Some stations close for long stretches
My verdict
The Frontierland station is one of the stops on the Disneyland Railroad, the steam train that takes 20 minutes to make a full loop of the park. It runs at 16 km/h, with sweeping views over the lands, a trip through the Grand Canyon Diorama, and a pass by the dinosaur skeletons on the Frontierland side. It’s a handy way to get between Frontierland and Main Street without walking.
I really recommend riding it in the middle of the afternoon to take a real break in your day. It’s one of the only ways to glimpse certain sets you normally can’t see from the walkways. One word of warning, though: several stations are regularly closed for long periods, so check what’s running that day before you plan your route.
Best time to go
Based on this ride’s wait time history, updated every day.
Map & getting there
You’ll find Disneyland Railroad Frontierland Depot at the back of Frontierland, just past the Cowboy Cookout Barbecue restaurant.
Your questions about this ride
01 How can you avoid long lines for the most popular rides?
To skip long lines at Disneyland Paris, I mix several strategies. 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 don’t mind boarding apart from your group. Next, Disney Premier Access is a paid service that guarantees you priority entry on the headline rides. If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, Extra Magic Time lets you into the park before official opening, and that’s the best time to ride the popular attractions back to back without waiting. Last, heading to the busiest rides during a parade or a big show empties the lines dramatically.
02 Are the wait times posted in the park accurate?
Yes, the wait times shown in the app or on the park’s screens are generally accurate. They’re often equal to 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 under refurbishment during my vacation?
Disneyland Paris posts the list of rides closed for refurbishment on its official website several weeks ahead of time. Since the parks are open year-round, maintenance crews sometimes work on days the park is open, which leads to temporary closures. My tip: check this calendar (or the one on my blog) before you book, especially if there’s one particular ride you really care about.
04 Which rides might scare young kids?
Several rides at Disneyland Paris can be a bit much for young kids, even with no height requirement. 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 moments. La Tanière du Dragon, beneath Sleeping Beauty Castle, is home to a very impressive animatronic dragon. Phantom Manor, in Frontierland, leans into its ghostly mood and stays pretty intense for little ones. Pirates of the Caribbean switches between cheerful scenes and darker ones. I recommend watching how your child reacts before you board.
05 How far ahead does Disneyland Paris announce ride closures?
Disneyland Paris shares its list of ride closures about 2 to 3 months ahead. For major rides, the park lets guests know about planned construction at least two months before it starts. I recommend checking the official calendar (or my dedicated page) a few weeks before your visit, since dates can change. That way you won’t get the nasty surprise of finding out on the spot that your favorite ride is closed for refurbishment.
