At a glance
This ride is a vintage steam train that follows a rail line circling the entire main park. Don’t expect thrills: it’s a slow, easy trip that shows you the park’s themed areas (the "lands") from the comfort of a passenger car. There are four stations along the way: Main Street U.S.A., Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Discoveryland.
From the train, you see things no walking path will show you. The track runs through scenery inspired by the Grand Canyon, with re-created animals and natural landscapes, and past dinosaur skeletons on the Frontierland side. The wooden cars and the smell of coal add to the old-time feel of the trip.
It’s a relaxing ride, but the Disneyland Railroad is also a really practical way to get around. It takes you from one end of the park to the other without pushing through the crowds on foot. The whole thing is especially peaceful and suits guests of all ages.
Where the steam train starts. The easiest place to hop aboard sits directly over the park entrance and looks down on Main Street and Town Square. Perfect for kicking off a scenic circuit of Disneyland Park the moment you arrive, or for resting up around midday.
History
Main Street Station opened on April 12, 1992 along with the park and is the Disneyland Railroad’s main station. Set above the park entrance, it’s where the steam train starts its journey, a feature found in most Magic Kingdom-style parks ever since Disneyland Anaheim (1955).
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
- Fear level none
- Thrill level low
- Emotional impact low
- Perceived wait low
- Height requirement None (open to everyone)
- Recommended age all ages
- 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
- Connects several lands without walking
- A sheltered chance to sit down and rest
- Views of sets you won’t see anywhere else
The downsides
- Very slow for thrill seekers
- The wait on the station platforms can be long
- Some stations are closed very often for long periods
My verdict
Main Street Station is the Disneyland Railroad’s main station, sitting right above the park entrance. It’s the most convenient starting point for the full 20-minute loop, with a view looking down over Main Street and Town Square. A vintage steam train makes the whole circuit, serving the other lands.
Beyond getting you around, I especially recommend taking a look at the stained glass windows at the top of the station: they show the park’s different lands, a gorgeous detail nobody ever notices. It’s also a good landmark for getting in or out of the park while avoiding the Main Street rush. The downsides: at 16 km/h, it’s not for thrill seekers, and the wait on the platforms can climb in peak season.
Best time to go
Based on this ride’s wait time history, updated every day.
Map & getting there
Disneyland Railroad Main Street Station is on Main Street U.S.A., just above the park entrance.
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.
