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Magic Kingdom’s Steam Trains Celebrate 100 Years of Whistle-Worthy Disney History
All aboard the nostalgia express, because two of Magic Kingdom’s most beloved steam trains are officially chugging into triple-digit territory. The Roger E. Broggie and Walter E. Disney locomotives are celebrating their 100th birthdays, and they’re looking more magical than ever as they continue to circle the park and carry forward the dream that started with Walt’s love of railroads. Originally built in 1925 for service long before the Florida Project was even a spark, these engines eventually found their forever home steaming past Main Street, U.S.A., Cinderella Castle, and all the moments in between. Their story is steeped in history, but the heartbeat behind them is pure Disney.
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Keeping these rolling icons shining is no easy task, but Walt Disney World’s Transportation Engineering team treats each train like a treasured heirloom. Transportation Engineering Service Manager Lou Berkheiser has been lovingly tending to these locomotives for more than 35 years. He grew up loving trains, and says working on the Walt Disney World Railroad lets him live that passion every day. According to Lou, restoration is a full tear-down process that brings the locomotive back to life piece by piece. Every bolt, bracket, and brass detail gets careful attention. Some components are even hand-fabricated because the original parts simply don’t exist anymore. It’s the kind of dedication Walt himself would be proud of.
The Roger E. Broggie, which triumphantly returned to service in late 2023, is a showcase of true craftsmanship. Its elegant hand-painted detailing and real gold leafing aren’t just pretty; they honor traditional railroad artistry rarely seen today. Every stripe, number, and swirl was painted by hand, all to preserve the authenticity that makes these trains feel like living pieces of Disney history. As they glide around the park with their freshly polished trim glistening in the sun, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the magic.
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These trains are more than transportation. They’re storytellers, memory makers, and timeless symbols of Walt’s legacy. Their whistles echo through Main Street like a heartbeat of the park itself, reminding Guests that Disney magic begins with imagination, hard work, and a spark of passion that refuses to fade. Thanks to the Cast Members who keep these beauties steaming ahead, the spirit of Walt’s railroad isn’t just alive — it’s prepared for another hundred years of adventure.
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