Originally Posted By Brick-N-Mortar I have seen another site that is dedicated to all the Disney railroads around the world. As a railfan myself I completely understand why there is such a strong attraction to the Disney trains, but I can't believe that all the riders of the Disney railroads would consider themselves "railfans". There must be some other attraction to the Disney trains. I have been told by people I consider in the know that the train, by far, has the highest annual ridership of any attraction at Disneyland (I do not know about the other parks). So let's hear it, especially if you are not specificly a train or Disneyland Railroad fan, what do you love about riding the train?
Originally Posted By gaydsnywitch I love the leisurely loop around the park and the time off my feet.
Originally Posted By cstephens It's a nice way to get a scenic view of the park and get a sit-down break for as long as you want. When it's not terribly crowded, it's a good transportation method between lands, though we actually rarely use it as transportation. It's the only way you can see the Grand Canyon and Primeval World diaramas. /cs
Originally Posted By trekkeruss I think people ride the trains for a few reasons: 1.) With the exception of TDL, it's the first ride seen, even from outside the park, so some are naturally drawn to getting on it as their first attraction. 2.) Many people ride it to get a round-about tour of the park. Granted, it's not all that good of a look, but there are some unique views. 3.) Some folks treat it as genuine transportation to move around the park. Their feet are tired and they want to take a load off. 4.) I am guessing a fair number of younger folks today have never been on a train. If they don't live in a city with a subway of trolley, it's unlikely they would ever have been on any rail transport, since the predominant modes of transportation in this country is by automobile and airplane.
Originally Posted By danyoung >I have been told by people I consider in the know that the train, by far, has the highest annual ridership of any attraction at Disneyland...< That's kinda hard to believe, when you put it up against monster people eaters like Indy. But anyway, I like it when I arrive at DL in the afternoon to do the once around, kinda checking out the crowds and the vibe. It's a really relaxing way of easing into the whole park experience.
Originally Posted By smd4 Of course, I'm pretty biased, since I'm a railfan too, and a great admirer of the Disneyland Railroad. I guess the same question could be asked about any steam rail attraction--Why so popular? There seems to be something about trains--and steam engines in particular--that attracts. Maybe it's the fact that the trains can be a multi-sensory experience--the sights and sounds are magical; The whistle and bell are enchanting; sometimes you can feel the roar of the fire in the pit of your stomach; and the smells! That wonderful aroma of oil, steam and smoke. For some at Disneyland, I suspect, the close association with Walt may be an attraction. A big part of the idea of Disneyland began with Walt and his trains. The usual statistic given for ridership is that 3 out of every 4 visitors ride the train. That's a pretty large ridership! BTW, the website I suspect Brick-n-Mortar is referring to is Burnsland. The Forum can be accessed at: <a href="http://burnsland.com/disneyrailroads/" target="_blank">http://burnsland.com/disneyrai lroads/</a>
Originally Posted By wahooskipper The railroad at Stone Mountain is really enjoyable, particularly during their Christmas event when they have light displays around the mountain. I think it might be a diesel engine though. The Cedar Point railroad folks claim that got 4.5 million riders on during one season in the 70s.
Originally Posted By wonderingalice I love the spiel... Between the Matterhorn (especially the Spanish version - I don't speak Spanish, but it's just SO cool) and the DRR, just the voice can send me back over the 40+ years I've been visiting Disneyland. And we definitely appreciate the Grand Canyon Diorama AND the transportation for our beat feet!
Originally Posted By sbez30 My family and I like it for transportation between lands when our feet are tired, or it's just a nice ride when we need a rest.
Originally Posted By hiddencat3 I would like to confirm that the Disneyland Railroad does has the highest ridership. One summer I worked there we had a contest with several other attractions to see who could get the highest ridership numbers by the end of summer. We kicked butt! The numbers are so high just because how many people can pack into a train...and in the summer all 4 trains are running. Coming in a close second was Pirates. Oh, and I still enjoy riding the trains. They will always have a special place in my heart because that is where I met my boyfriend 5 years ago.
Originally Posted By spaceace Always have to ride the DLRR. I am not a railfan but do understand how someone could be. Just hearing the call from the station and then the bell and the steam sound. I am ready to go right now. I also like the Mark Twain too so it could be a steam engine thing. I do prefer the cars that have you look into the park and not the ones that you face forward.
Originally Posted By bean i ride it because i love the smell of the steam as it enters the caves and tunnels. oh and to see the fake dinosuars wish desperately need a najor technological update.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss There are few experiences better at DL than riding just behind the engine, sitting on the tender seat!
Originally Posted By wahooskipper My cousin worked on the WDW Railroad in the late 80's and enjoyed it immensely.
Originally Posted By LPFan22 I love the fact that when I don't have time to spend a day at DL I can do a loop on the DLRR and still feel like I've been all over the park.
Originally Posted By Disney Joy Its a nice way to relax ~ and just settle for a moment and enjoy the moment. Wish I were on a train ride around the park now.
Originally Posted By fkurucz I wish I were riding Indy right now! But I would definitely settle for a ride on the DLRR.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan As a kid, the "Grand Circle Tour" was a good way to check out all the various lands and decide where we were going to use our E coupons, D coupons, etc. What's great about it now is that it's an attraction the whole family or a group of friends can ride together. My favorite part of the trip, besides the Grand Canyon/Dinosaur part, is out in the "wilderness" between Critter Country and Toontown. For just a few moments, it really seems off in some rural countryside.
Originally Posted By Skippy It's the only ride you can stay on indefinitely - which is terrific for resting your feet while still seeing the sights.
