Walt Disney World is full of incredible landmarks. Few feel as timeless or as personal to Walt himself as the Walt Disney World Railroad. Now, two of its iconic steam engines, the Roger E. Broggie and Walter E. Disney, are officially 100 years old. It’s a milestone that reminds us not only of the history behind these locomotives but of the magical way they continue to bring Walt’s earliest passions to life.
When those whistles echo down Main Street, U.S.A., you’re hearing living history. These trains aren’t replicas. They’re restored, fully operating steam locomotives built in 1925, long before Walt ever dreamed of Disneyland or the Magic Kingdom. Their arrival in Florida decades later connected the spirit of early railroading to the heart of Disney storytelling. They form a nostalgic loop around the park Walt never got to see completed. Yet, this was one built with his love for trains embedded in every turn.
Walt’s Railroad Legacy Arrives in Florida
Walt’s fascination with railroads started long before Disney animation defined his career. As a young boy in Marceline, Missouri, he watched trains rumble through town. As an adult, that interest grew into engineering curiosity, model-building, and eventually the creation of the Carolwood Pacific Railroad, the miniature railway that circled his backyard.
So when Disneyland opened in 1955, the train wasn’t an afterthought—it was a headline attraction. By the time the Magic Kingdom was being designed, a complete, working steam railroad was a must. Disney located four narrow‑gauge locomotives in Mexico and purchased them for restoration and transformation into the fleet we know today.
Among them were two engines destined for centennial celebrations. They were Walt Disney and Roger E. Broggie, each with their own story of reinvention.
A Century-Old Steam Team
Both centennial locomotives began life in 1925, serving in Mexico for decades before Disney acquired them. Their redesign involved complete overhauls, new tenders, new boilers, handcrafted details, and updated aesthetics inspired by classic American railroading.
The Walter E. Disney
Named for the man whose passion made the park possible, this locomotive stands as a tribute to Walt’s lifelong love for steam power. Its arrival in the Magic Kingdom completed a circle that started in Marceline and continued across Disney history.
The Roger E. Broggie
Roger Broggie, Walt Disney’s first Imagineer and resident mechanical genius, helped bring the Disneyland Railroad to life. Naming a locomotive after him was a fitting honor—and its most recent restoration, completed in 2023, showcases some of the most exquisite craftsmanship on the property.
Hand-painted striping, gold leaf lettering, and historically accurate finishes were applied by artists who still use the same traditional techniques found in 19th‑century rail yards. The results are stunning: a polished piece of living transportation history.
Restoring History: How Disney Keeps the Railroad Alive
Keeping 100‑year‑old steam engines running isn’t simple—it’s a labor of love carried out by Walt Disney World’s elite mechanical wizards. At the center of the effort is Lou Berkheiser, Transportation Engineering Service Manager, who has spent more than 35 years at Disney.
Lou describes each restoration as “watching a train come apart piece by piece so it can shine again.” He means that literally. Each locomotive undergoes a meticulous, multi‑year rebuild. This process blends engineering precision with hands‑on craftsmanship. Crews dismantle the trains down to their smallest components. They refurbish or custom‑build replacement parts and finish every detail with the same artistry you’d expect from classic American rail yards. It’s the kind of work you rarely see today. Yet, Disney continues to invest in keeping these historic engines alive.
Why the WDW Railroad Still Matters
At a park filled with technological marvels, the steam trains remain one of the most authentic, tactile, and emotional experiences you can have. They preserve the legacy of the man who made the place possible while offering a warm, gentle introduction to the Magic Kingdom. They link lands and stories in the same way early railroads connected distant towns. Moreover, they showcase Disney’s unwavering commitment to preserving real, functional history. For many fans — myself included — nothing says “you’re home” quite like hearing that whistle as steam drifts over Main Street.
Looking Ahead: The Next 100 Years
With continued investment, expert restoration teams, and passionate Cast Members, the Walt Disney World Railroad isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. These engines may be a century old, but they feel as timeless as ever.
And just like Walt imagined, their magic continues to spark wonder in every guest who boards.
