Train related attractions in Orlando

You mention the WDW RR steam trains, but don't forget, you can take a roundhouse tour there as well!

I have done the Steam Train Tour at WDW and will do it again. Well worth the time and money.

The steam train backstage tour at Disney is great but other than that, having lived here 30 years, Orlando is not a good train town!  Enjoy the world famous non-train attractions while you’re here.

 

But if you insist on a run down, first of all Trainland International closed 2 years ago.  Colonial Photo & Hobby has only a modest new O-gauge inventory plus a few old post-war pieces that have been there for years.  Hobby Spot on Fairbanks in Winter Park has new inventory and deals in old trains and always has some used post-war.  But if you’re going to go to Hobby Spot, you will probably pass right by Skycraft which is the best-kept secret tourist attraction for those into building layouts, etc.  They sell surplus electronics such as wire, switches, small light bulbs, LED's and other necessary items at good prices.  It's a real treat to just walk through their aisles!  Plus they also sell on-line for those not visiting in person.  Here’s the link: Skycraft Parts & Surplus, Inc.

 

Re real railroading here in Orlando, there is the CSX line that cuts through the middle of town with 4 Amtrak trains and several freights a day.  There are the freight yards at Taft in South Orlando but I doubt you can get access into it anymore.  Next year there will be a new commuter train running from Debary (North of Orlando) to the Sand Lake area south of Downtown Orlando along the existing CSX right-of-way.  They are double-tracking the existing line now.  When fully built-out in 2016 it will run from Deland to Poinciana (south of Kissimmee).  Plus if “All Aboard Florida” actually happens there will be a new privately-owned high-speed passenger train from Miami to the Orlando airport.  FEC’s parent company is developing this proposed train which would use FEC trackage from Miami to Cocoa and new trackage from there to the Orlando airport.      

 

HTH,

 

Bill

Not really near Orlando (Melbourne - probably somewhere around an hour and change away), but there is a ride on train safari type attraction at the Brevard zoo. 

 

Might be a bit of a hike if you are just going to see the train (but the zoo is quite nice and has a unique history to how it came to be)

 

http://www.brevardzoo.org/

 

-Dave

Thanks everyone for your prompt and informative posts, especially WftTrains.  Sounds as though the WDW round tour is tops and TLI and CP&H are off the list.  Skycraft sounds like fun and possibly the Hobby Spot, although it's not yet clear just how much time I will have for this sort of thing.  Thanks again.

If you are thinking of doing the behind the scenes steam tour warning!

I was not aware of the park layout and no bus from hotel early enough. The cab dropped me off at the parking area Mono Rail loop it took some time to get from here on the Mono Rail to the front gate, as a delay with the Mono Rail almost missed my tour meeting time early!

 

Was well worth the $ and tour though.

 

Amtrak ride great to New York from here!

Although i cant help you where to go I may save ya some wasted traveling.I go the convention center down there on International Blvd . Theres a big sign about a mile or two from it  also on international blvd that says Train display, next to a helicopter ride.

 If you happen to see it keep driving. 15 bucks admission and all large scale. Not all the well done or maintained.Takes about 8 minutes to walk through (if you try hard to look at everything) in a circle of individual rooms.

I will SECOND what Patrick said above. I did the same thing about 3 years ago. Do not waste your time or $$$.

That is a good general tip.  While I knew the general concept of the layout of the Magic Kingdom - Monorail - Parking lot, I did not always properly plan for it. 

 

I was more accustomed to Disneyland in CA, where if you don't want to wait for the tram at park closing when it's mobbed, you can simply walk to the parking structure to get to your car.   Unfortunately, there is no way to walk across the Bay separating The Magic Kingdom from the parking lot, so at park closing (or any other time) you have no choice but to wait with everyone else for the Monorail (or Ferry) to get back to your car!   (you can then skip the tram and walk to get to the car once back at the Transportation and Ticket Center though)

 

Oh, last thought.  While it's not as famous as the one around The Magic Kingdom (nor as long of a ride), there is also a steam train ride in the Animal Kingdom park.  It takes you to an isolated area of the park, so you ride it twice if you go to that area.

 

-Dave

 

If you can wait Universal is expanding thier Harry Potter section and including a train ride to connect it to the existing very popular section of thier park. Next year to finish is the word.

I will third what Patrick and Roger said!  What a rip and only one, sometimes two, trains running high above. Hardly any action.  This layout used to be across the street and better kept. Now, it's just boring and a waste of money!

You 3 guys are talking about Trainland International that closed 2 years ago as I mentioned in my earlier post.  Obviously one reason they closed is that it wasn’t worth the admission price.  All that’s left are the Helicopter rides.

 

Bill