Changes
As the train pulls out of Fantasyland and into Tomorrowland, the narrator that some people think that traveling by train is a little too old fashioned. As the train rolls past the Speedway, he says that any guest can travel the [[futuristic highway]], or choose another mode of transportation so as the [[PeopleMover]], [[Space Mountain]] or [[Astro Orbiter]]. On their right, guests can see into Tomorrowland. As the train continues forward, the narrator informers riders that Main Street was inspired by the small towns of Walt's childhood. He also says that stepping onto Main Street is like stepping back in time. At this point that train reaches the Main Street Station, and the narration starts all over again.
==Crew==
Each train has a three man crew who are in charge of their daily operation. The crew consists of an engineer, a fireman, and a conductor. The engineer is in charge of the operation of the train. The fireman is in charge of the operation of the boiler, and the conductor is in charge of the management of the train and it's passengers.
Early in the morning, before park opening, the first train crew arrives at the roadhouse and preps the locomotive for the day. First, safety and readiness checks are performed by the engineer and conductor. Since the train needs steam pressure to operate, a compressed air line must be tapped into the atomizer line when the fire is first lit. It must stay in the atomizer until enough steam has been raised to re-light the atomizer's fire. After this is done, the conductor will inspect that track and the arrangement of the switch's outside the roadhouse, to make sure it is safe to leave. After both the boiler is ready, the engineer will give two short whistles to signal they are ready to go. After the conductor responds with two short buzzes, the train is put into motion. As each individual car leaves the roadhouse, the maintenance crew inspects the running gear located beneath the train.
As the train heads out of the roadhouse and towards the main track, the engineers test the safety features on the train. This consists of two tests, intentionally popping the safety valves and purposely running the train past a red block light. If the features are working properly, the safety valves will release excess steam, and the train brakes will automatically turn on after running through the red block. These tests are performed daily, to meet safety standards.
==Daily Operation==
===Opening===
The Walt Disney World Railroad operates daily, beginning at 9 am. It takes approximately 20 minutes for the train to make a round trip, meaning that guests can expect a train to arrive at each individual station every 7 minutes. There are usually two trains in operation on any given day, although sometimes three are in operation if the park is busy. Disney's goal is to have the first train arrive at the Main Street Station on the hour, and every subsequent 20 minute interval (:20 and :40). The second and third trains then try to keep up with the first train, as much as possible. If one of the trains falls behind, they must either try to catch up or drop behind a lap, in order to stay on schedule. It is important for the trains to be on schedule in order for the park closing to run smoothly.
===Block Signals===
Along the Walt Disney World Railroad, their are six block signals which let the train conductors know where the other trains are. The block signlas on the railroad resemble a traffic light, in that they have three lights (red, yellow, and green). Three of the block signals are located near the stations, while the other three are spread around the track. The lights typically change from '''green''' to '''yellow/green''' to '''red''' to '''yellow/red'''. After the lights have followed this pattern, they reverse in the opposite direction, '''yellow/red''' to '''red''' to '''yellow/green''' to '''green'''. Each of the the lights have their own specific meaning:
* '''Green''': The next 2 blocks are completely clear. It is safe to proceed.
* '''Yellow and Green''': The next block is clear, however, the block beyond is occupied. It is safe to proceed, but be prepared to stop at the next block.
* '''Red''': The next block is occupied and it is not safe to proceed past this point.
* '''Yellow and Red''': The next 2 blocks are both occupied; it is not safe to proceed past this point.
