| Fort Wilderness Railroad | |
|---|---|
 The logo for the FWRR | |
| Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground | |
| Status | Removed |
| Opening date | January 1, 1974 |
| Closing date | February 1980 |
| Ride statistics | |
| Attraction type | Railroad |
| Designer | WED Enterprises |
| Speed | 10 mph (16 km/h) |
| Vehicles | |
| Riders per vehicle | 90 per train |
TheFort Wilderness Railroad (FWRR) was a 3.5-mile (5.6 km),2 ft 6 in (762 mm)narrow-gaugeheritage railroad located atDisney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground inWalt Disney World. The railroad officially opened on January 1, 1974, and provided transportation for the resort's various campsites. Due to issues with track maintenance, pedestrian safety, noise concerns, and the low fuel capacity of itssteam locomotives, the FWRR closed permanently in February 1980.Railroad ties remain in place along certain sections of the railroad's formerright-of-way, and its four locomotives and surviving passenger cars are now owned by private collectors.
The2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow-gauge Fort Wilderness Railroad (FWRR) began operating on a trial basis in late 1973 and officially opened on January 1, 1974.[1][2] Along its 3.5-mile (5.6 km) route, the railroad provided transportation for the various campsites within Walt Disney World's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, as well as the nearbyDisney's River Country water park. Due to issues with track maintenance, pedestrian safety, noise concerns, and its locomotives' low fuel capacity, the railroad only operated occasionally after 1977 and closed permanently in February 1980.[3][4] Railroad ties remain in place along certain sections of the railroad's former right-of-way.[5] The FWRR'sroundhouse was also converted into alaundry facility.[6]
The FWRR utilized four2-4-2ST steam locomotives and twenty passenger cars built in 1972 by WED Enterprises inGlendale, California.[6] After the railroad closed, the locomotives and passenger cars were stored and forgotten for several years until they were rediscovered by Carolwood Pacific Historical Society co-founderMichael Broggie.[7] The locomotives and twelve of the surviving passenger cars were acquired by Carolwood Pacific Historical Society members Jim Zordich ofBoring, Oregon (Locomotive No. 1 and one passenger car); Bill Dundas ofCamarillo, California (Locomotive No. 2, Locomotive No. 3, and ten passenger cars); and Michael Campbell ofLivermore, California (Locomotive No. 4 and one passenger car).[8][9] Jim Zordich later sold his locomotive and passenger car toJusti Creek Railway ownerJohn Lasseter ofGlen Ellen, California, who had them converted to3 ft (914 mm) gauge.[6] While Locomotive No. 1 and Locomotive No. 4 are static displays, the locomotives owned by Bill Dundas can be found on his privateSanta Rosa Valley Railroad, which consists of2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow gauge track as well as7+1⁄2 in (190.5 mm) gauge track for the miniature trains he also owns.[10] None of the FWRR locomotives are operational.
In addition, a few of the passenger cars were previously on public display elsewhere in Walt Disney World. Two were used as ticket booths at thePleasure Island entrance to Downtown Disney prior to its transition into its current form asDisney Springs.[4] They have since been sold at auction to private individuals.[11] Another was previously used as a prop in theTyphoon Lagoon parking lot before it was removed and scrapped.
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