Walt’s Original E.P. Ripley Returning to Disneyland Railroad
All aboard! Let’s go on a journey back in Disney’s history to learn more about Walt’s original E.P. Ripley, soon returning to Disneyland!
Walt Disney
Most Disney fans are already privy to the fact that Walt had a special place in his heart for trains. So much so, he had a miniature, rideable railroad in his Los Angeles home’s backyard!
Photo: imagineeringdisney.com
Disneyland Railroad
The Disneyland Railroad features five, working trains: C.K. Holliday, Ernest Marsh, Fred Gurley, Ward Kimball, and E.P. Ripley. All are named after American locomotive legends, except for Ward Kimball, which is named after a Disney Animator.
E.P. Ripley
Disney Parks Blog just shared that E.P. Ripley will finally make its long-awaited return to the fleet! One of Disneyland’s original steam engines, the train was named after Edward Payson Ripley.
Photo: Disney
Ripley was one of the founders of the Atchison and Topeka Railroad. About five years ago, the E.P. Ripley was removed from Disneyland’s lineup for repairs.
Afterward, it underwent a full restoration, commencing in 2021. Guests will once again be able to board this iconic piece of Disney history on March 6, 2023!
Piece of Disney History
Photo: Disney
I’ve always loved riding onboard the Disneyland Railroad. A trip on the train is like a time capsule, transporting you through nostalgic memories of days long past.
The restoration team worked on replicating the original boiler, headlamp, and bell during the process. The parts required replication, due to the fact that they are no longer available.
Photo: Disney
Lead mechanical engineer Tarun Khanna shares, “everything is mechanical and runs like a steam engine from the past, from the boiler all the way down to the whistle.”
As seen in the photo, Walt Disney himself enjoyed taking a ride on the E.P. Ripley. This amazing black and white image was snapped around 1955 when Disneyland opened.
Photo: Disney
This train has seen a lot over the past six decades at the Park. Its return is particularly special.
The E.P. Ripley’s reinstatement is just another way Disneyland is celebrating the Disney100. If you’re visiting the Parks this year, we hope you get to ride onboard this nostalgic piece of Disney history!
