The Little Train That Didn't
from Welcome Aboard Thrill Seekers and Adventure Lovers Hosted by Mike's Podcast
All aboard for a forgotten chapterof Walt Disney World history. In this episode, Mike travels backto 1973, when Fort Wilderness was rapidly expanding and Disney was building anambitious steam railroad through the campground. What began as an exciting newtransportation system quickly became an unexpected adventure for a 20-year-oldlifeguard who was "voluntold" to oversee the operation. From learning steam locomotiveengineering at Disney's train school, to reading about catastrophic boilerexplosions, to surviving a spectacular railroad work-cart crash that earned himfive stitches and a lifelong scar, Mike shares his firsthand experienceshelping bring the Fort Wilderness Railroad to life. You'll hear how the railroad becamea guest favorite, why it struggled with Florida's sandy terrain and mechanicalproblems, and what ultimately led to its closure just a few years later. Alongthe way, Mike offers behind-the-scenes stories, Disney history, and a fewlaughs at his own expense. Plus, find out the answer to thisepisode's trivia question: What is the oldest locomotive currently operating atWalt Disney World? So gather up your belongings, watchyour head and step, and join Mike for another ride down the rivers of hisadventures.
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