Every Disney theme park, ranked solely by their trains
Walt Disney: animation pioneer, ruthless tycoon, union crusher… and train fan. Ever since his childhood in the town of Marceline on the Santa Fe railroad, Disney had a lifelong fascination with trains. He not only included them in his films (most famously, the persistent Casey Jr. in Dumbo) but he built them too. And every Disney park features some type of train transportation. But which one is the best? This is the definitive ranking. [citymetric.com]
The most fantastic funicular railways you’ll experience in Europe
There is nothing quite like scaling a hill in a funicular: not only do you save your breath, but you’re part of a city’s history. And in Europe, funiculars are still modes of public transportation—more often than not used by locals and not really known as attractions to be included on a travel itinerary. But they should be, as they often are an integral part of a city and offer you spectacular views on the trip up or at least once you’ve reached the top, all while saving your strength. [fodors.com]
All aboard India’s joyful ‘toy train’
There’s just something romantic about slow, narrow-gauge, rail journeys and India’s Kalka-Shimla toy train is among the most impressive. It connects the sleepy railway station of Kalka with Shimla, a hill city that once was the summer residence of the British Raj government. With 103 tunnels, 917 curves and 988 bridges, the 96.6 km (60 mi) Kalka-Shimla line is indeed a spectacular feat of engineering – one UNESCO’s World Heritage list describes as an “exceptional technical achievement in the development of the Himalayan mountains.” [cnn.com]
Okinawa’s Yui Rail monorail: bigger and better
The Okinawa Urban Monorail, known as the Yui Rail, includes both the southernmost (Akamine) and westernmost (Naha Airport) railway stations in Japan. Beginning at Naha Airport, the gateway to Okinawa, the Yui Rail offers access to Naha’s business district, the touristy Kokusai-dōri, and heritage-listed Shuri Castle. As well as being a smooth and comfortable way of avoiding traffic, the Yui Rail also offers unparalleled views from its elevated track. [nippon.com]
