There are certain excursions you book because they look fun, and then there are the ones you secretly hope become one of those unforgettable vacation memories you’ll be talking about for years. For me, that was the All Aboard Steam Train in Skagway.
I’ll admit, I had a few butterflies before we boarded. The White Pass & Yukon Route climbs the steepest railroad grade in North America, and heights and I have never exactly been best friends. I spent more than a little time wondering if I’d actually be able to enjoy the ride or if I’d spend the entire trip looking anywhere but out the window.
Thankfully, my worries disappeared shortly after the train pulled away from the station.
Why We Chose the Steam Train
If you’re planning a stop in Skagway, you’ll quickly discover there are two primary train Port Adventures available. One uses a modern diesel locomotive, while the other is pulled by a beautifully restored vintage steam engine.
Both follow the same spectacular route to White Pass Summit before looping back to Skagway, so the scenery is identical. For us, though, choosing the steam train wasn’t really about the destination. It was about the experience.
Since the excursion focuses so heavily on the story of the Klondike Gold Rush, it somehow felt right to experience it from a vintage parlor car complete with polished wood, tables, comfortable chairs, and oversized windows. It wasn’t difficult to imagine what travel through these mountains must have felt like more than a century ago.
The train station itself couldn’t have been more convenient. It’s only a short walk from where the Disney ship docks, making it one of the easiest excursions.
As we waited to board, we noticed one of the train cars was numbered 222. Since February 22 is my husband’s birthday, we couldn’t resist asking if we could ride in that car. Thankfully, the crew happily accommodated us, and it ended up being one of those silly little vacation moments that made us smile for the rest of the day.
More Than Just Beautiful Scenery
As everyone settled into their seats, each passenger received a complimentary copy of All Aboard!, the White Pass & Yukon Route magazine. I didn’t expect it to be much more than an advertising booklet, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Inside was a surprisingly detailed look at the history of the Klondike Gold Rush, along with maps, mile markers, local coupons, and recommendations for things to do in Skagway after the excursion. I found myself flipping through it multiple times during the ride as our guide pointed out landmarks along the route.
One thing that especially impressed me was that kids receive their own version. It included crossword puzzles, word searches, several “I Spy” activities, and even a trip journal where children could write about their adventure.
Our kids are grown now, but I always appreciate it when attractions and excursions find ways to keep younger travelers engaged while they learn something new. There was even a kid-friendly version of our route map.
Every Mile Has a Story
The scenery alone would have been worth the trip. Towering mountains, rushing waterfalls, deep valleys, and remnants of the original railroad seemed to appear around every bend. Every time I thought we’d reached the most spectacular view, another one somehow topped it a few minutes later.
Please pardon the window reflections in some of my photos – I wasn’t brave enough to go outside and stand on the platforms between the rail cars. You get way too clear a view of how high up you are out there. It was also a really gray, really cloudy day. But it didn’t rain, so we were thrilled!
But what made the excursion so memorable wasn’t just what we were looking at. It was hearing the stories behind it. Our guide shared fascinating details about the prospectors who crossed these mountains during the Klondike Gold Rush, the incredible engineering challenges of building the railroad, and the determination of the people who once made this journey under unimaginably harsh conditions.
Suddenly, these mountains weren’t just beautiful. They felt alive with history.
The Little Details Made a Big Difference
Disney Cruise Line does a wonderful job choosing excursions that feel organized, and this one was no exception.
Each railcar had its own restroom, bottled water and Waterloo sparkling water (in different flavors) were available throughout the trip, and every guest received a small bag of snacks to enjoy while taking in the scenery.
At the end of the ride, the staff gave each passenger a leather keychain from the White Pass & Yukon Route as a souvenir. This simple keepsake reminds me of that amazing afternoon spent winding through the mountains.
Don’t Skip Skagway
Once the train returned to town, we still had time to wander through Skagway before heading back to the Disney Magic.
If you’ve never visited, Skagway has an incredible personality. It’s quirky, colorful, and unlike anywhere else we visited during our Alaska cruise. Walking its wooden sidewalks almost feels like stepping into 1898. The entire downtown historic district is carefully preserved within Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, with more than 350 historic buildings still standing.
One of my favorite stops was Arctic Brotherhood Hall, which is probably the most photographed building in town. Built in 1899, its façade is covered with 8,833 pieces of driftwood, making it unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Today it serves as Skagway’s visitor center, but it’s worth stopping just to admire the craftsmanship.
New buildings in Skagway’s historic district must follow strict rules. Instead of copying old buildings exactly, new designs should fit the town’s Gold Rush style and show the passage of time. This is a detail that you might not notice at first, but once you learn about it, you will see the town differently.
Would I Do It Again?
Yes, without hesitation. In fact, I’d even consider one of their other railway options now that we’ve had the chance to experience the vintage steam train.
The scenery is unforgettable, the history is fascinating, and the slower pace gives you time to simply sit back and appreciate just how extraordinary this part of Alaska really is.
Looking back at our Disney cruise, this wasn’t just one of my favorite excursions. It was one of my favorite days of the entire vacation.
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