Mixed feelings about the entire experience. We were told to arrive 1 hour ahead of our 7:30 pm departing time. Entirely NOT necessary. On top of that we officially boarded at 7:45 pm after standing in the freezing cold with toddlers for over an hour. Makes for a cranky start. When we finally were allowed to board the train car was cozy warm which was a huge plus. Love that the seats flip around so people traveling together can enjoy the ride together. This whole experience can be improved with a little more imagination. The recorded reading of the Polar Express is so low you don't even realize it's on. It could be done with so much more excitement and engagement. The hot chocolate scene from the movie falls flat with the distribution done by one chef. They could have had at least two or three to reenact the scene a little more. The path you travel should be all decorated with scenes from the movie so both the children and the adults can be engaged. When you finally arrive at the "North Pole" Santa is only visible on the ride there and by the time you flip around and head back he's already gone and heading to board the train. He comes through each train car and hands out "believe" bells which is a nice touch. The experience ends with the entire car full of people singing Christmas carols which was fun for all. Worth the money ?? It could be with a little more imagination. read more

Had the delight in joining family for this seasonal adventure. Along with many others, we donned our festive pajamas and enjoyed the comfortable seating (that flipped so that you could face others in your party), warm train cars, enthusiastic elves and helpers of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and had visit from the jolly fat man. The cocoa and cookies were a nice gesture and the experience itself was fun to watch kids (and adults!) enjoy the magic of Christmas! The process for boarding was easy and efficient and the gift shops and restaurants near the train depot had lots of fun trinkets and souvenirs. read more

We are very very with this experience, just a ride singing songs, my house looks better than the "north pole" I least I have more Christmas lights, it's sad. Very sad, cheap show read more

Polar Express Experience - Train - Festivals Near Me - Williams, Arizona

We go every year when possible. The vibe is exciting for the kids. Cookies and hot chocolate, singing and dancing! read more

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Very cool Recommend this to anyone who enjoys the movie Didn't go on the train just viewed the carriage which was a great experience itself You won't be disappointed read more

Polar Express Experience - Festivals Near Me - Williams, Arizona

The Polar Express Experience (PEE) is an annual event that's put on by the Grand Canyon Railway (GCR) to help celebrate the holiday season. The event runs from early November until the beginning of the New Year and is almost always sold out. The PEE is a train ride where they attempt to replicate the experience had by a young boy in the book "The Polar Express," by Chris Van Allsburg. It includes a one hour train ride, snacks, singing carols, visiting the North Pole and even a gift and visit from the Big Guy himself--SANTA!!! Tickets- Ticket prices range from $34-45 for Adults and $24-35 for Children depending on day of the week, and time. http://www.thetrain.com/special-events/the-polar-express/ Parking- Plenty of parking is available in and around the GCR station, but the closer it gets to departure the more mayhem will ensue in the main lot. I'd recommend getting there at least 30 minutes ahead of time; there's plenty to see and do around the station and 30 minutes will go by fast. Also, seating is assigned so there's no need to worry about anyone taking the "good" seats. Station- There's a gift shop; Café and Pub to eat before, or after, the ride; and plenty of great photo-ops with old Trains and Holiday Lights throughout. Train Ride- The ride itself lasts a little over an hour, and consists of riding out to the North Pole to visit/pick-up Santa and then riding back. Along the way you will be kept entertained by the "Chefs" in your train car: they'll be handing out cookies and hot chocolate; showing you the Polar Express book as it's being read aloud over the intercom by the author; and leading you in singing Christmas Carols. Our Chefs (Lolo and Andrew) were both terrific and really into their job of keeping everyone engaged. Even Santa himself was awesome! He looked and acted the part, and really seemed into it. Even though he didn't have much time to spend with each kid, he still took just enough time to make each one feel special. I really don't understand all the Grinchy McPoopyPants reviews on this Yelp site. Maybe their Chefs weren't as great as ours? Who knows... Admittedly, I am a bit of a sucker for Christmasy-type activities (that don't include shopping) but this really was a lot of fun. Even my sis and BIL (who don't have kids) thought it was pretty great. My 5-year-old had a great time, and has insisted on reading the Polar Express book almost every night since we've returned from AZ. Highly recommended for kids, train enthusiasts and the kid in all of us. Happy Festivus!! read more

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Buyer beware. You only get 50% of your money back. I canceled two months in advance. Lost customer for ever.

This was our second family trip with a group of 18 we had a fantastic time. Definitely worth experiencing

Don't believe the hype, this is a bit expensive for what you get. They advise you to arrive 1 hour early; what actually happens is you wait in the freezing cold weather for an hour. Train does not leave on time. Bring a flask of booze to keep you warm. dress very, very warmly. The performance was lackluster and not enough performers, they expect you, the guests, to provide the entertainment as they try to convince the crowd that singing Christmas carols in a freezing cold 100 year old train while playing Christmas music is what every child wants for Christmas. We were told there was to be a performance on the platform at 7:00 p.m. This never happened. Also told we would get replica tickets, which we also did not get. Would not recommend, look anywhere else for holiday entertainment read more

Our (almost) 3-year-old had a great time seeing Santa, shaking his bell, dancing to Christmas carols and playing in snow for the first time. We loved seeing him enjoy the experience but found the price to be very high for what is included. We spent $118 for two adults and one child for the 5:30 train. The 7:30 ride is even more expensive. We arrived one hour prior to our train's departure and snagged one of the last two parking spots (in the back of the resort). The walkways and parking lots were poorly cleared of snow and ice from that morning, which was a challenge. There is a long line in the chaotic depot (full of some neat Christmas books, gifts, ornaments, candy, etc). It moves fast, but just make sure that the person in line is the one whose name is on the ticket reservation and have a photo ID ready. You go outside to the letter along the tracks that correlates with your train car. When we got on, we flipped the seats to face one another and soon discovered that a stranger would be sitting with the three of us, which gets nice and cozy and a tad awkward. Almost everyone, including adults, is wearing pajamas. That is a nice touch. You then drive almost a half hour in the darkness with nothing to see outside and someone quietly reading Polar Express book over the speaker. The two attendants (AKA..chefs) handed out cookies and lukewarm cocoa and walked up and down the aisle with a copy of the book. We would recommend bringing a copy of the book so you can actually follow along. Also bring a bag that zips so you can put it in the luggage rack above you, as they don't let you put anything on the floor due to the heaters. Layers are good to wear, since the train gets pretty warm. After the 20-30 min ride of nothingness, you go through a cool tunnel with christmas lights they let you know that we have almost arrived at the north pole (right side of train) and have adults move for the kids to see. It is about 20 feet of plyboard cutouts in the shapes of buildings and a sleigh with Santa and an elf waving as the train goes by. Santa comes in each car and gives everyone a bell, which our kiddo loved. Then you turn and go back the way you came, singing Christmas carols. Yes, that's it. We don't regret going once, but for the little you get for the high cost, I don't know if we will be back. It would have been nice to have more light exhibits along the ride, a light show at the North Pole, a glimpse into a room where they were making toys, a print out of the polar express text (or the book itself)...anything to make the experience more engaging. read more

Polar Express Experience - The North Pole - Festivals Near Me - Williams, Arizona

The polar express has been explained in detail on other posts. We have three kids and it really is run well. I do think 5:30pm is much better for younger kids plus you get to enjoy the sunset, back in time for dinner and bedtime. They really do work hard to make it so magical for the kids. It was worth it for us. Also make sure you don't get locations mixed up. The Polar Express is at the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel in Williams. The North Pole Experience is in Flagstaff 30 min away at the Little America Hotel. read more

For years I couldn't wait to go the Polar Express and now that I did I was so disappointed! Maybe i hyped this place so much it didn't meet my expectations. The hotel was nice and everyone was friendly. But the first thing we saw was Santa and that was the first thing that made us disappointed. When waiting in line I was surprised I didn't hear Santa (HO HO HO, jingle bells or just a jolly Santa voice) we walked in to a basic polar Xpress backdrop. Santa was not sitting in a big chair and the kids sat in plain black stools. He didn't even greet them with a big smile and with a jolly hellooo! It was like he was sick of place and couldn't wait until Christmas was over and wasn't thrilled with kids! I gave him the benefit of the doubt because he was going to be on the train, and I hoped he could redeem himself, but no another disappointment on the train. He handed the bells out with no warm greetings,smile and felt rushed! I'm pretty sure if they had a great Santa that really interacted with the kids with a ho ho ho and a big smile on his face and made the kids feel special that would've made the Polar Xpress a great experience. I do have to say Mrs. Clause was amazing! She was so warm and inviting! She was so sweet and loved being there and was great at interacting with the kids! The train was fun but I think I was thinking this place would be magical and it totally fell short! Sadly we won't be going back. We went to the North Pole experience a few years ago. We will definitely be going back there. read more

So much fun and a great way to get into the holiday spirit! Definitely geared towards the little ones but still fun for adults. I always love being able to wear my jammies and warm weather clothes. The whole train ride experience lasts about 90 minutes. During the ride you will be greeted with hot chocolate and cookies. Readings of the Polar Express by the staff entertain you while you travel to your "north pole" destination. We brought our own Polar Express books but they are also available to purchase in the train station gift shop. Train comfortable seats two people per side. The train stays pretty warm but you still want to make sure that you bring warm weather clothes. Outside can get a little chilly. We ended up buying gloves and hats in the gift shop. Santa makes a special appearance and everyone receives a special gift to take home. There is a Santas village at the train station where you can take pictures with Mr and Mrs Clause and you can buy souvenir pictures. Plenty of parking at the train station. There are a few restaurants near by as well as a restaurant at the train station. Lots of bathrooms and places to wait for your train ride. There are a ton of people so expect it to be crowded. You will not have a ton of room to move around in gift shops, Santa's workshop or on the train. Tickets sell out quickly. If you haven't planned ahead you can forget Christmas Eve or Christmas. They have 2 time slots and generally the later night tickets sell out before the earlier afternoon tickets. They also have package deals that include a night stay at the Grand Canyon Hotel. read more

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This was the biggest disappointment! The whole experience was awful. The "North Pole" was a bunch a cardboard houses with lights. Santa was sitting on fake reindeers, and the train ride was less than "magical." Most of the train ride was a PA system playing clips from the movie, but it was almost impossible to hear. There was also about 45 minutes of kids and adults alike singing Christmas carols out of tune waiting for a pretty dingy lookin Santa to come in and give them a bell. The view on the train ride was dirt, a 76 gas station (you know just in case the magic train breaks down), and more dirt. I'm pretty sure my 6 year old no longer believes in Santa after this nightmare. read more

My granddaughter and I watched the movie every year at Christmas, then I surprised her with the polar express. She was in awe and I enjoyed it as much. I would suggest this is a great experience for young and old. It was magical.... read more

We had a great time at The Polar Express Experience. Most everyone is wearing PJs on the train. It was fun to see all of the families in their matching PJs. There is a gift shop, time with Mrs. Clause & you can take a picture with Santa before getting on the train. Apparently the night we went the photographer had called out sick. The person that took over informed us that she isn't a photographer told us that she'd do her best. The pictures were not good so we passed on the picture. Also between the hotel & Depot there was an area that had Christmas lights set to music that was fun to watch. Once on the train: You sit 2 people to a bench. The backs of the benches can be flipped so you face the people in your party. We had an even amount of people in our group so it worked out great. If you don't have an even amount of people I would recommend buying an extra ticket if you can. Just a warning there is not a lot of leg room either facing forward or facing the people you are riding with. On the way to the North Pole You are served hot chocolate (which was warm which I appreciate because if it's to hot no one can drink it right away) & a cookie. The book is read aloud the "chefs" on your car will walk up & down the aisle with the book so everyone can see the pictures. You can also bring your own & they will sign it. Once you reach the North Pole, there is a little "town" with Santa in his sleigh waving at the train. Santa gets on the train & will give everyone a Bell & is so sweet to the kids. During the ride back everyone sings Christmas carols. read more

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Excellent experience on the Polar Express! Santa even visited our train! A little cold outside but I would do it again!!! Love the Polar Express!!! Paisley had a great time too!!! read more

If you want to get COVID, this is the place. Guests and staff both disregard the mask mandate,including the person that gave us our tickets. I looked for someone to complain to but even the ones that had masks wore them under their chins or at best under their noses. The train ride and entertainment were fantastic. I'm just worried we will pay a high price for the experience. read more

Fantastic! Couldn't have asked for more. We did the hotel package and train ride. It came with dinner and breakfast. The whole thing was excellent from start to finish. I highly recommend it! read more

My family of four rode The Polar Express train in Williams, AZ two days after Christmas and it was a magical experience. I truly wish that we could do it every year. What made it even more special was that it had recently snowed and the ground was still covered. My children, ages 5 and 2, and I wore matching pajamas. We took advantage of the cute photo op areas near the train ride before we boarded. We rode the earlier train ride at 5:30 pm, which I would advise for families with young children. My two main concerns about the experience were that our seats wouldn't face each other and that it would be cold on the train. Neither of these were the case. Our seats in fact faced each other and I was able to see the joy on my children's faces for the entire ride. The train was plenty warm and we even took off our coats. During the ride to the North Pole, we were served warm cocoa and chocolate chip cookies by the chefs. The chefs were fun and spirited, talked to the kids and took photos with us. Next, the chefs read The Polar Express story book out loud, using an oversized book and making sure to stop at each seat to let the children see the illustrations. The Conductor came around shortly afterward and punched smiley faces into our train tickets. When we were nearing the North Pole, the chefs encouraged the children to look for the lights of the North Pole. The anticipation and excitement was felt, and growing. Soon, we saw Santa and Mrs. Clause waving from outside the train. The kids were all squealing. Then Santa disappeared and it was announced that Santa had boarded the train. We began singing Christmas carols while Santa made his way to each family, giving everyone a bell (very nicely made, keepsake) and saying a few words. My 5 year old was in awe. We made our way back to the train station singing throughout (music book provided). We will absolutely return to do this train ride at least once or twice more while the kids are young, and we've recommended it to our friends and family as well. I'd suggest making a hotel reservation in Williams, AZ early, as the town is small and the hotels book out. We stayed at the Howard Johnson, which was walking distance from the train ride (maybe one block?) It was older, but very clean. Also, if you plan to ride the train from Williams into the Grand Canyon during your stay (which many families do), make your reservations for that in advance also. We had planned to, but train seats were sold out. read more

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Great unique experience for the kids, and a fun evening. A few recommendations are: eat in flagstaff because all they have is an all you can eat buffet at the train depot and don't get there to early because there is no where to sit and wait for the train to arrive. The night we went it was 15 degrees outside and we had to stand in gift shop to stay warm. This is an experience your kids won't forget but you will find that once is enough. read more

Have been hearing about this from many people with children, and decided to give it a try. The price is fair for what you get ($500 for family of 4: train ride, breakfast, dinner, and 1 night of lodging) but there is no theatric winter wonderland magical experience. The decor is more of what you would find at a miniature golf setting. Buffet food was unappetizing for the adults, but obviously the kids don't care as long as they have kid friendly food. It's really cold too - even if you are wearing a heavy coat over your pajamas. I would have passed on this experience if reviews gave more details on the facilities. Overall, it was a fun one time family outing. read more

Polar Express Experience - Naughty-Nice Meter - Festivals Near Me - Williams, Arizona

It was a really good trip. Our "chefs" made it great. Chef jingle and reindeer trainer were very lively and made it a lot of fun. They were singing and dancing the entire trip. It was a great trip. Hot chocolate and cookies could have been better read more

Polar express was so much fun. We all had so much fun. Everyone was so nice. Our chef was so much fun, our train carriage was full of fun and energetic people. We were in carriage 1 which meant we were at the end on the way there and at the beginning on the way back. It also meant that Santa hoarded our carriage first from the North Pole and handed out bells. Santa was so awesome and I admit, I almost cried when he came on because it was THAT magical. read more

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I highly recommend a full package when you experience the Polar Express. The package includes, hotel accommodations, dinner buffet, train ride, and breakfast buffet. Williams is a very small town so other options are extremely limited. Booking it all as a package allowed up to show up and enjoy. We booked the 7:30 ride, which was an accident that turned out to be just what we needed. While we enjoyed dinner, we got to watch the 5:30 riders board and leave. Anticipation was building. We then had time to get changed into our jammies, see Santa and Mrs. Claus, color, hang out with other riders and enjoy Christmas stories I read to my boys. My son wanted to be the first riders on so we were out there early. It's cold while you wait, bring a blanket and dress warm. If you don't care about being on first (its assigned seating so really not necessary) stay inside the depot where you will be warm. We were first inline for our car. We watched the train return and the unloading passengers were so pumped up from their experience and that built even more anticipation. Turn over took about 10 minutes and they had us boarding quickly. All train seats face front, but the servers will turn over the seat for groups to sit together. My family of four sat facing each other so we all experienced the ride together. As soon as we take off the entertainment begins. You really enter the movie as the servers sing, dance, and serve hot chocolate and cookies. Story time comes next. Grab a book ahead of time if you want to fully emerge yourself in the experience. My oldest got a little bored during story time. But the servers will each have a book they will go up and down the isle showing the pictures while the author reads over the speaker. There is a magical portal you will go through to get you to the North Pole. So it won't take as long as you might think! As you approach the North Pole, you will see little houses decorated with lights. We were pretty excited and it started getting loud so I'm not sure if they said what it was, but my husband and I were pretty sure they were elf homes. All the kids will merge onto the south side of the train so they can see best. Get to know the adults sitting across from you and be kind and share a seat. Right outside the window is Santa! Mrs. Claus and the hobo of Polar Express are also out there. It's a cute little scene, with lit up buildings. I was so occupied looking at the faces of my children that I don't remember it all well enough to paint a better picture for you. But my boys were super impressed! We pulled passed it, allowing each car to see it right outside their own windows and it moves slowly. Watch out for caribou! 'Tis the season for caribou crossing and they block the way for the train to get through. So we reversed back to the train depot. But lucky for us that means we got to see it all again! Soon, Santa came onto the train! He greeted everyone and gave us all a bell from his sleigh! We sang christmas carols all the way back. There will be song book on your seat to share. Overall, this experience was a highlight of our season of celebration. The experience was interactive and exciting. Passed my youngest bed time he was still in good spirits as we pulled back into the train depot and unloaded. Though I was glad were staying right there at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel because we were ready to cuddle up and unwind. read more

Such a magical experience!! Train ride is exactly like the Polar Express movie. Great actors. Great treats

We were in the K car. First experience for us and on the 7:30 train ride on December 26th. We have a 2 and a 5 year old. On our car the chefs were amazing. They sang the songs, told jokes, interacted with every row just like the movie and then some. The hotel was really nice and buffets were pretty darn good for a buffet. Good atmosphere and trains rolling around everywhere to keep the kids distracted. I've heard not every train car is quite this amazing but it's still a magical time for the kids. If you smuggle some Peppermint schnapps on the train for your hot chocolate it's magical for the adults too. (I know a guy who knows a guy who did this, (cough)). The worst part of this trip was my 2 year old screaming "polar express is awesome" and my 5 year old yelling "I knew it was real" the entire ride home from Williams to Gilbert... read more

Polar Express Experience - Owen holding his ticket to give to the conductor. Wouldn't let go! - Festivals Near Me - Williams, Arizona

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Ya know...I don't know maybe our family is just 2 easy to please. Last night was my family and I 's 2nd visit in 4 years. I give both visits 5 stars! This time we took our 3 year old granddaughter. Her Lil face kept a smile on it the whole time. We all had a lot of fun (yes even my 13 year old son lol). Yes parking may take a lil "patience". We came an hour early and close spots were touch and go. But please, can you walk 50 feet? I think you can. Being from Surprise, AZ we were blessed enough to arrive here with snow on the ground. Which made 2.5 hour trip extra special. If your a fan of Santa ,Trains, Christmas Carols , Cocoa and cookies please don't miss this experience. If your not please stay home and save an open seat for others. read more

Polar Express Experience - My family and I in our PJ's in front of there many photo spots. - Festivals Near Me - Williams, Arizona

Fine experience, nothing like North Pole adventure the opportunity is there to make this an amazing experience! They just need to add more. Like 100% should be punching the kids tickets. Won't be back. read more

We went in December 2018 with our 2 year old and had an amazing time! So so so well done! Absolutely loved every detail. And, Santa was able to really spend time with my 2 year old, which not only gave my Son an amazing experience, but for the first time he was not afraid to sit and take a picture with Santa- our first picture with just my Son and Santa!!!!! We bought a beautiful ornament as a souvenir of our trip. Unfortunately it fell from the tree and broke. I looked for a shop online through the website, but there was none. I contacted the North Pole Experience, and they sent me one free of charge! I can't believe it. They really go above and beyond to create happy people :) Thank you for a magical experience!! read more

We had tickets for the 7:30 pm train ride this past Sunday. Our BFF purchased and planned this trip for our BFF triad and our families waaaaayyy back in August. So I suggest you purchase early if interested. The ride consisted of boarding a real train that takes you to the North Pole. Along the way, the staff of Santa's Helpers entertain the kids, pass out hot chocolate and cookies, sing, and perform a Polar Express book read along. Once arriving to the North Pole, you get to see Santa from the Train standing outside waving to us. Then as the train reverses to return back to the station, Santa "hops" on the train and passes out a bell to each child. You can't take a formal Santa photo with your kid sitting on his lap, but they offer that back at the train station for an extra fee. The real stars of the show are the Santa's helpers. They are entertaining, talented, and keep the kids engaged. They are very, very good with children. It's loud and fun like Disneyland or Farrell's. The experience is made even better because the kids, and some parents, dress up in holiday pajamas. So festive! A truly magical experience for your little ones! The train itself is comfortable with padded bench seating that can fit 2-3 kids each and wide windows that allow you to see out easily. Bathroom on the train is also pretty roomy and clean. Parking is free at the hotel parking lot and available in neighboring streets. There's also a gift shop on site if you want to buy some Polar Express Souvenirs. We stayed at the Ramada Inn (formerly the Holiday Inn) which was just down the street. read more

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The train ride itself was cute. We had three separate reservations and were told in advance by Nicole that she would get us all on the same train at the same time. This was much appreciated as she went out of her way to call me and confirm this in advance. However, when we went to get on the train (was told at ticket counter to go to train L) six of the tickets were for train G and two were for L. Nicole must have messed up and put two of us on L. We were told to find a supervisor and she could help. The train was boarded and we had to run from L to G which was quite a distance. Well because G was already closed we actually had to go all the way to D and then walk through the cars back to G. The supervisor, Jane, was literally yelling at my kids the entire time to not run! They were terrified we were going to miss the train! Anyways, we got in G but weren't seated together like we were told. I called Nicole to talk about it but she seemed more concerned that I was going to ask for some type of compensation (which I wasn't) and seemed defensive. I just wanted her to understand that Jane was one of the most rude employees I have ever encountered and this little slip up really put a damper on things. This was our first experience on the polar express and we drove over 5 hours to get there. I think more effort needs to go into the organization if they are going to charge over 70$ a ticket. read more

So fun! The experience was really fun and lively for all ages. When you get on, you get sat on the train and start singing Christmas songs. They hand out cookies and not very hot hot chocolate. The people who worked there were really friendly and interactive and it was a great experience. read more

It was an enjoyable experience for my family. My 8 year old daughter really enjoyed it and the bell that you bring home. Her visit with Santa was the highlight. Definitely something you should do once during your child's childhood! read more

Before booking this trip. I imagined having gourmet hot cocoa with marshmallows and Gourmet cookies. and we will sing Christmas carols and Santa will sit down with us and ask my kid what he wants for Christmas. Please Do Not expect too much. The hot coco is just water and powder the cookie was just a regular grocery cookie and there are no cup holders and Santa didnt look happy. it was rushed, no talking with santa.so make sure you are quick on taking good quality photos. The chefs wer fun and ENTHUSIASTIC. like a bit much actually. I literrally got exausted watching the chefs entertain. ha ha ha. All in all I was happy because I looked at my 4 yo son's eyes and he believed everything and that was PRICELESS. For the adults pla don't expect too much it's for the kids afterall ho ho ho Merry Christmas all! read more

The trip wasn't all that fun. We purchased 5 tickets, and we were split up as a family. We noticed other families split up or they did what we did and crammed ourselves into the two seats we had, and we paid for five seats. The hot coco was cold. The cookie was ok, at best. So, all in all the price was way too high for the Experience. read more

What an amazing experience for the young & old. Our youngest is 5, so seeing his eyes light up with all the Christmas lights & decorations is priceless. We made sure to watch the movie the night before, to get the full experience of the Polar Express. And that sleigh bell Santa gives the passengers is such an awesome touch. Thank you Polar Express for starting our holiday season on the right foot, despite being in a pandemic. read more

Love love love it, and so did the kids!!! It can be a little crowed as you wait to board the train. The staff stay in Character to the story, during the ride they sing and dance serving hot chocolate with chocolate chip cookies as you journey to the arctic circle. You don't get off the train but don't worry Santa will still come and see you on the train, if you believe he will leave you with a raindeer bell. Prior to departing there is a couple gift shops, a restruant, Mrs Claus is in the Polar room with Mr Clause for pictures. The kids can color polar express pictures as they watch the movie. About 45 before departure the hobo will appear for welcome greating by platform m. Mind you it can be busy but found with taking the 530 ride we had almost no one around after our ride to enjoy everything as well as the beautiful lights. read more

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We have been to the polar express in the past and had a great time but this time would have to say I Would not recommend firstly I'd like to start out that after taking my kids to the pool in the hotel we went back to our room and my oldest went to take a bath after filling up the bath she went to get in only to find dirty water needless to say she did not take a bath. Now for the train ride there was no bum outside they did not stamp our tickets like in the past we got luke warm horrible hot chocolate and some disgusting cookies we could barely hear the story because of the speaker. Santa came in for a total of 30 seconds. It's sad when you see little kids sleeping when it's suppose to be a magical experience. There were hardly any lights after leaving the station they were few and far between. Other then a few houses lit up and the shell gas station. The ride lasted a whole hour if that what a waste nothing like how it use to be. I definitely would think twice before booking. Finally the morning we are going to leave we all wanted to take showers before our long trek home but that was out of the question because there was no hot water so we just left . The people at the hotel were great and everyone was very nice but it's super disappointing on how it's gone down hill. read more

We drove the short drive to Williams, AZ to experience the famous Polar Express one time before my youngest kiddo got too old to enjoy it. We donned our festive (and matching) pajamas, and headed to the depot. The evening we bought tickets for our Polar Express Experienced ended up being a nippy 37 degrees, and it had rained earlier in the day. I thought the wet ground and steam coming from the trains made the atmosphere perfect (I wanted snow but what we ended up with was great). The train depot was decorated and I immediately felt in the Holiday spirit. Parking was a breeze- there are spaces at the hotel/train depot/restaurant, however those were full so we parked in the lot right across the street. The process to board the train was very organized, and we waited less than 5 minutes before boarding and being able to choose our seats. Throughout the process, we were greeted with costumed persons that were very friendly. We were given a program with all of the songs we would be singing on board. We departed the station and started our journey. We were read the Polar Express out loud, and the conductor and his assistant did great interacting with every family in our train car. We enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies, and sang some of our favorite Holiday songs. We were also given the famous Polar Express 'bell'. Really, they left nothing out in regards to following the book and movie. We had a blast and I am so glad we were able to experience it at least once before my son doesn't believe in the 'magic' anymore. read more