Took the ride from saratoga to North creek and back. Worth the extra money for the first class... read more
Took the ride from saratoga to North creek and back. Worth the extra money for the first class... read more
We took the Polar Express train in December with my baby and our friends. We were exactly on time... read more
We took the 7:30 train on December 17th.
Cons: We arrived an hour ahead of time. Was stuck in traffic from 6:40pm until 7:50pm at the train station. No one offered an apology or explanation for the length of time we had to wait.
Had to pay for parking as you see below on the confirmation it specifically discusses parking and fails to mention a fee
I think the railway is greedy. Wouldn't allow us to book a family of 3 in Diamond class. it's better suited for families of 4 because they get more money that way. I'm sorry I couldn't produce more children for you, North Creek Railway. Oh yeah, I could have paid for a 4th person, but it's the point that this isn't right and its discrimination. There is a law...can't discriminate based on familial status. I know there is something out there that addresses this.
We were train car G. Trying to get to our car was a fiasco. People lined up for the other cars were blocking the path and wouldn't move so we could get to our cart, which was the last car.
Our train car smelled like dirty diapers. I'm a mother with my fair share of dirty diapers, but come on people, change your kid's diapers. This isn't the organization's fault, but the lack of parents acknowledging and changing their kids diapers. I get the delay may have caused a bit of a fiasco with the number of diapers parents brought, but let me just say the smell was disgusting and overwhelming.
Leaving was a nightmare. people that were on the upper cars or in Diamond class got to the parking lot and basically tried running people over so they could get out of the parking lot first.
No apology or explanation as to why we had to sit in traffic for over an hour trying to get into the station.
Pros:
the people were amazing. The conductor punched kids initials into their golden ticket
will call for tickets was organized
the chefs were amazing! they sang, danced, and held the book up to follow along with the speaker. kept the excitement up when Santa was upstairs. served hot chocolate and a cookie.
The hobo came through and acted the part. Was great!
the north pole, had read it was hokey, but it was amazing. all the time that had to go into design, etc. it was great. Santa outside waving to everyone, elves playing in the snow with a snow ball fights and others waving to the train, my son loved it.
As an adult I see the mess, my son, saw the awesomeness and wants to come back next year. The people made this trip worth it.
Tips: stop being greedy. get rid of the parking fee or at minimum, disclose it. Allow families of 3 equality with families of 4.
Very disappointed in the entire polar express ride. $200 for the 4 of us to go. Train was almost an hour late making my children and most all the children exhausted by the end and many crying. The train was so stifling hot and uncomfortable with no air circulation it was almost unbearable. The story couldn't be heard as children were screaming and the chefs didn't attempt to tell them to quiet down. If your children are sensitive to noise don't go. I am normally very calm and I almost had a panic attack. Cookies were gross. Way overpriced.
Absolutely incredible. Went in our pajamas on a train ride to the North Pole. Santa boarded the train. We sang songs, drank hot chocolate and kept the beautiful glass mugs.
So I will start by saying I did a lot of research before ever buying tickets. I read this website. I talked to friends who had gone. The opinions on the ride seem to run the gauntlet depending on your expectations - so I went with fairly low expectations and was therefore absolutely enthralled. I knew beforehand that the ride was "only" about an hour long. I knew beforehand that the "North Pole" was a bit two dimensional. I knew that Standard Class was probably not worth the price of admission. So I booked my seats in September for the Diamond Class car, on a Saturday night in November, 7:30 pm trip. We were only a group of three, myself, hubby and seven year old daughter, so I had to buy an extra ticket to get the diamond class car - you can only buy even numbers of tickets. We ended up with one of the sideways booths/tables, which was great for seeing up and down the train and very comfy. The decorations were great and festive and not overly done. The hot chocolate that came in the souvenir mugs was very creamy and yummy and it was "hot hot hot" as they chefs danced and sang in the aisle and poured with great aplomb from a silver teapot. The one cookie each we received was soft and good. The story was read as the actors went up and down the aisle with an oversized book and asked the kids to turn a page. More singing and then lo and behold - the NORTH POLE was in view. Since we were in Diamond class, which is the upper level of the train with a glass dome top, we had a great view. My daughter thought it was beautiful and Santa and the elves were waving as we pulled up. Santa got on the train and my daughter's jaw dropped. Then I've never seen her smile so much. Santa gave her the silver bell. I do wish he could have stayed a moment longer with us so I could have gotten a better picture. Then after he moved from the car, we started back, more singing of carols and the elves and chefs had the kids dancing in the aisles. The trip far exceeded my expectations (since I went in with realistic expectations!). We did pre-purchase the book for my daughter which was gift wrapped and waiting for her when we arrived. We spent some time in the gift shop and made a few purchases. Also, yes, EVERYONE really does wear their pajamas on ride. I saw many families where everyone had on matching pajamas. Overall, I would highly recommend this ride, as long as you can get the diamond car. And be aware of the realities that adults may notice (the short ride, the two dimensional North Pole) but that the kids never noticed. It is truly one of our most magical Christmas memories and I will cherish always.
I booked Standard Class tickets for myself and two preschool granddaughters weeks in advance of their Thanksgiving weekend visit here. We got the movie, the book and the soundtrack and starting hyping the train ride well in advance of their visit. Oh such excitement! Singing the songs, wanting pajamas to match their favorites from the movie. The family's meals and activity is planned around our trip. Then, just 2 hours before departure, I get an email cancelling our reservation. It says to call to reschedule. I call but cannot reschedule because the girls will not be back in town until next year. When I asked why it was rescheduled I was told only Standard Class was rescheduled and it was due to " safety concerns". Also, I was told that I could have upgraded to a higher class ticket if I had called a few minutes earlier but that they were sold out. How is it that it is safe to carry the higher class passengers but not the standard class passengers?!? SCAM! I'm just glad I did not have hotel reservations, too!
I had booked standard class (coach) tickets for the Polar Express for Thanksgiving weekend. They called at 10 a.m. the same day to cancel our reservation due to safety concerns- the standard class train cars weren't running.
The voice message they left said we could reschedule and upgrade to first class any other day - the message specifically said either the next Monday or anytime in December. When I called - after waiting for 21 minutes to talk to an agent- they told me they had no first class seats available for any Friday or Saturday in December. Since I work and we live 3 hours away- a weekday ticket wasn't an option for us. The agent was also obviously stressed and rude during the call. We live almost 3 hours away and had booked a room to stay overnight at the Holiday Inn. Thank goodness the hotel had lenient cancellation policies. When I told the agent the dates wouldn't work for us and we needed a refund - she put me back on hold for 10 minutes and then disconnected the call. I had to call back - wait 23 minutes (I'm not kidding) to talk to an agent to request a refund. We live almost 3 hours away and had booked a room to stay overnight at the Holiday Inn. Thank goodness the hotel had lenient cancellation policies. I am unimpressed with their customer service and will look for tickets on a different holiday train next year.