Took my 2 daughters and 3 grandkids, bought the $40 per adult seats. we sat at a table. had to park off sites due to parking was full, ride a trolley. waiting was very crowded, little unorganized in the depot. unable to shop at gift store as so many people. train decorations could be better. got our cocoa and cookie/get to keep a cute mug. when we got to the north pole, it was just someones house with a few lights and a barn, Santa outside waving. Santa and a big elf did come onboard and santa was good talking with each child, but elf just stood there, and he was really tall/unrealistic. I was hoping to disboard at northpole and have a little village of sorts to see, but no, we stayed onboard. The train then backed all the way back to beginning. Just wasn't enough for the money. The theme is good, but they could do so much more.
I was so excited to ride the train with friends. What a disappointment. I have to say it was WAY over priced for what it was. 28 bucks to sit in a lit car (so you can't see out the windows). Santa looked right at us, almost sat on my mom but never acknowledged us. We saw a few strands of lights at the "North Pole" and that was all we saw out the windows. The train car was pretty tattered. Little cup of hot chocolate and a cookie. I wouldn't go again. Maybe it'd be better to do a trip in the day that costs less. The experience was a bummer. Long way to drive and very expensive in my opinion.
We took the polar express train.... 90 min ride... Santa came to greet all the kids/families with a souvenir bell and hot Choco and chewy cookies were served!You can bring extra snacks if you want to.The ride ended with the story of the Polar Express....The kids enjoyed the experience, the parents enjoyed seeing their kids in amazement!
We took the parlor class seating and for the money the experience was great. The Pullman type cars are not new and not re-modeled but for me that was part of the charm. We enjoyed the scenery and our Daughter enjoyed riding 'The Polar Express" . The day we went it was MONSOONING, Thank G-- for the Trolly - BTW for our daughter riding a Trolley was a bonus! She was just as excited over that as the Polar Express.
I'm sorry you had been running late and I hope you didn't miss the magical Polar Express trip!!
Thank you for joining us! We are glad you had such a good time. Happy Holidays!!
Let me start with the positives. We drove from the Portland/Vacouver area to Hood River, a little more than an hour to the east. It was a beautiful Spring Day in the Pacific N.W. This was found and transacted through a Groupon which as usual, worked very well. It is a little hard to find the Train Station, but Hood River is a quaint, small town just off of Interstate 84 in very close proximity to the Columbia River with unique features, such as "The Naked Winery". The station was probably built in the 40's and a nice way to start our adventure. Staff was organized and efficient. There is a choice of seating from the Dome Car to lower level seating. We chose the Dome seating for the view. The scenery out of Hood River and along the way north toward Mt. Hood was stunning even though the vast orchards were not budding or blooming. The destination at Parkdale and lunch were adequate and the view was still quite a distance from Hood, but from the the north side which we don't get to see. All of the above would have made the rating a 4. Riding in the Dome turned out to be a challenge with a whole lot of lateral sway and very restricted space in the seating area. There is a historical narration as you move along, but the speaker system is poor and even with a quiet car and careful listening is less than clear. If at all orthopedically challenged one would want to work with their staff and not go for the bargain. The actors protraying the early West showed up at the lunch site and performed during the return trip. It was a most pleasant aversion. I grew up in the SW WA area and knew about Hood River and the ties to fruit, especially apples. I have a new appreciation and would like to return, probably on a drive and in the growing or harvesting season.
So good to know the kids loved the Polar Express. Thanks for sharing and hope to see you again very soon. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
My friend had purchased the tickets for the polar express and asked me to join her w/the her 2 kids 6 & 9. I had no idea what to expect I was just along for the ride. We boarded the train and went to the upper level. The seats were very plush with a table in front. The staff was very friendly and in tune with the kids and asked them lots of questions like what do you want for Christmas etc. The kids loved it. They brought us hot chocolate in a mug that we could take home w/some cookies. I had never been on a train before and thought I might get motion sick but it was fine. The train does rock back and forth but it's kind of relaxing. When we got to where we were going Santa, Mrs. Clause, and elfs were waving outside the train. Santa and elf eventually came aboard and talked with all the kids. Then we headed back to the station and got a pic with Santa, Mrs. Clause and elfs there. This is great trip for young kids...any older than 9 I would not recommend.
Polar Express train was a lot of fun with the Grand Kids dressed in their PJ's. This part of the fun for this adventure. Then add the hot chocolate in the special cups for fun. There was story reading to tell the story of the Polar Express. I suggest you join the web site and be ready to sign up fast and early for the 2015 Polar Express adventure. The cost is high and the memories are a life time. Have fun in Hood River, OR. Oh...parking can be a challenge, plan ahead.