We went on the polar express train ride over the weekend. There are a few packages you can choose. You can do just the train ride experience or the hotel stay with dinner and breakfast at the buffet and the train ride included. I want to start off with the hotel stay. The hotel was decked out in Christmas cheer and has a huge courtyard with some trains. The front desk receptionist was extremely friendly and full of information. I want to say her name was holly. She gave me a run down of what to expect a map of the hotel grounds and told me a little about the show/train ride. We then went to the room which was decent sized clean and had a fridge and tv. Dinner was great at the buffet and there is also a bar inside the hotel that serves food after hours. The train was really cool and fun with singing and dance cookies and hot chocolate. Definitely recommend this experience read more

See all

BEST TRIP EVER !!!!!! Came from Florida to take my grandson and daughter on this memorable train ride and it was beyond fabulous !

Such a cool experience. Wish it was longer and decorated outside on both sides to see. They gave out cookies and hot chocolate. Always we sang carols. read more

What an amazing experience. Tons of fun for the whole family. The entire ride is full of fun, songs, treats and more. We will definitely do this again read more

See all

This was a lot of fun!!!! My husband went along to be kind and had as much fun as the rest of us. I highly recommend starting off the fun by dressing up in pjs. This is a participatory event. The more the crowd participates the more fun it is. The staff is fun, friendly and enthusiastic. This was well worth the money. It is so well played out that our 3 year old honestly believes we went to the North pole that night. Lots of music, snacks, laughs, singing and dancing!!! Our one year old danced for his first time!! The fun is contagious!!!! read more

See all

It was fun...I have been on a better (more interactive show) one in Perris, Ca. For the cost I expected more. read more

See all

This was a fantastical experience that our 5 year old daughter loved. The hotel package was nice and comfortable, and the restaurant was enjoyable as well. There was a pre-show prior to boarding, and the train ride was fun and entertaining. They served hot chocolate and cookies, and made the Polar Express book reading an awesome part of the process. The kids absolutely enjoyed being visited by Santa, and getting to be a part of the story by having their own sleigh bell. The staff were very kind and attentive, and the seating was great. If you have a large party with you, they can slide the seat backrests so you can face each other. Would love to come back! read more

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

The train ride was fun overall. The attendants in our car stayed in character and were very engaging the whole time. The hot chocolate was not hot at all and the chocolate chip cookie was ok. I realize they have to make hot chocolate for a lot of people, but they need a better system to keep it warm until serving. Santa's appearance was short and sweet and we enjoying the singalongs. The experience is pretty pricey if you do a package like we did with meal vouchers and a hotel night. read more

Polar Express Experience - Festivals Near Me - Williams, Arizona

See all

Amazing ride! My family and I we went for a trip and we enjoyed so much we will definitely coming next year!.

I've ridden this several times and this was a terrible experience. They've attempted to choreograph a dance that looks like they chefs are throwing tantrums. The chefs coats were slattered with hot cocoa, you think they'd keep fresh coats on board. The chefs were in the way when Santa came which completely ruined our photos. But the absolute worst was an employee in all black. Her tag said Sierra. She reprimanded a chef out in the open causing the chef to cry. She came down the aisle and greeted no one but one family of 4 that she apparently knew and she didn't bother greeting anyone else. This is obviously a person who has poor skills in management and public service. She'll be the cause of many unhappy Polar Express riders. And even if Mrs Clause wasn't in the field we'd rather see her handing Santa the bells, or him having them in a waist pouch vs an unpleasant person in black handing them to Santa because they weren't in the story either. People go to North Pole Experience in Flagstaff. Didn't waste your money on this. read more

Polar Express Experience - The chef walked right through our photos when Sierra told her to instead of having them stand away. - Festivals Near Me - Williams, Arizona

Poor customer service skills, needs more young energetic actors and less older grumpy actors

We had an epic trip all planned around this experience, where 6 adults and 3 littles travelled to the North Pole to get handed a bell by Santa. This was Day 3 of our trip and after a visit to Bearizona, we were ready for the big night. An unfortunate fire alarm and a very slow check-in process got our pre-Polar Express festivities off to a late start. But we were still able to dawn our jammies and make it to the train on time. It was so exciting when the train arrived. And the kids were delighted when they came and flipped over a row of our seats so we were all facing each other. There was hot chocolate that was the perfect temp for our littles, warm chocolate chip cookies and of course the Polar Express story. When we reached the North Pole, Santa boarded the train and our littles got handed a bell. And our favorite part of the night was singing Xmas carols at the top of our lungs. Oh, did I mention the kids all danced with the chef? We were really happy with the experience and would totally do it again. Our kids are the perfect age for this kind of thing. I can see how older kids might not feel the magic as much, but we definitely did! #OperationPolarExpress read more

Our 5 year old loved the whole experience. He thought we are really at the North Pole. It was great to see the magic through his eyes. M3 and Christie did a great job on the train read more

Polar Express Experience - Festivals Near Me - Williams, Arizona

The best experience i have ever have with my whole family. It was worth every dolar spent. Went there around noon to take my tickets . And they told me to come half hour early when the train ride is scheduled. We came half hour earlier but it was already crowded. Our car was very last, N, but it was nice to see all those people in Christmas pajama with the kids waiting for the train ride. Christmas music is playing. Kids are super excited and parents too. I would called this happiest place on earth. When we went inside it was super festive and train really looked like it came from 50 years ago. All the staff were amazing, our chef Kira was super nice and helpful. We had a cookies and hot chocolate and she went above and beyond to provide us with the list of ingredients. It was amazing experience be on that train and singing Christmas Carol with all those people who came here with the same reason. To see the North pole and Santa Clause. Definitely coming back next yea. read more

Amazing experience. Good cookies, great hot cocoa and great for the kids. Would definitely recommend and do this again.

I would say, save your money. Don't waste it. This was very boring, we met up with a bunch of friends with all of our kids to come see this. It was very boring. Ride Chocolate was cold in water and cookie was still nothing happened for 42 minutes, then you come to it. Just stop wherever they have a little village once in all houses lit up. And you go backwards, they gave you a songbook, and you sing a song. Santa comes on practically runs through the bus. Gives them a bell, and that's it. The kits was very bored read more

such a disappointment. we bought 8 tickets more than a month prior to the ride. we were given a car that must have been a add on at the last minute. it was different from front cars which were nicer. The seats were like bus seats that did not face each other like in the other cars nor was it nicely decorated. The windows did not go down as they did in the other cars so it was hard to see the North Pole scene. When I asked the host why our car was so different she said with a smirk "this is the special car" and laughed it off. The hosts were not great either. we were a group of 8 and the cost was not even close to being worth it!!!!!! The whole thing was such a let down :(. read more

I came to the Polar Express for the kids. I read some of the reviews on yelp and had mixed feelings coming in. I actually enjoyed it as an adult. They really tried to make the experience enjoyable for everyone. They had pictures with Santa and provided coloring activities for the kids while we waited. The gift shop is a bit pricey. Paid $15 for a magnet. Once we got aboard the train they handed out hot chocolate and chocolate chips cookies. They then told the story of the Polar Express. They headed towards the "North Pole" and the kids got to see all the lights. The North Pole is only visible on the train side of seats C and D. So if you book tickets that's something to keep in mind. At the end they handed out bells to everyone and sang Christmas songs on the way back to the station. We went at night and it was cold, but the train was heated. If you have kids it's a fun activity to do with them during the holidays. read more

See all

This post is a bit overdue as we experienced the Polar Express Experience the Sunday evening after Thanksgiving, but I would highly recommend this to anyone with young kids, or even those older who still have the "Christmas Spirit." We booked the hotel stay package and it was fantastic. Comfortable rooms, a very clean hotel (even if slightly older), and some pretty great buffet food options. Breakfast was awesome and for dinner, if they have someone making pasta with the homemade meat sauce, get yourself a plate of it and enjoy! The engine car and caboose near the depot all lit up and decorated like the rest of the property were beautiful. Nothing like a nice chilly evening up in Northern Arizona. We had never been to Williams before (only nearby Flagstaff) in our nearly 20 years of living in the PHX metro area. A very cozy and beautiful town and the location of the hotel Is very easy to get to. Nice little gift shops and super convenient to board the train from walking out the main entrance of the hotel. We had the later ride on board car B. I don't know if the Grand Canyon Railway views these comments, but I sure hope they do as I really want to give a shout out to our railcar hosts Angela and Dez. They were fantastic, full of energy and cheer. I'm sure it is difficult to keep your excitement and energy up like that day after day in multiple excursions, but they owned it! Please recognize them on a job well done! There were 4 kids in our group of 9 (our 2 children and a niece and a nephew) ranging in age from 4 to 11 and each one of them thoroughly enjoyed it. The appearance of Santa Claus of course was the highlight moment, and not to drop any spoilers, but parents also received a beautiful gift from the big guy, which I did not expect and was unaware of. They all proudly hang on our tree now. If you have not been, have contemplated going, or have tried and not made it up to this experience yet, I am firmly on the side of it is well worth the cost for the experience and memories made. The bell still rings for all of us. read more

See all

My wife had always wanted to go and now with two sons (11 & 2) and one on the way it was time to try this experience. Santa gave it to us as a gift to come see him. We had the one night stay package deal. The hotel was good, the food was good, and the train was also good. We went on 11/30/20 and were greeted by the train staff already in character. We were brought on board and seated as a family at least 3-4 seat lengths away from the next family. Our entire train car had roughly 10-15 people on it total. This was great considering it us going during COVID. The train departed promptly and we road up to the North Pole (roughly 30-40 mins.). We were served very delicious hot cocoa and cookies. Our car attendant read the Polar Express book to us all the way and it was perfectly timed as we rolled up to the North Pole and got to see Santa waving to us. On our way back down to the station Santa boarded the train and greeted us all and spoke with our kids for a minute. We sang plenty of songs as well. Although we had a great time and it felt a lot more personal, being that there were way less people on board as normal. It felt as though something were missing and in my opinion it needed more people on the train to have more interaction. The North Pole setup was a bit lackluster too. At the end of the day I will most likely go again when my 3rd child is old enough, but this is only because seeing their faces in pure awe is worth it. read more

See all

This was our second time on the Polar Express. All in all, the kids loved the experience. I was a little disappointed because last year the conductor came and stamped their tickets like in the movie. They also passed out candy canes last year. They didn't do either this year read more

Polar Express Experience - Boarding train - Festivals Near Me - Williams, Arizona

See all

Amazing experience from the start to the end. It is literally so much fun. The hot chocolate was not hot. The cookies were gross but the experience of the train ride makes up for all of it. The two chefs on each train car or extremely cheerful and kind. You are able to get up and walk and get yourself water. Go to the restroom dancing all throughout the train ride. The tunnel of lights was probably our favorite. Santa comes aboard which is so much fun for the kids. Adults too. Not going to lie and it's about a 90 minute train ride and when we happen to get off of the train it was snowing which made it even more magical read more

We had a blast on the Polar Express! We were on a train car with Chef's Ed and Autumn and they were super fun and engaging! The trip was really nice and the families on it all had a good time! The last leg of the trip when you see the north pole was so cool! We will definitely be booking a trip for a normal train ride in the future, too! read more

I had read mixed reviews so I went in cautious but it was amazing! First of all my kids were perfect ages 5 and 3. They both love trains and the movie so it was extra special. This is definitely geared more towards younger children. I'm happy we chose a Wednesday because it wasn't busy at all. I switched our tickets to side c and d since I read a tip on here that it is the only side where you can see Christmas lights which is correct. I'm happy we did the 7:30 because I wanted it to be dark outside but my 3 year old ended up falling asleep. The staff was AMAZING!! The male and female chef on train car L made it! Mrs. Claus was so interactive for story time with my children and pictures with Santa was the cherry on top! I wish the hotel bar/room service had more options but other than that we had the best time. read more

This was overall disappointing. Maybe because I've been to other Christmas experiences that were very well done. For example, the North Pole Experience was magical even thought I started out skeptical. This was literally just a ride on a train with coco, cookies, songs, and Santa. This could have been so much better if the train took you to a village where you got off and did things. The "village" might be cool if you are 4 and younger. Reading the reviews I get the sense that some "chefs" are more entertaining that what we got. The buffet was pretty much a nightmare. The line was 35 min for supper and longer for breakfast. It was definitely not worth buffet pricing. They don't seem able to accommodate efficiently the number of people they have sold to. The food was boring and the service for drinks and dessert was just awful. I did tip him as he did actually show up for work...in these days many people don't. We shelled out for a suite and I must say that was the best part of the trip. The view was nice, the beds comfortable, and the room was spacious. Overall, I can't say it was all worth the $800 we spent for the hotel, supper and breakfast, and the train for two adults and 4 kids. Don't forget to consider the time change in planning. Re COVID protocols, they enforced the mask on the train and in the stores. read more

See all

We had a great time. It went by so quick. It's totally worth doing. We drove down from Las Vegas. The employees were wonderful, thank you again. read more

Great time, drinking hot coco with cookies. Santa got on the train at the North Pole and spoke to all the kids. They were thrilled. read more

See all

We booked a package deal to take the Polar Express train. While the hotel and buffet restaurant were kind of MEH, the train ride itself was AWESOME! The train ride takes you about 45 minutes out, and then 45 minutes back. Along the way there, you are served hot chocolate and a chocolate chip cookie. On the way back, you sing Christmas carols. Santa makes an appearance, and they even give you a keepsake bell ornament that is engraved with the year 2020. Thought that was a nice touch! Staff was incredibly polite and professional and had everyone in a good mood the whole way there and back. We will definitely be back to ride the train again! The kids and my wife and I had a great time! read more

This was the second time our family has shared this experience. The first time in 2019 there were 7 of us. This time in 2024 there were 14 of us ranging in age from 4 years old to 80 years old. You did not disappoint! Everything was top notch from the food, lodging, and the magical train ride. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! read more

5 star from me and My niece who both got to see Santa in the North Pole. . First off before I give you the spoilers in this review please watch The Polar Express movie or read the The Polar Express Book by Chris Van Allsburg to full understand what I'm about to say in this review. "Seeing is Believing" Located in Williams Arizona make sure you have your Christmas pajamas ready head to ticket station located behind Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel. There is plenty of parking all around the hotel. Make sure to pick up your ticket an hour before boarding. Must present your ID to pickup your ticket. The train ride is about 90mins. Train take you from William Arizona to The North Pole. Just like the movie and book once you pickup your golden ticket make sure to head with your party to your letter Marker outside and get in line waiting for the conductor to check your ticket. Once seated it's two per row. Instantly greeted from the staff inside . There is bathroom located inside the Train. The train starts once you hear the four whistles. Then you are on your way to the North Pole. The staff on board are singing and dancing throughout the whole experience. It's just like the movies/ book. Waiters Dancing to give you hot chocolate and warm chocolate chip cookies. They also tell the Story of the Polar Express. Once in the North Pole you are greeted with Santa he might even board the train heading back to Williams Arizona with you & receive your bells . Great experience well worth it going with your child or as an adult definitely worth the experience. Definitely would like to make this a tradition in our family to go every year. Till next time Merry Christmas! read more

See all

They kids were so excited to meet the characters from the movie The Polar Express as well as experience the polar express train ride to Santa's Village. The train ride, singalongs and gifts were too much. There were a variety of ages and all of the kids enjoyed. They all burst with joy when Santa boarded the train. It was truly a magical Christmas. The hotel stay, train ride, breakfast and dinner was a great value. This is must do family trip. We had a ball in Williams Virginia! I'm sure they will remember this one for a lifetime! read more

See all

It's ok and I'm being kind with the ok. The reason for my review is to help parents out with kids in a certain age group. If you want to ride this with a family and put on pj's it's cool. Have fun...it's a train ride to the " North Pole". If you have kids older than 4 years old and you are trying to preserve the magic in believing. I would think twice or just tell the kids the " the jig is up...". We have two girls 8 and 9 years old. So this was not magical or believable for them. Not much interaction at all. You listen to a taped reading of the book which is hard to hear, the chefs hand you a hard " boxed " cookie. ( so magical) and a weird tasting hot cocoa. If you are sitting on the " C and D " side of your car you notice the magical shell gas station on your right side on your way to the " North Pole" ( the look on my kids face was priceless. After passing watching people pump gas.. the chefs hand out one song book per family to sing a long to get ready for Santa. You can scan a QR code on the wall to get the songs. So my younger kid gets the book. My older kid is looking at the songs on a website that has a little box that is on their website with " chat with us " tab underneath the songs. ( so magical) 253 bucks and I can't get a freaking print out of the songs?? Then the climax...Santa is boarding the train,he's coming...." We couldn't make it all the way to the North Pole because baby reindeer are playing on the tracks" ( my kid is looking at the lit up city complete with cacti and bushes) As we wait for Santa the crew tells the kids to yell at the window to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. ( I guess that's trying..who needs a letter?) A few seconds later Santa comes in! Kids yell!!, Santa walks by and hands the kids a silver bell and says " see you At Christmas" ( 0.3 seconds ) and there you have it folks..Santa! ( we did it) let's go back and sings songs from your iPhone. I know many people that enjoy this wondering why? It's 253 bucks for a family of 4. You can have a similar experience cruising through your neighborhood listening to music and at the end have your neighbor run by you in a Santa suit. ( if you want the full experience pull into a shell gas station) read more

We had an amazing time on the polar Express Train/experience. I took my mom and my 3 year old son. The entertainment on the train for my highly active 3- year old was enough to captured his attention and keep it. Amen!! They sing songs on board, hand out cookies and hot chocolate that is just the right temperature for littles. I was worried about that, but these guys know what they're doing, thankfully. I am somewhat of an anxious mother, but they put me at ease on the train ride. It only moved about 30mph. No crazy twists/turns. No sudden sharp stops, so you won't get motion sickness. I highly recommend this experience for both you and your littles. We had an amazing time and will return next year for sure. read more

We planned our trip on the polar express about a year in advance and it did not disappoint. It was probably most enjoyable seeing the look in my 7 and 3 year old daughters eyes at everything that happened. We did not stay at the Hotel on site and instead choose a cheaper option which worked out great. Since we had younger kids we opted for the 530pm train ride which was perfect. Luckily we heard people talking about getting to the station early to see Santa, shop and see stuff and I am glad we did. We got there about 3pm and were able to get photos with Santa (be prepared to pay for the photos), coloring in Mrs Claus's area, grabbing a snack from the gift store, and a little shopping. As for the train ride, it was nice. I was glad the backs of the seats shifted so we could sit together. The hot chocolate was warm and tasted like the powder stuff, the cookies were chocolate chip and okay. My oldest was disappointed in the "North Pole." As for Santa as others have mentioned he seemed VERY rushed and barely had time to had each girl a bell and let me grab a quick photo. The best and most entertaining part for us was the 2 chefs that worked the car. They kept us all entertained and were exceptional. One pointer. They do read the Polar Express during the ride. I knew this but did not think about bringing our copy of the book with us. We had it at the hotel. I recommend bringing your own copy with you to read along during the ride. All in all the ride was totally worth it. Make sure you book as soon as tickets are available if you want to go on a weekend. We worked up to the trip by starting a year in advance with reading the book, watching the movie, and buying a Polar Express Train to go around our tree. read more

The Polar Express train ride on the Grand Canyon Railway has become one of those silly but endearing family traditions that we will likely enjoy until our kids grow too old for it. That said, we have learned a few things over the years that have made our experience a lot better for the kids, so take a tip or two from our years on the train, and read ahead. Since we get a week off for the Thanksgiving break in our school district, we have always taken this trip during the few days before the holiday. Tickets for weekend trips tend to fill up several weeks and advance, so best bet is to book your reservations online in September or October at the latest. The Grand Canyon hotel offers package deal, and relatively expensive rooms, so if you're willing to forgo the convenience of being right there, there are several hotels in Williams that can save you some money, and get the job done. If you have four star hotel taste, then the local Comfort Inn and Motel 6 May not live up to your standards, but considering many families are in town for the train, most of the hotels have kids running around or crying well into the night anyway. All part of the experience, Mildred. Plan to arrive about an hour before your departure, to pick up tickets at will call, and spend a little time milling around in the gift shop. Over the years, we have experienced snow, bitter cold, and unseasonable warmth, so be prepared for the fact that you are at 6700 feet of elevation in late fall. There is a period of time that you and your little ones will be lining up outside of your designated train car, so if you're one of those families that will be wearing the matching pajamas, you might want to also bring a jacket and maybe a little hat for the kids. Once you are on board, the trip takes a little over an hour to the North Pole and back. The "chefs" onboard hand out cookies, hot cocoa, dance around, lead Christmas carols, and hold huge picture books of the Polar Express while a recording of the story is played... years ago, the narration was done by Liam Neeson; now the author reads the story. I think I preferred the Qui Gon Jin version better. Anyway, after arriving at the "north pole"... which is a well decorated area somewhere up the tracks a ways, Santa Claus board the train and hands out little bells to each child and passenger. No fake beard here; this dude is the legitimate Santa Claus, I swear. Here are a few things you should know: 1. If your child is prone to motion sickness, you might want to bring a little bag, or ask for one on the train. We watched this poor family one time with their kid who was deathly ill, and pretty much threw up the whole time. 2. If you take the 7:30 trip, make sure you eat dinner before hand, or have something in your hotel room. The city of Williams folds up like Superman on laundry day at night, so your best bet might end up being frozen meals and quesadilla makings at the local Safeway. The store is variably open from nine to 11 o'clock, depending, it seems, on the whim and fancy of management. 3. There is a small water closet on every train car, but if your kid is in diapers, and you can get it changed in there, you are more nimble than I. 4. I should not have to tell you this, but bring a small pack of baby wipes. Like, everywhere you go in life. And, also bring them on the train. When that hot cocoa spills, or your kids snots all over himself, you'll thank me. 5. Take lots of pictures, and cherish these times. Before you know it, your kids will be teenagers. They may not say it or show it, but don't worry, they still love you for taking them on the train to see Santa Claus when they were little kids. Yes, it's corny. Multigenerational families wearing matching pajamas. It doesn't go very fast, and it doesn't go very far. But it's sort of one of those things, that you and your kids should do together. read more

Polar Express Experience - Waiting for Santa on the Polar Express... - Festivals Near Me - Williams, Arizona

We took our LARGE family on the Polar Express last night and had a blast! They make this an amazing experience for children and adults as well. And when you get to the North Pole the set up is so beautiful and the kids lost their minds when they saw Santa and the reindeer and sleigh. Santa gets on the train and each rider gets a bell and a word with Santa. A delightful Santa, one of the best I've ever seen! Each child was made to feel special and the chefs in each card are entertaining and interact with the riders constantly! You are entertained all the way by these energetic young people! read more

See all

We really enjoyed our trip on the polar express. There are a lot of reviews on this so I'll answer some of the questions I had before I went. 1)The backrest of the seats can be moved so that two seats will face each other. You must have those 4 seats in order to do that though. If you only have 3 of the 4 they will not let you move them. 2)If you do decide to have the seats face each other be prepared for an uncomfortable ride unless you are under 5'5". You will have to smash you legs to one side or you will have to interlace your legs with the person in front of you. 3) The serve "hot" chocolate ( which is warm) and a cookie on the way to see Santa. 4) They have lights on both sides of the train but Santa and the reindeer are on the right side of the train. ( right side as you are going to see Santa) 5) it's about a 30 min ride to see Santa and 30 min back. 1 hour round trip. The ride to see Santa was enjoyable. Santa himself was very nice. He was friendly to both kids and adults. He reminded the kids to listen to their teachers and parents and to be nice to each other. He gave everyone a silver bell as a souvenir. As the train went back to the station we sang songs and danced. They even read a book from the polar express. We had a great time. read more

Polar Express Experience - Polar express. - Festivals Near Me - Williams, Arizona

The Polar Express is a terrific experience for children ages 2-12. Plan to get there about an hour or two early to pick up tickets at the Ticket depot located just behind the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. You do not need to print off anything to claim your tickets, simply have a photo ID handy. There are plenty of things to do within the train depot while you wait for the train to arrive. The Polar room has long tables set up with crayons and even a chance to snag a professional photo with Santa before getting on board the Polar Express. The train ride in itself takes about an hour with the train reaching the North Pole in about 30 minutes. Hot cocoa and delicious cookies are served and there are sing alongs. When Santa comes in and hands the passengers bells you could just see the magic light up in the kids eyes. If you're able to do this, do it at least once to see that magic. read more

If you've read over the other reviews for this event, the ones with 4-5 stars pretty much sum up our experience was well. I Yelped separately about the resturant and the motel we stayed at. Here are our highlights... THE WAIT: I recommend arriving an hour before the train leaves; there's a huge gift shop and things to look at and little events the kids can participate in while waiting. We had the 7:30pm train..it didn't snow (until after the day we left) but yeah. Lots to do while let the "antici....pation" builds up. THE TRAIN RIDE: Decked-out with lights and faux presents, it was great! While the many versions of Tom Hanks are not included, the actors who represented the ticket-takers and chiefs did their job well. Sing-a-longs, dancing in the aisles, warm hot chocolate, big cookies, Christmas bells, book reading and Santa Claus...nicely done. We had a newer train car, so there were no seats facing one another, just forward. I had a party of 5 so I shared a seat with another dad...no worries. Tips... We booked the trip 3 months in advance, on a non-weekend night. The "golden ticket" is $10 a pop...given on a lanyard in a plastic holder. I have 3 girls, but my teen said she was good, and didn't need one....Thank you, teenager! We rented the book and movie from the library...watched the movie at home and brought the book on the train to read along. We dressed in our pj's over warm clothes...added to those good holiday vibes. We kept the hot chocolate cups and napkins as cheap but cool souvenirs. My kids enjoyed it (I told the older kids not to feign "being happy" but also not to roll their eyes and ruin the experience for their younger sister), but they'd enjoyed it more they were 5-6 years younger. Overall a great time. Consider Yelping the hotels and eateries before booking, though. Worth it! read more

See all

We had a wonderful weekend here in Williams AZ for the polar express experience. Would i spend the money and drive time again? Yes! to see in your kids eyes that they still believe is truly magical. All staff from start to finish we all very friendly, helpful. Some pointers: Buy your polar tickets and hotel early! I bought them in July and Dec dates were already sold out. We took this the 1st week of Nov. (we also didnt want to deal with driving in icy conditions here in the Grand Canyon areA in dec with kids). -highs were low 60's nights upper 40's -we did the dinner, 7:30pm train, breakfast for 4 and the hotel on site. -have your kids watch the movie before you come (or do like us.. download on tablet and we watched the day/night/ and night before the ride. Hotels: -there isnt a lot of nice hotel choices in Willams and this is fine (many rooms just renovated 2016.. ours was one of them.. standard room has fridge (no micro). Its like staying at a hampton inn (clean.. mid level towels, nice beds). -rest of the hotels in the area are 1-2 stars sort of ewe. Just keep it easy and stay here.. plenty of parking. Then you can walk everywhere (including the bar by the main train depot where kids can eat and mom/dad can have a nice nite cap). -there is small heated indoor pool and hot tub so bring your suit if you want. Polar train depot: -polar train pulls up right next to hotel great photo ops -there is part of the static train that lives on site pretty massive. Great pix opp also. -trees are all lit up -2 great cute shops, santa craft area to write your santa notes, visit with mrs c. -they sell the boys blue robe (no hole in pocket) :) -and other warm clothing if you didnt prepare for the cold. **news flash (they do NOT give you a golden ticket to ride the train like the movie. The real tickets are blue that the conductor punches holes in (total bummer for the kids). Sooo.. -The gift shop on site sells the golden tickets for 9.95 (i know seriously?? ) anyhow .. at least it comes in a polar VIP like lanyard (if you've been to disney 9.95 is nothin folks) -BUY this before the train ride (we hid them in the kids robes like the movie). Then on board the conductor punched these instead. -be on the look out for the elves and hobo train hopper (for additional photo ops when the early train pulls in). Food: -hotel pub is great for dinner (drinks) or the on site buffet for breakfast and dinner. (This gets packed right before the night train run so go early like 530) the line starts going out the door. -there is a cafe on site for light breakfast (in train depot) including ice cream, fudge, etc. -downtown williams you can walk from the hotel/ train depot there is circle k for snacks or beer if you dont want to spend 7.00+ on booze. There are cute coffee shops, lunch spots etc. go support local. Driving: Drove in from Long Beach, CA. We made it a 4 day trip due to traffic patterns in SoCal. Note: folks with kids under 6 (we have 2). We broke up the drive into Williams as such: -left at 8pm and drove to Barstow and slept at local hotel (to get out of LA traffic dodge). -got up at 8 and started driving to willams. No traffic issues, stopped in needles for lunch, kingman to gas up/ restroom. Then to Williams. 4.5hr leg). Sunday is marathon and drove the whole 6.5hrs home. (Ipads to the rescue). Note: the morning of the polar ride we went to bearizona (10 min away from hotel). Fun place kids and we loved it. See my review for that. Polar Train Ride: for 7:30 pm ride (We ate the buffet dinner at 6:00.. it was too late the line was so long.. then we had to scarf down the food.. id go at 5/530 if i had to do it over again). -6:40pm is an elf show -7:15pm board train, left at 7:30pm (last ride of the night) -they serve the hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies 10 min into ride. -train car is heated with storage for bags up top. -they play all the polar songs and other holiday tunes (you have 3 chefs in each car to serve) -bathrooms in each car -you go backwards from the depo to the "north pole" you DONT get out at the north pole.. they stop to see the village, santa, elf. -conductor comes through each car -then you head back the same way with more carols -santa comes to each car (yes you get THE bell) says polar on it.. super cool -no adult bevs on board so have it before or bring a little shot of something to drop in your cocoa. -Once back at dept you can get pix with santa (for cost of course)...finish your letter to mail to the north pole and get some last minute souvys. Again... overall an amazing time. A must do while your kiddos believe in the magic of the season!! HO HO HO. read more

See all