This was a fun do it once experience with the little ones! The event was well organized. The staff were very friendly, cheerful, and pleasant! They were volunteers, so big thank you for offering their time and service to the success of this community event! Festive decorations, live entertainment and of course Santa contributed much to this fun-filled experience! Warm "hot chocolate" drink and cookies were served on the train ride. Each rider received a little souvenir silver bell. It was overall an enjoyable experience for us! read more

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Great time for the family that has young ones!! Teenagers are not into it, lol. The ride is nice slow and comfortable. It was warm even with pajamas on. read more

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We read the book before going. I highly recommend that so you can recognize the references. There are some references from the movie that's not in the book so watch that too if you can. I did an add on with the lanyard thinking my son would love that. He didn't care for it. Get the book beforehand too, not only so you can read it beforehand but it's also cheaper elsewhere. We opted for first class tickets and did the 3:30 pm train ride. Once it was time to board, the gate opened and fake snow started pouring down. That was magical and was my favorite part. The cabin was spacious and comfy. For first class, they had a commemorative ceramic mug that they package up at the end of the ride in a Polar Express reusable bag. They put the paper hot chocolate cup in it which was such a good idea so the mug wouldn't get dirty. We also got snickerdoodle cookies. The train ride leaves Old Sacramento and goes to Land Park and then goes back the same way. Towards the middle of the ride, they will read the book so bring your book to follow along. They have loaner books if you need one. I had our book signed by a train conductor too. Along the way, it will reach the North Pole with Santa and the elves before heading back. On the way back, Santa will come and hands everyone the first gift of Christmas. The bell says "Polar Express" and looks just like the one in the book. Honestly, I wouldn't go without kids. It's overpriced for what it is but for the experience of Christmas magic with the kids, it's worth it to me. My son loved all the Polar Express references. His favorite part was receiving the bell from Santa. read more

Having taken the Sacramento River Fox Train last year we wanted to try the Polar Express this year. We opted for the First Class ticket and loved our seats in the El Dorado Lounge ($100 per person). The cabin was spacious and allowed for plenty of room for the hot chocolate dancers! There was also a commemorative ceramic cup we got to bring home with us. We purchased the 3:30pm train ride and when we got back it was twilight so perfect for photos in the station. Our whole ride was during the daytime since the train ride is only 1 hour long so if you want it go from day to night the 5pm could be a better time. I thought everything was lovely! The train station was nicely decorated, plenty of things for the kiddos from coloring to writing to Santa to the little skit that they did in the station. Yes, the train doesn't really go anywhere but you already know that because it's a 1 hour long train ride, it's not possible for it to go far. They lend copies of the polar express book for the read along and then you can sing carols as well. My daughter is 6 years old and can read and sing and dance and so I would say 3-7 is the perfect age for this experience. read more

We drove a couple hours out for this experience and it surpassed any of the holiday train rides we have in the east bay. While pricey in my opinion it was worth it to see the excitement in my little one's eyes! The pre boarding activities were great we got to meet Santa, color a little, take photos with various trains. There is a short pre boarding show to get everyone riled up for the train ride before the gate opens up with fake snow leading you to your train car. On board we got cookies, hot chocolate, and a nice little dance number similar to the movie. Then they played an audio reading of the book (some people brought their own copy to follow along with), the staff riled up the passengers to see Santa at the North Pole. On the train ride back we saw christmas carols while Santa handed out a jingle bell to each person. It was a magical experience would highly recommend for young kids! Read the book prior to the experience as it will make it even more special! read more

Honestly, the introduction before boarding was way more exciting than the actual experience. If they want to make the North Pole more magical, they really need to add more lights and decorations along the route. The views of traffic and oil containers were pretty dull!I think having live performers on the train would make a huge difference. Imagine actors interacting with guests and turning the ride into a fun show! That would definitely liven things up.Also, I have to mention that the speaker system was terrible. It was hard to hear anything over the noise. Inside the train cars could use more decorations, too, and they really need a good cleaning--they looked run down. Overall, I felt like I was paying a lot for an experience that seemed thrown together at the last minute. The only part that really got the kids excited was when Santa walked through for a few seconds to hand out bells, which was a nice touch, but the bells was the only exciting part and the only time the ride was lively at all. read more

My review of this train ride is only 3 stars because I am comparing it to other train rides in the area vs. the price. I have no complaints about anything that went on during the experience. With that said, let's start from the beginning! Finding the entrance to the event was a little hard the first time, because it was also very dark outside, but it's located on the first street when you enter old sac, at the end near the train museum. After entering the tent, the decor inside of the train entrance is BEAUTIFUL and magical. There is a cute little gift shop and lots of photo opportunities. You wait in a line to enter the train and they give a cute little performance before you enter which seems like they are setting you up for a story to continue on the train, and there are fireworks. Once you enter the train you sit on couches that comfortably fit 2 adults, there is no table in between so you are facing the other chairs. They provide you with hot cocoa and a cookie during the ride but there is no other food or drinks you can order. The staff walks around with a book but don't read it to you, i think the intercom was playing the story but it was so loud on the train i am not 100% sure. Santa does come around and say high to the kids, if you ask him for a picture then he will give one to you, and they pass out cute little bells. Half was through the train ride if you look outside, you pass a little set up of the North Pole and they have staff dressed up as elves and Santa waiving at you. All the staff were friendly, and the kids enjoyed the train. The reason my rating was not higher is because this train cost more than the other one I have been on, but they do less. The other train has a performance to watch while you ride, and they read you the story that the train is themed after. They also have staff come around who are singing and playing guitar, and they have tables, and crafts and games. The hot cocoa they give you is in a souvenir cup you get to keep, you can order additional food and drinks for both adults and kids, and they give you a whole plate of cookies per table. Also, the Santa stops and talks to each kid and collects their x-mas lists and just spends more time per family. The ride itself is longer, although there is nothing to see outside the train, because there is so much going on inside. at the station where you board/exit there is a Christmas themed play area. Overall, I wish for the price that this train did more like its competitors BUT if you have never been on another train then I am sure your family will have an amazing time! read more

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One of the most magical experiences that I have been able to enjoy with my family. I had no Idea what to expect but having watched the movie a few times I had somewhat of an idea what I would probably experience. You should get there at least 30 minutes early and remember there are no bathrooms on the train. Just a fair warning for your little one's potty training. When you walk up to the entrance the experience begins and if this is your first time just ask questions if you are confused. The intro, walking up to the train, finding your place, and every aspect of the experience was made with magic and love, and you can feel it. The price was perfect for what we got and hope to be able to go many more times with our other kids. 3-10 is the perfect age for kids going but everyone will enjoy this experience. I do not want to say much more because the unknown is part of the fun. read more

The Polar Express Train Ride - Your train awaits you! - Museums Near Me - Sacramento, California

Over Priced for what you get! You stand in line for at least 45min. n it's all open n cold! They have a table for kids to color with maybe 10 seats! The conductor comes out n says a few things and the main character boy comes out n they do a small skit. They finally have a guide take you to the train box car you're assigned too n have to get a table, no assigned tables! After the train starts you sit for a while n they bring you a small cup of chocolate n some dancers come through with a song playing while they dance. Then you sit for a while again they bring you one small snickerdoodle cookie. Music is playing but no one is entertaining, like your boxcar hosts singing along with the families! Then your boxcar host brings the polar express book around while the story is being read by a recording n doesn't to anything but show you the pages without doing Anything but standing with the book in her hand doing nothing to make it entertaining to keep the kids from being Bored! They are playing recordings of Christmas Songs without anyone singing or walking around boxcar singing with the recording to keep the kids entertained! The kids get bored n restless!! They the train goes to North Pole stops for a while with nothing going on to keep the kids entertained! After sitting for a long period of time the train starts back! The kids are very bored with nothing to keep them occupied! After a long period of time Santa finally comes to handout the silver bells to everyone! He doesn't even stay to talk to the kids and felt like he was in a hurry to leave! It was Very Disappointing and Was Far From Being Inexpensive (starts at 80 per person n up) Oh you Must pay for 4 people no matter if there's Only 2 or 3 of you, you have to pay for a table of 4 no matter what!!! Found it Very Boring for The Kids n Adults!! Not Enough Entertainment to Keep Kids from Being Bored for How Expensive It Is!!!!! read more

Seen this place o er the weekend. The lights caught my eye. I headed over to check it out and asked an associate what do tickets go for. I've been meaning to take my daughter for years now. His direct response to me while looking down on me was, "Tickets are Expensive!" and he said nothing further. I asked again to make him answer and he told me $100. As a black woman he prejudged me and assumed I couldn't afford it and was sure to let me know. Polar Express needs to learn a bit about diversity and welcome All patrons without judging. In my opinion, the price wasn't bad at all but I certainly won't be joining them for a ride. They may want to do better since they already have poor online reviews. Also, walking by I didn't really see what all the hype was on the train. It just looks like a normal train ride with nothing fancy added. read more

We have done the Polar Express train ride every year with our kids. This was our 4th year and first time at the Sacramento location. I was so disappointed. They danced for less than 30 seconds. Walked by and punched our ticket only once and with zero enthusiasm. No one on this was engaged. Most people were more entertained looking out the windows of the cars driving on the highway. It is a conolete waste of money. All 3 ofthe other PE rides wereso engaging and entertaining and absolutely 5 stars. This was ao so disappointing. ​I would give negative stars if I could. read more

This was extremely disappointing. Not worth the money. I have been on two other Polar Express rides that were amazing and the Sacramento one was just awful. The train ride is supposed to have actors acting out the scenes and there was only the "hot chocolate" dance. No hobo on the train, no characters from the book. Santa comes on quickly hands a bell out and walks away. All of my other experiences had actors from the book and Santa spent at least time to say hi and take a quick picture with the kids. I was so sad. My son (four) has been before and even noticed the difference. We would rather fly down to LA to get a fun experience than spend the money for this again. read more

My family has gone annually for 7 years, and even with covid restrictions, it was amazing. If you have young children, I highly recommend it. Save up because it's not cheap. read more

The people on our car were great but no way is it worth the money. Barely any lights at the end and didn't even resemble a magical place, just a bunch of fake trees on rolling stands. The least they could have done is hide the stands behind something resembling snow and not just leave it open basically saying we don't really care since you already paid. It was basically barely an hour train ride staring at the Highway the whole time. One tiny cup of hot chocolate and a cookie. The kids did like some parts but they seemed kind of bored for most of it. The train was going super slow so that was even part of the boredom. The highlight was the waiters/ folks working or car. They were trying to get everyone involved and into it but there's only so much they can do. I don't know how other Polars Express rides are but this spoiled it for the rest of them. Will not be doing this again anywhere. read more

Would be 5 stars if it wasn't quite so expensive. Overall it was a wonderful experience! The hot chocolate dancing was a highlight and so was the Christmas carols! Definitely was just what we needed to be put in the Christmas spirit! read more

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i love santa santaa sanatatratata i love santa santa santa santa hot chocolate dance dance dance santa santa santa read more

The Polar Express Train Ride - SANTA - Museums Near Me - Sacramento, California

waste of money and overpriced! It's literally just a 40 min train ride, you can't hear the music in the background, the production was underwhelming, and all you get is a single cookie and hot chocolate. Not worth $80/per person... read more

Not worth $80 per ticket (I paid for 4). Not enough entertainment for my children. The workers did not seem like they wanted to be there. I thought they would have at least made it magical but it was just a 30 min train rode out to see the elves and Santa at the north pole and a boring train ride back. It is really overpriced for the whole experience. read more

I've been trying to get tickets to The Polar Express for years, unless you're a member with presale access, you're very limited to what time/dates you'll get. The tickets sell out by end of September , I managed to get some for one of the remaining slots available. They were sold out of the individual seats so the only option was a table for a group of up to 4 for the nice low cost of $400. Maybe it's my fault for hyping up the ride in my head, but I was disappointed with the experience. It's just a typical train ride you're able to reserve on any other day for a quarter of the price. The only difference being a "North Pole decoration" at the end of the ride where they typically turn around to get back to the station. Decor within the train is limited, no activities to keep the kids entertained, Santa was serious when taking pictures and his excuse was because he doesn't really like to smile. Seriously? You're SANTA! You're supposed to be jolly and happy. Last year I had booked tickets with the River Fox Christmas train ride since I wasn't able to get tix for the Polar Express, and after experiencing both, I can hands down confirm that the River Fox experience is 100 times better. They actually get you involved, have activities for the kids to do, you get a souvenir cup, have options to purchase snacks and drinks (alcoholic ones too for the adults) during the train ride and all for close to the same price. Pros for the Polar Express ride: the decoration in the waiting area, perfect for family pictures, letters to Santa (if you write a letter to Santa and drop it in the red mailbox, he'll respond back to you as long as you write your address in the letter). Cons: the price for the experience or lack there of you get. read more

This event is waaaaaay overhyped. My wife and I have been trying to take the kids for a few years now but by the time we go online to book, it's sold out. Finally got tickets to go last year but a power outage in Old Sac on the day we were supposed to go canceled it. This year was the year. Since our ride last year was canceled, we got early booking access so back in September, I got us 4 first class tickets in the Audubon Car. I got an email urging us to arrive at the passenger station early to "enjoy the festivities" at the station. Our ride was at 5PM. We got to the station just after 4PM and there is absolutely nothing to do there. It's cold, loud, confusing, and there's nowhere to sit. We were told going in that there was some kind of presentation that was going to happen. No one knew what it was or where it was. People are just wandering aimlessly around this big room that has a few lighted trees and a "coloring area", which was a small table with two little chairs. There's a small store set up under a tent but there was no reason we needed to be there an hour early. A line formed where people thought we were going to start boarding so we got in that and stood there. The kids got bored. The presentation started, which was the conductor coming out to speak. Due to the chatter in the station and the echo, we couldn't understand what he was saying. He finished and then a "hobo" character came out to address the crowd though we couldn't hear him either. After he finished, the conductor came out again and talked for several more minutes. Kids are now even more bored and at this point, we just wanted to get on the f-ing train. They finally opened that gates and started boarding car by car. We got to our table in the Audubon Car and while we were sitting there waiting for the train to start moving, I couldn't help but notice how banged up and dirty it was. The picture on the website is very misleading. In the Polar Express movie, the train is warm, cozy, and inviting. This train is unheated, crowded and noisy. As soon as the train started moving a kid sitting at the table behind us started screaming and having a fit. It was nearly completely dark outside at this point so we couldn't see a thing looking out the window and since they kept the lights on in the car, all I could see was my reflection. They passed out the hot chocolate and cookies, which were good but not worth the nearly $400 we paid for this. They then passed out a dirty and stained Polar Express book to each table so we could follow along while the story is read over the train speaker. Of course the speaker kept cutting in and out as it too, like the rest of the train, was not well maintained. The story ends and we're still chugging along at 5 MPH toward the "north pole" while trying desperately to point out something exciting either on the train or outside, but there's nothing going on. My 5 year old daughter took out her tablet at this point to play a game. We finally got to the north pole which was a backdrop with some lights and a Santa. The kids were mildly impressed and waved, but I imagine they would have the same reaction at seeing the mall Santa. The train then reverses and heads the other direction back to the station. At this point, my daughter desperately needs to use the bathroom. You'd think there would be one given the price of the tickets, but there isn't. I talked to one of the crew and she said if she really has to go, there is one for emergencies all the way at the front of the car so my wife took her to do that. A different kid then started screaming and having a fit and I really couldn't wait to get off the train. Santa came down the aisle and passed out some jingle bells and then the crew started singing Christmas songs and encouraging everyone to sing, which was awkward and uncomfortable. I was so happy when it was over but can't help but feel cheated. This wasn't worth $100 let alone $400. Even if it were free we wouldn't do it again. read more

Bought months in advance. Drove 2 hours and paid for parking. Found out when we were in line our car was broken down. They new for hours yet did not call any customers to let them know their trip was canceled. Offered a weekday during the day as a replacement trip. 4-6 weeks for a refund. This place is a train wreck. If they run this business like this God only knows the condition of the train and tracks. Will be reporting as fraud. read more

waste of money and bad production. main character was a girl instead of a boy. seems more like a money grab