Thanks to Connor's train fascination, I finally remembered to purchase tickets for a Polar Express experience before they sold out (which meant way back in July or August). There were a couple of different options within driving distance of us but I'm glad we picked the one we did. It's a really neat scenic little town and is an easy drive for us.
The train both on display for pictures and the one they used for the ride, was really great and had that nostalgic look to it, just like in the book.
When Evan cornered the conductor of our train car to ask questions about the train, he was so patient (and later told us that was the first time a kid had done that - Sheldon, anyone?).
In a twist of life imitating art, we did temporarily "lose" our tickets once we were on the train (with two kids, four coats, a diaper bag and a camera bag, it's incredible I don't lose more!), but found them just in time for the conductor to punch them.
The boys dressed up in pajamas just like the kids do in the book/movie. I'm not sure what was so fascinating out the train window, but I love Evan's focus and Connor's excitement.
During the ride, the story was read over the intercom, while the conductor walked around with the book.
The "elves" brought hot chocolate, danced around with the kids, and sang songs. They even got Dan to stand in as the Christmas tree so the kids could "decorate" him with garland.
Then the big man himself showed up and gave all the kids their own sleigh bell.
It really was a fun night. We even took the kids out to eat afterwards at a local restaurant (always risky with a toddler in tow) but the restaurant was great AND the kids were well-behaved. Some of that Polar Express magic must have stuck with us. :)
2 comments:
We went on this one last year and it was great! Had terrible luck finding a place to eat afterward though - every place was packed. You'll have to tell me where you went. These were Simon's Christmas pj's, too.
It was 33 Brick Street. Lots of sports memorabilia which appealed to Dan and Evan. I remember I ordered one of the fish entrees and the plate was huge, which turned out to be a good thing since both the kids loved it and ate it as well.
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