The Polar Express

Did not meet our expectations, as parents. But our 3 year old enjoyed it fine. We had a middle class car. The lights were very bright and there was not a cozy feeling. The «hot» chocolate was slightly warm and the cookies were not hot and were pre packaged. Here’s what happens. The train rides for about 45 minutes through town and passes a few homes that are decorated and Santa waves. The two actor cooks sing along with terribly sounding and loud speakers and dance a bit. Then the train stops and reverses and Santa is not there anymore and must be on the train! Then he talks to all the kids and gives them a silver bell. The second we initially sat down we were posed and our picture taken and later the picture was peddled to us. Personally, I hate the feeling of being pushed into things for money. If they asked that is one thing but to be told to pose is annoying and aggressive. The bottom line is that this was an overpriced and overrated experience even for my wife which lives for this stuff. We felt like cattle and that their goal was strictly to make money and not provide a magical experience.

I traveled 3.5 hours and absolutely loved every minute of this small town charm. My husband suprised me for our anniversary to take me to this beautiful small town and The Polar Express. Madison on Main st was a gorgeous boutique. My husband and I grabbed coffee from the Cork and Bean which was delicious. We walked all throughout the shops, went to lunch at the filling station, where the food themed to the restaurant, and something amazing. After looking at the river and walking to all the local stores, bought a few keepsakes for Christmas. We stepped into la dolce vita before catching the polar express, this mom and daughter were the sweetest, helped us pick out the most scrumptious desserts. All to which set the best night catching the polar express. THIS IS AN INVENTMENT TRIP, you must go for the first or second class. You will not enjoy the experience unless you invest the extra few dollars. This compares with many of my friends that took the smaller packages. My husband and I got on the 6:30 train, It was perfect. recommend definitely wearing matching pajamas, Oh and MUST GO after nightfall; the Christmas lights illuminated the entire trip. We booked the second class, just before peak season, our car was the piedmont. Fantastic. We got our souvenir tumblers with our hot cocoa. Our cookie and caroling the whole way back. Our silver bells are joyfully hanging on our Christmas Tree

Our son had a great time for the novelty of riding on a train. But the whole place needs tlc. Recommend going at night so the view on the train isn’t ruined by Jesco White & Co.