Polar Express Train Ride Great Grandparents Gift
Grand Canyon Railway Among Lowest Fares for 2009-10 in US West
Nov 2, 2008 Grace Lichtenstein
The official “Polar Express” train ride makes a treasured gift and family journey for seniors and boomers, their children and grandchildren. But the adventure, based on the beloved book by Chris Van Allsburg. and the Warner Brothers movie, has become such an attraction that there is a huge demand for departures from Western American cities.
The Grand Canyon Railway, whose depot is Williams in Northern Arizona, has two trips most evenings from Nov. 13, 2009 through Jan. 9, 2010. . Prices start at only $29 for adults and $14 for children ages 2-15. Reservations can be made immediately by phoning 1-800-THE-TRAIN. It pays to sign up early since some choice dates were sold out in 2008 by Oct. 30.
Arizona Overnight Packages
The railroad also has enticing overnight deals. The Polar Express Package starts at $338 for two adults (double occupancy) and two children. (The package is priced higher during all of December.) It includes the train ride plus one night at the very comfortable Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, which is steps from the depot, plus dinner and breakfast for each person at the Grand Depot Cafe. Discounts provide coach class or 50 percent off the cost of an upgrade in class on the daily train all the way from Williams to the Grand Canyon itself and back.
California Polar Express Train Sold Out for Winter 2008-09
That is probably an excellent option for visitors from California, since the California State Railroad Museum licensed version of the Polar Express, which leaves from Sacramento, was completely sold out by early November for the winter of 2008-09.
In Burlington, Vermont, the event is a fundraiser. Big spenders can assure themselves of tickets with six-figure donations to the Vermont Children’s Trust Foundations while others must enter a lottery.
The Polar Express in Nevada, Utah, Oregon, and Colorado
Other Western railroads that feature official “Polar Express” train trips include Nevada Northern Railway in Ely; the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango, Colorado; the Heber Valley Railroad, Heber City, Utah; and the Mt. Hood Railroad, in Hood River, Oregon.
On The Polar Express, children are encouraged to come in pajamas. Hot chocolate and cookies are served while the children listen to the original story. When the train pulls into the “North Pole,” Santa Claus greets them and delivers a gift personally to each child.
The Polar Express is only one of many holiday trips grandparents can take with grandchildre
Santa on Board
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Grand Canyon Railway Conductor Greets Kids
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Arrival at North Pole
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