Rode the Polar Express out of the St. Louis union station last night, Pulled by 2 Sd38-2 locos from the TRRA of St. Louis. This train is operated by the same person that runs the Durango and Silverton. The cars were lettered Polar Express and the interiors were festively decorated. My husband and I wore pajamas as instructed to and we took our daughter and a niece and nephew. They had actors portraying the characters in each car and waiters dressed up who actually danced, jumping up on the armrests as they delivered the hot chocolate and cookies. Then they read out of giant books with large illustrations until we reached the North Pole. The North Pole was a siding decorated with lights and a few props. Santa boarded the train and gave out sleigh bells and hugs at the North Pole and rode back with us telling stories and singing christmas carols and songs from the Disney movie Frozen. Photos were taken on a green board and our images were placed standing in front of 1225. To top the night off, we went inside the grand dome of the station where a computer generated film/light show with music and film clips from the movie were projected across the whole dome. If you have never made it to St. Louis union station, at one time it was the busiest train station in the world and the grand dome has been recently restored again. If the same train makes it back next year we will do it again, this was a fantastic experience for children and adults who can still hear the bell.
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Jennifer:
I love to read stories like this. Looks like the folks who put this on knew what they were doing and gave you and the family a rare treat.
And unlike another recent PE trip, the engine did not run out of gas.
That sounds fantastic, congrats in hitting one of the cool parts of the holiday!
That is awesome! Thanks for sharing and letting us know about the event! -Ken
Sounds really neat. What a great night!
Jennifer - Thanks for sharing what sounds like a great event. I too love St. Louis station and we all love the Polar Express. Makes me miss St. Louis.
Art
Oh wow! That is very cool. We have nothing like that here in NC. It sounds like so much fun!
Jennifer,
That sounds great - I will have to look into it the next time.
Also, remember to consider visiting my Hidden Pass Junction RR layout. I believe you are only about 40 miles away. You are welcome to bring the passengers you took along the Polar Express cruise . Send me an email for details.
Alex
jennifer,
Great stuff glad you took the PE Christmas ride, I would love to do it some day.
Wish they had something like that train here in Pittsburgh, Pa for the kids especially!
PCRR/Dave
Jennifer-
Sounds like it was a fantastic time! I wonder if this is one run via Rail Events? From what I've read about them, they handle The Polar Express rides very well, and it looks like the attention to detail is something I'll have to look into for a ride next year, probably on the Delaware River line in Phillipsburg, NJ!
Oh wow! That is very cool. We have nothing like that here in NC. It sounds like so much fun!
Actually Lee the Polar Express did operate out of the NCTM earlier this month. But I am sure on a lesser scale.
Ron
Jennifer, how long in time was the ride?
Ron
What a fabulous experience for children and the child in all of us regardless of age!!! Thanks for sharing!
David
-Greg
They had actors portraying the characters in each car and waiters dressed up who actually danced, jumping up on the armrests as they delivered the hot chocolate and cookies.
Jennifer,
Trying to picture me doing this (the jumping thing) and the only word that comes to mind is: catastrophic
Happy Holidays,
Simon
Jennifer: what would you suggest is the upper age for something like this???
I have 4 grandchildren and all are within an easy drive to where the PE also runs. I'm thinking they are probably too old though (5,7, 8, 8)
thanks - walt
Jennifer sounds like everyone enjoyed a wonderful trip!
Good write up any photos from your trip??
It is interesting that most of the Polar Express train rides on many different railways, most of the events are on the train, with some sort of north pole display at the far end of the ride.
Would interested in seeing any photos of your lit up station! that would be interesting.
Rail events that licenses all the Polar Express events seems to do a good job in having the railways give a great experience for the families.
Our railway museum that runs trips tries to keep the train ride as close to the movie as possible as well with actors on the train. Not as dramatic with the dancing waiters on the armrests! (liability insurance) we stop the train then serve the hot chocolate.
However much of our activities are off the train where we call the roundhouse the north pole and after the train ride the families come back to see it and enjoy the events.
It is fantastic when the guests wear there pajamas as well really helps with the overall theme on the train. The kids always go away excited and happy.
Families come back year after year even with kids into the teens that always enjoy the event. While most have younger children it has also been popular with Seniors homes group outings and seniors clubs. As some of the kids get older having done the train ride, they have come on board as volunteers and characters and have a great time helping out.
Here are some photos of our museums Polar Express event on and off the train;
https://ogrforum.com/t...ess-train-experience
D&GV runs a Polar Express each year....often sold out by June!
If the grandkids could be home when it runs I'd take them.
Jennifer,
After reading your great Polar Express story I am giving serious consideration to relocating to the St. Louis area. What a neat experience and I'm sure the kids will never forget it. Thanks for sharing.
Oh wow! That is very cool. We have nothing like that here in NC. It sounds like so much fun!
Actually Lee the Polar Express did operate out of the NCTM earlier this month. But I am sure on a lesser scale.
Ron
Actually, it is still running out of Bryson City on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
Children make this Holiday fun.
Season’s Greeting to You and Your Family.
Thanks for Posting…
K.C.