Sorry, tickets for The Polar Express Train Ride ™ are non-refundable/non-transferable.
Q:
What is this? What do you do? How long does it last?
A:
This is a ride to the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus. During the trip the book "The Polar Express ™" is read aloud and Hot Chocolate and Cookies are served by the Chefs. Santa joins the ride at the North Pole and visits each car giving each passenger a special gift. Christmas Carolers and the Hobo are also on board the train. The ride lasts 1 hour 15 minutes.
Q:
Where do we catch the train? Is there parking?
A:
The depot is located at 206 East Main Street in downtown Branson, Missouri. It is situated between the Hilton Hotel Convention Center and the Branson Landing shopping center. There is free parking across from the depot (on Main Street) in a large lot next door to Starbucks Coffee. Covered parking is available at the Branson Landing or at The Hilton Convention Center for a fee. Click here to see a map
Q:
Where do you go? Do you go into Arkansas?
A:
This is not a sightseeing excursion. This is a ride to the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus. It does not operate on the same route as the regular daytime excursions.
Q:
Do we get food? Is there anything to eat on board?
A:
Meal service/concession car is not available during The Polar Express Train Ride ™.
Q:
Is there a Gift Shop? Is there anything to do while waiting for the train?
A:
There is a gift shop inside the depot. The gift shop will remain open after the last train returns so guests can shop. Additional shopping, restaurants, and activities are within walking distance of the train station in Historic Downtown Branson and the Branson Landing shopping center.
Q:
Is it enclosed? Do you go in bad weather? What amenities are on board?
A:
The train is fully enclosed and climate controlled. The rides depart regardless of inclement weather. There are bathroom facilities on board the train.
Q:
When does THE POLAR EXPRESS™ depart? Is it dark enough to see the lights at the earlier runs?
A:
The rides depart Thursday through Sunday on select dates in November and most every day in December the through Sunday before Christmas. Click HERE for a direct link to the schedule. Yes, it is dark enough to enjoy the ride at all departure times, except on the 3 pm run which goes to Crest Tunnel.
Q:
Do we need a reservation?
A:
YES. Tickets sell out very quickly, especially Saturdays and the weekends around the holidays.
Q:
When do tickets go on sale?
A:
Now on sale.
Q:
We have a large group. How do we guarantee we will be able to sit together?
A:
Groups wishing to sit together need to book together as a group. Separate reservations cannot be guaranteed seats together.
Q:
What is included?
A:
All ticket holders receive Hot Chocolate and Cookies. Coach seating will receive a single serving of Hot Chocolate and a Cookie. (Lap children are excluded) Premium Seating receives unlimited Hot Chocolate and Cookies and a souvenir ceramic mug for the current year. (Lap children are excluded.) No outside food or beverages can be carried on however, lap rider (infants/toddlers) beverages/snacks may be brought on board. If your child has allergies please contact the reservations office directly.
Q:
What if someone riding has a food allergy?
A:
If anyone in your party has a food allergy please contact the reservations office directly.
Do we get to select our seats? How do we get the dome car?
A:
>>Coach passengers will be assigned a specific car but there are no assigned seats inside the cars. The cars are assigned automatically as reservations are received. Please note it is important that those wanting to be seated together should book at the same time as well as be ready to board at the same time. Steps are required to board Coach Seating.
>>Premium Lower Level passengers have reserved seats at one of the dining tables. Premium seating is sold ONLY in even in numbers so families can be kept together as much as possible. The seating is in groups of four. Parties with 6 or more will be divided up among multiple tables and will share a table with another family. Every effort is made to keep family groups together.
>>Premium Dome Car Passengers have reserved seats at a booth style dining table. Premium Dome seating is sold ONLY in even numbers so families/groups can be kept together as much as possible. The seating is in groups of four. Parties with 6 or more will be divided up among multiple booths and will share a booth with other passengers. Every effort is made to keep family groups together. Steps are required to board Premium Dome Seating.
Q:
What is the difference between Premium Lower Level, Premium Dome Car, & Coach seating?
A:
All passengers are on the same train and going to the same place. Everyone sees Santa and each passenger receives a gift. All cars are enclosed and climate controlled and have access to bathroom facilities.
>>Coach seating: Guests are assigned a specific coach car but there are no assigned seats in that car. Seating is on a first come first serve basis. Dome car seating is not guaranteed in Coach. Coach seating ticket holders receive a single serving of Hot Chocolate and a Cookie. Lap children are excluded. Steps are required to board into Coach Seating.
>>Premium Lower Level passengers have reserved seats at one of the dining tables / booths. Premium Lower Level seating is SOLD ONLY IN EVEN NUMBERS so groups can be kept together as much as possible. Parties that do not have an even number who want to ride in Premium Lower Level will be required to purchase an extra ticket. The seating is in groups of four. Parties with 6 or more will be divided up among multiple tables and will share a table with other passengers. Every effort is made to keep groups together. Premium Lower Level passengers receive unlimited servings of Hot Chocolate and Cookies and a ceramic souvenir mug for the current year. Lap children are excluded.
>>Premium Dome Passengers have reserved seats at a booth style dining table. Premium Dome seating is SOLD ONLY IN EVEN NUMBERS so groups can be kept together as much as possible. Parties that do not have an even number who want to ride in Premium Dome Car will be required to purchase an extra ticket. The seating is in groups of four. Parties with 6 or more will be divided up among multiple booths and will share a booth with other passengers. Every effort is made to keep groups together. Steps are required to board into Premium Dome Car Seating. Premium Dome passengers receive unlimited servings of Hot Chocolate and Cookies and a ceramic souvenir mug for the current year. Lap children are excluded.
Q:
Do children wear pajamas?
A:
Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas, just like the children in the book did. Many Adults wear theirs too!
Q:
Does everyone see Santa? Does everyone get a bell?
A:
Santa visits all the cars and each passenger receives a bell.
Q:
If the date we want is Sold Out is there a Wait List?
A:
No. There will not be a wait list as tickets are non-refundable.
Q:
What if I need to change my reservation?
A:
Sorry, tickets for The Polar Express Train Ride™ are non-refundable/non-transferable.
This was worth doing at least once. My son really enjoyed the experience of riding on a real train. They have Santa, carolers, and a hobo who walk around entertaining the kids. In addition, they pass by the Branson light display that we paid about $20 to drive through a few years ago.
During the trip the book "The Polar Express ™" is read aloud and Hot Chocolate and Cookies are served by the Chefs. Santa joins the ride at the North Pole and visits each car giving each passenger a special gift. Christmas Carolers and the Hobo are also on board the train. The ride lasts 1 hour 15 minutes.
Excluding the Dinner Train and THE POLAR EXPRESS, regular excursion tickets range from $29.00 plus tax for adults (ages 13 and up), $18.50 plus tax for children (ages 3 to 12) and $2.00 for children ages two and under and do not require a seat.
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Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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