Recently we took my son and nephew to the Polar Express Train ride experience offered by Brighthline beginning Nov 11 through Jan 1. When I first heard about the experience I was excited to get tickets for the kids. Even though the tickets were pricey I just knew that they would enjoy themselves and they did. We attempted to surprised the boys however my son did not want to wake up the morning of and Daddy had to let the surprise slip. I was not happy but it helped get us out the door. Once we arrived at the Fort Lauderdale Brightline station we parked and headed into the station to board our train.
Even though I made coffee to go for us we didn’t eat breakfast and I was hungry. So while dad went to get us more coffee and some breakfast at the kiosk located in the train terminal the kids and I found a seat. Passenger are asked to arrive one hour early so as we waited in the terminal there were plenty of activities for the kids and families to take part in. The boys colored holidays pictures, posed for some photos and even wrote a letter to Santa.
When we first arrived we received our Golden tickets that ensured we could board the magical train. So the boys made sure they held onto to each of theirs very tightly they didn’t want to miss a moment of this magical train ride. As we made our way down to the tracks you could hear the Christmas carols in the background and the clang of the bell from the conductor calling all the passengers aboard. As we did board the train cars we were transported right into the polar express train car it really was like holiday magic.
We made our way to our seats in awe then the conductor walked through the train aisles checking everyones Golden tickets then we were off on this magical holiday train ride. As the train pushed away from the station the magic begin with dancing chefs who brought us delicious sugar cookies and hot chocolate. We even got to read along with Chris Van Allsburg’s children’s book about this wonderful magical train The Polar Express.
We even received a visit from Santa himself with a special gift for us all, our very own keepsake sliver sleigh bell. On the ride back the kids were able to sing and dance along with the polar express crew to poplar Christmas songs like Rudolph the red nose reindeer.
Here Rian was giving Santa his list of toys he would like this year for christmas and how good he was this year.
Although I think that the ticket prices are a little high for the whole expereience we did have a fun time on the Polar Express train ride and I am glad we decided to leave our younger one home because she would not have sat still and it would have been a waste of a ticket. Also the seating in sold in parties of two or four bringing a fifth person someone would have been left out. I think it really is an activity that is best for kids that are a little older than 20 month old toddler, so she spen the morning with her grandparents. I am sure that next year she’ll be at an age were she can understand and enjoy the experience alot more.
If you are still looking for a fun activity to take the kids on the I suggest the Polar Express Train Ride. Keep in mind the tickets vary depending on departure time; adults $55- $75 and $50 -$70 for children, plus fees and taxes. You can still enjoy this magical train ride for more info, click here.
Thanks for reading!
Cindy
