Review: Do You Believe?
Our family had an amazing opportunity to experience the Polar Express Train Ride at both locations. For the Perris Location, my husband and I took our four Littles, ages 5, 4, 4 and 3. They were engaged the entire time. They were able to move around a little, which was good for their squirmy bodies. The staff honored our allergy warning, and did not offer our two allergy kiddos any of the snacks, but allowed us to give them the snacks that we brought for them.
For the Fillmore location, it was just myself and my 9yr old son. The night we went, there were still many seats available, so the train car was not full. This did not change how the cast interacted with us. They continued on as if the car was full. They were able to devote their attention to my son, and one other little boy on the train, so it made for a really great one on one experience for the boys.
Being able to experience it at both locations, I was able to recognize the hard work and dedication the entire cast put into each of their performances. I thoroughly enjoyed myself each time, and so did all of my children. The greatest gift I received each night, was the memories of joy on each of their faces as Santa gave them their Silver Bells. Even days later, they are still talking about their fun train ride to the North Pole and how Santa gave them each a special gift. I know this will be an experience they won't soon forget.
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What Is The Polar Express?
The Polar Express Train Ride is an interactive experience inspired by the book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg who won a Caldecott Medal. Polar Express was also adapted as a successful motion picture as well. To summarize, the train is heading to the North Pole. Once there, Santa boards the train, where he shares the holiday cheer with all, but especially to a young boy who doesn’t quite believe.
This Polar Express Train Ride is an hour long and features a large, fun loving cast which includes the trains conductor, the owner of the train, and energetic hosts who lead the train in an interactive, hour-long experience. Their comical banter and engaging conversation will draw you in as you become part of the story.
Each train car is decked out in festive holiday décor and features color-changing LED lighting synched with the activities and music on board. Families are encouraged to wear pajamas just like passengers from The Polar Express book and movie. Passengers are served hot chocolate and a snickerdoodle cookie treat by dancing chefs.
The entire interactive experience begins just before passengers get on the train, as the Conductor calls out to all the passengers. A young boy dialogues with him, and then heads onto the train. The Conductor then yells, “All Aboard!” and the passengers begin to load onto the train, finding their seats. As the train pulls away from the station, the fun begins with dance numbers and songs. Soon after, the Story Book is pulled out and the passengers all listen as the story is read aloud over a speaker. Each host chooses a child to help turn the pages as the story is read.
Once at the North Pole elves are spotted dancing outside the train windows and then Santa boards the train. To the delight of all the children (and even grownups), Santa hands each guest a sleigh bell to take home with them. The keepsake will serve as a reminder of all the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. Make sure to take advantage of the many photo opportunities on the train, as well as with Santa.
It is suggested from the website, to arrive an hour prior to boarding so that you can find parking, use the bathroom, get your tickets, take photos and write a letter to Santa.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Perris & Fillmore
Fillmore, California (Ventura Co.) Pricing
Standard Class
Value: $50 Adult, $45 Child (2-11) | Standard: $60 Adult, $55 Child | Premium: $70 Adult, $65 Child
First Class Table Seating
Value: $70 Adult, $65 Child (2-11) | Standard: $75 Adult, $70 Child | Premium: $85 Adult, $80 Child
Additional ticketing service fee and local tax will apply
Fillmore, California (Ventura Co.)
Located 30 minutes west of Santa Clarita and Magic Mountain, our Fillmore, CA (Ventura Co.) location is hosted at the Fillmore & Western Railway. Trips from Fillmore, CA (Ventura Co.) begin on Nov. 14th and run select dates through Dec. 29th.
Railroad cars here seat approximately 70 passengers inside of vintage coaches adorned in festive holiday decor.
Seating is arranged in a 2-2 configuration with two seats on each side of the aisle.
There is a First-Classtable car (Car 2, Northern Lights) available at this location that seats 56 at tables of four.
First Class passengers also receive a commemorative THE POLAR EXPRESS™ mug to take home.
Please review the seating charts carefully when booking. All seats onboard the train are assigned, and you will select your own seats during checkout. Please note, there is no wheelchair access to the train at this location due to the doorway dimensions of the historic rail cars. If a member of your party requires wheelchair access, please book our Perris, CA (Inland Empire) location.
Location: Fillmore & Western Railway, 364 Main St, Fillmore, CA 93015
Perris, California (Inland Empire) Pricing
Standard Class
Value: $45 Adult, $40 Child (2-11) | Standard: $55 Adult, $50 Child | Premium: $65 Adult, $60 Child
Additional ticketing service fee and local tax will apply
Perris, California (Inland Empire)
Located 20 minutes south of Riverside, our Perris, CA (Inland Empire) location is hosted at the Southern California Railway Museum. Trips from Perris, CA (Inland Empire) begin on Nov. 30th and run select dates through Dec. 29th.
Railroad cars here seat approximately 100 passengers inside of restored commuter coaches adorned in festive holiday decor.
Seating is arranged in a 3-2 configuration with three seats on one side of the aisle and two on the other.
Designated wheelchair spaces and companion seats are located in all coaches and can be booked online or via phone.
Not all seats face the same direction, so please review seating charts carefully when booking. All seats onboard the train are assigned, and you will select your own seats during checkout.
ADA seating is available at our Perris, CA location. Please book this location if you require a wheelchair space and lift access to the train.
Location: Southern California Railway Museum, 2201 S A St, Perris, CA 92570
Disclaimer: Macaroni Kid was provided complimentary review tickets so we could check out this event for our readers. No other compensation was received.
THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s19)
Based on THE POLAR EXPRESS book and characters © & ™ 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
