The Polar Express Train Ride

We drove a couple hours out for this experience and it surpassed any of the holiday train rides we have in the east bay.While pricey in my opinion it was worth it to see the excitement in my little one's eyes! The pre boarding activities were great we got to meet Santa, color a little, take photos with various trains. There is a short pre boarding show to get everyone riled up for the train ride before the gate opens up with fake snow leading you to your train car.On board we got cookies, hot chocolate, and a nice little dance number similar to the movie. Then they played an audio reading of the book (some people brought their own copy to follow along with), the staff riled up the passengers to see Santa at the North Pole. On the train ride back we saw christmas carols while Santa handed out a jingle bell to each person.It was a magical experience would highly recommend for young kids! Read the book prior to the experience as it will make it even more special!

We read the book before going. I highly recommend that so you can recognize the references. There are some references from the movie that's not in the book so watch that too if you can. I did an add on with the lanyard thinking my son would love that. He didn't care for it. Get the book beforehand too, not only so you can read it beforehand but it's also cheaper elsewhere. We opted for first class tickets and did the 3:30 pm train ride. Once it was time to board, the gate opened and fake snow started pouring down. That was magical and was my favorite part. The cabin was spacious and comfy. For first class, they had a commemorative ceramic mug that they package up at the end of the ride in a Polar Express reusable bag. They put the paper hot chocolate cup in it which was such a good idea so the mug wouldn't get dirty. We also got snickerdoodle cookies.The train ride leaves Old Sacramento and goes to Land Park and then goes back the same way. Towards the middle of the ride, they will read the book so bring your book to follow along. They have loaner books if you need one. I had our book signed by a train conductor too. Along the way, it will reach the North Pole with Santa and the elves before heading back. On the way back, Santa will come and hands everyone the first gift of Christmas. The bell says "Polar Express" and looks just like the one in the book. Honestly, I wouldn't go without kids. It's overpriced for what it is but for the experience of Christmas magic with the kids, it's worth it to me. My son loved all the Polar Express references. His favorite part was receiving the bell from Santa.

Having taken the Sacramento River Fox Train last year we wanted to try the Polar Express this year. We opted for the First Class ticket and loved our seats in the El Dorado Lounge ($100 per person). The cabin was spacious and allowed for plenty of room for the hot chocolate dancers! There was also a commemorative ceramic cup we got to bring home with us. We purchased the 3:30pm train ride and when we got back it was twilight so perfect for photos in the station. Our whole ride was during the daytime since the train ride is only 1 hour long so if you want it go from day to night the 5pm could be a better time. I thought everything was lovely! The train station was nicely decorated, plenty of things for the kiddos from coloring to writing to Santa to the little skit that they did in the station. Yes, the train doesn't really go anywhere but you already know that because it's a 1 hour long train ride, it's not possible for it to go far. They lend copies of the polar express book for the read along and then you can sing carols as well. My daughter is 6 years old and can read and sing and dance and so I would say 3-7 is the perfect age for this experience.

We have done the Polar Express train ride every year with our kids. This was our 4th year and first time at the Sacramento location. I was so disappointed. They danced for less than 30 seconds. Walked by and punched our ticket only once and with zero enthusiasm. No one on this was engaged. Most people were more entertained looking out the windows of the cars driving on the highway. It is a conolete waste of money. All 3 ofthe other PE rides wereso engaging and entertaining and absolutely 5 stars. This was ao so disappointing. ​I would give negative stars if I could.

My review of this train ride is only 3 stars because I am comparing it to other train rides in the area vs. the price. I have no complaints about anything that went on during the experience. With that said, let's start from the beginning! Finding the entrance to the event was a little hard the first time, because it was also very dark outside, but it's located on the first street when you enter old sac, at the end near the train museum. After entering the tent, the decor inside of the train entrance is BEAUTIFUL and magical. There is a cute little gift shop and lots of photo opportunities. You wait in a line to enter the train and they give a cute little performance before you enter which seems like they are setting you up for a story to continue on the train, and there are fireworks. Once you enter the train you sit on couches that comfortably fit 2 adults, there is no table in between so you are facing the other chairs. They provide you with hot cocoa and a cookie during the ride but there is no other food or drinks you can order. The staff walks around with a book but don't read it to you, i think the intercom was playing the story but it was so loud on the train i am not 100% sure. Santa does come around and say high to the kids, if you ask him for a picture then he will give one to you, and they pass out cute little bells. Half was through the train ride if you look outside, you pass a little set up of the North Pole and they have staff dressed up as elves and Santa waiving at you. All the staff were friendly, and the kids enjoyed the train. The reason my rating was not higher is because this train cost more than the other one I have been on, but they do less. The other train has a performance to watch while you ride, and they read you the story that the train is themed after. They also have staff come around who are singing and playing guitar, and they have tables, and crafts and games. The hot cocoa they give you is in a souvenir cup you get to keep, you can order additional food and drinks for both adults and kids, and they give you a whole plate of cookies per table. Also, the Santa stops and talks to each kid and collects their x-mas lists and just spends more time per family. The ride itself is longer, although there is nothing to see outside the train, because there is so much going on inside. at the station where you board/exit there is a Christmas themed play area. Overall, I wish for the price that this train did more like its competitors BUT if you have never been on another train then I am sure your family will have an amazing time!

One of the most magical experiences that I have been able to enjoy with my family. I had no Idea what to expect but having watched the movie a few times I had somewhat of an idea what I would probably experience. You should get there at least 30 minutes early and remember there are no bathrooms on the train. Just a fair warning for your little one's potty training. When you walk up to the entrance the experience begins and if this is your first time just ask questions if you are confused. The intro, walking up to the train, finding your place, and every aspect of the experience was made with magic and love, and you can feel it. The price was perfect for what we got and hope to be able to go many more times with our other kids. 3-10 is the perfect age for kids going but everyone will enjoy this experience. I do not want to say much more because the unknown is part of the fun.

My family has gone annually for 7 years, and even with covid restrictions, it was amazing. If you have young children, I highly recommend it. Save up because it's not cheap.

This was extremely disappointing. Not worth the money. I have been on two other Polar Express rides that were amazing and the Sacramento one was just awful. The train ride is supposed to have actors acting out the scenes and there was only the "hot chocolate" dance. No hobo on the train, no characters from the book. Santa comes on quickly hands a bell out and walks away. All of my other experiences had actors from the book and Santa spent at least time to say hi and take a quick picture with the kids. I was so sad. My son (four) has been before and even noticed the difference. We would rather fly down to LA to get a fun experience than spend the money for this again.

The people on our car were great but no way is it worth the money. Barely any lights at the end and didn't even resemble a magical place, just a bunch of fake trees on rolling stands. The least they could have done is hide the stands behind something resembling snow and not just leave it open basically saying we don't really care since you already paid. It was basically barely an hour train ride staring at the Highway the whole time. One tiny cup of hot chocolate and a cookie. The kids did like some parts but they seemed kind of bored for most of it. The train was going super slow so that was even part of the boredom. The highlight was the waiters/ folks working or car. They were trying to get everyone involved and into it but there's only so much they can do. I don't know how other Polars Express rides are but this spoiled it for the rest of them. Will not be doing this again anywhere.

waste of money and overpriced! It's literally just a 40 min train ride, you can't hear the music in the background, the production was underwhelming, and all you get is a single cookie and hot chocolate. Not worth $80/per person...