We were shouted/yelled at by almost every staff person in the station about hurrying up, standing in line (with not a single other person), and so on. This was not the good start we were looking for.
The train ride for the Polar Express was phenomenal. The volunteers were helpful and seemed to genuinely enjoy being there. Even though there were 900 passengers, the lines to check in were super fast (10 mins or less). We did Coach class, which gave us comfortable seats and hot chocolate on the way to Ashley. 100% worth the cost.
We arrived with plenty of time for the train, but because the bathrooms aren't working on the train there were huge lines for the toilets in the station. They said it was because the toilet lines were frozen. But it clearly was foreseen, as the many NO TOILETS ON THE TRAIN signs were laminated and mounted on the walls.
The train is pretty good. That is all.
Food next to the train tracks before heading back was stadium food (hot dogs & pretzels), but it was also surprisingly good.
No bathrooms on the train...you get to Ashley and they have 2 urinals and a stall for 900 people..half are male. Ashley is a terrible place. They have less than 300 people who live there and they nickel and dime everything you do. BRING CASH TO ASHLEY. Magician was free. Be hungry for some overpriced hot dogs when you get there. My kids were bored in Ashley. I expected better decorations and a little more effort put into it. Nope. Will we be doing the PE ride again? Nope, not until they do something better in Ashley.
The town is nice, the magician was great, the reindeer were beautiful, and Mr & Mrs Claus were wonderful. Everything is cash only. Having paid 75$ each for the train, it was a bit disappointing to then need to pay for so many other little things. I would budget 30$ each as cash spending money for town.
There train was much better, though the only food options are snacks like chocolate bars and chips. I hadn't realized that there old steam engine was pulling a bunch of more modern retired Canadian railways passenger cars, such as VIA trains.
We appreciated the volunteers in the train. The music and hot chocolate were fun. It would have been nice to have a small printed schedule.
The North Pole Express is a very cool experience. It's almost like being in the movie. A great fun family experience. Well worth the price.
Fantastic experience. Did the Holiday ride of PM 1225. WOW!! Do this or the color tour or any opportunity to see these dedicated volunteers at work/play. What a wonderful step back in time through a real time event.
Steam Railroading Institute is a US Museum based in Owosso, Michigan. Steam Railroading Institute is located at 405 S Washington St, Owosso, MI 48867, USA.
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