The Holiday Express

S R

We just got home from riding the train and had a wonderful time. The entire process was run really well. The waiting area was nicely decorated and had a souvenir shop. The volunteer running the boarding was jovial and highly competent. The train ride was great. Each of the train cars was decorated differently, and it was fun to walk through the train and see all the varied setups. Santa was jolly, and took a picture with every family that wanted one, (his elves went a few rows ahead of him to set up the pictures). No one gave us a hard time about eating the candy cane on the train. My kids were allowed to wander throughout the length of the train as it was moving; they loved that! Highly recommend.

Jayne Scheckla

This was the most boring experience I've ever shared with the grandchildren. There's absolutely nothing to do but sit on the very slow moving train. No music at all. Parents all around me were wondering when it was going to get better and it never did. Some even turned on music from their phones to liven up the atmosphere. What a waste of money. For my $85, I got two candy canes, which the children weren't allowed to eat on the train (try explaining that to a two-year old) and the opportunity to snap a photo with Santa using my own phone. Kids all around me, including mine, were asking how much longer do we have to sit on this train. We went at dark, expecting to see lights and there were very few. Not enough to capture kids' attention. Save your money.

michelle s

I really wanted to do something new and special this Holiday Season for my kids. In the description it says you get hot cocoa, candy canes and photo ops with Santa. The train ride says an hour long. It is 20 min one way then stops and goes back to Oaks Park. You get to see a lot of homeless tents and graffiti. A little bit of the river. Santa walked down the aisle with candy canes. No photo ops. My kids opened the candy canes and proceeded to eat them only to be told by one of the attendants they couldn't and needed to put them away. I asked about photos with Santa and was told sometimes they will. I was not impressed with what was promised and what really happened.

J2 Gmailer

We had a blast! Everything was magical, from the REAL steam engine (#4449!) to the visit from SANTA CLAUS! The hour goes quickly, but it's just the right amount of time so kids don't get bored. And the decorations! Well done, Volunteers!