About the Ride
What to Expect
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical 80 Minute trip through a rail yard, neighborhoods, and through a tunnel on the way to The North Pole. Once on board, your Conductor will work their way through the coach and punch your ticket before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg.
Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. On the return trip from the North Pole, Elves on each car lead passengers in caroling, and onboard entertainment – creating memories you will never forget! Each child will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip.
Passengers are required to arrive approximately one hour before their listed departure time and Pick up their tickets from the Will Call Booth. Further event information is available in Frequently Asked Questions or by messaging our reservations agents .
NOTE: Some aspects of the experience may be modified to conform with any COVID-19 health requirements at the time of your ride. Masks may be required to be worn, if at the time of your ride, they are required by federal, state, or local mandate, regulation, order, or law.
Classes of Service
Coach Class
Coach Class seating is in both 1920’s era and 1960’s era commuter coaches. These cars typically seat around 80 passengers on padded bench-type seating. Guests will be greeted by a conductor, be served hot chocolate and a cookie by dancing chefs, be presented with the first gift of Christmas by Santa himself, and then entertained by singing and dancing elves on the return journey from The North Pole.
2023 Coach Class Pricing
Value Dates – $35 (all guests ages 2 & up)
Moderate Dates – $40 (all guests ages 2 & up)
Peak Dates – $45 (all guests ages 2 & up)
First Class
First Class seating is in cars that seat less than the coach class cars and provide table seating. Guests will be greeted by a conductor, be served hot chocolate and a cookie by dancing chefs, be presented with the first gift of Christmas by Santa himself, and then entertained by singing and dancing elves on the return journey from The North Pole. Guests will also receive a souvenir ceramic Hot Chocolate mug.
2023 First Class Pricing
Value Dates – $60 (all guests ages 2 & up)
Moderate Dates – $65 (all guests ages 2 & up)
Peak Dates – $70 (all guests ages 2 & up)
Dome Class
Dome Class seating is in the upper dome of our Northern Pacific Vista-dome coach. Guests are provided a 360º from the train. Guests will be greeted by a conductor, be served hot chocolate and a selection of cookies by dancing chefs, be presented with the first gift of Christmas by Santa himself, and then entertained by singing and dancing elves on the return journey from The North Pole. Guests will also receive both the annual souvenir ceramic Hot Chocolate mug AND the iconic Hot Chocolate mug and saucer to take home.
2023 Dome Class Pricing
Value Dates – $85 (all guests ages 2 & up)
Moderate Dates – $90 (all guests ages 2 & up)
Peak Dates – $95 (all guests ages 2 & up)
