Fun

If you are looking for a family adventure, a bit out of the ordinary, during the holiday season, you need to travel to Williams, Arizona to experience The Polar Express. WOW!  After seeing the movie, The Polar Express, some genius at the Grand Canyon Railway came up with the idea to create their version of this magical train.  The best part?  Everyone is encouraged to wear their pjs for the trip to the North Pole!  The Grand Canyon Railway employees have every detail covered: the hot chocolate served by chefs, the snickerdoodles made lovingly for the passengers by Mrs. Claus herself, the songs and, most importantly, a visit from the big man himself, Santa.  As we traveled to the North Pole, we were treated to a reading of The Polar Express.  It set the mood for what was to come.

We were delighted to be taking our trip to the North Pole in a vintage train, similar to those that have been traveling to the Grand Canyon since 1901.  The velvet seats, wooden aisle, and beautiful brass trim throughout the car made us feel as if we had jumped back in time one century. 

Now, the North Pole set up was a bit cheesy, but that wasn't the point. The kids on the train ooohh-ed and ahhhh-ed as the train inched up to Santa's village.  As we pulled through the North Pole village, Santa and his lead elf, Bernard, were standing next to the tracks waving at the train as we passed by.  The kids on the train could hardly contain their excitement.  The train stopped briefly, due to reindeer on the track, but the next thing we knew, Santa was visiting our train car.  It was simply magical to watch Santa greet each child on the train and hand each one a large silver bell from the strand of bells on his reindeer sleigh.

This was an experience that every child (and adult) will remember for the rest of their lives.  It is definitely something that will create special family memories and will make adults feel just like children again.
~c~