THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a ticket?
Anyone 2 and older will need a ticket. Those under 2 are required to sit on a lap.
How are tickets sold?
Tickets may be purchased at the Railroad Depot in French Lick, via phone at 1-800-74-TRAIN (Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm), or online by clicking the "Book Tickets" link above.
Tickets for this event will sell out well in advance, so advance purchase is REQUIRED.
Dome Class Tickets - Tickets are sold in tables of four.
First Class Tickets - The majority of First Class seating is sold in tables of two or four. One First Class car features "lounge
Coach Class Tickets - Each Coach Class car has available seating for 80 passengers (With the exception of Car D which seats 40). All 80 seats will be filled. Please do not bring car seats or other carriers for children under two, as all non-ticketed passengers (under 2 years old) must be held on an adults lap.
Are seats assigned?
Tickets are assigned by railroad car. Seating within that car is open and groups wishing to sit together should arrive early to ensure they are at the head of the boarding line for their car. If you wish to be certain that your group will all be in the SAME CAR, please purchase all tickets for your group at the same time.
Where are my tickets?
Your tickets will be ready for pickup at the depot in French Lick at 1:00 PM the day of your train. Please arrive at least 1 hour before your departure to ensure time to pick up tickets and board the train.
Are there any refunds or exchanges?
There are no refunds or exchanges. Please ensure your availability and that of your ENTIRE GROUP prior to purchasing tickets.
I would like to bring a group. Are there group discounts?
Sorry, Due to the popularity of this event, there are no group discounts.
Why should my children dress in their pajamas?
In the story, all the children taking this magical train ride are awakened from their beds on Christmas Eve. Join the fun by bringing your children in their pajamas too. Adults are also welcome to join the PJ party fun.
If I haven't read the book or seen the movie will I still have a good time?
Yes, you can read along or just listen as we read the storybook on our train ride to the North Pole. If you have read the book or seen the movie you will feel like you've just stepped off the pages as we recreate the story with your child as a part of the cast.
Do you keep a wait list for sold out trains?
Sorry, we do not keep a wait list.
Is the event handicapped accessible?
Yes. A wheelchair lift is available on-site. We encourage you to contact the railroad with any questions.
The following cars are the only cars accessible to wheelchairs:
Car G, Car H, Car J, Car K, Car M
Are there hotels in town?
There are variety of hotel choices in French Lick and the surrounding area. Many of these hotels are offering room packages that will provide rooms and tickets to THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride event. Please contact the individual hotels to learn the specifics of their room packages.
French Lick Resort - 812-936-9300
Big Splash Adventure Water Park - 812-936-3866
Comfort Suites - 812-936-5300
Patoka 4 Seasons Cabins - 1-888-329-0467
Is there more to do in French Lick than just attend THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride event?
YES! We suggest that you make a weekend out of your trip to visit the North Pole aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. French Lick also features an indoor water park, indoor Karting track, bowling, movies, and top-notch accommodations. For the older visitors there is a casino and winery as well. Please contact one of the hotels listed above to inquire about hotel packages that will also include your Polar Express tickets.
DAY OF EVENT INFORMATION
When should I arrive for my train?
Trains depart PROMPTLY at their scheduled departure time. Please arrive no less than 1 hour to allow time picking up pre-ordered books or tickets from Will Call, visiting the restroom, activities area, and gift shop. Should you miss your train, there are no refunds or exchanges. The trains operate on EASTERN TIME.
How long is the train ride?
The train ride is about 80 minutes per round trip.
Will I get to meet the conductor of the train?
Yes, he will call 'All Aboard' when the train is ready to leave the station and he will punch your train ticket during the trip.
Will my child get to meet Santa personally?
Santa will board the train at the North Pole and give a sleigh bell to each child during the return trip.
Will there be other things to do at the train station?
Yes, you will find children's games and activities, drinks available for purchase, and holiday gift ideas at Santa's Gift Shop.
Will there be food service available at the event?
No. There is no food service at the event. There are a variety of restaurants in the French Lick/West Baden area. These include: Chicago's Pizza, Denny's, Wok This Way, Ohana's, Legendz, Subway, French Lick Winery, and a range of different choices in the French Lick and West Baden Springs Hotels.
Is parking available?
Parking is available in the Blue Lot of the French Lick Resort. Parking is free.
Will there be opportunities for professional pictures?
Yes, a professional photographer from Centerbeam Event Photography will be onsite to take family photos in both the portrait studio and on the train, and on the train with Santa Claus. Photos will be available for purchase. You are always welcome to take your own photos, but feel free to take advantage of the onsite photographers and get the whole family in the shot!
Are strollers permitted?
Strollers are welcome at the event, but are not permitted on the train. Stroller parking will be available track-side.
May I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed at THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride event. Service animals are always welcome.
What is the inclement weather policy?
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a winter event and does operate in winter weather such as snow. However, if the State Police close the highways into French Lick due to a government declared state of emergency, we will reschedule/issue refunds (Rescheduling dependent on date and other operational factors and may not be available in all instances. Additionally, If wind speeds and storm forcasts at the event site create an unsafe condition, the event will be canceled and rescheduled/refunds issued. This will be done as early as practical, but can occur at anytime the weather creates an unsafe condition. Otherwise, the trains will depart ONTIME.
For the most up-to-date information on departures or cancelations, please consult our website and Facebook page.
The French Lick Scenic Railway is not responsible for travel delays caused by accidents, road closures, road construction, weather, etc... Please use your judgment and allow ample travel time to arrive prior to your departure.
November 2, 2018 - December 23, 2018*
FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY
5:30pm & 7:30pm Departures
Join us at the French Lick Scenic Railway for one of the most memorable and fun family events of the year. Take a ride on The Polar Express!
The experience begins at our station decorated with garlands, lights and Christmas trees, making the perfect picture opportunity. As you get ready to board the train, the conductor happily greets all of our guests.
Once the train is underway, the conductor will punch your ticket as the book, The Polar Express, is read aloud and enhanced with song and dance by our crew, with a special Cookie & Hot Chocolate presentation, just like in the movie!
When the train pulls into the North Pole, we pick up Santa Claus himself and he presents each child with their own "first gift of the season", a shiny silver sleigh bell. You will also be entertained by Santa's elves with interactive songs and dance that everyone can participate in.
To make the experience more magical, the children are encouraged to wear their pajamas. Parents are also welcome to join in the fun with their own pajamas!
Based on THE POLAR EXPRESS book and characters TM & © 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg.
Used by Permission of Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
(s17)
Coach Class - $35 ages 2 & up
First Class - $60 ages 2 & up
Dome Class - $70 ages 2 & up
*There are also trains on December 20th, 2018.
Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. French Lick Scenic Railway.
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