We took the girls to ride the Polar Express this year. We drove 4 1/2 hrs (kinda on the way home) and got there at about 6:30pm. I read about this online and it seemed like a really fun thing to do. All the kids wore their PJ's and we got knew slippers for the occassion. Emma was most excited to wear the slippers because the little boys feet didn't get wet in the snow in the movie! There was alot of anticipation as we waited for the train to arrive. Emma and Taylor had their Golden tickets in hand. Finally we heard the steam engine and saw the light coming. After we were on board we got Hot Chocolate and a snack, the music from the movie was playing and we were anxious to see what the North Pole would look like. The ride was 30 minutes up and 30 minutes back. The North Pole was a little dissapointing, at least to Brian and I. It was basically 3-4 houses with Christmas lights on them. They told the kids that Santa lived there and the elves next door. They also told them that the giant propane tank sitting there was where they made and stored all the Hot Chocolate. Santa was waiting on his sleigh in the middle of the ROAD and he hopped on for the ride back. I guess our expectations were high considering what it cost!! Emma and Taylor enjoyed it and are proud to say they rode the Polar Express!!

They do this in several states and d0 different themes for the Holidays, like Charlie Brown at Halloween and Thomas the train. Maybe it would be better elsewhere. We went to the one just outside of Gatlinburg TN. The website is www.gsmr.com