For as long as I can remember, The Polar Express has meant the start of Christmas for us. It has always been our favourite festive family movie, and one we love to share together, usually as soon as December arrives.
For a few years now I have been aware of the REAL Polar Express train, set up on the Dartmoor railway every festive season, where you can ride the train, meet the Conductor and the dancing chefs, travel to the North Pole and see Santa and his magic elves, just like in the film. This year, we were lucky enough to experience the magic ourselves.
We were welcomed on board the Polar Express by the familiar Conductor, who checked the children had their magical golden tickets, and punched them with their initials. Once seated we met the dancing chefs, who were just full of the festive spirit, took time out to speak to every child in the carriage, and were our constant companions throughout the ride. Each carriage has their own Conductor and set of chefs, so there is never a dull moment. The train was decorated with garlands, tinsel and sparkling lights, and there were songs and plenty of chatting about Christmas plans before the train set off for the North Pole.
The train set off, and the children were told to look out for reindeer and ice on the tracks as we neared the North Pole. We were served cups of hot chocolate, topped up with ‘magic milk’ by the dancing chefs, meaning that they were at the perfect temperature for drinking right away – brilliant touch. There was also a chocolate chip cookie for every paying passenger, and even Max was given one. This was all done while the chefs danced, sang songs from film, and carried on chatting to all the children.
All the characters were there – even the doubting Hobo, who of course the chefs and Conductor couldn’t see. Only the children could see him, and he entertained them all by leaping over the Conductor, sneaking cookies from the chefs and regaling the children with tales of how he had to jump onto the train roof and climb in the window to get on board.
It wasn’t long before we reached the North Pole, and I have to say – it looked stunning. A huge amount of effort has been put into making this extra special for the children. The whole North Pole area was decked out with lights, signs and the sleigh, as well as the dancing elves, all the reindeer and Santa himself, waving to everyone on the train as we passed.
The train stopped so we could pick up Santa, and some of the naughty elves sneaked aboard too. With one elf on each carriage, they joined the chefs and Conductor in singing some traditional Christmas songs, getting everyone on the train to sing along, play drums on the tables, and get up and dance in the aisles. It was just so much fun, and if you looked around at the faces of the kids, every single one on that train was beaming.
Their faces soon changed to looks of wonderment, as Santa appeared in the doorway of the carriage. He slowly made his way down the train, stopping to talk to every child, and handing out the iconic magical sleigh bells as seen in the film. Now, you can only hear these bells if you believe in the magic of Christmas – Gemma, Jacob and Max could all hear the beautiful jingling sound, and are now sure that they are on the good list this year.
I honestly cannot rave about The Polar Express experience enough. It was everything I expected and more. Magical, packed full of fun and Christmas cheer, completely child orientated and so unique. The idea behind it has been taken closely from the classic film, and adapted to make it work in real life. We will be back next year without a doubt, and if you get the chance, I would recommend you go too. It is worth every single penny.
* We were given free tickets for The Polar Express in return for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. *
Aw what a lovely say. It looks like you and your family had heaps of fun! Would have love to have done this when I was a kid. x
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I would have loved it as a kid too!
This looks amazing! We will definitely be going next year – I love that they even clipped the tickets!
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All the little extra touches made it even more special I think!
Oh this looks like such a lovely experience for the kids! It looks truly magical!
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It really was magical, the children had such a wonderful time.
This sounds so amazing! I looked at booking tickets but they had sold out for the particular day I wanted! Next yr I will get in early and book them! What a truly magical experience x
Sonia recently posted…Instagram Weekly 24th-30th Nov 14
we are booked to go when we stay in coombemill – I cannot wait to!
Oh my, my daughter would love that going to have to to look into this
This look’s amazing we have a one of these near where we live but I have never been on it yet. I think next year when my children are a little older I will have to take them as it looks like our three had a great time x #MagicMoments
lindsay @ Newcastle family life recently posted…I Was A Mother And Baby Magazine Award Tester
Wow, that looks amazing I must remember that for next year when my Son is a little bit older and I can prep him with the movie 😉 xx
Oh, wow! This looks absolutely amazing. We love The Polar Express, too, and have seen it several times over the last few days alone! This would be a trip to remember! Gorgeous photos, too x
thereadingresidence recently posted…Peppa Pig Tablet Review
Oh wow, this sounds like an amazing experience!
This looks amazing. I would love to experience this one day.
spicers1976 recently posted…LED Lights For The Festive Season
Oh this sounds like such a wonderful experience. I wish we lived nearer so we could take the children x
Donna recently posted…Review: 90:10 Hoodie
Looks amazing! A a rare photo of Mr Fever!
Laughing Owl recently posted…Cross Monday Week 37
omg what an amazing experience! I wish I lived closer to take my children. I think I will look into it for next year. Brilliant review x
Sharon Powell recently posted…Johnson’s baby bedtime 3 step routine
It sounds like they go to a lot of effort to make this a very special event. We would love it #triedtested
Zena’s Suitcase recently posted…Our Christmas Traditions
Looks fab Kate! Shame we are too far away to experience it! Great photo’s.
Jo @sitstillmonkeys recently posted…Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree……………
I had no idea this was existed! Looks like a fab time was had by all.
I’d definitely like to do something like that when my little girl is older.
#TriedTested
Jenna at Tinyfootsteps xx
Jenna recently posted…Review Round-up: 3 Clever Baby Products
Oh my this is amazing!!
How exciting! I will definitely be looking into to this for when Boo is older!
Baby Chaos recently posted…Review – Visiting Santa Cannock Chase
It could be so easy to get this wrong, but it looks and sounds like they have got it just right-I do wish we lived closer to give it a try. Magical 🙂
Iona@redpeffer recently posted…The Big Reveal
This sounds amazing! So magical! It looks like you all had a wonderful time x
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