The Polar Express Train Ride took place at the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells. Going by its name, the train ride begins similarly to the Polar Express film. Passengers wait along the platform, whilst snow is blown around and music from the film is played to set an excited atmosphere, similar to the film.
The thrilling 5.5-mile train ride commences from the Spa Valley Railway to ‘the North Pole’ – this idea makes the experience even more magical for children. Passengers are encouraged to wear their pyjamas and dressing gowns to make the experience even more realistic. Halfway through the journey, passengers are treated to a luxurious hot chocolate and cookie, which is warming and comforting in the cold evening when journeying through the night. In the film, the conductor punches the passengers’ tickets. Well, as does the conductor on this Polar Express Train! The conductor simply asks for you name and punches your initial. This adds to the fantastical sense given by this experience. I gained an exclusive interview from a young passenger named Tom Acott, who experienced this train ride.
“I saw the train come in from a little way in the distance and I could see the steam rising from the blast-pipe, and then I realised it was the train,” he said “When the train pulled in it was very magical and the train made a lot of sound. When the train was getting close, snow began to fall as it was sprayed from the projectors.”
“When we boarded the train, we were given a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie. This made it feel more realistic to the scene from the film, which made it seem more enjoyable because it felt as if you were in the film,” he went on to say. “An hour into the magical train journey, we reached the North Pole. The train then turned around and Santa appeared through the train’s doors, greeting everyone with a merry ‘Ho Ho Ho’. His jolly little Elf gave us a silver shiny bell that I then put on my Christmas tree at home and rung to see if I believed…” This captivating journey awed young and old alike, making it a truly wonderful memory. The magical association this film has was portrayed by the spectacular performances by all staff. They caused the event to exceed all expectations and went above and beyond to make the journey as magical as possible.
Remember, the bell still rings for all who truly believe…
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