Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular series Thomas & Friends®is kicking off summer with its Day Out with Thomas: Ready, Set, Go Tour at the Strasburg Rail Road beginning through June 26, 2016.
My 4 kids and I had the opportunity to go to Day Out with Thomas on Monday. Yes, you heard that right it was me and all 4 kids age 6 and under. Since, this was not our first time I knew what to expect and figured I would take this time to share some tips for other parents that might not know what to expect. I saw several parents that were overwhelmed or not sure where to go at Strasburg Rail Road, I hope this article helps those parents.
I choose to go on Monday morning for 2 reasons, it's not the weekend and we did the second train, since it seems to get busier the later in the day it gets. Tip #1 beat the heat and schedule your train ride during the week and for one of the first 2 trains.
Arrive early, as you will be parking in a field and not in the Strasburg Rail Road parking lot. Depending on the day you may need to be bused over to Strasburg Rail Road, so Tip #2 make sure you arrive a minimum of 1 hour before your train loading time. Loading time is 15 minutes before departure time.
Tip #3, bring a drink. I learned this the hard way this time. I had a cooler in our truck of drinks, but forgot to grab one, so instead of dragging all 4 kids back to the truck I bought 1 bottle of water to share between all of us. It was a 90 degree day and the $2.50 water was well worth it, but just bring your own. I will definitely remember to grab them from the cooler next time.. oops!
Tip #4, bring your printed confirmation for your tickets to Day Out with Thomas and ID to the Day Out with Thomas Tent which is found at the opposite end of the box office for the regular Strasburg Rail Road. The tent is marked with signs saying Thomas Tickets, it is a smaller tent once you get through the marketing/merchandise tent.
Tip #5, Try to get on a rail car close to Thomas, so that way you can get off and get right into the line to see Thomas for a photo. You could also do this before your train rider if you are early. Just keep in mind that they board 15 minutes before departure.
Tip #6, Take advantage of all the other activities they have available, so many people miss out on events going on within the tents and grounds at Strasburg. Take a picture with Percy located near the Thomas Ticket tent. Visit Sir Topham Hatt, Get a Thomas Tattoo, Visit Imagination Station inside the marketing/merchandise tent.
Tip #7, Don't forget your own camera or cellphone for pictures and video. The moments you capture during this event you will not be able to capture again. This truly is a lifetime experience for any Thomas fan. While the staff does a great job at getting pictures and they are available for picture, you will have plenty of opportunities for candid shots throughout the day.
Tip #8, If your children walk leave the stroller behind and take on bag to carry with you. While a stroller sounds like a good idea, it will only slow you down, especially on the busier days. Plus, you can't take it with you on the train and you will just need to park it anyway. If you have a non-walker, this is a great time to use a carrier/wrap. If you have all walkers and outnumbered use the buddy system.
Tip #9, Don't forget the sunscreen and remember to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy this event. Plan to be there at least 2.5 hours from start to finish. Keep in mind you are arriving 1 hour before boarding.
Tip #10, Have FUN!
Thomas trains depart every 30 minutes:
- Saturday: 9:45 am – 3:15 pm
- Sunday: 10:15 am – 3:15 pm
- Monday – Friday: 10:15 am – 1:45 pm
- Percy rides run between Thomas trains.
2016 Day Out with Thomas Events at Strasburg Rail Road:
- June 18 – 26
- August 27 – September 4
- November 18 – 20
Location: Strasburg Rail Road 301 Gap Road Ronks, PA 17572. For more information and directions, contact www.strasburgrailroad.com or 866.725.9666 and share your experience at facebook.com/StrasburgRailRoad and twitter.com/StrasburgRR
Tickets for Day Out with Thomas are on sale now and available by calling Ticketweb at 866-468-7630, or by visiting www.ticketweb.com/dowt or www.strasburgrailroad.com/train-schedule/events/day-out-with-thomas. Ticket prices are $21.00(plus tax)for Thomas, and $27.00 (plus tax) for the Percy Package. Ticket prices are for age 2 and up, service charges may apply.
