We rode the Polar Express at the Galveston Railroad Museum for the first time this weekend! My dude had an absolute blast (I think we were the last to leave from our ride) and I was impressed with the quality of the performance – it really is like a show that they put on! I wasn’t sure what to expect since it was our first time. Here’s what I learned, and how to make sure your visit goes smoothly!
🚂 Book ahead if you want the best dates or have a big group. Tickets can go fast for popular dates. If you can’t sit together on the train in a big group, that’s ok since there is a lot to do before and after the ride.
🚂 The Museum offers pay ahead parking, but it was already sold out when I booked my tickets. There is a paid lot directly next to the Museum which costs $30. Free street parking after 6 and free for 2 hours at a time (although you likely will be there longer than 2 hours).
🚂 The instructions say to arrive an hour ahead. I agree you need to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead, because there is a line to get in. You will also need to leave time for the restroom – there is NO potty on the train.
🚂 There are very affordable concessions (we paid $9 for popcorn and two non-alcoholic drinks), some carols and entertainment, coloring sheets and letters to Santa to color/fill out, and a gift shop while you wait.
🚂 The show starts on time. We did the 2:30 and at 2:30 the performance began in the main hall, with a reading of the first half of the Polar Express book plus actors acting out the first part.
🚂 Then the engineer calls all aboard, and everyone heads to the train.
🚂 You have assigned seating so you will head to your seat. Dress in layers, the train doesn’t appear to have good ac and it was warm for us (& the windows don’t open).
🚂 The windows on the train are frosted. Your ride is up and back on a short track (but you can’t really tell through the frosted windows).
🚂 Our train ride lasted from about 3-3:45. There is singing, dancing from the chefs, hot cocoa and a cookie, and Santa will board to give every child a bell.
🚂 Afterward, you can play on the photo ops area set up after you get off the train.
