A little bit late but I have been meaning to do a write up/review of our ride on The Polar Express.
On 6th December we arrived at The Telford Steam Railway, we live minutes away and walk around it quite often. The railway had been decorated outside, chalets selling food and drink and a marquee with entertainment all awaited our arrival. Armed with our golden tickets we waited along the platform for the train to arrive.
I have to admit I was dubious as to how much Ellie would get out of it but as my mother in law treated us to the tickets and I had been so excited I just hoped she would enjoy it.
We boarded the train and found our seats, the volunteers were extremely helpful throughout the entire event. We shared a table with another family as Ellies ticket was on our lap. I was pleasantly surprised at how much the volunteers included Ellie in the event.
While sat on the Polar Express we were treated to actors/actresses acting out parts of the film, the story was read over a tannoy and people stood with the books showing the story to everyone too. We had hot chocolate and a warm cookie just like the film and as I’ve said before, Ellie was also thought of and a warm cookie was left for her too. I wasn’t expecting a child on lap to be included and was expecting to share my cookie so I was super excited for her to have her own!! I will also say that while booking there was the option to let them know of any allergies and they tried their best to accomodate but as I wasn’t expecting Ellie to be given a cookie I didn’t think to state her CMPI.
The most exciting part for me was the thought of Ellie meeting Santa for the first time and the Santa was amazing! He spent as much time with children as was needed and posed for as many pictures as he could. Ellie on the other hand wasn’t impressed and hid from him so I didn’t get my perfect Santa picture I desired but she didn’t cry which was pretty good for her.
I was slightly disappointed with the fact that we didn’t get off to meet Santa as I had imagined (like on the film) BUT in hindsight the way it was done was far better as it was dark, cold and looked like it might rain. Santa gave all the children the first gift of Christmas which will spend every year on our Christmas tree 💝
There was also a gift shop with Polar Express merchandise and I was able to buy Ellie the story which I have dated for when she is older.
For anyone who doesn’t know, The Telford Steam Railway is run by volunteers who especially during this event were there 24/7 making sure nothing could go wrong after some vandalism in the summer they were even more dedicated to making The Polar Express a success.
If anyone is wanting to know more or perhaps pay them a visit when they are open I will put the links to their pages below.
Telford Steam Railway – Main Website
Mothering A Rainbow 