ML Interest Tag: departure

Delta Is Bringing Back Some Major Perks to Economy

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Flying as an enjoyable experience rather than simply a mode of transportation is seemingly a thing of the past––until now. Delta Airlines is rolling out some very exciting services and no First Class ticket is needed.

Delta is introducing a complete overhaul to its passenger experience with the addition of several new services including revamped dining options, welcome aboard drinks and hot towels.

Main cabin passengers traveling on international flights will be welcomed with hot towel service and complimentary drink shortly after departure. Options will include Bellinis made with sparkling wine and peach puree. The flights will also feature a menu selection of larger entrees, like grilled shrimp in Harissa. Dishes will be served on new custom-designed dinnerware and upgraded cutlery.

After the meal, passengers will be offered a second hot towel service, as well as farewell chocolates as a goodbye treat.

The new elevated flight service, which also includes upgraded amenity kits featuring cleansing towelettes and a dental kit, will roll out on international Delta flights starting in November.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Courtesy of Delta

 

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This Might Be Our Favorite Costco Perk of Them All

by Erica Loop

We love Costco for many reasons: bulk foods at great prices and a surprising array of non-food goods among them (who knew jeggings could be so comfy?). But one of our favorite Costco perks? Costco vacation deals! Here’s the skinny on how to take advantage of this fantastic perk.

One of the newest perks, Costco members can get up to a 30 percent discount on select luxury hotels. And these aren’t just hotels in the U.S. Stay at a Hilton, Hyatt, Fairmount, Raffles or Swissotel luxury hotel/resort to take advantage of Costco’s discounts. Along with hotel discounts, members can also get reduced rates on cruises and rental cars.

How do the Costco vacation discounts work? You’ll need an active Costco membership, then visit Costco Travel website. From there, select your destination, region, size of your travel party, departure and return dates and Costco works its magic to show you a list of available, discounted accommodations to meet your criteria.

Along with luxe hotels, you can also book a totally family-friendly vacation package at the House of Mouse: Costco members can get featured deals on Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort packages. While individual deals can vary and change depending on availability, members can score a variety of package deals, such as a double room upgrade (with free eats for the kiddos) with the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Package (complete with park tickets) to up to a $245 Disney gift card with the Disneyland Resort Hotels Package.

You can also get members-only deals from Adventures by Disney Vacations and Universal Orlando Resort. Check out the Orlando: Universal’s Family Suites at Cabana Bay Beach Resort with Universal Tickets deal—it comes with a Costco cash card and early park admission!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBCEehILMz7/

Keep in mind, the prices are subject to change and different deals may pop up and then go away. Snag these deals while they’re good, and book your family’s next amazingly awesome—and wallet-friendlier—vacation while you can.

—Erica Loop & Keiko Zoll

featured image: iStock 

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Still Need to Book Your Summer Vacay? These Southwest Deals Are a Steal

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Just in time to book your family’s summer vacation, Southwest is back with a new round of incredible airfare deals, but you better act fast because these won’t last long.

Southwest’s flash sale brings some rock-bottom deals to summer travel hotspots, including $49 one-way deals across the United States and $71 one-way flights to international destinations like the Caribbean. For one day only you can also score inter-island Hawaii airfare for as little as $49.

photo: Julianto Poitier via Pexels

Depending on your departure city and destination you can score one-way domestic tickets as low as $49 when you book now through May 2. Several flights out of Ft. Lauderdale to destinations like the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas and Cancun are under $100.

Of course, some restrictions apply. The deals are available for travel from May 21-Jun. 12 and Aug. 20-Oct. 20 for domestic flights and between Aug. 20-Oct. 30 for international flights and must be purchased before May 2, 1:59 p.m. PT. Hawaii sale prices are good through Apr. 30, 11:59 p.m. PT and valid for travel Apr. 30-Oct. 31, 2019.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Finally Get an Instagram Account of Their Very Own

by Erica Loop

Are you royally obsessed and all about that #RoyalBabyWatch right now? You’re in luck, because Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new Instagram account is the real deal and you need to check it out.

The royal parents-to-be chronicled their public visits, trips and other official photo ops at the Kensington Palace official Instagram account since the two became engaged. But in a major step towards independence, the couple recently started posting under their own @sussexroyal handle.

Even though the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are now using their own account to ‘gram, Harry’s older brother Prince William and wife Kate Middleton will still use the @kensingtonroyal handle. Events, activities and any other engagement that includes both brothers (and their respective families) will appear on both of their accounts.

If all the IG independence seems like a major departure for a royal couple, it isn’t. Prince Harry and Meghan aren’t exactly the first members of their own family to create their own official (not personal) social media account. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall post under their handle, @clarencehouse.

With their first baby due any day now, we’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the soon-to-be newest royal on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s IG feed sometime soon!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Kensington Royal via Instagram

 

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A SoCal Kid’s Snow Day: The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

by kate felton

Does the thought of a trip to the snow with your munchkins send shivers up your spine? Our SoCal beach babes are often not equipped for a day in the white stuff.  Does anyone in your family really know how to put chains on the car? Not to mention that tiny tummies, windy roads, and long car trips are often a recipe for disaster.  But…if you have ever wished you could step outside into a winter wonderland for an hour or two of snow ball fights and then wiggle your nose like Samantha and find yourself back in 75 degree Southern California sunshine, your wish has been answered.  Almost. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a fun and convenient way to take your little ones to see the snow.  Stay for minutes or the whole day: mom and dad will enjoy the stunning panorama views, while the kiddos will marvel at scaling the mountainside at a good clip, passing from desert to frozen tundra over the course of ten minutes.

To the Tundra
A two-hour drive on the 10 will take you to the tramway. Once at the top, you enter Southern California’s version of an Alpine Lodge.  The walk down to the snowy San Jacitinto park is a windy concrete pathway that can get icy.  Wear good shoes and take it slow.  A jogging stroller with rugged wheels might be a good choice if your tiny tot is still a little unsteady on his feet.  Once you make it down the path you will find yourself in a little slice of winter paradise.  Visitors are encouraged to bring sleds, discs, and snow shoes to take full advantage of the park.  You can get up to the minute weather info and buy advance tickets on the website: www.pstramway.com.

The Early Bird Gets the Empty Tram
The sooner you arrive, the easier it is to park.  As the lots close to the departure station fill up, cars are parked lower down the mountain and passengers are bussed up to the station.  Being on the first tram is ideal.  As it gets later in the day the lines for tickets and the tram get longer and longer.  Plus, an early morning tram may only have a few passengers on it making for a much more comfortable ride to the top. Trams depart every fifteen to thirty minutes, depending on crowds, beginning at 8:00am on weekends and 10:00am on weekdays.

Baby, It’s Cold!
Bundle up! It may be warm and sunny at the bottom, but the change in temperature at the top can be a drop of up to 40 degrees.  Ask other parents at school if they have snow gloves and gear you can borrow, or check local consignment shops.  Here’s a link for some of the best kid’s resale and consignment in the area: Growing Kids: 5 Great LA Resale Stores. Most of the cold weather gear is hardly used.  Remember, being in the snow with a cold, wet and cranky kiddo means nobody is having fun.

Mom, I’m Hungry
In the lodge there is a small café, The Pines, with snacks and pre-made sandwiches.  They sell hot cocoa (made from packet) that, after a few hours in the cold, tastes heavenly in spite of its origins.  There is also a more formal restaurant, The Peaks, in the lodge that even has a children’s menu.

Mini-Vacation Anyone?
You might want to make a weekend of it.  Who wouldn’t want to tell their friends at school on Monday how they lounged at the pool on Saturday and built a snowman on Sunday? There are tons of family-friendly places to stay in the area along with a bunch of neat things to do.  For more info on where to stay and what to do, check out, Kid Friendly Palm Springs. Make sure you go visit the giant Marilyn Monroe and give her toes a little tickle.  On the way home, a quick stop at Hadley’s for their famous date shake and a little shopping at the Desert Hills Premium Outlets makes a Palm Springs weekend a win for everybody.


Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
1 Tram Way
Palm Springs, Ca 92262
Online: pstramway.com‎

— Kate Felton

Photo Credits: Kate Felton

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Kids Can Fly 100% Free to These 4 European Countries Right Now

by Erica Loop

Have you ever wanted to visit Finland, Sweden, Norway or Denmark? Well, now is the time to book your Scandinavian adventure! Scandinavian Airlines’ kids can fly free promotion gives you the chance to explore the globe, in a totally budget-friendly way.

To get this amazing awesome deal, just book your flight through Scandinavian Airlines’ website by Dec. 10, 2018. Children 11 and under traveling with an adult get free base airfare round-trip tickets. The tickets are good from Jan. 8 through Apr. 2, 2019.

Photo: Courtesy of SAS AB

Even though the ticket itself is free, you’ll have to pay government taxes and carrier fees. But don’t stress. These only add up to somewhere near $60. Yep. That’s $60 for your kiddo’s round-trip flight to these Scandinavian countries!

Flights to Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark originate from Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Sadly, kiddos over 12 aren’t eligible to fly free with this promotion—but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to pay full price. Scandinavian Airlines offers a Youth ticket rate (this is a year-round rate and not a special promotion) for kids and young adults ages 12 through 25. This rate includes free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, one checked bag and one carry on and free seat selection (if you check in within 22 hours of your flight’s departure).

Bon voyage—or, as the Finns say, hyvää matkaa!

—Erica Loop

 

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Dunkin’ Donuts Is Getting Rid of Donuts—& We’re Not Kidding

by Erica Loop

It’s official: Dunkin’ Donuts has a new name and will now officially go by just Dunkin’ as it drops “Donuts” from its name and logo, the company announced Tuesday. After 68 years, the Donuts of Dunkin’ Donuts will be no more—at least in name only.

If you live in Massachusetts, chances are that you already knew about this drastic Dunkin’ departure. If not, keep reading to get the scoop on how the iconic donut retailer has changed in a big way.

Earlier this year, foodies freaked out over the possibility of their beloved IHOP changing to IHOb. While the restaurant that’s known for plentiful pancakes simply pulled a marketing stunt in honor of their new burger menu, the Dunkin’ Donuts name change isn’t for advertising purposes. This is the real deal.

As part of a rebranding effort, the donut makers are changing up their store design, adding new beverage choices, providing customers with digital kiosks to order from and…changing their name to Dunkin’. That’s Dunkin’, minus the Donuts—you know, that thing its pretty much known for.

The first new Dunkin’ store opened earlier this year in Quincy, Massachusetts. By the end of 2018, 50 more stores (30 in the Boston area and another 20 across the country) will go Dunkin’. The rebranding concept isn’t exactly a new idea. Reports of the retailer’s change in direction surfaced last year.

Hmm. Just one name? Well it works for Oprah, Cher and Madonna. So why not Dunkin’ too?

—Erica Loop

Featured Photo: Hello I’m Nik via Unsplash 

 

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Island Time: Insider’s Guide to Alcatraz and Angel Island

by Kate Loweth

Looking to enjoy some island time close to home? Get your ticket on the ferry and set sail for Alcatraz or Angel Island. Both offer history, picnic spots, views like you could not believe and fun for all ages. We got the full scoop on how to make the most out of your visits so read on and plan your island adventure ASAP.

photo: Alcatraz Cruises

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz is the most famous of the islands in San Francisco Bay with thousands of visitors heading there each day. Not only is it a great place to take your out-of-town guests but kids will love learning about all of the island’s history.

Getting There
Alcatraz Cruises mans the ferries to the island that leave throughout the day from Pier 33. You purchase a ticket with a specific departure time and line up at the pier to board your ferry. Getting to the ferry terminal early ensures that you can get a prime spot on the boat (at least 30 minutes before your departure time is ideal). The ferry will turn around after leaving the pier so spots on the left side of the boat when facing the front will give you the best views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. The ferry takes about 10 minutes to get to the island. If you think you might get hungry while you are visiting Alcatraz, grab a snack on the ferry or bring your own. No food is sold on the island.

Arriving at Alcatraz
Once everyone has had a chance to disembark, you’ll gather around to listen to a park ranger provide information about visiting the island. This is a great time to learn what special presentations might be happening that day. Before you head out to explore, swing by the Ranger Station to pick up the Junior Ranger booklet. The booklet gives kids a map to follow and different activities to complete along the way. Before you board the ferry home, swing by the Ranger Station. Kids can turn in their completed booklets and get sworn in as a Junior Ranger—an honor that includes a special badge!

The Cellhouse Audio Tour
Your ferry ticket includes admission to the island and use of the audio tour to guide you through the cellhouse. To get there from the dock, you’ll need to climb some steep streets to the top of the island (a tram is available for those who are unable to walk). While these streetsare stroller-friendly, it can get very crowded inside the cellhouse and strollers can become challenging to manage. Make sure everyone wears comfortable walking shoes.

The tour proceeds at your own pace and you can expect it to last about an hour. “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour” features the voices of former inmates and guards and walks you through all parts of the cellhouse. It includes information about famous escape attempts and what inmates did on a daily basis while incarcerated (spoiler: many learned to knit!). You can pause the audio recording at any time to take photos or sit for a quick break.

The Details
In addition to touring the cellhouse, there’s tons more to see on Alcatraz Island. The New Industries Building houses rotating exhibits and the Barracks by the dock are a cool spot to sit and enjoy a short movie about the island’s history before you head home.

Expect to spend at least 2 1/2 hours there. You can leave any time you’d like as long as you don’t miss the last ferry.

Alcatraz Island
Tickets: $38/adults and kids 12 and up, $23.25/kids 5-11, kids under 5 are free. A family pack (which includes two adult and two child tickets) is $114.75.
Where: Ferry departs from Pier 33
Online: alcatrazcruises.com

Angel Island

This often-overlooked island just a 10-minute ferry ride from Tiburon offers state park features like hiking trails, wildlife and spots for picnicking—and much, much more. This “Ellis Island of the West” has a long history dating back to the Civil War.

Getting There
Pick up a ferry in San Francisco or Tiburon and spend the day on Angel Island State Park. Your ferry ticket includes admission to the island. Make note of the return ferry times so that you don’t find yourself stuck on the island overnight (or paying the hefty fee for a water taxi to come pick you up).

Visitor Center
A great spot to stop when you first arrive is the visitor center located near the grassy area just past the dock. Here you can learn all about Angel Island’s history and view artifacts from its military days. It was once the hunting and fishing ground for the Coastal Miwok Indians. From 1910 to 1940, it served as the processing center for thousands of immigrants arriving in the U.S. Then the military used it as a Nike missle site in the 50s and 60s.

Tram Tours
While you are at the dock, you can purchase tickets to ride the one-hour tram tour that takes you around the island. While you enjoy the scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge and San Francisco, you’ll listen to an audio recording that provides points of interest and historical references along the way. The tram stops at Battery Ledyard, one of the best photo opportunities in the Bay Area.

The tram tour also takes you to visit the old hospital building and you can get out and explore the grounds. Kids will especially like the crumbling stairs that lead to nowhere. Some say that this old building is haunted!

The tram tour costs $16.50/adults, $10.50/kids and under 2 are free.

The Details
In addition to the tram tours, you can rent bikes at Angel Island (or bring your own on the ferry for an additional $1 fee). They also offer Segway tours for adults. Primitive camping is available on the island but expect a two-mile hike to get to your campsite.

Angel Island
Tickets from SF: Blue & Gold Fleet Ferries leave from Pier 41. One-way fares: $9.75/adult, $5.50/kid 5-11.
Tickets from Tiburon: Angel Island Tiburon Ferry round-trip fares: $15/ages 13-64, $13/ages 6-12, $5/ages 3-5, under 2 are free.
Online: angelisland.com

Have you visited these two islands in San Francisco Bay? Let us know your favorite spot below!

—Kate Loweth

Photos by the author except where noted. 

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Turkey Time: 8 Ways to Keep Busy Thanksgiving Weekend

by Kelley Gardiner

Thanksgiving celebrations mean family, food and a welcome break from daily routines. When the troops start getting restless, keep the post-Turkey Day party going with these surefire ways to pry your family (willingly) away from the leftovers and the sofa. From sparkling light displays to train rides to storybook day cruises read on for some of our favorite Thanksgiving weekend activities around Portland.

photo: Courtesy of The Amazing Bubble Show

The Amazing Bubble Show
From square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, tornadoes and trampolines to people inside bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man will amaze all ages with his breathtaking feats. This entertaining show will also feature accordionist/singer Jet Black Pearl accompanying Louis with effervescent music. The show runs Nov. 27-29, 11 a.m.-noon and 2-3 p.m. Tickets are $6-$10/person and can be purchased online.

Clinton Street Theater
2522 SE Clinton St.
503-897-7044
Online: cstpdx.com

Macy’s Holiday Parade
Skip the early morning black Friday shopping rush and head to downtown Portland instead for this beloved annual parade of marching bands, 25 floats and 650 costumed characters and the arrival of Santa. After the parade, join Santa in Santaland, downstairs at Macy’s at 11 a.m. The free parade kicks off on Friday, Nov. 27 at 9 a.m.

Downtown Portland Macy’s
621 SW 5th Ave.
Online: macys.com

photo: © Oregon Zoo / photo by Michael Durham

ZooLights
Your family will ooh and ahhh at the million and a half (!) lights of the Oregon Zoo’s annual ZooLights. Walk through brilliantly-lit paths featuring bright and dynamic displays of all kinds of animals. Babies to big kids love the lights. This year, the train ride will include a stop for an interactive display near the Family Farm. Plan for plenty of traffic and a full parking lot, especially on weekends and the week of Christmas. Discounts are available for those taking MAX,and it’s cheaper to go on less-popular nights. Save a little time by purchasing your add-on train tickets online before you go. Lights start Nov. 27. Free to members and children 2 & under; $4.95-9.95 youth, $9.95-14.95 adult.

Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd.
503-226-1561
Online: oregonzoo.org/events/zoolights

Bridgeport Village Black Friday Extravaganza 
If you’re going to head out for Black Friday, make sure it’s a totally fun adventure for the whole family. In addition to giveaways, prizes, free coffee, pastries and holiday tunes from K103, Bridgeport Village will also have Toy Soldiers, Elsa, Anna and Olaf, Buddy the Elf, Ralphie and the Candy Man making appearances throughout the day. 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Nov. 27.

Bridgeport Village
Center Court Gazebo
7455 SW Bridgeport Rd.
Online: bridgeport-village.com

photo: Portland Spirit

Cinnamon Bear Cruise
It’s a beloved Portland holiday tradition—a two-hour cruise on the Portland Spirit with the Cinnamon Bear. As soon as you set foot on board, your family will be greeted by dashing pirates, friendly fairies and all kinds of magic. $30 tickets for adults and $22 per child (1 & under free) includes the cruise, a picture with the Cinnamon Bear, drinks and snacks. Landing fee and parking not included. Nov. 28 & 29 each have one sailing at 10 a.m., so book fast if you have a certain day you’d like to set sail.

Board at Salmon Street Springs
SW Naito Parkway at SW Salmon St.
503-224-3900
Online: cinnamonbearcruise.com

photo: Ferrous Büller via flickr

Holiday Express Train
The Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation runs a train between their Center near OMSI and Oaks Park every Saturday. As the holidays roll around, things begin to look a lot like Christmas on that 45-minute ride. The historic trains are outfitted with lights outside, and garlands inside, and Santa hops aboard for a fun ride made festive. Get your tickets for the Holiday Express train online (popular trips sell out), and then be sure to arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. There’s a heated tent with hot chocolate and cookies to snack on while you wait for the train at Oaks Park Station. Nov. 27-Dec. 20. Rates depend on departure time. $16-$19 for adults, $9.50-$12.50 child, and family rates are available.

7805 SE Oaks Park Way
503-233-1156
Online: orhf.org

photo: Joshua Blount via flickr

Gratitude Month at Portland Children’s Museum
The Portland Children’s Museum is a fun stop for kids through elementary age any day of the year, but there’s a special reason to visit in November. All month, they’re talking about gratitude. What better time to teach your little gobblers to be thankful than during the holidays? Kids can sit in the Appreciation Chair and write a thank you note, or add some art to the Thankful Tree and watch it grow. Regular admission is $10.75 for ages 1-54, $9.75 for 55+ and free for wee babes.

4015 SW Canyon Rd.
503-223-6500
Online: portlandcm.org

photo: Christmas in the Garden by Becca J. via Yelp

Christmas in the Garden
Think twirling on ice, in the crisp and fresh air out-of-doors is only for the Rockefeller Center? Not this year! The Oregon Garden, in addition to its usual lights, holiday market and music, will offer up an outdoor ice skating rink. Chow down on hearty German fare for dinner, with meals like fondue with apples, bread and sausage, soft pretzels, sausage with sauerkraut, German potato salad and hot dogs available. To keep those hands and bellies warm, grab hot cocoa, peppermint hot cocoa, spiced cider and “adult” beverages available for mom and dad. Budget an at least hour to drive to the Garden. Last we checked, there were still rooms available at the Oregon Garden Resort for about $130, if you’d prefer not to high-tail it back to town when you’re done. Runs Nov. 27 through Jan. 3 (excluding Dec. 24 and Dec. 25).Admission is $6, free for those 4 & under. Ice skating costs an additional $12 plus $5 for skate rental.

879 W Main St.
Silverton, Or
503-874-8100
Online: oregongarden.org

What’s your favorite way to keep kids busy during the long Thanksgiving weekend? Let us know in the comments!

—Kelley Gardiner

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An Adventure on the Polar Express Grand Canyon Railway

by sommy rhee

With the summer heat still in play, Christmas season does seem ages away… but we all know how quickly time can sneak up on us. Believe it or not it’s time to get started on planning the most epic holiday adventure ever — stat! Santa and his elves only have a limited number of spots for cookies and stories on The Polar Express Grand Canyon Railway. Read on to see how to nab tickets for and what to expect from this unforgettable ride.

All Abroad the Railway
The Grand Canyon Railway, located in Williams, Arizona, has been chugging passengers on a breathtaking Grand Canyon tour since 1901. But it’s during holiday season that the magic happens. From Nov. 7th to Jan. 3rd, this historic train ride transforms itself into the Polar Express from the warm and touching story by Chris Van Allsburg. The little over an hour ride will take kids and parents through the nighttime wilderness of Arizona to the beautiful “North Pole,” where Santa awaits.         

Saving Your Seat
Believe it or not, 1/3 of the tickets are gone by summertime. But it’s not too late to purchase now! Reserve your tickets online first. Purchase either a package deal (which includes hotel stay) or individual train tickets. Package prices vary on the number of hotel nights, type of room, and the time of train departure.

Train Only tickets are $34 or $39/adult; and $20 or $25/children, depending on time of departure. Trains depart at 5:30p.m., and 7:30p.m. (and at 3:30p.m. on select days) from the Grand Depot. Take a look at this online map for a quick guide.

Where to Stay
You can opt for the all-inclusive Polar Express Package, which is a one-stop shop that includes round-trip tickets, one night at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, and two meals at the Railway’s Grand Canyon Café. Or book your own hotel nearby at Rodeway Inn & Suites Downtowner and purchase individual Train Only tickets. Luckily, parking is plentiful and free in the area.

On the Big Day
Train Only tickets must be picked up at will-call at least 30 minutes prior to departure, but we recommend arriving one hour early. Families who’ve ordered the Polar Family Package can pick up their train and meal tickets at the hotel during check-in. Remember only the person whose name is on the reservation will be allowed to pick up the tickets at will-call — so don’t forget that driver’s license!

The Adventure Begins
The Grand Depot will be festively decorated and even showcase a model train to get the little ones pumped for the upcoming ride. Once aboard, snuggle up with a hot cup of cocoa and yummy cookies while listening to a wonderful reading of the classic Polar Express. Color with Mrs. Claus and sing with the chefs all the way to the North Pole.Music from the Oscar-winning movie will also play throughout the ride. Once you arrive, Santa will get on board to deliver each child a surprise gift (their very own bell from Santa’s sleigh! Shhhhhh).  Be sure to take advantage of photo ops with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and all the entertaining chefs!

Carry On Comfort
Dress the whole family in pajamas! Anything you need is okay to bring on the ride including diaper bags, camera cases, blankets, teddy bears, water and milk bottles, and snacks. Just note that space is limited so please try to bring only the bare necessities. Strollers are highly encouraged to be parked at the depot instead of lugging them onto the train.

Cancellation policy
Refunds are only available if cancelled 3 days before the date of travel. After 3 days, it is completely non-refundable and you forfeit what you paid for.

Polar Express Grand Canyon Railway
233 North Grand Canyon Boulevard
Williams, Az 86046
1-800-843-8724
Online: thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html 

Have you ridden the Polar Express? Share your tricks or tips to a joyous ride in the Comments section below!

—Sommy Rhee & Christal Yuen

All photos courtesy of Grand Canyon Railway

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