This past Saturday we embarked on our annual trip to Strasburg Railroad for Day Out with Thomas! For those who do not know, Strasburg Railroad is located smack in the middle of Amish Country in Strasburg, PA. They have a beautiful venue surrounded by farmland and boy, do they know how to put on Day Out with Thomas. Thomas arrives at Strasburg 3 times each year, usually in June, September and November. Along with him flock many families to enjoy the festivities. The parking lot is always packed New York, New Jersey and Maryland license plates, so Thomas pulls people in from multiple states!
If you could not tell yet, I hate crowds. I hate going to attractions on Saturdays because I don't like when places are crowded. I would rather go on Sunday or a weekday when most attractions have lighter crowds. I was nervous when I purchased our tickets this year for Saturday. I have seen the crowds the blue tank engine drawl and the last thing I wanted was to be in a bigger one. I booked our trip for the 9:45 ride thinking maybe since it was one of the earlier rides it wouldn't be as crowded yet. We arrived to the railroad later then I wanted on Saturday morning, I had planned to arrive at 8:45, as the website suggests arriving an hour prior to your departure time. We arrived around 9:20, and I was pleasantly surprised to still be able snag a parking spot at the railroad and not have to park in the field down the road and be bussed over. Parking is free for this event! We parked and headed over to will call, I showed my card and they handed over our coveted tickets. So simple and fast! The banner that displayed boarding info already displayed our ride as who should be lining up but with not many people in line, Javon spotted the cranky cars which are little hand powered cars that go around a track, and he was able to go around a time or two before we hopped in line! I got in line right as Thomas pulled back into the station and as he pulled in, the look on all the kids faces was absolutely priceless! Javon made noises like a train whistle and screamed "Thomas is here!" over and over again. There is no better feeling then seeing an over-joyed child, especially your own.
The riders from the previous train disembarked and we climbed aboard! We were able to get a seat in the third car, and even though it was drizzling, the first thing Javon did was pop open the window. He has done this every year we have gone, I don't know, I guess it's his thing. He must like feeling the wind in his hair. We sat on the train for a few minutes then Thomas blew his whistle and we chugged out of the station! The Thomas theme song plays over the speakers during the ride. I saw plenty of moms and kids singing along. Photographers come around to each group and take a picture that you can purchase after the ride, the conductors come around and collect tickets. Many cars stop for pictures, and wave to the kids aboard, then as quickly as it began, the train stops and its back to the station. This is one of my only complaints about Day Out with Thomas. The ride is 15 minutes at the most round trip. I guess it has to be that way though with the popularity of the event. Once back at the station, you can have your picture taken in front of Thomas! I am always surprised with the efficiency of this. They set up 3 tents with a bench outside of each angled so that whoever is sitting on any of the benches, will get the perfect shot! They have professional photographers who take the pictures and you may purchase them later, but personal cameras are welcome as well!
Day Out with Thomas is not only about a the main attraction though! You have access to many other things with your admission ticket. As stated before the kids can take a ride on the cranky cars, a hand-powered pump car, the miniature Pufferbelly Steam Train and more. There is a photo-op with Sir Topham Hatt, which usually has a line but it moves quickly. Also set up is a huge tent that houses a mega sized Thomas store. Anything you need Thomas you can find it here! Beds, potty chairs, umbrellas, flashlights, if they make it with Thomas on it, you can find it here. Yes its way overpriced, but what do you expect? Also, in this tent you can get a temporary tattoo, watch Thomas movies, play Thomas games on ipads and play with all the train tables. You could spend all day here if you wanted to. It truly is a little train lovers paradise!
I highly recommend this event! There is honestly nothing else like it out there. If your children like trains, what are you waiting for! They will LOVE this. You will not regret a minute of this experience. If you have not been before, or even if you have, be sure not to miss the next time Thomas pulls into town!
For more information visit strasburgrailroad.com
Cranky Cars!
All Aboard!
See I told ya! He likes the wind in his hair! :)
There he is! How cool is this?!?
You didn't think Thomas would come all this way with out Sir Topham Hatt did you?
Temporary tattoo's and train tables, I'm pretty sure this is the stuff little boy dreams are made out of!
See you next year, Thomas!
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