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PapPappy
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Nov 04, 2013

Great Smokey Mountain Railroad's Polar Express

My DD has just asked if we could go up to Bryson City, NC to take the Grandson on the Polar Express train ride at the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad. It looks like it would be lots of fun, and I'm sure the little guy would be fascinated....plus, Santa rides the train too!!:)

Has anyone on here taken the ride? Any suggestions with regard to which part of the train, or which time we were to go?? We'd be going either 11/15 or 11/22, because those a less expensive:)...and I would think that the 5:00PM trip would be fine, as it won't be to late, but will still be "night-time" for the magic of the trip.

Any suggestions or thoughts (good or bad) would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance:)
  • Have been on a regular train ride + it's lots of fun. We stayed at Deep Creek Tube and Campgrd in Bryson City. a few miles from train depot. Has full hookups with a petting area for kids. some sites on creek, some mtn view sites. Have fun!
  • Went last year. It was GREAT. I do suggest you get FIRST CLASS tickets. You get a floor show, Of course, Hot Chocolate, cookies, AND a beautiful Glass Mug to take home. Don't think you get the mug in the coach class. .....A friend always says. "It only takes a little more to go First Class" and it's true, and worth it.

    You will be entertained for the entire trip by Santa's helpers. They sing, they dance, They get you to sing, and the Polar Express story is told, and comes to life.

    When you get to the North Pole, (Whittier). You will be told to feel the windows for the cold, And sure enough, they get ice cold, and begin to frost over. You see Santa waiting for you on hi sleigh, plus every one's house. And on the return trip Santa comes thru the car, and gives out bells. Our Grand babies REALLY thought they were in the North Pole.

    Go, Have a Ball. It's worth every penny. AND we stayed the night in Cherokee, Was nice as well. However Bryson City is a good place to look around as well. And since you have train tickets. You can go into the railroad museum free.