MacKid (KID!) Review: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Perris & Fillmore
We have a special guest writer, C. E. Gruen, age 12 who is pleased to share her experience with us! We always love to see the experience through a child's eyes, and have them share it from their perspective. Thank you C.E.
The night air was cold when we arrived at the train station, and the twilight time sky was dotted with bright stars. We checked in and entered a white tent crowded with people. In the center was a tree with a silver star shining at the top. A projection of snowflakes floated through the inside of the tent. Soon, we heard a whistle and a voice beckoning us outside. We walked toward the voice and saw a conductor standing right outside the open door of the train. He held a lantern and looked down at a young boy in yellow pajamas and a sky-blue bathrobe. “Are you coming?” he asked. The boy nodded, and the conductor turned to us. “Well, are you coming?” And our journey began.
The train ride was very similar to the book. The yellowish aura of the cabin reminded me of the “Polar Express” story when there were pictures of the inside of the train. I liked how interactive the ride was. It made me feel like I had jumped into the story. Of course, they had the song “Hot Chocolate” from the movie. My favorite part was when the crew members sang “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. For once, the cabin fell silent and all you could hear were four clear voices wishing everyone everywhere a Merry Christmas with their soft, wistful voices. When they were done, the air was full of clapping and enthusiastic bells ringing. Our trip on the Polar Express was nothing short of amazing!
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Fillmore & Perris , California The Polar Express Train Ride
Special Announcement! To celebrate the opening of the brand-new Southern California locations, as well as the 15th Anniversary of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ film, the author of The Polar Express, Chris Van Allsburg will be joining us for two special book signings! He'll be greeting guests prior to each departure in Fillmore, CA on December 4th and in Perris, CA on December 5th. This is your chance to meet him yourself and get your book signed by the original author | ![]() |
Fillmore, California (Ventura Co.) Pricing Standard Class
Value: $50 Adult, $45 Child (2-11) | Standard: $60 Adult, $55 Child | Premium: $70 Adult, $65 Child
First Class Table Seating
Value: $70 Adult, $65 Child (2-11) | Standard: $75 Adult, $70 Child | Premium: $85 Adult, $80 Child
Additional ticketing service fee and local tax will apply
Perris, California (Inland Empire) Pricing Standard Class
Value: $45 Adult, $40 Child (2-11) | Standard: $55 Adult, $50 Child | Premium: $65 Adult, $60 Child
Additional ticketing service fee and local tax will apply
Fillmore, California (Ventura Co.)
Located 30 minutes west of Santa Clarita and Magic Mountain, our Fillmore, CA (Ventura Co.) location is hosted at the Fillmore & Western Railway. Trips from Fillmore, CA (Ventura Co.) begin on Nov. 14th and run select dates through Dec. 29th.
Railroad cars here seat approximately 70 passengers inside of vintage coaches adorned in festive holiday decor.
Seating is arranged in a 2-2 configuration with two seats on each side of the aisle.
There is a First Class table car (Car 2, Northern Lights) available at this location that seats 56 at tables of four.
First Class passengers also receive a commemorative THE POLAR EXPRESS™ mug to take home.
Please review the seating charts carefully when booking. All seats onboard the train are assigned and you will select your own seats during checkout. Please note, there is no wheelchair access to the train at this location due to the doorway dimensions of the historic rail cars. If a member of your party requires wheelchair access, please book our Perris, CA (Inland Empire) location.
Location: Fillmore & Western Railway, 364 Main St, Fillmore, CA 93015
Perris, California (Inland Empire)
Located 20 minutes south of Riverside, our Perris, CA (Inland Empire) location is hosted at the Southern California Railway Museum. Trips from Perris, CA (Inland Empire) begin on Nov. 30th and run select dates through Dec. 29th.
Railroad cars here seat approximately 100 passengers inside of restored commuter coaches adorned in festive holiday decor.
Seating is arranged in a 3-2 configuration with three seats on one side of the aisle and two on the other.
Designated wheelchair spaces and companion seats are located in all coaches and can be booked online or via phone.
Not all seats face the same direction, so please review seating charts carefully when booking. All seats onboard the train are assigned and you will select your own seats during checkout.
ADA seating is available at our Perris, CA location. Please book this location if you require a wheelchair space and lift access to the train.
Location: Southern California Railway Museum, 2201 S A St, Perris, CA 92570
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