if you just look at ticket price, it's a jaw-dropping $37 a pop (kids is at $32, really not much difference). but if you don't think twice paying that amount for places like Six Flags or Sea World, then this price tag shouldn't be a deterrent.
true, the existing rides are getting old and a small amount of them don't seem extremely presentable or even functional, but the kiddie side Thomas Land looks brand new, and have rides that I've never seen before (ex. the firefighter one). also got a sizable gift shop for all your Thomas needs (and a place to keep warm during the winter months LOL).
the carosel at the entrance looks small-ish (but it's not), but the music and the adjacent old village setup brings one back to good old times. and both times the lady in charge of the ride was in a very fairy godmother mood that really adds to the experience.
Dino Land is as informative as it is fun, but was infested with gigantic mosquitoes to give you a full Jurassic Era experience. wear beeskeepeer hat and douse yourself in DEET.
they are very serious with the big old train, with conductor outfit, engineer outfit, and paper tickets to be punched (one per kid). train departs on the hour, possibly regularly adding the last train of the day on the :30. the ride itself is a good 15-20 min long, running around the perimeter of the park, including the cranberry bog on the outskirt. train is equipped with fully enclosed cars with heat and/or A/C for those not inclined to embrace the weather. half-open cars have a top and open windows secured with a long bar across. and then there are the topless wagons towards the back. the christmas-ish lights situated all over the grounds would surely add to the ambience, but even during the day or during non-holiday season, the ride itself should be a stop to make - also kills time when parents want a break standing in line or chasing your toddler LOL.
food price is jacked up, as expected. $8.50 for chicken salad, $7 fried dough, $5 cotton candy in a bag... and $3 poured coffee right outside the ticket booth -- at least it was still fresh even at closing time. surprisingly, apple cider donut was "only" $1.25. bright side is that they totally allow food brought onto premise, so for those who have emptied their bank accounts on the tickets, they are not met with a double whammy when it comes meal time. the cafe, at least the one inside Thomas Land, also serves pre-packaged gluten free cookies and brownies, so there are some options if one is desperate.
many brightly painted picnic tables are seen: no shades provided, but at least there are places beyond cafe areas to rest or eat. there is also a giant tent (similar to the outdoor wedding ones in size and shape) equipped with fans, outside of the other cafe by the train station.
both visits we used the bathroom at the Thomas Land side, so I can't comment on the rest of the property. It being the newest section of the park, the facilities are well lit and clean. Though last time we went it was so cold not that many people were there, the "tucked away" entrance got me paranoid about creeps waiting in the area for opportunities... could be just me. I pray there's no creep paying $37 to prance in a happy place like this.
last on ticket price - they do various promotions throughout the year: Black Friday sale, $5 off online tickets, teacher BOGO days, veteran/active service member discounts, first responders discounts.... truly shows they are part of a community, not just about profits. bottom line, theme parks are expensive to maintain, and they've remained a family business...if I remember correctly. customer service is also excellent. it's a place worth supporting, especially when it helps create so many memories!
just bring your Radio Flyer wagon, and have a good time!
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