I felt like the con was needed to be put first given that it negatively impacted me and my friend’s overall experience. The positives are listed below.
Our main concern, which left us feeling very uncomfortable and racially profiled, was the cowboy/Marshall impersonator. He was on our cart talking to the attendees, making jokes and whatnot. When he came to me and my friend, he told my friend that he needed to see our tickets. Keep in mind we had to show our tickets to get on the train and he asked no one else. We thought it was a bit and tried to smile it off. My friend told him that she would have to get our tickets from her backpack which was packed on the top rail. We thought he would end the joke after seeing she had to retrieve her backpack to look for the tickets but he didn’t. When my friend finally handed him the tickets, he “joked” and said that he was going to de-board her (“kick [her]off the train”) because the tickets only had my name on them (I purchased the tickets so it was all under one name). My friend joked and said “no you’re not.” Then he walked away saying that he will be watching her.
I understand…well hope…that he was trying to make a joke. But it felt racially motivated given that we were (no exaggeration) the only Black people on the cart, and everyone was staring even after he walked away. He also never laughed, said he was joking, or made a lighthearted comment like he did with the people in front of us. Asking the only Black people for their tickets, inspecting only their tickets, and threatening to throw them off the train was a bad, uncomfortable, and distasteful “joke.” … and honestly…racist and plainly ignorant.
Given that he made lighthearted jokes about attendees hats and fur on their outfits, or provided fun facts to other attendees, this “joke” was unnecessary and insensitive.
It sucked that in order to save face and not be any more the center of attention, that we felt the need to smile through the uncomfortable situation. It was sad that that was our only interaction with him and that’s what he says to us, while the other white and Latino adult attendees received laughs and jokingly smiles with their interactions. We just hope that the company takes this review into consideration and train their staff on covert racism.
Positive: I enjoyed the scenery while on the train. It was beautiful and relaxing. Our train attendant was pleasant and informative. I wished we had more than 3 hours to explore and hike, but it was understandable, they’re...
Read moreAn Amazing Adventure on the Grand Canyon Trail Rail!
Our experience on the Grand Canyon Trail Rail was nothing short of extraordinary! From start to finish, this journey was filled with breathtaking views, unforgettable memories, and outstanding service. We embarked on this adventure as four - two adults and two kids - and we all had an absolute blast!
The scenic train ride through the captivating cowboy areas of Arizona was a thrilling experience. The train itself had a charming old-fashioned appeal that transported us back in time to the Wild West. As we chugged along the trail, the majestic landscape of the Grand Canyon unfolded before our eyes, leaving us awe-struck by its natural beauty.
The highlight of this already incredible trip was undoubtedly the remarkable service provided by Jane, the attentive and friendly onboard attendant. She went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and enjoyment throughout the journey. From providing interesting insights about the area to catering to our needs promptly, Jane's dedication to her job and passengers was evident.
As we ventured deeper into the heart of the canyon, the vistas became more awe-inspiring, and Jane was always there, ready with a warm smile and helpful advice. Her enthusiasm and passion for her work added an extra layer of excitement to the entire experience, making it even more memorable for our kids and us.
The blend of adventurous spirit and family-friendly atmosphere onboard made it a perfect outing for all generations. The kids were ecstatic as they peered out of the windows, trying to spot wildlife and capturing snapshots of the stunning scenery.
Overall, the Grand Canyon Trail Rail left us with an indelible impression. We relished every moment spent on the train, taking in the remarkable landscapes and enjoying the joyous family time. Jane's exceptional service was the icing on the cake, making this adventure an absolute must-do for anyone visiting the area with their loved ones.
We highly recommend the Grand Canyon Trail Rail experience to everyone seeking a delightful journey back in time, coupled with awe-inspiring vistas and the finest service by dedicated professionals like Jane. It's a trip that will remain etched in our...
Read moreOur trip on the Grand Canyon Railway was nothing short of spectacular! We opted for the luxury dome, which featured large, full-length observation windows providing panoramic views of the Kaibab National Forest and the high desert. It was a splurge but well worth it for the breathtaking scenery, comfort, and amenities.
As we sipped our first cocktails, the Grand Canyon Sunset, a fiddle player strolled through our car, providing fun and enjoyable entertainment. We also spent some time downstairs in the lounge, where we settled into some comfy couches while looking over lunch options on the map provided by the car attendant. Our ticket also granted us access to the parlor car and the observation platform at the rear of the train, where we spent a lot of time watching the track and landscape unfold behind us. Both the parlor car and the dome car were equipped with full bars and offered a nice selection of complimentary snacks. The experience was reminiscent of the golden age of rail travel.
Upon our arrival at the canyon, we boarded a bus for the "Freedom Tour" (purchased while buying our rail tickets) that stopped at some of the best overlooks of the canyon. The views were surreal, with steep cliffs plunging into the abyss, vibrant layers of rock, and the Colorado River snaking through the canyon below. After the bus tour, we enjoyed a delicious prime rib sandwich at the Bright Angel Tavern, which was the perfect way to refuel before boarding the train for the return journey to Williams.
On the way back, we visited the bar in the parlor car for a couple of drinks and headed once again to the rear platform to soak in the serene beauty of the landscape. It was fun to watch the train stretched out ahead when going around corners. Just when we thought the adventure couldn't get any better, our train was suddenly overtaken by a gang of outlaws on horseback! They chased the train, firing their pistols, and brought the train to a stop, proceeding to rob the passengers of their valuables. We thought we were safe on the back platform, but the outlaws caught up to us too!
Overall, it was an incredible experience that we highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique and adventurous way to visit the...
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