Heber Valley Railroad — Attraction in Heber

Alright let's talk about the Christmas polar Express. This is a review from a mom with 3 under 10. When we arrived we waited for the host to seat us. The 1 host seats everyone, so it can take some time. When we boarded, it was EXTREMELY hot. Windows were open to combat the heat. But it was still hot! We went November 22nd @5 p.m., no snow on the ground, but snow on the mountains. 40 degrees when we started, 36 when we left. Once we began going the kids loved just being on the train. The elves, who are all young teens, (which I think is absolutely wonderful), began to introduce themselves and told us we would be getting hot chocolate and cookies. Well the cookies came first and they were from a local store, which is awesome! However the cookies are small, I expected something 2-3 times the size. Like a monster cookie. Also they were pretty salty tasting. Then the hot cocoa came, and it was gas station level or lower. It was in a small cup, very hot, and not good. I think they should fill the cups and they should use chocolate milk. Actually give us what we pay for. We had to wait around 15 min for it to be cool enough for our younger 2 to enjoy and the train car was still extremely hot inside. Windows up let the cool air in the whole time. Going to the bathroom felt like walking into a sauna of 150 degrees. The toilets are not good, don't work well and are just a pain more than anything. When you have young kids you need a toilet nearby, our poop bucket would have been better than that toilet 😂 at least people's waste would have gone to the bottom of the bucket instead of piling up so you can't even sit down. The train goes for about 20-30 min. stops and then slowly moves forward to see the North Pole and Santa, then it stops for about 20-30 min. Santa visits and brings a treat, there's a little dance party, then it goes back the way it came. It's 90 min. If you pay for first class you get a special souvenir mug, which is quite big, but it's the tin material used in camping supplies. It was a cute gift! Overall we had fun, it was fun for our family and magical. Do I think the cocoa and cookies should improve? HECK YES! It's quite spendy so you want to feel you get your money's worth. The temperature inside was quite uncomfortable, but if you go later in the season it might actually be perfect. Thick coats were not needed. They do have places for you to put coats and bags so bring those diaper bags. Try to have fun, when they say dance and sing, do it! We will go again next year and later in the season to compare. Remember to purchase tickets by September or they...

So upset we spent so much money on this. We did the Deer Creek ride. The ride started with someone coming in with "this is a robbery, hands up" then playing "where's the money" etc. So...the ride begins with my children being scared. The ride itself is pretty if you're on the left side of train. Right side is all rocks. (Also, seating was assigned). There were "guides" who did share some random pieces of information, most with a sarcastic flair.

There was a fiddler who was good, but it was a bit loud, and again, unexpected.

Then at the halfway point, they do "the run around" where the train stops for 20min while they move the engine from the back to the front. During this time we were treated with odd jokes/stories from a gentleman with the microphone. Would not say they were family friendly.

Train finally got going again and remaining ride was quiet although the smell from the engine was a lot due to the wind/windows open.

Snacks: they mention snacks being available for purchase on board. Technically they are, in a highly inefficient system. You can't leave the car. One employee goes to a seat, asks what you want to order, then they go to the back/another car (with your card if you pay by card) and get the things, run the card, and come back with your order. Then repeat with the next seat. Why not have a trolley that goes through, like an airplane? Or even some sort of baseball stand type concessions box to wear? We didn't have the opportunity to order or get our order until after an hour of being in there.

We have ridden many different tourist rides throughout the states, and this was highly disappointing.

I booked this so because of the description of it being a scenic train ride, not expecting any drama or noise to go with it.

I'd say there is much to be improved here, but at the VERY least, there should be communication on the tour blurb that there will be a "train robbery" and other entertainment so families can choose if they want to participate.

You can literally take the highway on the opposite side of the reservoir and get the same view without the extra cost and...

Heber Valley Railroad's on Friday, 4/72023 Easter Bunny train ride was perfect in every aspect. Tickets were purchased a few days in advance.

Adult tickets: $15 Children tickets (toddlers/kids 5+): $5. The ticket prices includes the magic show.

Train on schedule as posted online, get there a little early to give yourselves leeway so as not to rush. And enjoy every moment.

The magician, a few Easter Bunny mascots, and the Easter theme Rockett ladies were at the train depot and greeted all guests and families with friendly waves prior to boarding the train.

Sceneries: Were spectacular throughout the entire ride, farmlands, Heber neighborhoods, wildlife animals at times, picture perfect, and very memorable.

Music on the Train: Heber Valley RR played all the best songs, i.e.,Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond), YMCA (The Village People), etc., made it so much more fun for all who were on-board to truly experience this moment.

Easter Bunny Train Ride: A perfect 45-minute ride, not too long; not too short.

Magician 🎩 Show: After the train ride, the magician was on hand to start the show, magic rope was magically shortened to a cut rope illusion, then became mid-length rope, and again turned info one full length rope. Colorful broken parts of the umbrella 🌂 holder turned into little pieces of colorful rags. Chairs were laid out for patrons and families to sit, watched the show. Limited seating due to large groups of riders on Easter Bunny Train ride.

Cleaniness: Seats on the train were clean. Comfortable and enjoyable. It was a fun, fulfilling day all in all. Will do it again. Highly recommended. HVRR did a spectacular job. The staff and employees were friendly and welcoming. The Rocketts (ladies dressed in yellow dresses costumes) on the train who performed a brief Easter Bunny dance should also be credited. The real magic was: 1. Scenic train ride 2. The...