San Antonio Zoo Train Depot — Attraction in San Antonio

Tourist beware! First things first. We parked at the zoo garage, which is not close to the zoo, with the pretty vines and pictures. Then, we walked up through the park looking for the zoo as no sign that we encountered said, "Zoo this way." Thankfully, a sweet couple helped us out. The zoo train is right across from the zoo entrance. So we decided to go ahead and purchase tickets so we don't have to walk back all that way after visiting the zoo. Long story short, we get done with the zoo at 4:45, make a mad dash to board train (train closes at 5) to avoid the long walk back to the car only to find out they quit stopping at 4:30!!!! This information would have been helpful to know before the purchase of tickets because what's the point of getting tickets if you aren't going to stop at the drop-off point by my car! When we questioned this, we were told by the conductor that he made an announcement. We didn't hear the announcement made because even though they have speakers throughout the train cars, the conductor sounds like Charlie Browns teacher. So please beware, if you want a ride back to the zoo parking garage that isn't by the zoo, you must get on the train before 4:30 even though the zoo and train depot...

I would have loved to give this 5 stars, simply because my children loved it, but unfortunately I'm giving it 1 star because I felt unsafe almost the entire ride. At first it was great going through the park and seeing all the places you could visit. It wasn't until after the tunnel that we saw a bunch of homeless people camped out in the woods right next to the track! Trash was littered everywhere and homeless people were roaming around, some getting close to the train. Considering my 5 year old and my 4 year old nephew were sitting together in the very back by themselves, I was immediately worried about their safety. The train makes several stops and one was right next to an encampment. This post is really sad for me to write because I've been going on this train since I was a little girl. This is the first time I've seen homeless people throughout the park. What was once a beautiful park full of runners and people walking the dogs, is now a park that's completely empty full of homeless people lingering...

The train running through Brackenridge Park was a big part of my childhood, and is something I continue to enjoy to this day. It was once the longest miniature railroad in the world, and even though someone took that title away, its still a wonderful 20 minute journey through the picturesque Brackenridge Park.

The trains were recently replaced after the old ones ran on the rails for about 40 years. There are pros and cons with the new trains compared to the old ones. The new trains have more legroom, a higher rider capacity, wheelchair accessibility, and you can clearly hear what's being said on the speakers. The old trains had comfier seats, a better color scheme, and were designed to look like steam engines.

Regardless of the trains in use, I'll still enjoy this ride for years to come. I'll enjoy the new trains, and sit on the old one they made into a display (thank you for doing that, btw) and reminisce on trips I've taken...