Wilmington & Western Railroad — Attraction in Wilmington

The locomotives and Pullman cars are meticulously maintained and manned by very friendly volunteers. There is a little gift shop and a lot of room in the train station to wait to board the trains, especially important in inclement or hot summer weather. Boarding the cars would be difficult for someone with impaired mobility because the steps up are steep and the first step is quite a reach, even with a step stool for assistance. I booked a steam engine trip, but the train was pulled by their diesel locomotive. Different esthetic, for sure, but once we boarded the train, the engine did not matter. The Pullman cars are not air conditioned, but all the windows were open for ventilation, and it was generally comfortable on a warm summer’s day. Children sensitive to loud noises will not appreciate the loud train whistle which blows at every street crossing. Our train passed through Yorklyn and went as far as Hockessin (which I think is the farthest point traversed by the Delaware and Western RR.) I’d estimate that it was a ten-mile trip which we made in about one hour. The scenery was unimpressive: although there were some pleasant wooded areas, rural streams and ponds, and two passages cut through steep rock walls, most of the excursion was through woods, some residential areas, and past some decrepit and abandoned industrial buildings. We disembarked in Hockessin for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the engineers moved the locomotive to the other end of the train for the return trip to Wilmington. I did not realize that the outward bound trip was up a very slight grade but it was evident on the return trip because the brakes were squealing on the train cars through most of the trip back, which took about 45 minutes instead of the hour it took to get...

I would have given this a higher rating had it been the experience they advertised it to be. My daughter in law and I took my 20 month old granddaughter on their Disney princess train ride. We arrived 20 minutes early because we were promised to have photos taken with all the princesses. When we arrived there weren't that many princesses available. My granddaughter was so bord. Costumes were incouraged. My granddaughter was dressed as Bell from Beauty and the Beast. My daughter in law was Snow white. I was Elsa from frozen. People kept coming up to us asking if they could take a picture with "Snow White" My daughter in law looked better than the "Snow White" on that train! Jasmine from Aladdin was another princess on the train. Once the train left the station. We never seen any of the characters till it was almost over. My granddaughter was so bord and disappointed! The ride was about 45 minutes long. It seemed like hours! Look out the window all you seen was woods and water. Nothing exciting! Not even a turtle or fish in the water. It would have been nice if all of the characters participated in some kind of activity or dance while we were roasting on that train. Never again! All dressed up in a costume that clearly was way to inconvenient for most of the parents there. It could have been a much better experience had the Disney Princesses entertained and interacted with the children more. After all, wasn't that the purpose of the train ride in the first place? To meet and greet with Disney princesses? Very...

My family visited this train ride for their daytime Santa experience. Our cousin purchased the tickets and mentioned she set her alarms to make sure we were able to get them. Thank goodness.

This was our first ride and I am not sure what else could top it! A beautiful scenic ride, cute train car, switchable seats so that a group of 4 could face each other. The houses that sit along the railroad decorate for a contest that you can vote on in the station. Although it was daytime many homeowners came out and waved to us! Arrive early so that you can experience the train coming into the station!

Along the ride you will see lots of waterways, cross roads, spot beautiful houses, and enjoy open fields. Your ticket will be punched, though no fancy words will be written like we see in the polar express.

Santa can by once for a photo and a second time to sing jingle bells. Their elf helper gave good directions of what to expect. (Santa sits on the armrest of the chairs and is dry clean only🤭🤭)

We brought snacks and sandwiches, even a thermos of hot chocolate. I also brought books and car activities for the littles. While the adults could sit great for the hour and a half, having additional materials for the littles was a good call.

I'm not sure what other train rides are doing but I can't imagine there is one that can top the Wilmington and...