The Polar Express — Local services in Williams

You're going to love this.. The Polar Express..whoo whoo all aboard.. off to Santa's village on an antique train while singing Christmas Carols.. You board the train and realize this train is cool it's like going back in time. Then you hear the steam and chug chug of the engine you get excited your on a cool train.. then you notice the friendly staff bringing you hot chocolate and cookies as the read from the polar Express you follow along because you brought the book (I did) gift shop has it.. so you enjoy your cookie and hot chocolate and your family is excited.. why ..well Santa of course you go through a lighted tunnel and your swept away to the north pole and oh my gosh is that Santa and his sleigh outside the window oh he's on board..IT'S SANTA.. and he's coming this way.. oh no have I been good.. he hands you a present no not a present a keepsake to remember your trip to the North Pole (yep your friends will be jealous) and back you go on the train singing Christmas Carols all the way back to the depot while snow flurries outside.. I've done this trip many times I still have a string of the gifts Santa has...

Very disappointed in the Polar Express experience in Williams, AZ. We had tickets for the 5:30 trip with a boarding time of 5:15. We were told the North Pole Experience Room at the depot did not open until 4:30. The room itself had a coloring table, Mrs. Claus, that was there for only a few minutes, and a naughty and nice meter. The line to see Santa was long, and since we only had 45 minutes in line, we never did get to see Santa. The train ride was disappointing. The hot chocolate was mildly warm and served in a small disposable cup. The public address system for all cars was difficult to hear, and the reading by the author of the Polar Express book was interrupted by other employees entering the train car during the ride. The North Pole itself was also disappointing. The lights and decorations are only visible on the right side of the train. The cost of the tickets was $77 for adults and $58 for children. With hundreds of riders twice a day for weeks, you would think they could afford more lights, a souvenir cup, and a few more activity opportunities...

I would recommend the Polar Express experience for anyone who believes in the magic of Christmas. Before the train arrives the Polar Room opens up and you can take pictures with Santa and Mrs Claus. Yes, some people say it is expensive but they do them professionally and I know it’s a lot to make the magic of Christmas to come to life. When you board a chef is waiting for you to greet you. There is hot chocolate and a cookie on the train along with a reading of the book and Christmas Carols. Santa boards the train and passes out magical bells for everyone (adults included!). The most magical part was how patient and caring they were with my son with special needs. From Santa taking extra patience and time with him to both chefs (John and Ginger) listening to him and letting him be himself (which included a lot of questions and being overly loud). All three of them were busy and had other people to tend to but they made sure to not rush our son. This is an amazing experience and...