Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Railroad company creating real-life Polar Express
By Stacy Dail
East Carolinian (East Carolina U.)
12/13/2006

(U-WIRE) GREENVILLE, N.C. — Christmas caroling, plays and viewing Christmas light displays are some of the many activities that families do together during the holiday season. It seems as though year after year, the holidays are filled with many of the same old activities and traditions. This holiday season, why not shake things up a bit?

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR) has teamed up with Warner Brothers Consumer Products to produce the ultimate Christmas experience: A real-life Polar Express.

For those of you who have been living in a hole the last few years and don't really know what the Polar Express is, now is your time to be enlightened.

"The Polar Express," starring none other than the amazing Tom Hanks, was released in theaters Nov. 10, 2004. The movie, which was based on the book by children's writer Chris Van Allsburg, told a story of a boy who, after doubting Santa's existence, takes a train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

The book quickly became a holiday must-read and has sold over six million copies. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad recognized how popular the story had become and decided to make their own real-life version of the Polar Express.

GSMR has been running the event all through November and will continue through December as Christmas approaches. Depending on how much you want to spend on this exciting adventure, there are two trains to choose from: "The Polar Express" or "The Polar Express Dining Train."

The Polar Express train departs in Bryson City, N.C., and takes passengers on a magical journey through the quiet wilderness. As the anticipation on getting to the "North Pole" rises, guests will take part in listening and reading the classic "Polar Express" story, all while drinking hot chocolate and eating yummy Christmas cookies.

Once the passengers arrive at the North Pole, Santa himself, as well as his reindeer of course, will get on the train and greet each child with his or her own sleigh bell.

After visiting with Santa, the train will return to Bryson City. Since everyone will be in the Christmas spirit after visiting the real Santa Claus, passengers will take part in singing Christmas carols on the way home.

Yes, the Polar Express train does sound exciting, but if you want to step your trip up a little more, the Polar Express Dining train is for you.

Passengers experience the same story as the regular Polar Express train, except this train departs from Dillsboro and guests will enjoy a three-course meal in refurbished dining cars from railroads all over the nation.

Hazelnut pumpkin bisque, brown sugar spiral baked ham, green bean casserole and famous desserts are some of the items that grace the adult menu. More typical things, such as chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese, and Jello, are the foods that the kids will get to enjoy.

As on the Polar Express train, hot chocolate and cookies will be served, and the trip will conclude with a visit from Santa and Christmas carols on the way home.

It is encouraged to make reservations since space is limited. Tickets for the Polar Express are $29 per adult and $17 per child. Tickets for the Polar Express Dining Train run $60 for adults, $32.50 per child and $10 for babies two and under.

Although the train runs most days in December, to be safe and sure that the train is running the day you are traveling, call 800-872-4681 and let the adventure begin!

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