mt. hood railroad

Let me start with the positives. We drove from the Portland/Vacouver area to Hood River, a little more than an hour to the east. It was a beautiful Spring Day in the Pacific N.W. This was found and transacted through a Groupon which as usual, worked very well. It is a little hard to find the Train Station, but Hood River is a quaint, small town just off of Interstate 84 in very close proximity to the Columbia River with unique features, such as "The Naked Winery". The station was probably built in the 40's and a nice way to start our adventure. Staff was organized and efficient. There is a choice of seating from the Dome Car to lower level seating. We chose the Dome seating for the view. The scenery out of Hood River and along the way north toward Mt. Hood was stunning even though the vast orchards were not budding or blooming. The destination at Parkdale and lunch were adequate and the view was still quite a distance from Hood, but from the the north side which we don't get to see. All of the above would have made the rating a 4. Riding in the Dome turned out to be a challenge with a whole lot of lateral sway and very restricted space in the seating area. There is a historical narration as you move along, but the speaker system is poor and even with a quiet car and careful listening is less than clear. If at all orthopedically challenged one would want to work with their staff and not go for the bargain. The actors protraying the early West showed up at the lunch site and performed during the return trip. It was a most pleasant aversion. I grew up in the SW WA area and knew about Hood River and the ties to fruit, especially apples. I have a new appreciation and would like to return, probably on a drive and in the growing or harvesting season.

Polar Express train was a lot of fun with the Grand Kids dressed in their PJ's. This part of the fun for this adventure. Then add the hot chocolate in the special cups for fun. There was story reading to tell the story of the Polar Express. I suggest you join the web site and be ready to sign up fast and early for the 2015 Polar Express adventure. The cost is high and the memories are a life time. Have fun in Hood River, OR. Oh...parking can be a challenge, plan ahead.

We took the parlor class seating and for the money the experience was great. The Pullman type cars are not new and not re-modeled but for me that was part of the charm. We enjoyed the scenery and our Daughter enjoyed riding 'The Polar Express" . The day we went it was MONSOONING, Thank G-- for the Trolly - BTW for our daughter riding a Trolley was a bonus! She was just as excited over that as the Polar Express.

My friend had purchased the tickets for the polar express and asked me to join her w/the her 2 kids 6 & 9. I had no idea what to expect I was just along for the ride. We boarded the train and went to the upper level. The seats were very plush with a table in front. The staff was very friendly and in tune with the kids and asked them lots of questions like what do you want for Christmas etc. The kids loved it. They brought us hot chocolate in a mug that we could take home w/some cookies. I had never been on a train before and thought I might get motion sick but it was fine. The train does rock back and forth but it's kind of relaxing. When we got to where we were going Santa, Mrs. Clause, and elfs were waving outside the train. Santa and elf eventually came aboard and talked with all the kids. Then we headed back to the station and got a pic with Santa, Mrs. Clause and elfs there. This is great trip for young kids...any older than 9 I would not recommend.

I am glad we listed to the glowing recommendations of our friends rather than the poor reviews online. My girls, age 2.5 and 6.5, LOVED this ride. We brought the grandparents along, and we all had so much fun watching the kids' excitement. Our girls loved getting their golden tickets punched by the conductor, the chefs dancing down the isle, and that Santa came and sat with us for a bit to ask what they wanted for Christmas, pose for a picture, and give them a silver bell from his sleigh. My 2.5 year old adored Santa's elf, and the elf was more than happy to engage her in conversation (it made her day!). After Santa came, they played Christmas carols over the speakers, and our whole car had fun singing along.As far as the adults in our party, we were surprised that our Standard-class car was not full and that we had lots of room to move around. For our party of 7 on December 23rd at 2pm, we had a block of 10 seats to ourselves. The north pole was a bit anti-climatic (a fake-bearded Santa and a few adult elves waving from a platform as we passed by), but the girls didn't seem to mind. We did have to do a bit of explaining as to why the waving Santa looked different from the convincing real-bearded Santa that later came onto the train. (We told them that the one waving was Santa's helper, dressed up). We watched the movie the night before our trip, and I think that really helped with the magic of making the movie come to life.

We went this year (Dec. 23, 2014). Here are my thoughts. I was not expecting a good time based on the reviews. We did go on a weekday and in the afternoon (2:00 train), got there early and had no problem with parking or tickets. We sat in the "economical" seats. We had a really good time! Worth the $100+ that we payed! My take on this is that you are not going for the scenery, you are going for your kids and the magic of Christmas that is being diluted generation by generation..... IT WILL be magical for your kids if you make it that way is my idea. Our car had heat, the hot chocolate was not the best but then not the worst either.... The personnel on the train where interactive, had personalities and made the trip special for my kids. My girls are aged at 8 & 7, on the borderline of losing the Christmas magic. I have been wanting to go for years and we finally did it and had a memorable time! I read all the reviews and was expecting a not good time but was pleasently surprised. It is for the kids after all and I believe it was just fine and worth the money we spent on it. The magic of Christmas for your kids is what YOU make of it.

We took the polar express train.... 90 min ride... Santa came to greet all the kids/families with a souvenir bell and hot Choco and chewy cookies were served!You can bring extra snacks if you want to.The ride ended with the story of the Polar Express....The kids enjoyed the experience, the parents enjoyed seeing their kids in amazement!

I was so excited to ride the train with friends. What a disappointment. I have to say it was WAY over priced for what it was. 28 bucks to sit in a lit car (so you can't see out the windows). Santa looked right at us, almost sat on my mom but never acknowledged us. We saw a few strands of lights at the "North Pole" and that was all we saw out the windows. The train car was pretty tattered. Little cup of hot chocolate and a cookie. I wouldn't go again. Maybe it'd be better to do a trip in the day that costs less. The experience was a bummer. Long way to drive and very expensive in my opinion.

Took my 2 daughters and 3 grandkids, bought the $40 per adult seats. we sat at a table. had to park off sites due to parking was full, ride a trolley. waiting was very crowded, little unorganized in the depot. unable to shop at gift store as so many people. train decorations could be better. got our cocoa and cookie/get to keep a cute mug. when we got to the north pole, it was just someones house with a few lights and a barn, Santa outside waving. Santa and a big elf did come onboard and santa was good talking with each child, but elf just stood there, and he was really tall/unrealistic. I was hoping to disboard at northpole and have a little village of sorts to see, but no, we stayed onboard. The train then backed all the way back to beginning. Just wasn't enough for the money. The theme is good, but they could do so much more.

Thank you for your review. We are very pleased to know that the kiddo's aren't the only ones who still believe! Happy Holidays!!

So good to know the kids loved the Polar Express. Thanks for sharing and hope to see you again very soon. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We are so glad you could join us and hope to see you again next season!! Merry Christmas!!

Thank you for joining us! We are glad you had such a good time. Happy Holidays!!

I'm sorry you had been running late and I hope you didn't miss the magical Polar Express trip!!

Thank you for joining us on the Polar Express aboard the Mt. Hood Railroad. I'm sorry you did not enjoy the event. We have been hosting this event for 10 years and continue to grow and learn. Our elf costumes are brand new and Santas suits are made by Mrs. Claus herself, with love and care.