PRE-EVENT INFORMATION

What is Day Out With Thomas™?
Day Out With Thomas is a family event that offers children and their grownups the opportunity to ride with classic storybook friend Thomas the Tank Engine™ at heritage railroads nationwide. Parents, grandparents and siblings join their aspiring engineers in the fun. The Day Out With Thomas experience will engineer miles of smiles for the whole family and introduce a new generation to the timeless excitement of railroading.

Who is Thomas the Tank Engine?
Since Thomas the Tank Engine left the depot more than 50 years ago, this Really Useful Engine and his Island of Sodor friends have chugged their way into the hearts of preschoolers and grownups worldwide. Based on The Railway Series of classic stories authored by a father who loved trains and wanted a shared experience with his son, Thomas & Friends™ is a rite of passage that inspires the imagination while teaching the life lessons of friendship, exploration and cooperation.

What are the appropriate ages for Day Out With Thomas?
Day Out With Thomas is a family event that welcomes passengers of all ages.

Where is the event?
This event will be held at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad in downtown Grapevine, Texas.

When is the event?
The event will be held March 28-30 & April 4-6, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day.

When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets are on sale now!

How much are tickets?
Tickets are $18.00 per person.

How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available by clicking here or by calling Ticketweb at 866.468.7630. Tickets are not available for purchase in Grapevine prior to the event.  On event days, a limited number of tickets may be purchased for trains running on that particular day.   Tickets sold the day of the event are very limited, it is suggested that you arrive early in Grapevine, as they are sold on a first-come first-served basis (the on-site ticket office opens at 7:30am).

Who needs tickets?
Tickets are required for guests ages two and up.

What is included in the ticket price?
A ticket for Day Out With Thomas includes the train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as a variety of Thomas & Friends themed entertainment, including Storytelling and Video Viewing, Temporary Tattoos of Island of Sodor friends, an Imagination Station with Arts & Crafts, live entertainment and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt™, the Chairman of the Railway on the Island of Sodor.

Are discount tickets available?
There are no discount tickets available for Day Out With Thomas.

How will I receive my tickets?
If purchased three weeks or more in advance of the event, guests will receive their tickets in the mail. Guests that purchase tickets closer to the event date can pick up their tickets at Will Call the day of the event.

Are there any refunds?
There will be no refunds or exchanges.

Will Thomas the Tank Engine be there?
Thomas the Tank Engine has traveled all the way from the Island of Sodor and has arrived Right on Time to take a ride with you and your family.

Will Sir Topham Hatt be there?
Yes, Sir Topham Hatt will take time away from his busy schedule as Chairman of the Railway on the Island of Sodor to meet and take pictures with guests.

Do you recommend purchasing tickets in advance?
Due to the popularity of Day Out With Thomas, advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. It is not uncommon for events to sell out. When purchasing tickets you will be asked to select a specific date and time for your ride with Thomas. Your ticket is valid only for that date and time. A small number of tickets are available on a first come, first served basis each day of the event.

DAY OF EVENT INFORMATION

What times do trains depart?
Trains depart each event day at 8:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4:00 p.m.,  4:45 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

When should we arrive for our train ride with Thomas?
It is recommended that guests arrive at the event at least one hour before their scheduled departure.

Is there assigned seating on the train?
Tickets are assigned by time. Guests must be together during boarding if they wish to sit together on the train.

How long is the train ride?
The train ride is approximately 25 minutes long.

Are you limited to just one train ride?
Each ticket is good for one train ride. Multiple tickets must be purchased for multiple rides.

Is there one train ride per ticket?
Yes, there is one train ride per ticket.

How do I get to there?
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad is located in historic downtown Grapevine at 705 South Main Street, Grapevine, TX 76051. Downtown Grapevine is just north of Highways 114 and 121 and convenient to D/FW airport.

Is there parking available on site?
Yes, parking is available on site and in nearby parking areas served by free shuttle buses.

Is there an additional cost for parking?
On site and remote parking is free.

What if there is inclement weather?
Day Out With Thomas events take place rain or shine.

Are cameras allowed?
Absolutely! Guests are encouraged to capture their Day Out With Thomas memories for their photo album.

Will there be food available?
There will be food concessions on site and many restaurants in the immediate area of the event.

Are strollers permitted?
Day Out With Thomas is a family event that welcomes guests of all ages. There is even a designated area for “stroller parking” during the train ride.

Is the event handicap accessible?
Yes, the event is handicap accessible.

Are pets allowed?
No pets are allowed at Day Out With Thomas.

Is there available lodging in the area?
Yes, there are a number of lodging choices in the area.

How do I find out about other events?
You can find the complete Day Out With Thomas 2008 schedule by clicking on www.thomasandfriends.com on the Day Out With Thomas main page.