Day Out with Thomas 2008 - Not What Anyone Expected

Thomas the Train came to the Portland Oregon area this weekend. Making his appearance in Hood River, Oregon Sunday the 29th and Monday the 30th of June. Tickets were $18.00 per person for anyone who was above the age of 2. You were designated a car not specific seating while riding on the train.

When we purchased our tickets, the site indicated that they were sold out except for the 2:00 departure on Monday. We loaded up all the grand children and headed the 58 miles east of Portland to participate in this amazing activity. The children were beside themselves with excitement.

I suppose if you were 2 years old to 12 years old you might find that riding on Thomas the train was an exciting adventure. As an adult however, I found many things that could have been better. First, when you board the train the only part that is anything like Thomas is the engine. Well I suppose that is the same even in the cartoons and book adventures. Except the train, cars were just plain, no decorations what so ever to make the children and adults feel as if the ride was anything special.

Thomas the engine pushes the 6-car train up the hill to the first switch-plate and then he pulls you back down. Ride time is approximately 20 minutes. There is nothing along the tracks to entertain the children or adults in any way. Oh, the view is fabulous as most of Oregon is beautiful, but remember this is a ride for the children to experience life with Thomas the Train.

When you return to the train depot you find 4 food booths, one Mexican, one with hot dogs, burgers, and chips and one with ice cream and soda pop. There is a wine tasting room for the adults (but remember your children cannot go in), also a gift store that had shoes, t-shirts, whistles, and toothbrushes all geared to Thomas himself. There was an imagination station tent where the kids were allowed to play with Lego train sets, and color on pre-printed sheets. There were two jumping bags where your children can go inside and jump in the plastic balloon area. In addition, a petting zoo had bunnies, goats, a small pony, and even a tortoise. All of this and still nothing exciting going on in the entire depot.