Polar Express Mount Pleasant, Iowa

The Polar Express Train Ride in Mount Pleasant, Iowa was a trip well worth it.  It was a very cute trip for the little kids.  We for a trip today we went to the North Pole on the Polar Express.  The temperature was a 33 degrees.  Jeter, 1 year old, was the youngest child in our group,.  Even though it was cold,  a winter jacket and a hat did us just fine.  They had a little train station that we could sit inside or outside.  Most people stood outside because they were waiting for the train to arrive.

Once we got on the train,  there was no heat.  The car was insulated very well that my kiddos eventually took off their hats and gloves because it was very warm.  In our car, there were two seats that sat very high.  We had to climb a ladder to get to the seats.  The windows were frosted out so no one could see outside the windows.  This made for a  more magical experience.

We rode on the train for maybe 10-15 minute.  We could have been riding in circles for all we know.  The train did have to make one stop because there were reindeer on the tracks.  But once we got to the North Pole, the train pulled into a shed because the North Pole is just too cold.  Within the shed, it was cold, but we were our of the wind and elements.  The coats and hats were needed once we got out.  They did have heat lamps throughout the shed to help keep it warm.  I get cold easily but I did not shiver at all. 

We were given about 45 minutes to complete all the activities within the North Pole.  It was the perfect amount of time.  The first activity we did was the crafts.  In the craft room, which was very warm, each of the kids got to decorate their own paper ornament.  Then we had to stop off for some hot cocoa and cookies.  We decided to head down to go see Santa.  Along with our way down to the other end of the building, It snowed!  Well actually, they had a bubble machine, so it looked like it snowed.

We stopped to get a group picture.  The first picture was free.  If we wanted any extra pictures, it cost $5 per print.  Which if you think about it, really isn't bad when you pay $30+ to stand in line for an hour, sit on Santa's lap for 10 seconds, and get poor quality photos.  

We waited in line about 15 minutes to see Santa.  We took our own pictures with our phones, the kids told Santa what they wanted for Christmas, and when they left the rail car Santa was in, we all received a big, metal, silver bell that is really cool.  On the ribbon, it says "Polar Express 2016".  This is an AWESOME keepsake and kept Jeter entertained for the rest of trip.

Would I do this again?  Absolutely!  It was an activity that kept the kids entertained.  They did not get bored.  They were so excited to ride the train and see Santa.

To find out about this Polar Express Check out their link:
 http://www.mcrr.org/PAGES/northPoleExpress.html

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