Experiencing a recreation of the Polar Express Train Ride has been on our holiday bucket list for years. Originally the only option for a Polar Express Train Ride Florida was in Miami. So, when the Brightline introduced the Polar Express Train Ride in Fort Lauderdale we could not wait to go. It is a must do if you live in South Florida.
Thank you to Brightline for hosting us on the Polar Express Train Ride
Polar Express Train Ride Florida
What to Expect with Polar Express Train Ride Florida
The Polar Express Train Ride starts at Brightline’s state of the art Fort Lauderdale station. They recommend arriving an hour before your departure time. The experience is very popular so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to park, check in and go through security.
When you arrive you can valet park for $10 or self park in the garage for $4. We self parked and they have an automated pay by phone system. You check-in downstairs at the station and get your wristbands for adults and golden tickets for everyone. Once upstairs you go through security. They had a fun coloring station setup including a station for writing letters to Santa. It was so cute to see B write her first letter to Santa. They also had a mailbox to send the letter to Santa. 
While you are waiting they also have a full bar and yummy apple drink options for adults and kids too. They also have lots of polar express merchandise.
Once on board you find your seat and the train ride starts. The polar express train ride is set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack. On board you get to relive the magic of the classic story as you are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical one-hour trip to meet Santa.
The car hosts and conductor put on an incredible show. They do a great job of making you feel special. By the end of the trip they all knew B by name. Throughout the experience they dance and sing their way through the train cars. From punching your golden ticket to serving hot chocolate and sugar cookies. 
They also read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. 
Santa and his helpers board the train and spends time with each guest. He handed out a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip.
Location: Brightline Fort Lauderdale Station at 101 NW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
What to wear: We wore our Christmas pjs and I was happy that I did. It added to the fun of the experience.
Video from our Polar Express Train Ride Florida
Seating Options for Polar Express Train Ride Florida
Standard Seating
We loved how each of the Brightline cars were decorated for Christmas. Each coach seats between 48 and 64 passengers (depending on the car). Seating is arranged in a 2-2 configuration in all cars but Herpolsheimers (1) and Aurora Borealis (5), which feature a 2-1 seating arrangement. Each seat features a folding tray for hot chocolate and cookies.
If you need wheelchair access you can call a reservations agent at (754) 209-0214.
Not all seats face the same direction, so please review seating charts carefully when booking. All seats on board the train are assigned and you will select your own seats during checkout. Since the train heads North and then back South at some point you will be facing the direct the train is traveling.
2018 Standard Seat Pricing
They have three different pricing levels depending on the departure times:
- Value Departures: $55 Adult, $50 Child
- Standard Departures: $65 Adult, $60 Child
- Peak Departures: $75 Adult, $70 Child
Additional ticketing service fee and local tax will apply
Table Seating
A limited number of table seats are available in each coach and seat parties of two or four. Seats are arranged to face each other with a small table in between for hot chocolate and cookies.
They require parties to buy all seats at a table so you know everyone you are sitting with. The only premium charged is all table seats are at the Adult rate. Children and infants are still welcome at table seating.
All seats on board the train are assigned and you will select your own table seats during the checkout process.
Buy tickets today here.
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