By Denny Patterson
Christmas has officially arrived in South Florida!
In conjunction with Brightline Fort Lauderdale, Rail Events Productions is proud to bring back The Polar Express Train Ride for its second year, and based on popular demand, a second departure location opened at Virgin MiamiCentral.
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away for a magical one-hour trip to meet Santa. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride.
“The Polar Express Train Ride is a theatrical recreation of the children’s story onboard a moving Brightline train,” Rail Events Production Manager Kevin Broomell said. “A cast of professional actors punch tickets, dance, sing, serve hot chocolate, and engage passengers with fun activities. Santa then boards the train and presents each passenger with the First Gift of Christmas – a silver bell from his sleigh. The entire experience is immersive and narrative. It’s really like you stepped into the pages of the book or the screen during the film.”
Broomell has been with Rail Events for seven years, but part of the production and management team for four years. He enjoys the fact that people are making new holiday memories with their family and friends.
“It is so much fun to watch entire families walk onto the boarding platform in their matching pajamas and get their first look at the train, our conductor, and hero boy,” he said. “The excitement on their faces make it all worth it. When I can, I like to sneak into a passenger coach and watch Santa make his special visit with each child. Their awe, wonder, and joy in that moment is very special.”
Approximately 35,000 passengers attended The Polar Express Train Ride last year, and that number will hopefully increase this season. According to Broomell, the overall response to this event has been overwhelmingly positive. “Kids and kids at heart, AKA adult, are all able to connect with the moving presentation onboard the train,” he said. “The Polar Express story taps into all of the most important elements of the holiday season. At its heart, it is all about believing in the most important things you cannot physically see in life. Compassion, family, and friendship are all core values of The Polar Express.”
Core pieces of the narrative will remain the same each season, but Rail Events is always adding in fun new elements to the script that returning passengers will recognize and enjoy.
The journey began November 16, 2019, and runs through December 29, 2019, on select dates from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Ticket prices range from $50-$75, depending on the date, time, and location. Passengers are required to arrive one hour before their listed departure in order to park, pass through security, and check in.
For more information and availability, visit www.FTLThePolarExpressRide.com and www.MiamiThePolarExpressRide.com. Guests are encouraged to book as early as possible.
