1. What are the 2011 dates and times of the event?
The Polar Express is being offered on November 25, 26, and 27, and December 3, 4, 10 and 11. There are two trains per day. The departure times are as follows:
| Date |
Train 1 |
Train 2 |
| Friday, November 25 |
3:30pm |
7:00pm |
| Saturday, November 26 |
3:30pm |
7:00pm |
| Sunday, November 27 |
12:00pm |
3:30pm |
| Saturday, December 3 |
3:30pm |
7:00pm |
| Sunday, December 4 |
12:00pm |
3:30pm |
| Saturday, December 10 |
3:30pm |
7:00pm |
| Sunday, December 11 |
12:00pm |
3:30pm |
2. How much are 2011 Polar Express tickets?
| Ticket Type |
Price |
| Parlor Class Adult Ticket |
$43.00 |
| Parlor Class Child Ticket (ages 2-12) |
$39.00 |
| Coach Class Adult Ticket |
$28.00 |
| Coach Class Child Ticket (ages 2-12) |
$24.00 |
Please note that due to the unique nature of this event, all ticket purchases are non-refundable.
3. What is “Parlor Class”?
Parlor Class tickets give the holder access to our parlor car, which is carpeted and has plush seats. We only have one coach out of the four used in Polar Express that is outfitted as the Parlor Car. It seats a total of 40 passengers. Parlor Class passengers will also receive their hot cocoa in a special edition souvenir ceramic mug, not available for purchase elsewhere.
4. What is “Coach Class”?
Coach Class constitutes the majority of our available seating on each train. Our three coach class cars have larger seating capacity (74-76 passengers) each, and are heated like the parlor car. The seats are vinyl covered.
5. Will my infant need a ticket?
No. Children under the age of two do not need a ticket. They must be held by an adult on the train. Please remember that strollers are not permitted on the train, and that your infant cannot be placed in a carrier or car seat on the train, they must be held.
6. Is a group discount available? Is there any other discount program available?
No, there is no group discount available for the Polar Express. No, we are not accepting any other discounts for the Polar Express.
7. How will I know what your availability is?
Please check our homepage at www.berkshirescenicrailroad.org; we will update as frequently as possible. You will also know when you attempt to purchase the tickets; if your party is too large for remaining availability or of that date is not available you will not be able to purchase those tickets.
8. How do I order tickets?
Beginning July 25, 2011, tickets are available for purchase online only at www.berkshirescenicrailroad.org. We cannot accept orders in person or by mail, telephone, fax or e-mail. We are unable to make exceptions for this policy, as availability is automatically updated through our online ticketing service. Please remember that tickets for this event are non-refundable.
9. When should I order my tickets?
Advance reservations are required; we suggest ordering tickets as soon as possible due to the anticipated popularity of the event. Tickets will sell out quickly.
10. Can I be put on a waiting list if my dates are sold out?
No, unfortunately we do not maintain a waiting list. We also do not add additional trains once we have sold out, the schedule posted is final.
11. Are you going to add more trains or more dates?
No, we will not be adding more trains or dates.
12. Will I receive a confirmation?
Yes. You will receive an email confirmation; an email address is required. This will allow us to send a confirmation, and will allow us to send you periodic updates. All tickets will be held at the station and will need to be picked up the day of the event.
13. When will I receive my tickets?
Tickets are on a “Will Call” basis and will not be mailed. You will arrive at the station the day of your event and pick up your tickets at the ticket agent’s desk. Hold on to your confirmation e-mail as proof of purchase.
14. Can I get a refund if my plans change or there is inclement weather?
Tickets are non-refundable. The Polar Express will operate even in inclement weather. We also will operate on time and will not be able to hold the train for you if you are running late. We advise allowing sufficient travel time if travel conditions are less than ideal. If you do not show up for your scheduled train and you purchased Parlor Class tickets, you will forfeit your mugs. Pre-ordered books may be shipped to you at your expense.
15. Can I change the date of my reservation?
No, once you have purchased tickets they are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for other dates, even if tickets are available for other dates or times. We cannot make any exceptions to this policy.
16. Can I change my reserved tickets from child to adult, or from adult to child?
No, we are unable to change the tickets you have purchased from adult to child. All sales are final and cannot be modified after the order has been placed. We cannot make any exceptions to this policy.
17. Can I add more passengers to my ticket order?
No, we are unable to add more tickets to your order once it has been placed. We cannot make any exceptions to this policy.
18. Why are tickets more expensive this year?
Tickets prices have increased over 2009 due to several factors, including the increases in costs to the museum, and expeditures by the museum to accommodate the requests of our guests, including online ticketing abilities.
19. Is the Polar Express handicap accessible?
We make every reasonable effort to accommodate our visitors' needs. However, handicapped accessibility on board is limited due to the narrow vestibules and door openings on our historic passenger cars. Power wheel chairs that do not exceed 26" wide by 36" long usually will fit in the cars. Handicapped accessible lifts are located at Lenox and Stockbridge stations. Please specify in your reservation if wheelchair access is required, as we can only accommodate a limited number of wheelchairs per train, and space will be allocated on a first-come, first serve basis. Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the train departs so we may board your party first.
20. Are there restroom facilities on board the train?
A limited number of bathrooms are available on board the train for emergencies. Sanitary facilities are also available at Lenox Station and Stockbridge Station.
21. Are strollers permitted on board the Polar Express?
Strollers are not permitted on board the Polar Express due to space constraints; the aisles and seating areas must be kept clear for the safety and comfort of our passengers and train crew.
22. Are seats reserved?
Yes, seats are going to be assigned to your party. Our seats on all coaches are “bench seats” with two passengers per bench. Children under two must be in a lap. If you are traveling with other families, you must order your tickets together in one online transaction to guarantee you will be on the same train and/or in the same coach. We cannot guarantee seating requests if tickets are ordered separately. Tickets cannot be refunded if your seating requests cannot be accommodated.
23. Will my family be seated together?
Yes, your family will be seated together. However, our seats are bench seats that hold two passengers. If you have an odd number of passengers in your group, you may need to share a bench with someone from another party. Also, while we will group your party together, we cannot guarantee if they will be behind you, or across the aisle from you.
24. What time should I arrive?
Please plan to arrive 15-30 minutes before your train departure time to allow sufficient time to park, collect your tickets and use the sanitary facilities before boarding the train.
25. Where should I park?
Parking is at Lenox Station. There will be sufficient parking for everyone; please follow the directions of the museum staff when parking so that we may comfortably accommodate everyone. There is no charge for parking.
26. How long is the event?
Please allow up to two hours for the event from the time the train departs.
27. My child has food allergies, can you accommodate special dietary requests?
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate special requests, but urge the parents of children with allergies to bring their own cookies and cocoa.
28. What happens during the event?
The train will depart Lenox Station, and en route to Stockbridge, a/k/a the “North Pole”, we will read the book and play the soundtrack to the Polar Express. Cookies and cocoa will be served in Stockbridge Station. On the return trip to Lenox, Santa will join the kids on board the train and give a gift to every child.
29. Will every child receive a bell?
Every ticketed child age 2-12 will receive a letter to Santa along with their ticket. When Santa boards the train, they will give Santa their letter, and he will present them with their bell, the first gift of Christmas.
30. Do you have steam trains for this event?
No, the museum does not have steam trains. Our Polar Express will be pulled by historic diesel-electric locomotives.
If you still have questions please contact us! Thank you for supporting the Berskhire Scenic Railway Museum!
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