PRE-EVENT INFORMATION
What is Day Out With Thomas™?
Day Out With Thomas is a family
event that offers children and their grownups the opportunity to ride with
classic storybook friend Thomas the Tank Engine™ at heritage railroads
nationwide. Parents, grandparents and siblings join their aspiring engineers
in the fun. The Day Out With Thomas experience will engineer miles of smiles
for the whole family and introduce a new generation to the timeless excitement
of railroading.
Who is Thomas the Tank Engine?
Since Thomas the Tank Engine
left the depot more than 60 years ago, this Really Useful Engine and his Island
of Sodor friends have chugged their way into the hearts of preschoolers and
grownups worldwide. Based on The Railway Series of classic stories authored
by a father who loved trains and wanted a shared experience with his son, Thomas & Friends™
is a rite of passage that inspires the imagination while teaching the life
lessons of friendship, exploration and cooperation.
What are the appropriate ages for Day Out With Thomas?
Day Out With Thomas is a family
event that welcomes passengers of all ages.
Where is the event?
The Texas State Railroad Rusk Depot.
When is the event?
October 17-19 & 24-26, 2008.
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets are on sale now!
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $18 per person. **This price does not include applicable tax and fees associated with TicketWeb.
How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available by clicking on the www.ticketweb.com icon on the Day Out With Thomas main page or by calling Ticketweb at 866.468.7630.
Who needs tickets?
Tickets are required for guests
ages two and up.
What is included in the ticket price?
A ticket for Day Out With Thomas includes a 30-minute train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as a variety of Thomas & Friends themed entertainment, including Storytelling and Video Viewing, Temporary Tattoos of Island of Sodor friends, an Imagination Station with Arts & Crafts build with LEGO® DUPOLO® Bricks and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor.
Are discount tickets available?
There are no discount tickets
available for Day Out With Thomas.
How will I receive my tickets?
If purchased three weeks or more in advance of the event, guests will receive their tickets in the mail. Guests that purchase tickets closer to the event date can pick up their tickets at Will Call the day of the event.
Are there any refunds?
There will be no refunds or exchanges.
Will Thomas the Tank Engine be there?
Thomas the Tank Engine has traveled
all the way from the Island of Sodor and has arrived Right on Time to take a
ride with you and your family.
Will Sir Topham Hatt be there?
Yes, Sir Topham Hatt will take
time away from his busy schedule as Controller of the Railway on the Island of
Sodor to meet and take pictures with guests.
Do you recommend purchasing tickets in advance?
Due to the popularity of Day Out With Thomas, advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. It is not uncommon for events to sell out. When purchasing tickets you will be asked to select a specific date and time for your ride with Thomas. Your ticket is valid only for that date and time.
DAY OF EVENT INFORMATION
What times do trains depart?
Fridays & Sundays: 10:00am, 10:45am, 11:30am, 12:15pm, 1:00pm, 1:45pm, 2:30pm, 3:15pm
Saturday: 10:00am, 10:45am, 11:30am, 12:15pm, 1:00pm, 1:45pm, 2:30pm, 3:15pm, & 4:00pm
When should we arrive for our train ride with Thomas?
It is recommended that guests
arrive at the event at least one hour before their scheduled departure.
Is there assigned seating on the train?
Tickets are assigned by time and
passenger car. Guests must be together during boarding if they wish to sit together
on the train.
How long is the train ride?
30 minutes round-trip.
Are you limited to just one train ride?
There is one train ride per ticket.
How do I get to there?
The Texas State Railroad Rusk Depot is located approximately three miles from downtown Rusk, Texas on US Hwy 84 West. The entrance to the Rusk Depot is on Park Road 76.
If you are driving through Palestine: From Loop 256 take US Highway 84 East (toward Rusk). The Rusk Depot is approximately 28 miles from the loop on the right.
Is there parking available on site?
Yes
Is there an additional cost for parking?
No.
What if there is inclement weather?
Day Out With Thomas events
take place rain or shine.
Are cameras allowed?
Absolutely! Guests are
encouraged to capture their Day Out With Thomas memories for their photo album.
Will there be food available?
Yes! The Texas State Railroad Concession will be open and we will also have food vendors with a variety of different food choices.
Are strollers permitted?
Day Out With Thomas is
a family event that welcomes guests of all ages. There is even a designated
area for “stroller parking” during the train ride.
Is the event handicap accessible?
Yes. All individuals in wheelchairs and attendants will need to purchase tickets in Car 60 for accessibility. You may also call a TicketWeb operator at 1.866.468.7630 for assistance in purchasing the ADA tickets.
Are pets allowed?
No pets are allowed at
Day Out With Thomas.
Is there available lodging in the area?
Yes, there is lodging available in Rusk, Palestine, Jacksonville, Tyler. For a complete list of area lodging call or visit the following websites.
 |
1-800-933-2381 |
 |
1-800-659-3484 |
 |
(903) 729-606 |
| Jacksonville Chamber | 1-800-376-221 |
 |
1-800-235-5712 |
How do I find out about other events?
You can find the complete
Day Out With Thomas 2008 schedule by clicking on www.thomasandfriends.com on
the Day Out With Thomas main page.
