THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is a theatrical re-creation of the classic children's story, led by a cast of actors aboard a real train. The event is run by Rail Events Productions, and the operator describes a one-hour trip to the "North Pole".

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, car hosts punch each golden ticket, dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and Walker's Shortbread, and passengers follow a reading of the book by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers board the train, every guest receives the first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell, and characters on each car lead caroling.

The operator is candid about the route: the train follows a point-to-point route mainly within the New Orleans Amtrak facility and Mid City, with changes of direction built into the show, and it says this is not a scenic sightseeing trip. The emphasis is the live, immersive entertainment inside the train. There is a single class of service, Coach Class, and seats are assigned during online checkout.

About two hours in all, including check-in, with roughly one hour on the train: golden tickets punched by car hosts, hot chocolate and Walker's Shortbread served by dancing chefs, a read-along of the book, caroling and a visit from Santa, who gives every guest a silver sleigh bell. The operator encourages warm pajamas; guests board from an unheated platform, so winter clothing is recommended. Children under two ride free on a lap and receive a bell but no treat.

Departs from and returns to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, 1001 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana. Guests check in at the Polar Express box office inside the terminal and are asked to arrive about 60 minutes before the listed showtime; the box office closes at showtime and nobody is allowed to board after it. Guests find their own parking near the terminal. Seating is assigned and chosen at online checkout. The terminal and the train are wheelchair accessible, with limited wheelchair space reached by a mobile lift on the platform. No alcohol is sold or allowed on board or on the event grounds. Tickets are non-refundable, though names can be changed before the event. The operator uses all-in pricing: the listed price includes ticket fees and taxes.