PRE-EVENT INFORMATION
What is Day Out With Thomas™?
Day Out With Thomas™ is a family event that offers aspiring engineers and their families the unique opportunity to take a ride with the classic storybook engine, Thomas the Tank Engine™ at regional heritage railroads across the country.
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?
New for 2009, Day Out With Thomas will be at the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, NC.PLEASE NOTE: Day Out With Thomas will be operating from our Bryson City Depot. We are no longer originating trains from our Dillsboro Depot.
When is the event?
Day Out With Thomas will be at Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for nine days, Friday, July 24th through Tuesday, July 28th, Thursday, July 30th and Friday, July 31st, and Saturday, August 1st and Sunday, August 2nd, 2009.
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets are available now. You may purchase a ticket for a particular date and train ride departure time.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $18 for adults and $18 for children ages 2 through 12, children 24 months and under are admitted free. There is no processing fee on Great Smoky Mountains Railroad phone orders or day of walk-up guests; there is a $3.55 per ticket processing fee on ticket web orders. PLEASE NOTE: There is a national Thomas Group Price of $14 for customers purchasing 20 or more tickets online at www.ticketweb.com.
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 the 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, and an Imagination Station with Arts & Crafts and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor.
How will I receive my tickets?
If purchased four weeks or more in advance of the event, guests will receive their tickets in the mail. Information about parking and shuttles will be included with the tickets or can be viewed online at www.gsmr.com. 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?
Trains depart every forty-five minutes on the following schedule:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays – 10:00 am to 2:45 pm
Saturdays – 9:15 am to 3:30 pm and Sundays – 9:15 am to 2:45 pm
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no Day Out With Thomas on Wednesday, July 29th.
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?
We will allow guests to pre-board before departure and all seating is first come first serve. We suggest guests board together if they wish to sit together on the train. You may request enclosed coach or open air seating.Seating options.
How long is the train ride?
The train ride is on our historic rail line located near the scenic Great Smokey Mountains National Park, and takes approximately 25 minutes round trip.
Are you limited to just one train ride?
There is one train ride per ticket.
How do I get to there?
Visit our Directions page for information on how to get to Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Bryson City Depot.
Is there parking available on site?
There is plenty of free parking. Shuttle service will be provided in out lying areas in close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad Bryson City Depot. Parking details will be provided along with your tickets.
Is there an additional cost for parking?
There is no cost for parking.
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?
There are food vendors located at the railroad with everything from snacks to a full meal.
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?
We have limited access. Please call us for details.
Are pets allowed?
No pets are allowed at Day Out With Thomas.
Is there available lodging in the area?
Your Smoky Mountains destination features a variety of lodging to fit most any need. Please learn about our local lodging partners and call GSMR for availability or visit our accommodations page for more area lodging information.
How do I find out about other events?
You can find the complete Day Out With Thomas 2009 schedule by
clicking on www.thomasandfriends.com/dowt.
