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. Click here to see some photos from our previous Day Out With Thomas events.

Who is Thomas the Tank Engine?
Since Thomas the Tank Engine left the depot more than 50 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?
At the Orange Empire Railway Museum, 2201 S. "A" St., Perris California 92570

When is the event?
Sat.-Sun. and Thursday November 6-7,11 & Sat.-Sun. 13-14 2010.

When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets are now on sale!

How much are tickets?
All event tickets are $14. Children under two years old are free, provided they do not occupy a seat on the train. Tickets are not refundable, exchangeable or replaceable. 

How do I purchase tickets?
The final days of the event are this weekend- tickets are now available only at the gate. 

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 Chairman of the Railway on the Island of Sodor. 

How will I receive my tickets?
If purchased 10 days or more in advance of the event, guests will receive their tickets in the mail. Guests that purchase tickets closer than 10 days 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 Chairman of the Railway on the Island of Sodor to meet and take pictures with guests.

What number should I call if I have questions about the event?

For questions about the event (other than purchase of tickets) call (951) 443-3264

DAY OF EVENT INFORMATION

What times do trains depart?
The first train departs at 8:20 am, and the last train leaves at 4:00pm. Exact train times are listed on the Ticket Web website when you go to purchase tickets. 

When should we arrive for our train ride with Thomas?
Event hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Please allow sufficient travel time to the Museum and time to park and enter the grounds. You should plan to arrive at least one hour prior to the scheduled departure time printed on your ticket.  We ask that you come to our Pre-Boarding Tent 20-30 minutes before your departure time.  If you miss your scheduled departure you will be on a standby basis for later trains. If you purchase a ticket for one of the late afternoon trains, please arrive early enough to enjoy all of the other events. Remember, the event closes at 5 pm.

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?
The train ride is about 25 minutes long.

Are you limited to just one train ride?
Each ticket is good for only one ride behind Thomas, although you may ride the other trains and visit the other attractions as many times as you wish. 

How do I get to there?
The Orange Empire Railway Museum is located at 2201 S. "A" St. in Perris, California, about 17 miles south east of Riverside. Please click here for directions to the museum.  

Is there parking available on site?
Ample free parking is available.

Is there an additional cost for parking?
Parking is free.

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, there will be a wide variety of food available at the food court, including children's meals.  

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, guests in wheelchairs can be accommodated on the train.

Are pets allowed?
No pets are allowed at Day Out With Thomas.

Is there available lodging in the area?
There is a Holiday Inn Express located in Perris adjacent to the 4th St. exit of Interstate 215. They can be contacted at (951) 943-5577. Also, the nearby Moreno Valley, Riverside and Lake Elsinore areas have many choices for lodging.

 

Is there an ATM machine at the event?
Yes

How do I find out about other events?
You can find the complete Day Out With Thomas 2009 schedule by clicking on www.thomasthetankengine.com on the Day Out With Thomas main page.