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 Tumbleweed Express is running on the lines at the Terminal Railroad. The event is located at 200 Front Street, East St. Louis (next to the Casino Queen)

When is the event?
The event is held October 24, 25, 26, & 31 and November 1 & 2. Friday rides start at 1:00, on Saturday and Sunday, rides begin at 8:30 and run throughout the day!

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

How much are tickets?
Tickets this year are $18 plus tax for children two and up. We get asked every year about two year olds, but yes, they do have to pay too.

How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available at 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, mini train rides, a kid carwash, bouncy castle, ball crawl, inflateable slide, Will Hale and the Tadpole Parade 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?
Trains depart every 45 minutes.

Fridays the rides depart at 1:00, 1:45, 2:30, 3:15, 4:30, and 5:15

Saturday and Sunday rides depart at 8:30. 9:15. 10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 12:15, 1:00, 1:45. 2:30, 3:15

Remember, Thomas prides himself on running right on time. Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure to ensure a timely departure.

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. If you are riding the first ride of the day, the gates open 30 minutes prior to departure.

Is there assigned seating on the train?
Tickets are assigned by time only. Guests must be together during boarding if they wish to sit together on the train. If you are with a group larger than six, please contact the event office at 612.331.5600 so we can make preparations for seating together.

How long is the train ride?
Train rides are between 23 and 25 minutes long based on what fun things Thomas sees along the way.

Are you limited to just one train ride?
There is one train ride per ticket.

How do I get to there?

METROLINK
Exit East Riverfront Station

For those of you who take the metrolink, there will be a shuttle to take you directly to the event. Which is located at the end of Front Street.

MISSOURI Downtown / Eads Bridge

MISSOURI I-40 / I-55
Take I-40 / I-55 over the Poplar Street Bridge. Stay to the right and exit I-55 right at Fourth Street. Turn left on River Park Drive. Follow signs to the Casino Queen. Once you pass the Casino Queen, go to the T in the road. Take a right here. You will see signs directing you to the event and parking (which is located on-site). You will go .7 of a mile the event is located at the end of the street. Parking is right after the event.

MISSOURI I-70
Take I-70 over the M.L. King Bridge. Exit M.L. King Drive. Take the first right on Collinsville Rd. Follow signs to the Casino Queen. Once you pass the Casino Queen, go to the T in the road. Take a right here. You will see signs directing you to the event and parking (which is located on-site). You will go .7 of a mile the event is located at the end of the street. Parking is right after the event. .

ILLINOIS
Take I-55 / I-70 to Third Street exit. Right on River Park Drive. Follow signs to the Casino Queen. Once you pass the Casino Queen, go to the T in the road. Take a right here. You will see signs directing you to the event and parking (which is located on-site). You will go .7 of a mile the event is located at the end of the street. Parking is right after the event.

Is there parking available on site?
YES!!!!! The parking is free and located on site. Drive past the event entrance and you will find it!

Is there an additional cost for parking?
There is no charge 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?
Oh, yes! We will have both adult and kid food available! Healthy and otherwise!

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! If you have any further questions, please feel free to give the event office a call at 612.331.5600. In fact, we would encourage a call to make sure your experience is seamless at the event!

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

Is there available lodging in the area?
Yes! We will be posting local lodging options in the near future.

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. The Tumbleweed Express is going to be rolling into Minneapolis in August.