When we got to the train station, we arrived right at boarding time so we hopped on the train and got a table in the dining car. Nolan was hesitant at first and had to check everything out thoroughly, and wasn't quite sure what we were doing sitting down, waiting for the train to start. The train was decorated in lots of holiday cheer, and Nolan liked to wave his ticket in the air, ready to start moving!
Once we started moving, he thought it was amazing! I think he was in disbelief that he was on an actual Choo-choo! He enjoyed a little snack and some water while we waited for Santa to make his appearance, and he liked watching out the window as we slowly rode by.
Since we were in one of the end cars, Santa ended up starting off in our section, so as soon as we took off, he made his grand entrance! Nolan had his eye on him the entire time until he came to our table, and was so happy to see him, he gave him a big hug and then Santa picked him up for a photo-op (which made for some really awkward photos). Of course, even though Nolan loved Santa, he became super shy (just like in Disneyland with the characters), and froze while Santa held him and talked to him. The second he said Bye and left, Nolan asked for him right away! Crazy kid, hopefully next year he will interact a little more with the Big Guy!
Afterwards, we continued to ride through Boulder City, while Nolan finished his pretzel snack and enjoyed dancing to the Christmas music playing over the speakers. We let him walk around in our section and he enjoyed sitting from our table to Aunt Denise's and climbing up and down on the chairs, as well as doing little dances in the aisle. I'd say his first train ride was a success!
Once the train returned to the station, we walked around and checked out some big trains parked outside. Nolan loved looking at them and was surprised at how big they were in person! We made our way over to the Train Museum and this was ah.may.zing for Nolan to look at- he was amazed at all the moving trains and sounds. I instantly wanted to get him one for our Christmas tree... but then realized he would probably destroy it this year, so we'll wait until he's a little older! He loved checking out each set and even got to play with his own trains in the kids section.
Our day at the Santa Train was such a fun experience and we will gladly do this every year as a new tradition! To top it off, we ended our afternoon with lunch at Pit Stop... which, of course, was delicious! We can't wait to go back during the warmer months just to ride the train again for fun!
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