Fond memories of our trip from five years ago; December 1st 2012. Everyone was enthused as our party boarded and in this photo the stationmaster waves us on our way. Hot chocolate has never tasted so good as when riding on The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad's "North Pole Express". The experience is akin to being in a place outside of Time for the sheer number of nostalgic cues. Meeting Santa Claus and receiving our complimentary sleigh bells was the icing on the cake.
The first few years we went on this ride, there was a Groupon offer available which made the price a bit easier to deal with. Cost for all 4 of us to ride was typically under $100 - still astoundingly over priced for what it is (essentially a 45 minute train ride with hot chocolate, a cookie and perhaps 15 minutes of live entertainment). This year the Groupon deal was not offered, so the total cost came to about $200. Unless the price drops dramatically, or the Groupon deal is offered again, we will not be returning next year.
Overall value:
My family has attended this event for the past few years with our 2 boys, now 8 and 5. As each year has passed, I find this event to be less and less appealing overall for several reasons. Here are a few examples of a few things specifically I have seen change:
Great Christmas Experience for young and old. We brought our grand kids for the North Pole Express ride, all were thrilled!
Last year our train was broken. We were fully refunded our money (minis the $20 parking fee). And given free tickets for the next year. While we were stuck the adults were given free adult beverages. Talk about great customer service! I know this isn't cheap, but they care about your experience and the customer service is phenomenal. The staff and cast are awesome! So friendly and so much fun. The kids loved it! Parking in the lot is really tight. Try and find parking on the street. And I upgraded to the steam engine since the tickets were free but I think the experience was the same. The first class looked nice because you were at a table, but we had fun in the regular seats just the same! Hope you enjoy as mich as we did!
While my kids still enjoyed the ride this year, I found the value for $200 simply was not there. I will be looking in to similar train rides around the region for next year.
Cost:
Entertainment:
Refreshments:
In previous years, there were the strolling guitar/banjo players who lead everyone in carols for a good portion of the trip. This year the musician (while good) seemed like he was only around for about 10-15 minutes of the trip, then disappeared. The scavenger hunt included in recent years (having the kids find objects hidden around the car) was also not done this year.
This review is specific to the "North Pole Express" train ride run out of this station.
A great scenic train ride that keeps an authentic feel from the old days . You see several historic areas and the scenery in the fall was awesome . You have the option of drinks and an opportunity to have your picture taken. The staff were very knowledgeable and extremely friendly . They even all helped me search my area when I couldn't find my wallet when it was to get off ( it was in my backpack the entire time.. sigh ) A huge thank you to the staff for going above and beyond ! I definitely recommend taking this train ride .. you will leave with a smile
A very minor point, but in all previous years the "elf" assistants have offered our kids refills on their hot chocolate and/or another cookie during the latter part of the trip - no so this year.
New Hope Ivyland Railroad is a US Point Of Interest based in New Hope, New Jersey. New Hope Ivyland Railroad is located at 32 W Bridge St, New Hope, PA 18938, USA.
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