I still have to share the rest of our Road trip with you! I can’t believe it’s been over a week since we got back. So, let me tell you about our hotel stay in Green Bay, WI, and of course, a review of “A Day Out with Thomas.”
After our fun at Bay Beach, we headed back to the hotel. I got a great deal on Priceline at the Ramada Inn. For $55, we got a nice, clean room with a view of the pool and a continental breakfast. The pool also had 2 water slides! According to their website, the slides are only open on the weekend, but to the kid’s delight, they opened them when we were there on Thursday afternoon. The Ramada is also conveniently located in Green Bay near tons of restaurants and shopping. Lucky for me, since I had to run to Target for swim diapers.
We were hoping no naps and a late afternoon of the pool would tire everyone out, but everyone managed to stick it out until well after their usual bed time of 7 pm. I was worried we wouldn’t get up early enough to make it on time to Thomas, but I was wrong. Everyone was up nice and early. The hotel was nice enough to give us a late check out time, so we could come back and pack up later.
I purchased our tickets for “A Day Out with Thomas” well ahead of time, however, seating was still limited. When you buy tickets, you need to choose both a time, and the type of Train you want to ride in. The Train closest to Thomas was sold out, so I chose the 9:15 am Train that was a single-level. There is also a double-level car, and an open air car.
The tickets for the event advised you to arrive an hour prior to Train boarding time. I didn’t really understand why, until we went to find parking.
At our Event, which took place at the Green Bay Railroad Museum, you parked in a lot, then took a bus to the Event area. My kids were thrilled! An actual School Bus! Seriously, they loved it. Plus, it made it super easy because there was plenty of free parking. We also brought our wagon, which folds up nicely and fit in the bus perfectly.
Once we arrived at the Event, there was a TON of stuff for the kids to do. First, we stopped for souvenir conductor hats and key chains, then got some cute pictures in Thomas/Percy cutouts.
We still had some time before we boarded, so we headed to meet Sir Topham Hat. Only my oldest was brave enough to actually meet him. He was a little scary for the twins.
Next, we headed to where they had a bunch of train tables set up for play, a motorized train set going to watch, a few people applying temporary tattoos, and a few crafts to make. The boys weren’t really into the crafts, but they all loved the tattoos, and the train tables were one of their favorite parts of the day. What was not a favorite? Leaving all the trains at the table. One of the twins tried to pile them all in the wagon when we had to leave. He was NOT happy when I put them back.
Before a major meltdown occurred, we headed out to board our train. As I mentioned earlier, we were in the single-level car. Since we were the first train of the day and the windows were open, it wasn’t too warm. I would imagine as the day went on, it would get pretty hot, so I would suggest the open air car if you’re going in the afternoon.
While on the train, they play the famous Thomas music, and the conductor makes periodic announcements. You do two loops around for about a half hour ride. Also, the train conductors come to punch your ticket, then give you a souvenir certificate.
Speaking of souvenirs, they were all really expensive. I opted to get a flag, which was $4.99, to hang in my son’s room, then I went shopping in the railroad museum gift shop. I was able to score museum shirts for 1/2 price from their last graffiti exhibit. I thought they were pretty cool, and you can’t beat half price!
After the train ride, the kids got to get their picture in front of the Thomas train. It was pretty hard to get them all to look, since they were so busy looking at Thomas, as you can see.
We then got a little snack, and went back in for more play time. The twins were happy to go back to the train table, and they had a singer/entertainer that my oldest really enjoyed. He got a train whistle and got to go on stage and perform too.
After that finished, we were ready to head out. The kids were happy to get one more bus ride!
Overall, we had a great day at “A Day Out with Thomas.” The tickets are a little pricey, but they are worth it if you have big Thomas the Train fans in your house. I highly recommend getting one of the earlier train tickets because in addition to being cooler in the train, we were able to participate in all the activities without hardly any lines or waiting.
We just went to the Day Out With Thomas in CT! My son was so excited! He LOVES Thomas too. But he was afraid to stand with Sir Topham! Loved your pictures.
Yes, my twins were afraid too. He was pretty big! Thanks for reading! Glad to hear you guys had fun too. 🙂
What a fun day with Thomas the Train. The boys looked like they had so much fun!
I bet that was so much fun!
This looks so fun! My little guy is obsessed with Thomas so he wouldve loved this one! I haven’t had the chance to take him yet.. hopefully next year he still likes Thomas (it just came to our state recently). Glad the boys had a blast 🙂
Oh my! My boys would have been in heaven!
Looks like a great day! We have done a day out with Thomas for 6 years or so. Always fun, but by the time it happens here in IL, it’s August and sweltering. I’m kind of thankful my littlest doesn’t love Thomas quite as much as the other kids, and we can just go to the railway museum on a non-Thomas day 😉
Oh yes. WI is nice and humid by that time too.
We only live a half hour away from Green Bay! I actually took my kids to Thomas a few years ago. The kids loved it and it was a great day! We also love Bay Beach! Can’t find rides that cheap anywhere else! So nice to hear from a fellow Wisconsinite, even if you don’t live here anymore!
I’m still here! I moved away for college and few years after that, but I’m back now!
Oh cool! Do you live in Green Bay?
No, but only about 2 hours away! 🙂
My youngest is obsessed with Thomas. lol
This looks like a really fun day 🙂
I see so many people posting pictures from one of these events and I’ve often wondered how it all works. Looks like a lot of fun, but also really hectic. My kids love trains (their birthday presents last year was a membership to our state railroad museum), but since they’re not die-hard Thomas fans, I think I’ll skip this. Thanks so much for the great review!
You’re welcome. Definitely less hectic if you go bright and early. But, yes, if not die hard Thomas fans, might not be for them.
Oh my goodness! Looks like you guys had an awesome time. Your boys are adorable! Glad you got a good deal on that room & that they got to enjoy swimming too!
Thank you so much Heather!
This looks like such a fun event! My kiddo loves Thomas, I’ll look out for it next year.
Yes, definitely. I know it comes round every year. 🙂
So cute! Also, great job on that deal at the Ramada Inn! I wish I had more luck getting affordable hotel rooms. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you!
This looks so fun! Who wouldn’t love a day with Thomas.
um wowwee that looks like a ton of fun!!!
Looks like a great time! My son would probably skip the mascot pic but the rest would be right up his alley! thank you for sharing…
Ha! My twins skipped it too!
So cute! I used to love Thomas the Train!
Thank you!
I would have been freaking out getting to see Thomas. What a great adventure as a family.
It was pretty cool! Thanks for reading!
Sounds like a great time. I would like to go when Thomas comes to our area.
Awesome! Hope you have as much fun as we did!
I have heard such good things about Day out with Thomas! I know so many parents who have traveled a good distance to see Thomas, and haven’t regretted it at all. It honestly looks like so much fun, and it was sweet that your family could do something together.
Yes, it was a really nice family day. Luckily, not too far, but far enough to make it a little vacation 🙂
You all are just the cutest! They looked like they had a blast!
Awe. Thank you so much!
How fun! My daughter said recently that she wants to do this, which is funny because she doesn’t even watch Thomas. It does look like fun though.
That is funny! But, I think she would have a great time.