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?
At the Heber Valley Railroad in Heber City Utah. 450 S 600 W Heber City, UT 84032

When is the event?
Memorial Day Weekend May 22 - 26, 2008

When do tickets go on sale?
March 1st

How much are tickets?
May 22 & 23 - All tickets $16 ages 2 years and up.
May 24 - 26 - All tickets $18 ages 2 years and up.

How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available by clicking on the www.ticketweb.com icon on the Day Out With Thomas main page or by calling SmithsTix at 800-888-TIXX.

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 Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor.

Are discount tickets available?
Tickets are $14 for groups of 25 or more.

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?
Thursday, May 22: 12:00 noon, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:15pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:30 p.m., 5:15 pm and 6:00 pm.

Friday, May 23: 11:15 am, 12:00 noon, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:15pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:15 pm and 6:00 pm.

Saturday, May 24: 9:45am, 10:30am, 11:15 am, 12:00 noon, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:15pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:15 pm, and 6:00 pm.

Sunday, May 25: 9:45am, 10:30am, 11:15 am, 12:00 noon, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:15pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm, and 4:30 pm.

Monday, May 26: 9:45am, 10:30am, 11:15 am, 12:00 noon, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:15pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:30 pm, and 5:15 pm.

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.

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 approximately 25 minutes.

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

How do I get to there?
Heber Valley Railroad is located at 450 South 600 West in Heber City, Utah, approximately 1 hour from Salt Lake City, 25 minutes from Park City, and 45 minutes from Provo.

From Salt Lake City: Take Interstate 80 eastward from Salt Lake City to U.S. Highway 40 (Exit No. 146). Proceed 17 miles on U.S. 40 eastward to Heber City, and turn right on 100 South Street (second traffic light). Proceed 6 blocks westward and turn left on 600 West Street. Proceed 3 ½ blocks southward and park in the large parking lot across the street from the railroad depot.

From Park City: Take Kearns Boulevard eastward out of town approximately 2 miles, turning right onto U.S. Highway 40 east. Proceed 13 miles on U.S. 40 to Heber City, and turn right on 100 South Street (second traffic light). Proceed 6 blocks westward and turn left on 600 West Street. Proceed 3 ½ blocks southward and park in the large parking lot across the street from the railroad depot.

From Provo: Take U.S. Highway 189 (University Avenue) northward, through Provo Canyon, to Heber City. Turn left onto U.S. 40 (Main Street), and turn left again at 100 South Street. Proceed 6 blocks westward and turn left on 600 West Street. Proceed 3 ½ blocks southward and park in the large parking lot across the street from the railroad depot.

Click here for a map.

Is there parking available on site?
Parking is located across the street from the Heber Valley Railroad depot. Overflow parking will be within one block of the depot. Handicap parking is located adjacent to the depot facility. Due to the close proximity to the depot, shuttles will not be used.

Is there an additional cost for parking?
No.

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?
A variety of hot and cold food items will be available at the event. Items include hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, soft drinks, packaged ice cream, snow cones, candy and bottled water.

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?
The Heber Valley Railroad depot, gift shop and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. The train’s open-air cars are wheelchair accessible, by using a mechanical lift. Please inform the ticket agents of special boarding needs, prior to boarding time.

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

Is there available lodging in the area?
Lodging facilities include Holiday Inn Express, the Homestead Resort, Swiss Alps Inn, National 9 High Country Inn and numerous bed-and-breakfast and resort-type properties. Additional information can be obtained by calling the Heber Valley Railroad at (435) 654-5601.

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.