PRE-EVENT INFORMATION

What is Day Out With Thomas™?
Day Out With Thomas™ is a family event that offers aspiring engineers and their families the unique opportunity to take a ride with the classic storybook engine, Thomas the Tank Engine™ at regional heritage railroads across the country.

Who is Thomas the Tank Engine?
Since Thomas the Tank Engine left the depot more than 65 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 event is held at the Wales West Light Railway located at 13670 Smiley St. in Silverhill, Al. 36576

When is the event?
The event dates are the weekends of May 5th & 6th and May 12th & 13th (Mother's Day.) Look for our special Mother's Day Prices!!!!

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

How much are tickets?
Tickets are $18.00 per person plus tax. Group rates of 20 or more tickets are $14.00 plus tax.                     ***SPECIAL DEAL*** May 13th only: All tickets are $16.00 plus tax.

How do I purchase tickets?
You can purchase tickets with a credit card at www.ticketweb.com/dowt or call 866.468.7630 or by phone or in person at the Wales West Light Railway Box Office: (888) 569-5337

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.

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?
The 1st. train departs at 9:45 AM and every 45 minutes there after. The last train departs at 4:30 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. Guests must be together during boarding if they wish to sit together on the train.

How long is the train ride?
Approximately 20 minutes.

Are you limited to just one train ride?
There is one train ride per ticket. Reride tickets are available at a discounted price!!

How do I get to there?
From the East (Pensacola, Fl.)

From interstate #10 turn off at exit #44 (Gulf Shores, Beaches) onto Alabama highway. #59 south. Travel south 14.7 miles on highway # 59 south to the traffic light at county road # 32. Turn right and travel west 5.6 miles on county road #32 to the 4 way stop at county road # 9. Turn right onto county road # 9 and travel north 2.3 miles to the park entrance on the right hand side of the road.

From the West (Mobile, Al.)

From interstate #10 turn off at exit #38 (Spanish Fort, Daphne) onto U.S. highway #181/27 south. Travel south on US highway #181/27 for 9.6 miles to the traffic light at county road #48. (Wal-mart on corner) Turn left onto county road #48 and travel 4 miles east to the intersection of county roads #48 and #9. Turn right onto county road #9 and travel 1.4 miles to the entrance of the park on the left.

From the North (Montgomery, Al.)

 From interstate #65 turn off at exit #34 (Bay Minette, Stockton) onto Alabama highway #59 south. Continue south on state highway #59 (approx. 20 miles) until you come to the interstate #10 overpass. Then continue south on Alabama highway. #59 south 14.7 miles to the traffic light at county road # 32. Turn right and travel west 5.6 miles on county road #32 to the 4 way stop at county road # 9. Turn right onto county road # 9 and travel north 2.3 miles to the park entrance on the right hand side of the road.

If your need further assisance with directions, please contact the Railway at 888-569-5337.

Is there parking available on site?
Yes, there is ample parking available!

Is there an additional cost for parking?
No and thank for asking.

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?
Yes! The most awesome food ever!

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!

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

Is there available lodging in the area?
Full hook-up RV sites are available on site, please call the Railway at 888-569-5337 for more info. Hotels are also available in Fairhope & Foley Al. approx. 15 minutes away. Foley area information: http://www.southbaldwinchamber.com Fairhope area information: http://www.eschamber.com

How do I find out about other events?
You can find the complete Day Out With Thomas 2011 schedule by clicking on www.thomasandfriends.com/dowt.