Queenie D.
Yelp
If you have a little one like me who is in that magical age where engines and trucks and such is the bees knees, then the two hour ride may be the right amount of time for you.
We went on a nice Saturday afternoon and my kid was absolutely over the moon with the experience. The staff were wonderful and thoughtful from start to finish. The train was clean and they provide masks ... now, I'm pro-masking but honestly, at this point, I mean, what's the point? the first half doesn't wear them right, and the rest takes them off completely as they end up eating popcorn or other snacks they sell on board - but A+ for the effort though. There were still a good majority that kept them on. Honestly, the whole set up didn't bother me. The indoor/closed train cart was spaced out enough that we were still very comfortable.
There are plenty of bathrooms and one in the very end by the concession stand has a diaper changing station should you need it.
I'm not sure how the indoor carts are in the summer time, but it was on the warmer side when we were there. So if you're hot natured, there's a cart with ceiling fans (enclosed), then there's a full on outdoor cart (super windy) and then there's one that's partial (with large windows you can open and close). There's also a cart for anyone in wheelchair or scooters.
Bringing a stroller was a bit of challenge as you have to carry it up the narrow steps (I mean, it's a train lol). So if you have a double stroller or a larger/heavier one, keep that in mind. If you have to use it, maybe you can ask if you can go through the cart that has mobility access.
Concession stand offers warmed up pretzel, fresh popcorn, some chips and candies, bottled soda, hot cocoa, and some simple souvenirs like t shirts and magnets.
Adults are around 40-45 bucks and kids 2+ are around 30. Kids 2 and under can sit on the lap and are free.
Our ride was for 2 hours and the train left promptly at 3pm. So make sure you either have eaten already and in line by around 230 (that's when boarding starts). You can also bring you own snacks.
The view was okay. Only one side has a true view so the conductor will make you switch sides. The first hour goes to Tennessee, stops by that small town at the border for ten minutes (you can't get off), then heads back the same way (and that's when they make you switch). Which we didn't mind. We got to sit on the side with the the view on the way there so my kid was SO excited. On the way back, we got popcorn and that kept him pretty busy since it got pretty boring without views.
All in all, it was a good experience since my kid is really into trains right now. Very low frill and a chill couple of hours. If you've got kids that easily bore, I'd say bring the iPads and headphones because I did see a lot of bored kids (even adults).
And oh, there's a photographer that'll take pictures. If you're interested in keeping it, it's $20 - they also take both cash and card on the train for both the photos and the concession stand.
In conclusion - I say try it once. The 2 hour trip was plenty enough for the "experience", I'd say.