Six Tips for a Successful Day Out with Thomas
Our family recently took a trip to Lancaster, PA to spend a Day Out with Thomas (and Percy)! My boys are 3 ½ and 1 ½ and our oldest absolutely loves Thomas (like most toddlers). We had a great Day Out with Thomas and I hope you do as well, so here are my Six Tips for a Successful Day Out with Thomas.
1) Bring your own water, snacks or lunch.
Under the main tent, they had food for sale and some tables to sit and eat, but there was nothing prohibiting families from bringing in a cooler and picnic lunch. I saw one family with a large picnic basket at one of the table and I thought- what a great idea! Not only can you save some money by packing your own lunch, but you are not limited to the French fries and hamburgers that were for sale. We did bring our own bottles of water in our backpack which was smart because it was hot!
2) Wear sunscreen.
Although there is a large tent for activities and shopping, while you wait for your train ride, you are in the sun. We had a little umbrella that we held over the boys to keep them shaded while we waited for our turn to board the train, but shade was limited outside of the main tent. Make sure you have sunscreen on to avoid getting burned.
3) Buy Tickets beforehand.
We didn’t have any problems getting the time we wanted to ride Thomas because we bought tickets online a few weeks before the event. Don’t wait until the day-of to purchase your tickets- I’ve heard they do sell out!
4) Go the second Weekend!
This is an insider secret: go the second weekend. Most people are eager to see Thomas and they purchase tickets for the opening weekend. It’s usually more crowded and you may not be able to purchase tickets for the time you really want. If you have flexibility in your schedule, go the second weekend.
5) Less Crowded in the Afternoon.
Let’s face it, we have toddlers and they are at their best in the morning. That means that the Day Out with Thomas is packed in the morning! If you can swing it- get tickets for the afternoon. The trains are less crowded and there are virtually no lines for the other activities.
6) Don’t Buy the Pictures.
They have photographers that will take your picture in front of Thomas, Sir Topham Hatt, Percy (if he’s there) and inside the train during your trip. They hand you a little ticket and then you have to go stand in a line to view and purchase your pictures. Not. Worth. It. Guess what? If you hand the photographer your phone or camera, they will snap the picture with your device. Skip the line, save your cash, and just ask them to take the picture with your own camera!
Our Day Out with Thomas was a huge success. We planned for a long day and we were prepared for basically anything. Thank goodness our boys were on their best behavior and we were able to avert meltdowns. Hope you enjoy your Day Out with Thomas!
