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?
The event will be held at the 1880 Train-Hill City Depot. The depot is located at 222 Railroad Ave. Hill City, SD (map).

When is the event?
June 6-8 and 13-15, 2008.

When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased through TicketWeb. Follow the Buy Tickets link on the main Thomas page or call 866-468-7630.

How much are tickets?
Regular Tickets: $18.00 plus tax for ages 2 and up

Combo Tickets:
Includes one ride behind Thomas and one round trip ride aboard the 1880 Train.
$34.67 plus tax- 13 years and up
$27.52 plus tax- ages 2-12
Free- under 2 years

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 Ticketweb at 866.468.7630.

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?
There are no discount tickets available for Day Out With Thomas.

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?
Thomas departure times are:
9:00 AM
10:05 AM
10:45 AM
11:30 AM (combo tickets available at this time)
12:20 PM (combo tickets available at this time)
1:20 PM (combo tickets available at this time)
2:00 PM (combo tickets available at this time)
2:45 PM
3:50 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 in length.

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

How do I get to there?
Visit our Maps page for directions.

Is there parking available on site?
Day Out With Thomas parking will be off site and will be located at both the Hill City High School and the Hill City football field. The designated parking sites will be clearly marked and will be within walking distance of the event.

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?
Food will be available at the Highliner Snack Bar as well as at other food vendor booths at the event. The Highliner Snack Bar will be open from 8:00am to 5:30pm.

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, we have a wheelchair lift available for boarding the train and also space for wheelchairs on both the Thomas train and the 1880 Train. Handicap parking will be at the 1880 Train parking lot.

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

Is there available lodging in the area?
*Golden Spike-Best Western Inn- 605-574-2577 (Preferred Lodging for the Event)
Holiday Inn Express- 605-574-4040
Comfort Inn- 605-574-2100
Super 8- 605-574-4141

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.