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 and museums across the North America.
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 St. Thomas-Elgin Memorial Centre at 80 Wilson Avenue, St. Thomas, ON, N5R 3R2
When is the event?
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, July 16, 17, 18 & 23, 24, 25, 2010
When do tickets go on sale?
January 18, 2010
How much are tickets?
$20 for all persons ages 2 and older.
Effective May 1, 2010 all DOWT tickets will be subject to the new Ontario Harmonized Sales Tax of 13% which replaces the current Goods & Services Tax of 5%.
How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available by clicking on the www.ticketweb.ca/dowt icon on the Day Out With Thomas main page or by calling Ticketweb at 888.222.6608.
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. In addition, your ticket stub will gain you free admission to the Elgin County Railway Museum at 225 Wellington Street in St. 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?
Trains depart each day every 45 minutes starting at 8:45 am with the last train departing at 5:00 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?
25 minutes round trip.
Are you limited to just one train ride?
There is one train ride per ticket.
How do I get to there?
Westbound Highway 401 Take Exit 186 and proceed southbound on Wellington Road approximately 17 km (10.5 miles) straight through the lights at Highway # 3 to the next set of lights at the bottom of the hill which is Sunset Drive. Continue through the lights on hwy 4, which veers off to the left just after the lights, towards Port Stanley. Procede approximately 2 1/2 km (1 1/2 miles) to the second set of lights which is Elm Street and turn left. Turn left again almost immediately at the first set on lights on to Wilson Avenue. Parking for 'Day Out With Thomas' will be in the lot on your right hand side just after turning the corner.
Eastbound Highway 401 & 402 Take 401 Exit 177 or 402 Exit 98 and proceed southbound on Highway # 4 approximately 10 km (6 miles) from Highway # 401 and 14 km (9 miles) from Highway 402, through the village of Talbotville, then down the hill into St. Thomas. Veer right at the lights at the bottom of the hill on hwy 4 towards Port Stanley. Procede approximately 2 1/2 km (1 1/2 miles) to the second set of lights which is Elm Street and turn left. Turn left again almost immediately at the first set on lights on to Wilson Avenue. Parking for 'Day Out With Thomas' will be in the lot on your right hand side just after turning the corner.
Postal Code for GPS - N5R 3R2
Click here for a map.
Is there parking available on site?
Yes.
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?
Yes. There will be a variety of different foods available on site.
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?
Yes. The following properties offer accommodation.
Four Points Sheraton Hotel & Suites London
1150 Wellington Rd. S (Located across from White Oaks Mall)
London, ON, N6E 1M3
Toll-free Reservations: 1-800-368 7764
Phone: 519-681 0600 Ext 8203
E-mail: janicegriffith@fourpointslondon.com
Website: http://www.fourpoints.com/london
Ask for our Thomas The Tank Engine package.
Radisson Hotel & Suites London
855 Wellington Road South
London, ON, N6E 3N5
Toll-free Reservations: 1-800-395-7046
Phone: 519-668-7900
E-mail: whg7109res@whg.com
Website http://www.radisson.com/londonca
Thomas is coming! The Radisson Hotel & Suites London is located 15 minutes from St. Thomas. Check out our website for great packages.
Best Western Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre
6675 Burtwistle Lane
London, ON N6L 1H5
Toll Free Reservations: 1-888-471-2378
Phone: 519-652-6022
E-mail: hotelinfo@stoneridgeinn.com
Website: http://www.stoneridgeinn.com
Thomas is back! Located only 10 minutes from St. Thomas. Free Breakfast. Ask about our special Day out with Thomas rates!
Hampton Inn by Hilton London
840 Exeter Road
London, ON N6E 1L5
Toll-free Reservations: 1-888-999-4404
Phone: 519-649-6500
Email: amy.dykxhoorn@hilton.com
Website: www.londonontario.hamptoninn.com
We love having you here.® We are located right of Highway 401 and Exeter Road and only a 15 minute drive from St. Thomas. Each overnight guest receives free hot breakfast during their stay. Please see our website for further details and packages.
'Listings Ontario' also has several listings on their website. For Elgin County, including St. Thomas, click here. For nearby London click here.
How do I find out about other events?
You can find the complete Day Out With Thomas 2010 schedule by
clicking on www.thomasandfriends.com/dowt. 
|
