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 St. Thomas-Elgin Memorial Centre at 80 Wilson Avenue, St. Thomas, ON, N5R 3R2

When is the event?
Friday, Saturday & Sunday — July 13-15 & 20-22, 2012

When do tickets go on sale?
December 2011

How much are tickets?
$20 plus HST for all persons ages 2 and older.

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 1.888.222.6608.

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 on event days, your ticket stub will gain you FREE admission to the Elgin County Railway Museum located a short distance from the event site at 225 Wellington Street, St. Thomas, Ontario.

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: Our DOWT Hotel Sponsor is the:

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: reservations@fourpointslondon.com
Website: www.starwoodhotels.com
Ask for their Thomas The Tank Engine package.

'Listings Ontario' also has other properties on their website for Elgin County, including St. Thomas travel and London accommodations.

Platzwiki has St. Thomas hotels & maps, nearby camping sites or cottages in the surrounding area of St. Thomas.

How do I find out about other events?
You can find the complete Day Out With Thomas 2012 schedule by clicking on www.thomasandfriends.com/dowt.