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 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?
At the Medina Railroad Museum, 530 West Ave., Medina, NY 14103. Medina is centered about 1 hour's drive from Niagara Falls, Buffalo and Rochester, NY.

When is the event?
May 8, 9, 10 and May 15, 16, & 17, 2009.

When do tickets go on sale?
January 2, 2009 at 12:00 noon EST.

How much are tickets?
All tickets are $18.00.

How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available by clicking on the www.ticketweb.com/dowt 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 25 minute 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. Ticket price also includes admission to the Medina Railroad Museum, the largest railroad and toy train museum in New York State.

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?
Every 45 minutes starting at 9:30am sharp. Departure times are 9:30, 10:15, 11:00, 11:45, 12:30, 1:15, 2:00, 2:45, 3:30, 4:15, 5:00 and 5:45. On Fridays the first train will depart at 12:30pm.

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 only. Guests must be together during boarding if they wish to sit together on the train.

How long is the train ride?
Each train ride is 25 minutes long.

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

How do I get to there?
Most guests will come along the New York State Thruway I-90 and exit at Exit 48A, Pembroke. Turn left onto NY-77 and travel straight north to Medina. NY-77 changes to NY-63 at a four way stop at Albama, NY, go straight through on NY-63 there. Turn left at the traffic light at the south edge of Medina and go 0.1 miles and turn right onto Gwinn St. and follow Thomas Parking signs.

Is there parking available on site?
Yes, parking is adjacent to the site.

Is there an additional cost for parking?
No. Parking is free.

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 large food court with selections for kids and adults.

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?
The grounds and museum are handicap accessible. The passenger coaches are of historic vintage and are not handicap accessible; however, we have skilled personnel who will assist handicap guests with boarding with a stair chair..

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

Is there available lodging in the area?
There is only one small motel in Medina. There are several franchise motels within 17 to 30 miles of the event. Links to accommodations can be found on our web site.

How do I find out about other events?
You can find the complete Day Out With Thomas 2009 schedule by clicking on www.thomasandfriends.com/dowt.