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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?
The N.C. Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Avenue, Spencer, NC 28159.

When is the event?
September 25-27 and Oct 2-4.

When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets go on sale April 1st.

How much are tickets?
Tickets are $18 on weekends or $16 on Fridays for ages two and up. Museum Members get $2 off Saturday or Sunday tickets with ID number (limit 6). .

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 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.

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?
Friday train rides depart at 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday rides depart at the same time, with additional morning rides, at 8:30 and 9:15 a.m.

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?
The train ride is about three miles long and takes about 25 minutes..

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

How do I get to there?
The N.C. Transportation Museum is conveniently located just minutes from I-85 in Spencer, N.C., within an hour's drive from Charlotte, Greensboro or Winston-Salem. From I-85, take Exit 79 and follow the brown directional signs. You can also take North Carolina's Amtrak train to get to the event. Click here for information on train ride schedules and prices, or visit www.bytrain.org.

Is there parking available on site?
Yes, there is parking available on site, with no charge. Additional parking is available across the street, however, this is not museum property and there may be a parking fee.

Is there an additional cost for parking?
There is no charge to park on museum property.

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?
Approximatley ten food vendors will be on site - mostly area civic groups, and with very reasonable prices. The museum has three picnic shelter, or if you prefer, you are permitted to leave the site and return during the day. There are a few nice restaruants in Spencer, and Salisbury has an excellent selection. .

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. The train has a wheelchair lift. If you have specific request, simply ask a staff person and we will do our best to accomdate your needs.

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

Is there available lodging in the area?
There are a variety of hotels and bed and breakfast establishments nearby in Salisbury , N.C., just a few miles down the road. For more information on lodging, visit the Rowan County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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.