SamIAm21
Mickey's #1 Fan
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2005
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Yesterday, I took my daugther and her friend to see the Christmas Carol train on its Chicago stop. When we arrived at Union Station it was already a 2 hour wait. Well, that was a bit daunting, but we stuck it out. I have to say Disney and Union Station were very prepared for a large turnout. They had jugglers, carolers, and all sorts of entertainment to make the wait a lot easier. There was also quite a few Union Station personnel on hand to make sure the line moved well and people stayed in the queue. It did zig and zag quite a bit so it could have become confusing as to where to move to next. And, in true Disney fashion, they overestimated the wait time. We waited about 90 minutes. I must admit, I was looking for the Fast Pass kiosk.
We spent a good portion of the time actually waiting on the platform next to train. At Union Station in Chicago, this is underground and it was a bit stuffy at times although they did have water stations and fans along the queue line. Other trains were also arriving and departing that area of the station, so it was also quite noisy with all the bells clanging and engines roaring. The nearby train engines also added to the "warmth" in the tunnels below the city streets. However, Disney decorated the train platform with red carpet laid out, it appeared to be freshly painted, it was decorated with fake snow bunting and beautiful street lanterns bedecked with wreaths and red bows.
The one thing I really found wonderful is that near the entrance to the train, they had a seating area for the elderly and disabled. They were able to sit there and wait rather than standing in that really long line. I just love the way Disney makes everything accessible to everyone even at events such as these.
The only downside once inside the train is actually holding your ground to be able to stop and see the exhibit. As people file in behind you, they tend to "carry" you along. A few times I had find a spot to stand off to the side to see the exhibit and take a moment to appreciate it.
The train is beautifully decorated and my favorite section was the concept art. The girls really liked the computer screens that allowed you to explore "jolly old London" and visit different scenes from the movie. The face morphing area is really what clogs up the whole exhibit with everyone stopping there to make themselves look like Ebenezer or other characters. My personal favorite was the ghost of Bob Marley. Also, don't miss several of the great photo spots near the end of the train.
Afterward, we went up into Union Station for something to eat and unfortunately, Chicago's Union Station and the surrounding area don't have many interesting or "kid-friendly" food offerings so we all settled on Pizza Hut, bllleeechh! Made me wish I were in LA with Nancy having authentic Mexican food. After eating, we went back to Union Station's Great Hall, where it was snowing on occassion (Disney snow that is) and got in line for the "sneak peak" of the movie. This line moved along quite quickly! This was shown in a temporary theater set up for the occassion and was in 3D. All I can say is this movie really makes me wish November were a bit closer, but then again, like all Chicago winter seasons, it will be here soon enough.
If this train is coming to a town near you, it makes for a great day out. Just be prepared for a wait, but given that it's free, it only costs you your time. I want to thank Nancy for reviewing it in Los Angeles, which really got me excited for its Chicago stop!!
We spent a good portion of the time actually waiting on the platform next to train. At Union Station in Chicago, this is underground and it was a bit stuffy at times although they did have water stations and fans along the queue line. Other trains were also arriving and departing that area of the station, so it was also quite noisy with all the bells clanging and engines roaring. The nearby train engines also added to the "warmth" in the tunnels below the city streets. However, Disney decorated the train platform with red carpet laid out, it appeared to be freshly painted, it was decorated with fake snow bunting and beautiful street lanterns bedecked with wreaths and red bows.
The one thing I really found wonderful is that near the entrance to the train, they had a seating area for the elderly and disabled. They were able to sit there and wait rather than standing in that really long line. I just love the way Disney makes everything accessible to everyone even at events such as these.
The only downside once inside the train is actually holding your ground to be able to stop and see the exhibit. As people file in behind you, they tend to "carry" you along. A few times I had find a spot to stand off to the side to see the exhibit and take a moment to appreciate it.
The train is beautifully decorated and my favorite section was the concept art. The girls really liked the computer screens that allowed you to explore "jolly old London" and visit different scenes from the movie. The face morphing area is really what clogs up the whole exhibit with everyone stopping there to make themselves look like Ebenezer or other characters. My personal favorite was the ghost of Bob Marley. Also, don't miss several of the great photo spots near the end of the train.
Afterward, we went up into Union Station for something to eat and unfortunately, Chicago's Union Station and the surrounding area don't have many interesting or "kid-friendly" food offerings so we all settled on Pizza Hut, bllleeechh! Made me wish I were in LA with Nancy having authentic Mexican food. After eating, we went back to Union Station's Great Hall, where it was snowing on occassion (Disney snow that is) and got in line for the "sneak peak" of the movie. This line moved along quite quickly! This was shown in a temporary theater set up for the occassion and was in 3D. All I can say is this movie really makes me wish November were a bit closer, but then again, like all Chicago winter seasons, it will be here soon enough.
If this train is coming to a town near you, it makes for a great day out. Just be prepared for a wait, but given that it's free, it only costs you your time. I want to thank Nancy for reviewing it in Los Angeles, which really got me excited for its Chicago stop!!
