OT: Day Out with Thomas (PA)

[goofygal531]

Anyone been to the Day Out with Thomas at Strassburg Railroad in Lancaster PA?

We'll be staying two nights at the new Wingate on Lincoln Hwy with the HoJo indoor waterpark passes included.

We'll be arriving Friday evening, have Saturday free (might go to Dutch Wonderland) then have tickets to ride Thomas on Sunday morning.

We've been there two years ago, but just overnight. It was way too hot to really do or see anything outdoors. We went to ride Thomas then spent 1/2 day at Dutch Wonderland. This trip we'd like to explore a little more of the Amish community.

Any ideas, tips, suggestions?

I'm kinda lost planning a trip other than to Disney!

 

[eww1024]

Two tips:

1. Get to the railroad early! It's a small town and a small railroad, and it fills up quick. If you want to park anywhere near the railroad, go as soon as it opens. Yes, even on a Sunday.

2. Go into town for some lunch and homemade ice cream. There's a small deli and ice cream shop right on 741 in Strasburg and, of course, I can't remember the name, but you can't miss it. The ice cream is awesome!

 

[chloe770]

Check out Cherry Crest Farms.(They have a website). We went in the fall and had alot of fun. Also there ae amish horse and buggy tours everywhere. Your hotel should be able to reccommend one. ENJOY!

 

[jenniferreich]

Hi! I hope you have a great trip! I just went to Dutch Wonderland with my two sons (4 and 2) last week! We all had a great time. It's not a big park, and it's not as shiny clean as Disney, but my kids had fun. They can pretty much go on all of the rides. There's a short Thomas show that runs a few times a day, and my sons were thrilled to see a huge selection of take-along Thomas trains to buy in the large gift shop.

We went to day out with Thomas a few years ago, and I don't know if it's changed, but the parking filled up really really fast. They had several lots, which got father and farther away as they filled up. We had to ride a school bus to get to the train, which was quite an adventure with a 1- and 3-year old!

Jennifer

 

[sharonabe]

Look up the Choo Choo Barn. It's a huge (like your house) model train layout. There is a cost, but I don't remember it being all that much and you can stay as long as you want.

 

[goofygal531]

Thanks for all the replies!

We really enjoyed Dutch Wonderland! This time I plan to bring our swimsuits for the waterpark - didn't know about the waterpark last time!

I'm not looking forward to all the Thomas merchandise! My older son had accumulated quite a Thomas collection which we've passed down to my DS2. I'm trying to only purchase the new trains.

We briefly visited the Choo Choo Barn, it's a one room model train. Not really worth the trip for us. Not that exciting, KWIM?

I do remember the parking at Strasburg! We had arrived one hour early for our 10am train ride and the parking lot was almost full. We noticed signs for $10 to park on the neighbors lawn!

I'll check out the website for the Cherry Crest Farm, that sounds like fun.

Anything else to do in the area?? Any good restaurants?

 

[RMulieri]

I have and will echo the PP.Get there early , there were a TON of people. That said it was quite cute.

 

[nickandregan]

Just got back from Strasburg last week. We went w/out our kids for 15 yr. anniversary. We had dinner at the Iron horse inn. Food was excellent, so was the service it was a little pricey though. We also did dinner at the Lancaster Brewing co. about 20 minutes outside of Strasburg you're hotel is actually closer. Food was really good and the price was not bad at all. The portions were huge so keep that in mind. Have a great trip we can't wait to bring our kids there in the winter for the Christmas train ride. There is a five guys burger I believe right by your hotel. I've never eaten there but my dh swears they have the best burgers and fries.