Polar Express

[alloyd1170]

Ok it's not Disney, but it's almost like it. We saw a sneak preview last night and it was good. My 2.5 yr old actually stayed awake during it (after playing outside all day and not napping), and stayed in his seat the entire 1.5 hrs. The graphics are so good I almost thought they were real actors at times. The story line is cute (based on a book). If you have kids that love Santa, Christams, and trains, like my son, then go see it. Our Hallmark store sells some ornaments from the movie, including the bell (my son loves it now), as well as the original book, the movie book, a board book for young kids, plates, the mug and saucer used for drinking hot chocolate, frames, snowglobes, a neat train latern, train "ticket" replica, and a few other items.

alison

 

[Beth8266]

Do you know the story from the book? Is it true to the story? I love the book so very much!! I dont want to be disappointed in the movie if it doesnt stay true to the book.

 

[disneyfan551]

I'm so excited to see the movie!! Our local tourist train is even having a Polar Express ride for a month! They encourage the kids to wear their pj's, and they'll get hot cocoa, cookies, and a bell during the reading of the PE. When they get half way through the trip, they will arrive at "the North Pole", and Santa will get on board for the remainder of the ride & will visit with each child! My 3yo is so excited!

 

[CapeCodFam]

N. Conway does the polar express train ride every christmas season. Tickets are hard to get though. It looks just like the book. right down to going to the North Pole to see santa. I would love to do it, but as you can see I'll be in Disney soon enough and enjoying their christmas festivities. Maybe next year My 3 boys would love it.

Toys r us sells a phone call from santa for 4.99. I was just curious if any one has done this before. If so could you tell me about it please. My 8 year old is kinda on the fence. I would at least get a couple of more years of believing.

Thanks

 

[alloyd1170]

Im not sure how close it follows the book as I didnt really know about it until recently. WARNING: description of movie follows, but not in great detail so as to not spoil it for some!

Basically its about a boy who doesnt believe in Santa anymore (or has doubts) and tells his sister hes not real. The train comes and picks him up. Along the way he meets other kids, getting close to a little boy who doesnt have much, a little girl who is a leader, and another boy whos sort of obnoxious. Hes also helped out by a "ghost" hobo. It depicts the trains journey to the North Pole, getting separated from the group and finding their way back, the first gift of Christmas presented by Santa to someone special, and the trip home. The colors, and graphics are amazing. As I said-sometimes it looks like theyre real actors, not CGI. Tom Hanks does the voice of 5 characters; Santa, conductor, ghost, and the other 2 Im not sure about (the boy us father maybe). Its a great story, and I will definetly see it again and buy it when it comes out on dvd since its sure to be a classic.

alison

 

[3MouseMom]

I haven't seen it but saw Ebert & Roeper review, they said:

It's true to the book, but the book is short so much extra/nwe detail is added in. It was 2 thumbs way up, an unbelievable accomplishment and sure to be a classic for generations to come much like the Wizard of Oz...I thought that was quite a big statement right there. It's coming to IMAX where we live, I am really looking forward to it.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Here's a link to the movies website
Polar Express

They did some sort of digitizing of live action video. Sounds really cool. Can't wait to see it!

 

[MinnieGi]

I just read my 4yo DD the book tonight and she is so excited to go see the movie. I'm very excited to see it too!

 

[dirkus]

Can anyoone tell me... are the movies they play on the Disney cruises strictly Disney or might this be on our cruise in December? I would love to take our son to this but I think it would be perfect to see it on the cruise. If there is any chance of that, I'll wait.

 

[alloyd1170]

Of all the cruises Ive been on (not Dis though), the movies have all been old ones that are now available on dvd/vhs, so I dont think this one would be on it.

alison

 

[takemetoo]

Chris Van Allsburg (the author of Polar Express) lives in my city. The local paper interviewed him about it, and he is very pleased with the movie version. They added a lot of back story aparently, but kept the story intact. He also wrote Jumanji, and did not like the movie version. We are not going to see the movie, however. My oldest is four, an I don't want to introuce the idea that some people don't believe. He wasn't afraid of monsters until he saw Monsters Inc and the little children afraid in the movie. We'll read the book (which we have, waiting, I love it) and see the movie when they start questioning. I hope it'll extend the magic then.

 

[Finally_Talking]

To CapeCodFam - I (along with friends and family) have been trying to get North Conway, NH Polar Express tickets every year, for several years with no such luck! I would LOVE to be able to take my children before they get too old for it. I am amazed that no one I know has EVER been chosen from the ticket lottery...

That is basically the reason we're visiting WDW after Thanksgiving this year. Yet again, no Polar Express tickets - so we decided to head south to catch some holiday cheer instead.

Hope you have fun, too!