I very much enjoyed my excursion on the Grand Canyon Railway. I thought the service was very good (this is also true of the hotel) and the train is in good condition. I've read a few other reviews on here that declared they were "bored". Well, everyone will have their own experience, but it does make me wonder what they were expecting. This is a leisurely and environmetally friendly way to the canyon. Anything we can do to reduce auto traffic in National Parks is a huge plus. And after all, this is a turn of last century steam train, not a thrill ride at a theme park. I will agree that the "train robbery" and "old west shootout" are over the top, but they are easily ignored. As for the scenery, the first hour of the trip is pretty desolate, but beautiful in it's own way. As you gain altitude, the views improve. As for wildlife, well, I don't think too many woodland creatures are goin to hang around as a 100 ton hissing steam locomotive passes by. I enjoyed the trip very much and believe if you are looking for a low stress way to the canyon, this is it.

We knew that we were taking a risk going to the Grand Canyon at the end of December, but decided to take the chance. Two adults and two kids, ages 10 and 15. We're desert residents and So Cal Natives and thought it would be fun if it did snow and snow it did!

First off, we loved the train ride. Like many reviewers, we went First Class which is roomy and comfortable. Not to mention, heated. I understand coach class is not heated. The ride is quiet, smooth, and very leasurely. Our attendent was very helpful, witty, outgoing, and fun. Basic snacks are provided. Nothing fancy, fruit and muffins, etc. We enjoyed looking at the scenery as it was covered in a few inches in snow with beautiful blue skies.

As we got close to the canyon, the weather changed and it started to snow. We loved it. However, we did hear grumblings from other passengers that had come to visit from the atlantic states. We got the full tour with hot lunch. Went right from the train to the tour bus which took us to lunch first. Lunch was very basic cafeteria style. As long as you don't expect much, you won't be disappointed.

After we ate, we headed out to tour. It snowed the entire time. However, there would be small breaks in the clouds that would allow the sun to show through that allowed us to view the canyon and see all the way to the north rim and down below. Breathtaking! We stopped at several points, but we had to be very careful to watch our step due to the snow and ice. Still, it was fantastic! Yes, it was very cold, but the kids loved it.

We headed back a little early due to the roads and the increasing snow. We had to stop when a car a head of us slid off the road and the conditions were beginning to be hazardous. The tour guide was knowledgable and fun. Bus seats were cramped and uncomfortable.

We boarded back on the train. Same fun attentant. There was a man with a guitar who played old western songs. He was funny and got some of us to do the "hand jive" for the rest of the car while he played along. Of course, there was the mock train robbery that was funny. One of the robbers refused 15 year old's ipod because he "couldn't use it for horse feed".

Because of being "over-sold" we only got one voucher for Max and Thelmas in our package. No big deal because the one meal we ate there was medicore at best.

Overall, we have great memories of our Grand Canyon Railroad experience. Everyone was very nice and attentive. The train ride was relaxed, yet fun. The snowy weather added a special touch to our trip and makes us want to visit again in the warmer months.

With the train going to only one location, how is it possible for it to be late? Our trains were both more than 30 minutes late.

The bus at the Grand Canyon was decrepit and smelly and thanks to our fellow travelers who decided not to return at the requested time, we had to skip a scenic stop in order to get to our appointed lunch time. They should have canned the lunch as it was as bad as Max and Thelma's.

This trip might be enjoyed by little kids, but I wished we had skipped it and driven to the canyon.

November, 27, 2006. We just returned from the Polar Express in Williams, Arizona with our two kids ages 6 and 7. The Grand Canyon Hotel was very clean, and had a great Christmas atmosphere. The food at Spencer's Restaurant was horrible.

We took the 8pm ride on the Polar Express. It was great watching the train pull in and the kids were so excited. We boarded the train, were served hot chocolate and cookies and they read the Polar Express story. Then, the conductor announced that we had reached the North Pole. It was so DISAPPOINTING. They had lights up to look like houses but you could tell it was only one dimentional. It looked so unbelievably fake that there is no way any child would believe it was the North Pole. Santa was waving at us next to his fake reindeer which they had so close to the train that you could tell they were fake. It was such a let down to what started off as a great experience.