Is Thomas the Train at Union, IL Worth It?

My oldest grandson went to see it with his other grandparents when he was about 4 or maybe 5. He loved it so much that they went back every year. He is 10 now and they skipped it for the first time. He was sad and still talks about it. he did say the train was slow but he loved it all.

We've gone to the one in Perris, CA several years in a row now and just bought our tickets for this year. My boys love it to bits! They are 9 & 6 now. My daughter will be a few months over 1 this year but she already went last year. They love all the things at the train museum and taking a ride with Thomas is the cherry on top.

how old is your son... it is worth it.. if he will remember it.. if he is less than 3 he will forget.. if he is 3 or 4.. go for it.. or wait to next year.

I have mixed feelings about it. It was over-priced and like others said, the train went SO slow!! BUT...that being said, my son absolutely LOVED IT, and even though it's been 2 years since we went, he STILL talks about it. So it might be worth it if your son is a "true" Thomas fan!!

We went to see the Thomas Train in FL. and the train was cool sitting still.

BUT

When the train was moving it was SOOOOO
SLOW and we did not really like everything else
they had to offer.

As adults we felt it was a waste of time and money. Our kids liked it because they are little and they thought the train was cool.

We did this years ago, and we will never do it again UNLESS IT IS FREE!!!

We took our son last year and he had a fantastic time, so much so that we are going again this year. This time though, we bought our tickets early so we could get on the first train trip. You may wish to try to purchase tickets ahead of time so you know what time your trip will be; at this late in the game it is highly probable that you will only be able to purchase mid-day or afternoon tickets and I'd hate for you to show up at 9:00 only to have to wait.

Sir Topham Hatt walks around, there was a fire engine with a firefighter (the kids could climb up in it and sit in the driver's seat), there was a Lego Thomas display, a bouncehouse, and a little play area. Also, if your child is interested in trains, the museum (a bunch of big sheds/houses) that have old and I mean OLD el-cars, etc.

The ride itself *is* short but keep in mind that it's for the experience of saying "Mommy - I rode on Thomas the train!", not to take a big trip anywhere (that's what the Metra is for LOL).

Yes, it is expensive, but our son just about lost his mind with excitement and joy so for us it was totally worth it and this is exactly why we're going again this year.

We went to see Thomas when he was in PA. The train itself was so cool and the kids lost their minds riding it. Everything else is a photo op, with charcters walking around from the show. Massive tents set up of merchandise, what kid isn't going to make you buy something? Aside from the fact that it was all in a field with direct hot sun on you all day it was fun and it WAS expensive.

I would go but skip the ride on Thomas. There are other trains that you can take a ride on that don't cost extra. You can still take pictures with Thomas.

Ok I'm going to be the one to say "NO" it is not worth the expense to do the Thomas train. However the train museum is awesome! We took my son when he was 2 1/2 (way to young) and then again when he was 4 1/2. We had everything Thomas including his bedroom and about a zillion trains, tracks, movies etc. The first time we brought him it was sticky hot, got last train ride of the day (and I purchased online to ensure we would get tickets), everyone was hot, tired and cranky and he was too young to appreciate it. So second time when he was 4 1/2 I thought it would be better. It was still sticky hot (like the weather we have now 100% humidity), but he had a better time going on the other trains than the Thomas ride. The ride is very short, Thomas is just a big thing they attach on the front, so he really doesn't pull the train and his face doesn't move or anything like that. Taking his picture with Thomas, you have to stand in a very long line. It is extremely crowded and they also have the big tent of all Thomas stuff to suck you in! (and you do get sucked in!).
I wouldn't take him all the way out there and then tell him he can't ride the train, that's just cruel!

That being said I would go there any day of the week other than the Thomas weekends. The place is wonderful for any kid/adult who loves trains. They have lots of other weekend events planned throughout the fall/holiday and I'm sure it would be less crowded and a whole lot cooler and you would really be able to enjoy the place and spend a lot less.

I have found just taking my son on the Metra either dowtown or to Brookfield zoo is enough of a train ride adventure for him and ps...its FREE for kids under either 11 or 6? You would have to check their website.