Day Out With Thomas™ FAQs

Day Out With Thomas™ 2020

What is Day Out With Thomas™?

Day Out With Thomas™ is a family event that offers aspiring engineers and their families the unique opportunity to take a ride with the classic storybook engine, Thomas the Tank Engine™ at regional heritage railroads across the country.

Who is Thomas the Tank Engine?

Since Thomas the Tank Engine left the depot more than 65 years ago, this Really Useful Engine and his Island of Sodor friends have chugged their way into the hearts of preschoolers and grownups worldwide. Based on The Railway Series of classic stories authored by a father who loved trains and wanted a shared experience with his son, Thomas & Friends™ is a rite of passage that inspires the imagination while teaching the life lessons of friendship, exploration and cooperation.

What are the appropriate ages for Day Out With Thomas?

Day Out With Thomas is a family event that welcomes passengers of all ages.

Where is the event?

Day Out With Thomas will be held at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, Alabama. To reach the museum, take I-65 to Calera exit #228. Drive .6 miles south on Alabama Highway 25 and turn left on 9th Street, at the Sav-Mor Food Outlet. Proceed 1 block to the parking area on the right. The museum address is 1919 9th Street, Calera, AL 35040 Click Here For A Map

When is the event?

Thomas will visit the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum on:

  • Fri April 17, 2020 9:45 am, 10:30 am, 11:15 am, noon, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm
  • Sat April 18, 2020 9:00 am, 9:45 am, 10:30 am, 11:15 am, noon, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:30 pm
  • Sun April 19, 2020 9:45 am, 10:30 am, 11:15 am, noon, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm
  • Sat April 25, 2020 9:00 am, 9:45 am, 10:30 am, 11:15 am, noon, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:30 pm
  • Sun April 26, 2020 9:45 am, 10:30 am, 11:15 am, noon, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm

When do tickets go on sale?

Ticket are on sale now!

How much are tickets?

Tickets are $22 per person including tax (plus processing fee) for ages 2 and up. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $18 per person including tax (plus processing fee) for ages 2 and up.

Processing fee $3.65 for tickets purchased online and $4.25 for for tickets purchased by phone.

How do I purchase tickets?

Tickets are available online at www.hodrrm.org or call 866-468-7630.

Who needs tickets?

Tickets are required for guests ages two and up.

What is included in the ticket price?

A ticket for Day Out With Thomas includes the train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as a variety of Thomas & Friends themed entertainment, including Storytelling and Video Viewing, Temporary Tattoos of Island of Sodor friends, Bubble Station, Build a Sand Castle, Putt-Putt Golf, Jumpstation, and an Imagination Station activities and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor.

How will I receive my tickets?

If purchased three weeks or more in advance of the event, guests will receive their tickets in the mail. Guests that purchase tickets closer to the event date can pick up their tickets at Will Call in the Calera Depot on the day of the event.

Are there any refunds?

There will be no refunds or exchanges.

Will Thomas the Tank Engine be there?

Thomas the Tank Engine has traveled all the way from the Island of Sodor and has arrived Right on Time to take a ride with you and your family.

Will Sir Topham Hatt be there?

Yes, Sir Topham Hatt will take time away from his busy schedule as Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor to meet and take pictures with guests.

Do you recommend purchasing tickets in advance?

Due to the popularity of Day Out With Thomas, advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. It is not uncommon for events to sell out. When purchasing tickets you will be asked to select a specific date, time, and railcar for your ride with Thomas. Your ticket is valid only for that date, time, and railcar.

Day of Event Information

What times do trains depart?

  • Fri April 17, 2020 9:45 am, 10:30 am, 11:15 am, noon, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm
  • Sat April 18, 2020 9:00 am, 9:45 am, 10:30 am, 11:15 am, noon, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:30 pm
  • Sun April 19, 2020 9:45 am, 10:30 am, 11:15 am, noon, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm
  • Sat April 25, 2020 9:00 am, 9:45 am, 10:30 am, 11:15 am, noon, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:30 pm
  • Sun April 26, 2020 9:45 am, 10:30 am, 11:15 am, noon, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm

When should we arrive for our train ride with Thomas?

It is recommended that guests arrive at the event at least one hour before their scheduled departure. There will be lots of activities to keep you busy!

Which car should I ride?

To view a listing of car descriptions, please click here.

Is there assigned seating on the train?

Tickets are assigned by time and railcar. Guests must be together during boarding if they wish to sit together on the railcar.

How long is the train ride?

Your train ride with Thomas will last 25 minutes.

Are you limited to just one train ride?

There is one train ride per ticket.

How do I get to there?

To reach the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, take I-65 to Calera exit #228. Drive .6 miles south on Alabama Highway 25 and turn left on 9th Street, at the Sav-Mor Food Outlet. Proceed 1 block to the parking area on the right. The museum address is 1919 9th Street, Calera, AL 35040

Is there parking available on site?

Free parking is available on site. The Calera High School Band Boosters, who will assist you, welcome donations.

Is there an additional cost for parking?

Free parking is available on site. The Calera High School Band Boosters, who will assist you, welcome donations.

What if there is inclement weather?

Day Out With Thomas events take place rain or shine.

Are cameras allowed?

Absolutely! Guests are encouraged to capture their Day Out With Thomas memories for their photo album.

Will there be food available?

Lunch items (hot dogs, pork sandwiches, pizza), snacks, and drinks will be available for purchase. Covered areas with picnic tables will be available.

Are strollers permitted?

Day Out With Thomas is a family event that welcomes guests of all ages. There is even a designated area for "stroller parking" during the train ride.

Is the event handicap accessible?

The event is handicap accessible. There is one wheelchair space, with lockdown, available on the Long Island railcar on each train ride.

Are pets allowed?

No pets are allowed at Day Out With Thomas.

Is there available lodging in the area?

There are several options for lodging in and near Calera:

  • Holiday Inn Express
    357 Hwy 304, Calera, AL 205-668-3641
  • Hampton Inn
    93 Metro Drive, Calera, AL 205-668-6565
  • Candlewood Suites
    1004 Balmoral Drive, Alabaster, AL 205-620-0188
  • Holiday Inn Express
    260 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 205-987-8888

How do I find out about other events?

You can find the complete Day Out With Thomas  schedule by clicking here.