Delaware River Railroad Excursions
Delaware River Railroad Excursions
Delaware River Railroad Excursions
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
283 reviews
Excellent
128
Very good
61
Average
33
Poor
26
Terrible
35
JKo
1 contribution
May 2021
Huge rip off! I traveled 2 hrs to get there. No steam train, it was diesel and now that I read reviews (after the fact) I see they have been using excuses that their steam train is in repair or maintenance. Really??? For years now?
After a boring regular train ride (just like metro north or the lirr) we had to ride on a children’s yellow school bus that was too small for adults. Bumpy as heck and my seat smelled like puke! We were forced to drink only the 5 wines they chose for us and we had to do this outside in the wind & cold. Only the ppl who drive there get to use the inside tasting room. The wine train tastes outside which not in the online description. We were rushed thru the tasting with the owner talking & quizzing us the whole time. I wanted to chat with the group I was with. Then you have to buy your wine bottle(s) and back to the school bus on a very rigid time schedule. No time to enjoy the wine at your own pace, (you got 1 glass and if you didn’t finish buy the time the next pour came for the next tasting you had to dump it out), no time to look around, possibly shop, etc. We spent more time on the train & bus than at the winery. Oh and the wine was bot impressive. NOT a good experience at all. Save your time & money.
After a boring regular train ride (just like metro north or the lirr) we had to ride on a children’s yellow school bus that was too small for adults. Bumpy as heck and my seat smelled like puke! We were forced to drink only the 5 wines they chose for us and we had to do this outside in the wind & cold. Only the ppl who drive there get to use the inside tasting room. The wine train tastes outside which not in the online description. We were rushed thru the tasting with the owner talking & quizzing us the whole time. I wanted to chat with the group I was with. Then you have to buy your wine bottle(s) and back to the school bus on a very rigid time schedule. No time to enjoy the wine at your own pace, (you got 1 glass and if you didn’t finish buy the time the next pour came for the next tasting you had to dump it out), no time to look around, possibly shop, etc. We spent more time on the train & bus than at the winery. Oh and the wine was bot impressive. NOT a good experience at all. Save your time & money.
Written May 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vacation824792
1 contribution
Oct 2020
I took my sons (ages 2 and 5) on the pumpkin train yesterday. This is an absolute WASTE of money!!! They ask you to be there 1/2 hour before the start time. The train was supposed to depart at 3:30. We boarded the train around 3:50 and then The train didn’t depart until 4pm. So we waited for an hour by the tracks in an area the was full with bugs swatting around us and the other customers.
Then an announcement was made that families sits two rows away from each other. We got on the train and followed those instructions. However, many didn’t and not one of the conductors enforced it or sled people to move. A family sat 1 row behind us. We asked them to move and they didn’t. We should have just gotten off cause it gets worse from there.
On the way to the pumpkin patch, the train stops to pick up a very large group of people who did the winery and corn maze trains. The train sat there for 20 minutes while all the passengers were lining up and slowly boarding the train.
Then on to the pumpkin patch where you literally get off the train for 5 minutes and pick out a small pumpkin. From there the train returns to the station, again people not adhering to the the sit two rows apart rule with no enforcement.
This was “Train ride” was complete disappointment.
Then an announcement was made that families sits two rows away from each other. We got on the train and followed those instructions. However, many didn’t and not one of the conductors enforced it or sled people to move. A family sat 1 row behind us. We asked them to move and they didn’t. We should have just gotten off cause it gets worse from there.
On the way to the pumpkin patch, the train stops to pick up a very large group of people who did the winery and corn maze trains. The train sat there for 20 minutes while all the passengers were lining up and slowly boarding the train.
Then on to the pumpkin patch where you literally get off the train for 5 minutes and pick out a small pumpkin. From there the train returns to the station, again people not adhering to the the sit two rows apart rule with no enforcement.
This was “Train ride” was complete disappointment.
Written October 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lin C
Mahwah, NJ1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Family
Terrible experience. We rode the Thomas train. The view is boring, but what’s worse is the staff’s attitude. One train personnel hugged every kid in front of us, and we were sitting in the last row, waiting for our turn. When he was walking toward our seat, my 3-year old son stood up, wanted to say hi and get hugged as well. He caught a glimpse of my son, but ignored him and walked to the next train car to talk to other kids! My son was looking at him all the time, so how could he ignore us and pretend nothing happened? If you ran out of time and had to rush to the next train car, I understand, but at least you should say Hi to the little kid! Even a quick hand gesture would be much better. We drove 1.5 hours to this place to expect some interactions with my little one, not to be treated and ignored in this way.
Written August 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gnacho
Union, NJ2 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Beat up train. Boring ride. Whatever they were explaining over the loud speaker couldn’t be heard. I asked one of the train personnel during the ride if it could be made louder but he said it would then be too loud in some parts. He said people are talking and that’s why we can’t hear. Some of that was true. I moved my seat three times but it didn’t matter where you sat you just couldn’t hear the loudspeaker well. I also had tics for the mine but someone told me it’s a 10 minute excursion and then you wait an hour for the train to return and take you back. If you like train rides you might get something out of this but it’s not a great station or waiting area. Folks seem to like the Polar Express with the characters they include on the train including mr and mrs Santa Claus so if you do hace the urge to visit try that one.
Written October 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vacation06Mexico
Burlington, NJ32 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
The train ride was boring! There were some decent views of the river but I could have seen the same thing driving in my town and I could have saved $60. The rest of the views were people’s back yards, run down houses, shed, RV’s, and chicken coops. There was no AC on the train and just had fans and open windows. I don’t think it was a steam engine.
And I drove 3 hours for this?? Disappointing!
And I drove 3 hours for this?? Disappointing!
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexandra E
World2 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
Yes - unfortunately this was our experience when we did the Polar Express ride on Sunday, December 15th.
Our group had two families, with three children the oldest who is 5. When Santa came around, she didn't want to take a picture with Santa and instead of respecting her wishes, he told he was going to put her on the naughty list. And he unfortunately would not let it go - even when the parents stepped in and explained we do not force our children to take pictures with people or do things they don't want to do, he kept going. At one point he took out a fake scroll/list and added her name to the naughty list. We have the entire thing on video. She's five, and the other children are 4 and 2.5.
What makes this entire situation worse is that we've been brushed off by almost everyone at the Delaware River Railroad that we've attempted to talk to about it. The initial crew members we spoke to on the train were understand and compassionate, and mentioned we weren't the first ones to have issues with this particular Santa. But when their boss showed up, all compassion went out the door. He told us the response "seemed like a normal response" and that we were "overreacting."
You would think the Santas would have a deep understanding of children and the ability to handle sensitive situations with care and respect. A child not wanting to take a photo with Santa is not unusual, and those situations should be met with kindness, not coercion or threats.
I also submitted a question via the website and the response I received was also not great. They told us the Santa was just trying to make it so we could get a picture with the kids and him. In my opinion, he took it too far and it's having a lasting impact on all three kids. The little girl is now asking if every Santa she sees is a nice Santa or a mean one, like the one from the train.
It's really a shame that this happened and I even hate writing this review because in the past, both of our families have enjoyed this experience. I write it so other parents can be aware and hopefully this doesn't happen to anyone else.
Our group had two families, with three children the oldest who is 5. When Santa came around, she didn't want to take a picture with Santa and instead of respecting her wishes, he told he was going to put her on the naughty list. And he unfortunately would not let it go - even when the parents stepped in and explained we do not force our children to take pictures with people or do things they don't want to do, he kept going. At one point he took out a fake scroll/list and added her name to the naughty list. We have the entire thing on video. She's five, and the other children are 4 and 2.5.
What makes this entire situation worse is that we've been brushed off by almost everyone at the Delaware River Railroad that we've attempted to talk to about it. The initial crew members we spoke to on the train were understand and compassionate, and mentioned we weren't the first ones to have issues with this particular Santa. But when their boss showed up, all compassion went out the door. He told us the response "seemed like a normal response" and that we were "overreacting."
You would think the Santas would have a deep understanding of children and the ability to handle sensitive situations with care and respect. A child not wanting to take a photo with Santa is not unusual, and those situations should be met with kindness, not coercion or threats.
I also submitted a question via the website and the response I received was also not great. They told us the Santa was just trying to make it so we could get a picture with the kids and him. In my opinion, he took it too far and it's having a lasting impact on all three kids. The little girl is now asking if every Santa she sees is a nice Santa or a mean one, like the one from the train.
It's really a shame that this happened and I even hate writing this review because in the past, both of our families have enjoyed this experience. I write it so other parents can be aware and hopefully this doesn't happen to anyone else.
Written December 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoeSchwartz
National Park, NJ656 contributions
Jun 2021
My wife and I took this train ride yesterday. Very disappointing. A very old and in bad shape boarding area. Picnic tables falling apart and dirty. Diesel train not steam. Very slow ride. Veiws of the Delaware river were not very good. We got to see a bunch of delapadated back yards. On to a yellow school bus for a bumpy ride to the winery over very tight roads . The owner of the winery came on board and gave us a speil about the winery. He talked as we went through 5 rushed tastings. Then rush to order wines. We would rather relax with a glass of wine. Never mind the speech. Wine was only average. Very disappointed. Not worth the expeirence. We are from South Jersey and it is close to a 2 hour drive to get there.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gnachonj
Union, NJ111 contributions
Oct 2021
I understand some negative reviews. The ride is pleasant but not spectacular. The station and area around the station aren't well maintained. The train is run by one paid employee and the rest of the crew are all volunteers who are well versed in the train and area. Some windows were blotched so you do need to find a seat where the view is unobstructed. I'd skip the extra "mine" tour. Others complained about the "wine" tour. The ride is about 90 minutes. The view of the Delaware river is very nice. Folks seemed to really enjoy the "Polar Express" ride with characters including Mr and Mrs Claus. We took the Halloween ride. I believe each ride is basically the same. The ride is about 90 minutes round trip.
Written November 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katalin D
Port Chester, NY1 contribution
May 2021
I drove 2 hours from NY for my son's birthday, thinking we are going to see a steam train as it was advertised. He was really excited until he saw it was a diesel. The ride is slow, boring. The "mine tour" is about 10 minutes, you was your gems and done...but you have to wait an hour for the train to come back. Waste of money, I would not recommend this.
Written May 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mel A
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Family
Our first time at the Polar Express at this location was December 2021 it was fun for my daughter she was nearly two at the time. It was a weird ride. They only play a recording of the polar express and then just have some odd entertainment walking up and down. The next year 2022 we decided to try Whippany and that is a true Polar Express ride! Phillisburg is ok kids will peobably enjoy it but its pretty much a mess compared to the Whippany location. I will say tho... this location did have a better hot chocolate and cookie tho.
Written July 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Has anyone been able to take legal action again the DRRE? Does being non-profit exempt them from not posting policies regarding refunds or exchanges?
Written July 7, 2021
We are traveling from Long Island and not sure where to stay the night when we do the Polar Express trip. Any suggestions?
Written September 5, 2018
Please visit our website on the top right there is a link for hotels we recommend.
Written September 6, 2018
I bought tickets to take my 4 yr old niece on the Polar Express but they are upper level. I have come to find out that not everything goes on at the upper level so now I'm worried we will be disappointed and she will miss out. Is this the case?
Written June 1, 2017
Upper level gets the same hot cocoa and cookie as the lower level. Santa does not go up there but you can come down to take a pic with him I believe. You will still hear and see everything. When we went the upper level people got to come down I guess some seats on the lower level were vacant. When in doubt just ask
Written July 15, 2017
Has anyone purchased professional photos from The Polar Express Train ride? If so, did you think the photos were worth it? Are there any other photo ops besides with Santa on the train. Just trying to decide if I should pre-purchase to get the discount or just take our own pics. Thanks!
Written November 23, 2016
I have not. You can take your own pictures.
Written February 11, 2017
You can call 877-872-4674 between 12 and 6 pm to speak to someone
Written November 23, 2016
I'm taking my three kids (age 3 and 1) to the great pumpkin train ride this weekend. I was hoping to have a great day but from some of the reviews I'm starting to second guess it. Can anyone tell me if it's really worth it? I know all the farmsand orchards are going to be a crowded mess this weekend.
Written October 17, 2016
I think you will be fine. when we went there was alot of small kids. everything as it gets close to Halloween is going to be crowded. the kids will have fun
Written October 18, 2016
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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