We stayed in Flagstaff and drove over to Williams to get on the railroad. There is a wild west show just before boarding which is a little juvenile but funny. The cowboys reappear on the train both to and from the Grand Canyon for some additional lighthearted fun. The car we were in wasn't fancy but did have cold water available for us to drink and a restroom. There is a food car on the train if you need to buy snacks. There is some confusion about whether the seat numbers on your ticket really are where you should sit or if you can just sit anywhere in the car. But other than that, there was lots of entertainment and great views on the way there and back. Oh, and the bonus is you get to see the Grand Canyon! We stayed there several hours before our train ride back and we could explore the south rim easily. Even did a bit of the Bright Angel trail (so we can say our heads were below the rim).

Let's tackle the bad first: the included buffet dinner and breakfast at the hotel are bad. All I can say is that it's food, and I took off a point for that. Otherwise, what a nice hotel and what a fabulous way to go to the Canyon. We had the luxury package. It's WAY expensive, but it was SO special. There was my wife and son plus two other passengers. No kids under 15 allowed. Lack of passengers in our (observation) car really made it exclusive. We had access to the rear car (with the balcony on back), and any car we wanted since our tix gave us full access). There's a less expensive observation car that allows kids. We had a great time both on the train and at the Canyon. I would recommend booking a bus tour at the Canyon, since you're on your own when you get to the Canyon and you don't have a whole lot of time. Eating at the El Tovar is really pleasant (LOVE the atmosphere) and the food and wine are excellent.

We had a great time on the railroad. There was an employee in each car that provided information about the scenery we were passing. There was some in car entertainment and there is a dining car. We were in a 1920's Pullman, no air conditioning, but the windows opened and there were fans. They also have 1950's style passenger cars with a/c, as well as modern double decker observation cars.