Fun Activities To Go With "The Polar Express" Story (2025)

FAQs

What do you do on The Polar Express? ›

During THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, passengers are served hot cocoa and a cookie, delight in lively songs and dance, and enjoy a reading of the holiday classic, The Polar Express.

Synopsis. Tom Hanks plays the train conductor of a magical train heading for the North Pole, in addition to five other parts. Based on a storybook written by Chris Van Allsburg, the Christmas story tells of a boy who has reached an age when he begins to have doubts believing in Santa.

Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis ("Forrest Gump"; "Cast Away") reunite for "Polar Express," an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

The Polar Express / Film synopsis

Parents need to know that, like the book that inspired it, the The Polar Express has wonderful messages about the importance of believing, the value of friendship, respect for leadership and courage, and the beauty of being kind to others.

Some fans have speculated that he is a representation of Santa Claus, while others think he may be a guardian angel sent to look after the children on their journey. His backstory was cut from the original film as the creators thought the film had a better flow without it.

The Polar Express (2004) - Tom Hanks as Hero Boy, Father, Conductor, Hobo, Scrooge, Santa Claus - IMDb.

The Polar Express is controversial and “creepy” to some viewers thanks to its animation style, which created a phenomenon known as “Uncanny Valley.” While the filmmakers clearly opted for a more realistic art style, many of The Polar Express' characters look human but not human enough.

What should my family wear? Families are encouraged to wear warm pajamas just like passengers from THE POLAR EXPRESS™ book and film.

The Polar Express was the first feature-length film to be entirely created using motion capture technology. This revolutionary technique allowed the animators to create a highly realistic 3D world without having to draw each frame. The result was a unique and stunning visual style, unlike anything seen before.

What is the spiritual meaning behind The Polar Express? ›

It may appear simple, but it carries a lot of meaning. The scene discusses how as time passes people can lose their faith and no longer hear the bell, but its sweet ring will always be heard by the main character because his faith remained strong throughout his life, even when he had grown old.

Realizing he could choose anything in the world, the boy asks for a bell from Santa's sleigh. An elf cuts a bell from one of the reindeer's harnesses. The boy places the bell in the pocket of his robe and all the children watch as Santa takes off into the night for his annual deliveries.

Later, the Conductor realizes he forgot to punch Hero Girl's ticket, but Hero Girl cannot find it, due to Hero Boy losing it while trying to give it back to her, so he takes her to the back to the train, onto the roof and to the cab of the locomotive.

“The Polar Express” was the first movie ever made to entirely be created with motion capture technology, a feat that I think outweighs its flawed character models. Tom Hanks plays five different roles in the film and hits every single one out of the park.

The Hobo (King) is a recurring character in The Polar Express film. He is a ghost/spirit of a man who lives on top of the Polar Express and rides it whenever he feels like it for free. He does believe in Santa Claus and Christmas, but often acts goofy about it.

On board, the train passengers will be entertained by characters from the film, served Hot Chocolate and a cookie from dancing Chefs and Waiters, as well as have their very own Golden Ticket punched by the Conductor.

Food and Drink

We are able to accommodate most dietary requirements on the train. A sweet treat is available with no milk, gluten, egg, soya and nuts. Where requested hot chocolate will also be available that is dairy free. Please make yourself known to staff when you are on board the train.

We ask guests to arrive at the check-in time shown on your e-ticket at the park and ride this gives us enough time to shuttle you to site and for you to grab a bite to eat if you wish. You are on board the train for approximately 1 hour.

Every customer travelling on the POLAR EXPRESS™ will receive Hot chocolate, a cookie and the sleigh bell from Santa, (the first gift of Christmas). Customers in the premium carriages will also receive the special ceramic mug each and the special POLAR EXPRESS™ bag (per pair of seats).