We missed the train!

This is the annual KCS Holiday Express Christmas train. A lovely treat for the whole family. The train makes about 28 stops yearly in various cities during the holidays. Led by Kansas City Southern's Southern Belle, the six-car Holiday Express includes a smiling tank car named "Rudy" and a flatcar carrying Santa's sleigh, reindeer and a miniature village. It also has a gingerbread boxcar, the elves' workshop, the reindeers' stable and a red caboose. At each stop, children can visit with Santa Claus in the caboose before touring three cars full of holiday displays. There also are festive music and lights. Changes each year are becoming a tradition. Last year, Santa's caboose was frosted in cool tones of blue and sparkling white lights and encrusted with ornaments. There also are changes to the O-scale model train layouts as well as new murals and lighting changes.

Unfortunately, the train was parked on a main rail line and could only stay a couple of hours. We stood in line (huge, huge lines that completely circled the entire train) for nearly two hours. Just as we were only about 7 people away from boarding, the train had to be closed to clear the railway. A good hundred or so people (my family included) did not get to tour the train. Very disappointing to the youngsters waiting to see Santa and the Elves. Needless to say, we missed the train. :( However, we had already toured it a couple of years ago and it is very nice. I just hate the fact we stood in line soooo long for nothing. My son was not a happy camper when we left without boarding the train. Oh, well maybe next year.