Questions about the Cumberland Polar Express

[Anonymous]

We want to take our 4-year-old on the Polar Express. There will be four of us. It looks like Cumberland is our best option. For those who’ve done it, what kind of seating do you recommend? There’s so many options between coach, first class, table top, dome. What’s with it?

Also, is it better at night? We may make a trip of it and stay in a hotel so we could do a later time. But is it worth it?

Any other info or suggestions to make this a fun experience?

[Anonymous]

I haven’t done this one but my advice based on other kid train rides is spring for the more expensive ticket.

[Anonymous]

After reading some more reviews, now I’m unsure of the Cumberland/Western Maryland Polar Express is actually the better choice over the B&O one. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

I've been on both, multiple times.

Western Maryland will have much prettier views. Not even close. Not sure a 4 yr old cares about that, however.

Western Maryland has a glass-top observation car (or 2, can't recall). The BnO trains I've been on do not.

The BnO train is likely to be a much, much shorter ride due to the nature of the tracks. The Western Md train needs to go farther to turn around due to mountainous terrain.

Parking is closer at BnO, but both stations have dedicated lots.

The museum attached to the BnO train ride is infinitely better than the station attached to the Western Md **for a 4 yr old** You can prolong the experience at BnO, though tix are not cheap for the entire family.

I think the Santa and decor aspect of each train is about equal IIRC. Santa walks around greeting ppl, etc. There are Christmas lights strung up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've been on both, multiple times.

Western Maryland will have much prettier views. Not even close. Not sure a 4 yr old cares about that, however.

Western Maryland has a glass-top observation car (or 2, can't recall). The BnO trains I've been on do not.

The BnO train is likely to be a much, much shorter ride due to the nature of the tracks. The Western Md train needs to go farther to turn around due to mountainous terrain.

Parking is closer at BnO, but both stations have dedicated lots.

The museum attached to the BnO train ride is infinitely better than the station attached to the Western Md **for a 4 yr old** You can prolong the experience at BnO, though tix are not cheap for the entire family.

I think the Santa and decor aspect of each train is about equal IIRC. Santa walks around greeting ppl, etc. There are Christmas lights strung up.

Thanks! I’ve read the museum at B&O is much better. How much does this matter? And if we were to do the Western Maryland train, should we do a daytime ride so we can actually see the views? We thought going in the dark might be more “magical,” but maybe not? Which seats did you get?

[Anonymous]

PP here. Thinking about it some more, and centering the POV of a 4 yr old, I'd probably go at nighttime to the BnO. The things that make Western Md. better IMO are likely lost on a 4 yr old. Whereas he ? will prefer the festive activities at the BnO roundhouse -- there's much more space dedicated to the <10 set vs. Western Md. station.

And you're right about the magical vibes at night vs. day. I hadn't thought about it, but you're right.

[Anonymous]

The food on Cumberland train was surprisingly good.

[Anonymous]

I've done both, BnO in 2023 (3.5 yo) at night and Cumberland in 2022 (2.5 yo) during the day. 100% would do Cumberland again. 100% wouldn't do BnO again. Cumberland rides out to the north pole where Santa hops aboard. More space, better experience. BnO was packed, rushed, and looking out the window, instead of some winter wonderland, it was junk yards, graffiti, and lights from emergency vehicles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've done both, BnO in 2023 (3.5 yo) at night and Cumberland in 2022 (2.5 yo) during the day. 100% would do Cumberland again. 100% wouldn't do BnO again. Cumberland rides out to the north pole where Santa hops aboard. More space, better experience. BnO was packed, rushed, and looking out the window, instead of some winter wonderland, it was junk yards, graffiti, and lights from emergency vehicles.

Thanks! Would you do Cumberland during the day or night for a 4 yo? And do you remember which seats you got? We’ll do something nicer than coach I think, but not sure whether to do first, table, or whether dome is worth the price.