CUMBERLAND TRAIN FIELD GUIDE

Polar Express — First Class: Premium 4‑Top Tables on a One‑Hour Holiday Loop from Cumberland

A compact, 60‑minute, first‑class version of The Polar Express Train Ride™ out of Cumberland featuring hot chocolate, cookies, onboard song and story, and a commemorative silver sleigh bell — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

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Polar Express — First Class: Premium 4‑Top Tables on a One‑Hour Holiday Loop from Cumberland.

Duration

1 hour

Location

Cumberland

Operator

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Outing Highlights

THE SEATING

Premium 4‑Top First‑Class Tables

The First Class service is arranged around premium 4‑top tables for small parties — a concentrated, table‑seated holiday experience that tends to sell out quickly.

THE EXPERIENCE

Storytime, Song and Treats

Set to the motion picture soundtrack, the onboard program includes a reading of The Polar Express™, singing and dancing; all passengers receive hot chocolate and a cookie and are given a special commemorative silver sleigh bell — passengers are encouraged to wear pajamas.

THE ROUTE

A Short, Kid‑Sized Journey to the North Pole

The one‑hour journey covers only a portion of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad line and is designed as a compact trip to the ‘North Pole’ where passengers remain on board for the full experience.

What the day feels like

What the First‑Class Ride Feels Like

Guests meet at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, receive hot chocolate and cookies (served prior to boarding), then settle into premium tables as the soundtrack, singing, dancing and a reading of The Polar Express™ unfold over the compact, 60‑minute onboard program.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this experience suits — and what to consider.

Families with childrenWell suited: the experience is expressly family‑oriented and kid‑sized at 60 minutes, with treats, music and a commemorative sleigh bell that appeal to children.

Toddlers and young kidsAccessible for younger children because the program is brief (one hour) and fully onboard; the format is seated and focused on a theatrical holiday presentation rather than a long scenic journey.

Couples and adultsA festive, theatrical outing for adults as well — the First Class seating and holiday program make it a short, immersive seasonal experience rather than a lengthy scenic rail trip.

Guests with mobility considerationsBecause passengers remain on board for the duration and there are no planned disembarkation stops during the ride, factor the seated, continuous‑onboard format into accessibility planning.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Wear your favorite pajamas if you wish — the operator encourages pajamas for the festive atmosphere. Hot chocolate and a cookie are provided to all passengers.

Meeting & Duration

Boarding and departure take place at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland; the First Class Polar Express ride runs approximately 1 hour.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Polar Express - First Class ride?

The ride lasts one hour.

Where do I meet for the train?

Meet at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland.

Will passengers disembark during the trip?

No — the journey covers only a portion of the line and passengers do not disembark during the trip.

Are refreshments provided?

Yes — all passengers are provided hot chocolate and a cookie; the description notes these are served prior to boarding.

Is there a souvenir included with the ride?

Yes — all passengers receive a special commemorative silver sleigh bell.