Day Out with Thomas Glenbrook

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pikelets Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Member Joined: 08 April 2007 Location: Auckland Points: 760	Post Options Post Reply Quote pikelets Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Day Out with Thomas Glenbrook Posted: 28 February 2011 at 8:21pm
	Has anyone been to this before? Just wanting some info really: - can you buy food there - is there entertainment for those who don't want to go on the train - is it really jammed pack that it is not enjoyable or will the kids still love it We are taking DS but his grandparents (who are meeting us there) grumbled that it will be very busy. I feel like saying "stay at home then" but it is for DS birthday and he doesn't see them much. Anyway would love to hear what you thought when you went. TIA
	3 Angels - Dec10 / Mar11 / Dec11

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Rackhell Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Member Joined: 09 January 2007 Points: 541	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rackhell Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 28 February 2011 at 10:10pm
	We took DD (3 at the time, the last time it was run) and it was a lot of fun for her and us. We took our own lunch (as there are picnic tables there) but you can get hotdogs and donuts, from memory. There was face painting (but the lines were long for that) and a tiny bouncy castle and that was about that. However, spend the $20 to go on the steam train as this gets you onto the thomas train with its trucks. The steam train ride was the best, the train takes you 20 mins away, (you get to wave like a loon to cars that are stopped by the railway crossings) and spend 20 minutes wandering around a workshop (with a couple of trains in it) and you ride back to the depot. They have two steam trains doing this trip, so you don't miss out if you don't get lined up quick enough for the first one. Some are open trucks, (don't take an asthmatic child in the ones by the fore/aft engines) some are old fashioned railway cars. The thomas ride is disappointing, (but it makes a great photo) you go in one of the trucks and just go back and forwards about three times, but it is included in your $20 steam train ticket. You can also buy separate tickets for Bertie the double decker bus, which runs, weather permitting. It's cramped, it's all crowded, there's heaps of kids everywhere but I swear she had the best time!!! Even us big kids, aged 40 and 42 enjoyed it too. All the trains have a face on them, and all the conductors were dressed as conductors. There was even a fat controller! sorry, a Mr Topham. Bring a chilli bin in the car with some snacks/lunch. Bring water (even in nov? it was bloody hot, and there wasn't lots of shade). Sunblock too. Place has loos and portaloos. Bring cash (as waiting in line for the credit/eftpos machines for the main steam train attraction were longish - unless you delegate someone to do the waiting in line and you go off and have lunch). Ditch the grandparents if they're going to be unrealistic - this is auckland after all, and more importantly - this is Thomas! sorry about the story...

EmDee Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Member Joined: 01 January 1900 Location: Waikato Points: 4407	Post Options Post Reply Quote EmDee Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 March 2011 at 1:24pm
	We've been 3 times now and have enjoyed it each time. It has definitely gotten busier each time, so you may have a little wait for some things like Bulgy the bus (Bertie is the smaller one ). Some of the other characters they have had: Thomas (of course!): a full sized steam train with trucks and carriages that you can ride in. Like Rackhell said, you just go back and forth but the kids think it's great. Trevor: An old traction engine you can look at and take photos of. Terence: A tractor on caterpillars. Again to look at and take photos with. Rusty: A little train, kids can climb in and play with switches. Bulgy: A double decker bus you can pay to take a ride in. The driver is a real character and it's great just listening to him talk, plus you get to see some of the beautiful countryside. Caroline: Haven't actually seen her! I do think the 30min train ride is worth it. You get to stop half way and check out a (maintenance?) shed full of other trains (well my DH & DS thought it was great!). The kids have a blast and talk about it for months. We take food and have a picnic. From memory there isn't a great range of food for sale. There is usually other entertainment like Rackhell said, bouncy castle, face painting, a bubble blower and there is a playground for the kids. Also there is a massive tent with Thomas merchandise for sale. Next door is actually a little farm you can visit - haven't actually been but perhaps something else to think about? I'd suggest you get there as early as you can to avoid the worst of the crowds. As for the grandparents, I'd let them know that there may be crowds but it's about all being together to enjoy your DS's birthday (I'm trying to avoid saying 'It's not about you so get over it!' )
	DS 8 DD 6 DS 4 DD 2

pikelets Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Member Joined: 08 April 2007 Location: Auckland Points: 760	Post Options Post Reply Quote pikelets Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 March 2011 at 9:28pm
	Thanks ladies, thtas a big help! DS is super excited!
	3 Angels - Dec10 / Mar11 / Dec11

melopop Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Member Joined: 24 May 2009 Points: 306	Post Options Post Reply Quote melopop Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 11 November 2011 at 8:52pm
	oooooh, thanks for that guys! Was just googling for more info and found this thread. :)


EmDee Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Member Joined: 01 January 1900 Location: Waikato Points: 4407	Post Options Post Reply Quote EmDee Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 11 November 2011 at 9:23pm
	Oh have fun!!
	DS 8 DD 6 DS 4 DD 2

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