My husband and i took this with our two children, 6+8. They had the best time and want to know when we are doing it again! We booked on the Grandview car in the dome seats. What i liked was that the car was broken up in 3 compartments with the refreshment area in the middle. No sections felt overcrowded even though all seats were filled. In all sections, it appeared easy to rest and stretch out. The dome car was elevated and had great views. Each car has an attendant- ours was Conyarae and she was a hoot! She kept the guests engaged and comfortable.
There were more than a couple of children (including mine) in our car- the rule that children cannot move about the car without an adult over 18 meant that there were not any children running about. It was nice and my children found lots to do with listening to Conyarae- visiting the refreshment area and watching for wildlife outside (they saw 1 herd of elk on the plain, and then some in the Park), and then enjoying the musicians and eventual "train robbery". My 6 year old has told everyone! "We were robbed! But it was actors! And the deputy caught them!"
We were at the Grand Canyon Villiage for about 3 hours or so. At their ages, it was exactly the right amount of time. I would recommend bringing sandwiches or something though...even though they had the huge buffet at the hotel, snacked a bunch on the train, and we had some granola snacks and water, there came a point where they needed food and everything that involved food at the Canyon came with a huge line! They enjoyed walking along the paved trail along the Rim and exploring the various sights up top. Later when they are older, they can hike down. About the time they were done with having fun walking around and enjoying the sights it was time to return to Conyarae and be able to sit, be entertained and fed and rest again. As their parent, it was nice to relax and have an adult beverage and listen to the other passengers and their kids share their experiences.
The hotel was also nice- rooms were clean, modern and tasteful. The Cafe that was included in the package...- breakfast was delicious and varied. Dinner...not great but salad bar was good. Both times the services and efficiency was great though. The place is huge, well enough tables for all. All the service personnel i encountered were courteous and professional.
i recommend this for any family looking to take the kids to the Canyon and daunted by the logistics of walking, and time, and crabby kids. The train before and after the tourist bit makes the Canyon walking and tourist part seem like all part of a grand adventure!
It isn't a budget vacation- but worth it!