We were five couples traveling together and made reservations for the 9:30AM train (return) leaving from Williams, AZ to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. We researched, made and pre-paid our trip on their website for the Luxury Cabin--very easy. Upon arriving at the departure station, there is plenty of parking and a clearly mark "Ticket" sign. Three ticket windows made check in very quick--yes, it is inside with the gift shop. Next, after receiving our Mary Colter Coach tickets, buffet lunch vouchers and South Rim motorcoach tour ticket, we were directed to a bleacher area to a "wild west show". It comprised of 3 hombres and a Sheriff. The whole show lasted about 15 minutes, then we boarded our train. We had assigned seats in the upper level, but after departure we were free to roam around. Refreshments of orange juice and water were available in addition to scones, hard boiled eggs and whole fruit. The pastries in the upper cabin ran out quickly, but you could scavenge-around and find additional platters in the lower deck. We were assigned a "server' (Logan) who shared information about the areas we were passing through.
The ride takes about 2 and 1/2 hours to travel about 60 miles. Other than the Ponderosa Forest, there is not much to see. You can make your way to the back of the coach and stand on the platform on the back of the train. The train also has a singer with a guitar that visits your train car performing maybe 3 songs before moving on.
Upon arriving at the Canyon, you leave the train and climb into very nice motorcoachs, for a 3 hour tour of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Our driver/tour guide shared loads of info about the housing, buildings, animals, history and vegetation of the Canyon and said she prefers to do lunch before embarking on the actual Canyon stops.
The buffet was a nice variety of warm and cold food, with pie as dessert. It is in a private dining room, reserved just for these tours. In 45 minutes we were back on the bus, headed to our first stop. The best part of this tour, was the access to restricted areas--overlooks only available through this tour. Magnificent! and small crowds. We only had two stops on the tour, but spend about 20 minutes at each--plenty of time to take in the view and snap dozens of photos. Next, she dropped us back near the train station with about an hour before departure to explore the many historic building and over looks there.
Promptly, at 3:15 PM, we were loaded back on the train and at 3:30 PM departed for Williams. On the return trip, we were served a glass of champagne and treated to a variety of sweet snacks. They also offered a cash bar and cabin service. The Bloody Mary's were very nice. Our group enjoyed the cushy sofas and chairs on the lower deck for the ride back to Williams. We arrived back at the station at 5:00 PM. A great way to spend the day.