If you want an easy ( but slow) way to get to the Grand Canyon, this is a good option. In hindsight, however, we would choose to just drive it ourselves.
For starters, better signage would be helpful as to exactly where to park and where the depot is when coming into Williams. We overheard two other couples commenting on this as we walked towards the depot after taking a few turns around Williams and finally parking.
We knew before we went that it would be "touristy", so enjoy or tolerate the entertainment, photo taking, etc. as one wishes. The push to sell alcohol starts pretty much immediately. Tipping is always an awkward predicament. The singers walk the aisle with money peeking out of their pockets, but on the other hand, tickets were NOT cheap! But on the other hand, the residents of Williams likely rely heavily on this attraction for employment. Anyway, we tipped some, but not all.
We rode first class to the Canyon and coach back. Save yourself the money and just ride coach both ways. You basically get a little bit nicer seats with first class and a snack that consists of various drinks, mini muffins, a pastry, and bananas. The bananas and pastries were wiped out by those who jumped up first and when I asked about resupplying the bananas, they didn't have any more. Really?? Bananas?? Like one of the cheapest items at the store right now. Not to mention, it doesn't take much to count first class tickets and supply accordingly.
The train stops near the El Tovar hotel. There is the South Rim, of course, and mostly gift shops. We were not spending the night at the Canyon and did not line up any tours, so we felt confined to the drop off area and found ourselves basically waiting for the train to deport vs driving our own vehicle to other areas on our own schedule.