We took a multigenerational family trip (age range 17-75) to Sedona in early August, and my dad suggested we take this excursion. To get a break from hiking and the heat, I recommend this for those who want a slower-paced activity that can accommodate a variety of ages.
When we arrived, we ordered food to eat beforehand. Despite the crowds, we received it quickly, and the sandwiches were pretty good as well. The challenge was trying to find an open spot at a picnic table for our group of 8. A kind group of guests were done with their meal and got up when they saw that we had a large group plus my parents who are in their 70’s.
It was pretty hot the day we took our trip, around 102 degrees, so we were excited to get into the a/c of the coach so that we could cool off a bit. Unfortunately, we were directed to the wrong coach. We started at the caboose of the train and walked all the way to the first car at the front of the train, only to be told that our coach was back at the area we initially started. It’s a pretty long train, so the walk was not that much fun in the heat. It wouldn’t have been that big of a deal for just our immediate family, but for my parents, the trek in the heat was rough.
The coaches of the train are comfy and provide great views. We booked the first class tickets that included the champagne toast as well as the individually boxed snacks that included meat, crackers, cheese, grapes, and brownies. YUM! Sparkling cider is available for those who want an alternative to champagne. Bottled water is also available, and there is plenty of it. We definitely took advantage of it since it was a hot day. If the day hadn’t been so hot, we would have spent more time in the outside seating area. The valley is gorgeous, and the views from the outdoor area allow for an even better view.
Some things to note for those who consider booking. You may get assigned a coach with little kids on board. It may get noisy. Haha. At one time, I was a mom to toddlers, so I know how they can get when they are tired, hot, or just plain cranky. Our coach had a family with little kids that got irritable and cried. A lot. The mom tried to wrangle her youngins and take them outside so they could let go of their steam away from the coach. It was very hot, so I understand that they were irritable, but it did make it a little rough for those who may have been hoping for a totally relaxing train ride. Perhaps an adults-only coach for those wanting a quieter experience? Another thing to note, you will hear train-themed music the ENTIRE time you are on this excursion. Most songs are country from decades past, not a particularly favorite genre for anyone in our group of 8. Why not some destination-themed songs in there to mix it up a bit? Last item to note, we ordered two ice cream sandwiches in the coach but got charged for 3 of them. Since it was only $1.00, my husband didn’t want to bother with the refund.
Despite a few hiccups with our trip, overall it was an enjoyable experience. I’d love to do it again, especially the Saturday Night Starlight or Moonlight Tour.