Every year, we get in our jammies and watch THE POLAR EXPRESS™. This year, we actually get to live it thanks to Brightline, soon to be Virgin Trains USA, re-creating the popular children’s book and movie.

A few months ago, we wanted to go for a ride on the new Brightline train that connects West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. We loved it.

Now, imagine the Brightline as THE POLAR EXPRESS™. It really doesn’t get any better than that.

The Polar Express in Fort Lauderdale

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, my family and I were whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for an hour. We boarded at the Fort Lauderdale station with help from Santa and his helpers… and yes, they stamped our tickets just like in the movie.

One of our train attendants was a man named David Berry (or Barry) and I swear this man was straight from Broadway. He was AMAZING.

Once onboard, the car hosts worked their way through the train and punched our golden tickets before hot chocolate and delicious cookies were served by dancing chefs.

Then, we read along with the classic children’s book, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ by Chris Van Allsburg. (We already knew what happened because we just watched the movie the night before to get ready for our ride.)

Then, Santa came and made his way through our train car bending down to talk to every child onboard. We got to take home a keepsake sleigh bell, just like in the movie.

Then, there was more singing and dancing.

These pictures don’t do the experience justice, so to get a better view from inside the train, check out the “Florida” highlights on my Instagram here.

The Polar Express Schedule and Tickets

This is something you do not want to miss. Seriously. Click here to check out the schedule every Saturday and Sunday leading up to New Years. The schedule and tickets are consistently updated here to make planning your trip to the North Pole easy.

The Fort Lauderdale Brightline Station is located at 101 NW 2nd Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.

Oh yeah, and don’t forget to wear your pajamas!