PRE-EVENT INFORMATION

What is Day Out With Thomas™?
Day Out With Thomas™ is a family event that offers aspiring engineers and their families the unique opportunity to take a ride with the classic storybook engine, Thomas the Tank Engine™ at regional heritage railroads across the country.

Who is Thomas the Tank Engine?
Since Thomas the Tank Engine left the depot more than 60 years ago, this Really Useful Engine and his Island of Sodor friends have chugged their way into the hearts of preschoolers and grownups worldwide. Based on The Railway Series of classic stories authored by a father who loved trains and wanted a shared experience with his son, Thomas & Friends™ is a rite of passage that inspires the imagination while teaching the life lessons of friendship, exploration and cooperation.

What are the appropriate ages for Day Out With Thomas?
Day Out With Thomas is a family event that welcomes passengers of all ages.

Where is the event?
The event will be held at the Burnet Community Center, 401 East Jackson Street, Burnet Texas. The Community Center is located two blocks south of Hwy 29, at the southeast corner of Boundary and Jackson Streets.

When is the event?
Friday through Sunday, October 9-11, 2009.
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CDT.

When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets went on sale Friday, April 10, 2009.

How much are tickets?
Tickets are $18 per passenger.

How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available by clicking on the www.ticketweb.com/dowt icon on the Day Out With Thomas main page or by calling Ticketweb at 866.468.7630.

Who needs tickets?
Tickets are required for guests ages two and up.

What is included in the ticket price?
A ticket for Day Out With Thomas includes the train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as a variety of Thomas & Friends themed entertainment, including Storytelling and Video Viewing, Temporary Tattoos of Island of Sodor friends, and an Imagination Station with Arts & Crafts and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor.

How will I receive my tickets?
If purchased three weeks or more in advance of the event, guests will receive their tickets in the mail. Guests that purchase tickets closer to the event date can pick up their tickets at Will Call the day of the event.

Are there any refunds?
There will be no refunds or exchanges.

Will Thomas the Tank Engine be there?
Thomas the Tank Engine has traveled all the way from the Island of Sodor and has arrived Right on Time to take a ride with you and your family.

Will Sir Topham Hatt be there?
Yes, Sir Topham Hatt will take time away from his busy schedule as Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor to meet and take pictures with guests.

Do you recommend purchasing tickets in advance?
Due to the popularity of Day Out With Thomas, advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. It is not uncommon for events to sell out. When purchasing tickets you will be asked to select a specific date and time for your ride with Thomas. Your ticket is valid only for that date and time.

DAY OF EVENT INFORMATION

What times do trains depart?
8:30 a.m.
9:20 a.m.
10:10 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
11:50 a.m.
12:40 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
2:20 p.m.
3:10 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
4:50 p.m.
5:40 p.m.

When should we arrive for our train ride with Thomas?
It is recommended that guests arrive at the event at least one hour before their scheduled departure.

Is there assigned seating on the train?
Tickets are assigned by time. Guests must be together during boarding if they wish to sit together on the train.

How long is the train ride?
The train ride is 25-minutes.

Are you limited to just one train ride?
Each ticket is good for one train ride only, at the date and time indicated on the ticket. Additional tickets may be purchased for additional train rides (if available).

How do I get to there?
From Hwy 281 traveling north: In downtown Burnet, turn right (east) at the light onto Hwy 29 and go 4 blocks.  Turn right onto S. Boundary Street and go 2 blocks.  The Burnet Community Center is on the southeast corner of Boundary and Jackson Streets.

From Hwy 281 traveling south: In downtown Burnet, turn left (east) at the light onto Hwy 29 and go 4 blocks.  Turn right onto S. Boundary Street and go 2 blocks.  The Burnet Community Center is on the southeast corner of Boundary and Jackson Streets.

From Hwy 29 traveling west: After crossing the railroad tracks coming into Burnet, look for the H-E-B grocery store on the left.  Turn left at the next intersection onto S. Boundary Street and go 2 blocks.  The Burnet Community Center is on the southeast corner of Boundary and Jackson Streets.

From Hwy 29 traveling east: In downtown Burnet, continue through the light at Hwy 281 and go 4 more blocks.  Turn right onto S. Boundary Street and go 2 blocks.  The Burnet Community Center is on the southeast corner of Boundary and Jackson Streets.

Please take a look at our map that you can print out and take with you.  Once you get close to the Community Center, you will need to start looking for a place to park.

Is there parking available on site?
Yes. There are two dedicated parking areas just west of the Community Center. There will be signs on Boundary Street directing visitors to these lots. Additional parking is available on city streets within walking distance of the event.

Is there an additional cost for parking?
No.  Parking is free.

What if there is inclement weather?
Day Out With Thomas events take place rain or shine.

Are cameras allowed?
Absolutely! Guests are encouraged to capture their Day Out With Thomas memories for their photo album.

Will there be food available?
A wide variety of kid-friendly food will be available for purchase at the event.

Are strollers permitted?
Day Out With Thomas is a family event that welcomes guests of all ages. There is even a designated area for “stroller parking” during the train ride.

Is the event handicap accessible?
Loading assistance (including a wheelchair lift) is available for those requiring assistance boarding and deboarding the train. Please call the Austin Steam Train Association at 512-477-8468 for further details. The Burnet Community Center is handicap accessible. There are handicap parking spaces at the northeast corner of the Community Center. To reach the handicap parking from Hwy 29, go south on Boundary Street. The handicap parking is on the east (left) side of Boundary street, just north of (before) Jackson Street.  Note: League and Jackson Streets are blocked at the railroad tracks for Thomas.

Are pets allowed?
No pets are allowed at Day Out With Thomas.

Is there available lodging in the area?
For information on hotels and restaurants, contact the Burnet Chamber of Commerce at 512-756-4297 or http://www.burnetchamber.org/, or Visit Burnet County at http://www.visitburnetcounty.org.

How do I find out about other events?
You can find the complete Day Out With Thomas 2009 schedule by clicking on www.thomasandfriends.com/dowt.