DAYTRIP: Thomas Land Brings the Island of Sodor to Life

Editor’s Note: Framingham Patch and Petroni Media Company sent a Framingham family to the media opening of the new Thomas Land at Edaville USA in Carver, Massachusetts on Friday, Aug. 14.

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By Amy Catalogna

With two boys ages 3 and 8, who have been interested in wooden trains for years, we head to Edaville USA at least once a year. So, when we heard about Thomas Land, it was a foregone conclusion that we would head there.

We knew what to expect from Edaville, but we were really looking forward to seeing what Thomas Land had in store. The new land is the only permanent location in North America, where children and their families can visit the Island of Sodor.

Thomas the Tank books and shows are geared towards a younger crowd, but Thomas Land has a good mix of rides for true Thomas fans and their families.

While listed as part of Thomas Land, you actually pick up the 20-minute train ride around Edaville on Thomas at the main station at Edaville. This is a nice ride, and if you have ever been to Edaville, this has not changed, except now Thomas is pulling the train. Technically, we were riding in Annie and Clarabel (the passenger cars that Thomas pulls on the show), but my 3-year old was disappointed that they did not have faces like Thomas.

We entered the land through Knapford Station (which also houses the Thomas Land Gift Shop).

The kids’ favorite ride was Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster (Height Requirement: 42” minimum, 42”-47” must be accompanied by a responsible adult) – a great mid-sized roller coaster that had just enough thrill for all of us. We went on this twice.

We also rode on:

• Bertie’s Bus Tours: You ride on Bertie and whirl-around up to 28 feet high. (Height Requirement: Under 36″ must be accompanied by a responsible adult).
• Diesel Derby: A slow moving “train” around a 400-foot long track that included some of my son’s favorite characters – Mavis and Salty. (Height Requirement: Under 42″ must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
• Firefighting Flynn: Kids can either jump into Flynn’s basket that moves up and down and help him put out the fire by shooting water to extinguish the flames in this fun interactive ride OR “drive” the fire engine. (Height Requirement: Under 36″ must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
• Harold’s Lift-Off: Think Dumbo with helicopters -- kids take control by lifting the handles in each car up and down while spinning round and round. One of the great things about this as there is room for four kids in each helicopter so the line can move quickly! (Height Requirement: Under 36″ must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
• Sodor’s Cranberry Carousel: This fun carousel-style train ride goes around on a short track with bumps. (Height Requirement: Under 36″ must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
• Sodor Windmill: This is a small Ferris Wheel ride good for all ages. (Height Requirement: Under 36″ must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

These rides either spun too much, were too high or both, but there were a lot of people enjoying them:

• Cranky’s Crane Drop: Strap in tight for a truly Cranky experience. The ride up might be smooth, but as you near the ground, get ready to bounce up and down! Height Requirement: 42″ minimum
• Rockin’ Bulstrode: This tug boat is like no other. When Bulstrode sails back and forth, watch out: he’ll whirl you around in circles, without a doubt! (Height Requirement: Under 42″ must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
• Toby’s Tilting Tracks: Jump in, buckle up, and hold on tight! Join Toby for one wild ride as he rocks you around with a unique spinning and tilting motion. Height Requirement: Under 42″ must be accompanied by a responsible adult

And, we were disappointed that this was not open yet:
Winston’s Skyline Express: Hop on Winston and view the park from a whole new perspective with this monorail inspired ride. (Height Requirement: Under 42″ must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

A highlight was visiting Tidmouth Sheds and taking photos with life-size trains including Thomas’ best friend, Percy, as well as Emily, James, and Gordon who live in the roundhouse.

I believe there was a show there, as well, but we did not stay for that as it was not well publicized so we were not sure when it would start, how long it would be, or what it would be about.

Overall, we really liked Thomas Land, but a couple of notes:
1. The day we went it was HOT and there was not a lot of shade in Thomas Land, which means that the rides got really hot really quickly. A couple of times, I wished I had brought a sweatshirt for my kids (or me) to sit on. And bring sunscreen!
2. It looked like there is going to be a restaurant (Dockside Diner) in Thomas Land, but it was not open; and I am not sure when it will be. While Edaville is not big and the KC Café is not that far away, I would bring snacks and/or food and water so that you aren’t in a rush to get back to the main part of the park.
3. Same with restrooms – when we went there was only porta potties in Thomas Land, which I am sure will change, but check the bathroom in the main part of Edaville before heading to Thomas Land for the time being.
4. The Thomas Land Gift Shop has t-shirts (most around $19) that are specific shirts to Thomas Land, as well as ONE Thomas Train pulling a cranberry car that you can ONLY get at Thomas Land (for about $25). So, if you want either of those, you need to get them at that gift shop. Other than that, most items can be found at stores or on-line (Duplo, wooden trains, etc) for cheaper.

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Edaville USA is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in August and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in September. Hours vary in October, November, and December.

One day passes for Edaville will cost you $29.Parking is always free. If grandparents or friends over 55 come with you, tickets will cost them $26. The ticket price includes ALL of Edaville’s rides an attractions.