the magical christmas journey reviews

The Magical Christmas Journey

• Train Ticket for the Magical Christmas Journey
• Arrive early to see Flurry the Bald Eagle and Princess Noel
• Arrive early, children wear free eagle wings in Bird’s-Eye Village
• Memento signifying their North Pole Canyon Adventure
• Entry/Admission - Clarkdale
• Seasonal treats and libation
• Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA Address: 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale AZ 86324 Parking: Park in the designated parking across the street from the depot.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Infants must sit on laps
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Verde Canyon Railroad 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA Address: 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale AZ 86324 Parking: Park in the designated parking across the street from the depot. See address & details
• 1 Verde Canyon Railroad Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included The Magical Christmas Journey™ to the North Pole begins at the Verde Canyon Railroad depot in Clarkdale. The spirit of Christmas is aglow and visible from afar, beckoning all to experience the dream. Seasonal treats and libation may be purchased and enjoyed while perusing the depot grounds rich with festive lighting and holiday décor. Luminarias light the Southwestern-style depot roofline and giant ornaments adorn the outdoor pergolas dripping with icicle lights. Santa’s elves entertain and tell the tale of the beautiful Princess Noel and Flurry the Christmas Eagle while songs of the season fill the air. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• bethkE5562MX 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Loved it! Of all our experiences in Arizona, this one was by far my favorite. Here's what I loved: so much good food, a bar in every car, so comfortable! a view from any seat or step onto the open air cart where there is your personal guide, lots of room for movement, clean bathroom on every car, beautiful and fun!!! My husband and I love playing cards, I would bring cards next time. The trip is about 4 hours and there is time for sitting and talking. Everyone was friendly, helpful and everything was CLEAN! Get tickets ahead of time! I would so do this AGAIN! Read more Written April 15, 2024
• MaryAnne T 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful way to see all without hiking Great way to spend 4-5 hours of easy and comfortable sightseeing. Beautiful views inside or outside options. Very attentive staff One drawback is reprehensible lack of environmental awareness - 509 to 1000 ppl per day with MANY single use plastic containers and products all just thrown into garbage bags. Staff thought recycling symbols meant biodegradable. Company really needs to source products with 2024 and global awareness Read more Written April 15, 2024
• N222ZVsteves 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Experience. Very comfy ride. Bartender lady (Sycamore Car on April 7) was attentive, cordial and humorous too. Our car's tour guide, Gary, was great. He gave everybody a "heads up" when interesting sights were coming up...and enough time to get to the open car to see them. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! Read more Written April 8, 2024
• ThomasW146 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great day for a train ride We always have enjoyed this train ride. We had a beautiful sunny day to view the scenery. The train staff was friendly and helpful. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• V4803DHkimb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing We had an amazing time . Nate our bartender and Andy our guide were excellent. We had so much fun. What a beautiful experience. Highly recommended. A+ Read more Written April 3, 2024
• Silverlab 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great time Highly recommend. This is a very professional outfit and tour. Great people, hospitality, and the cars are clean and comfortable. The open air cars are outstanding. Gary was our host outside and he was very knowledgeable and engaging. Tonya was our car’s bartender; she was enthusiastic and took care of everyone well. The views were just beautiful and the train pace is slower so that you can take it all in. Wished the tour was maybe 3 hours vs 4 but the route is the route. We enjoyed ourselves and would definitely do again. Read more Written April 2, 2024
• Guide225930 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Recommend 100% Amazing experience! 3/27/2024 Beautiful sunny day, beautiful views! If you have never taken a train ride with "outside" cars - do this when you visit AZ. While we were waiting to board, we checked out the history and fun items from the past in the little museum. They provided us with lunch, a little charcuterie snack plate along with a champagne start up toast when leaving. All the areas were very clean! From the waiting area and train cars to the bathrooms at the station and inside our car. We were on the Jerome car. Kerry was the hostess with the mostest! She didn't stop smiling our whole ride and her specialty drinks were awesome! Andy was our outdoor car guide and was so knowledgeable and friendly. He gave us the history and fun facts about the railroad and sights along the way in addition to the pre-recorded audio playing. We had a great time and would recommend this train ride to everyone! Thanks, VCRR for a memorable day! Read more Written April 1, 2024
• tgaffron 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun trip, good hosts, pretty scenery Great staff on board and a good meal at the station and snack box onboard. Scenery was excellent. Might be a bit boring for the 12-18yo set, but young kids and us old fogies enjoyed it! Read more Written March 28, 2024
• Pressuredoc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A “Must” excursion! This is a very well organized and well run organization. The history comes to life as you ride through the canyon and an out and back trip. The staff wait on you hand and foot and are great resources for answering questions. Many of the questions I had (and some I didn’t even consider) were answered by one of the staff who was on the outside viewing car discussing what we saw. The views are spectacular. The meal provided before boarding is sufficiently good and the snack on board was better than expected. Deer, elk, turkey, and a golden eagle highlighted the wildlife we saw. You can sense the history of the canyon as you travel through it. Read more Written March 28, 2024
• Z1767HIcarolh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun and Relaxing! What a fun and relaxing afternoon! It is very busy so I wish we had arrived an hour and a half early versus an hour. You get vouchers for lunch and have to wait in line to get your meal. You also get a charcuterie meal box upon arriving at your assigned seats. Very comfortable seating and excellent service. Cocktails, other drinks and snacks are available for purchase. The open air car guide was fantastic and shared a lot of interesting history. Not much for kids to do during the 4 hours of they aren't into nature and history. We loved it and our teens brought a book to pass the time :-). Read more Written March 27, 2024
• 697TomK697 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful scenery - four hours of it in a very comfortable rail car with food and drink and great docents. Two hours out and two back. The scenery was fantastic. The train seating was extremely comfortable. Look at the seating photos. This isn't your ordinary short line historic train trip. A gratis tray of snacks at each able and a fully loaded bar in each car. Each car has an entertaining bar tender and a docent. Plus the audio system periodically explains what you're seeing and the history you're passing through. The entire facility is very well maintained and professionally run. This isn't an isolated narrow gage tourist trap, but instead an operating short line railroad spur that happens to have a quarter mile long tourist train in addition to a freight hauler. Four hours may be a bit much for small children. And the ride will set you back $$$. But just about everyone in our car seemed to have a blast. Read more Written March 26, 2024
• Melinda G 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Try to sit on the right side of the train. Don't buy cupcakes. We bought tickets online and the package included lunch and snack on the train. In addition, we purchased cupcakes. We picked up seat tickets, lunch tickets, and cupcake tickets in the gift shop. I had the turkey sandwich, and my husband had pulled pork. We agreed that the turkey sandwich was better. Pulled pork was dry. We were seated on the side of the train with the sofa on the left side. There were no cupcakes. The car attendant said they must not have delivered them. 95% of the views into the canyon are on the right side of the train. They did have open cars to go look at the views. That is the only way to view down the valley if you were on the left side of the train. However, the day we went, the weather was cold and rainy. We tried to spend time outside, but it was very cold. I recommend going on a warm day. I wish we had a choice with the ticket they gave us. Same price for left and right side. The speaker sound system was very low. We were sitting near the front of the car and could not hear. We asked for a volume increase, and the attendant said he had no control over volume. Read more Written March 25, 2024
• ttcarlson 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Great Afternoon on the Rails Great views of the canyon. Above and along side the river as it flows from Perkinsville to Clarkdale. Andy was a great narrator with fun facts about the history and geology of the area. Saw bald eagles soaring above the cliffs. Read more Written March 24, 2024
• WCH20693 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Great scenery Booked this adventure with friends visiting from back east. The seating was comfortable and the service was very attentive. The views were great! It was warm enough for us to enjoy the open air car to enhance the experience. They provide background music (train related) but also provide insights into the local history and the development of the railroad. Unfortunately, they keep the music playing while the staff is explaining these interesting insights which makes it practically impossible to hear unless you are standing right next to the speaker. Wish they would suspend the background music while the speakers are speaking. Read more Written March 24, 2024
• X8050RZfredh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Great Way to Spend a Day! A great way to spend a day. A relaxing trip. History was fun. They kept us well fed! Fun to chat with other passengers. The staff was a lot of fun and conversational! Read more Written March 23, 2024

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

The Magical Christmas Journey provided by Verde Canyon Railroad

The Magical Christmas Journey

Nov 24 – Dec 24, 2023. The Magical Christmas Journey™ is Verde Canyon Railroad’s all-original storybook holiday journey. The fun begins at the depot, with an elaborate miniature Christmas village, festive lights, holiday treats, a Christmas princess, animal characters and a live Bald Eagle. At the North Pole, train passengers see 10 amusing and creative buildings. Santa boards the train for the return trip where he will interact with all the children and gift them a little memento as a reminder of their Christmas Adventure. This one-hour round-trip journey is perfect for even the tiniest tot. Departure times vary, depending on the date. 4:00 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm.

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Give the journey in a gift card, the magical christmas journey.

2020 has been full of challenges, but the magic of Christmas is alive and well aboard Verde Canyon Railroad. The wonder of the holiday season begins on Santa’s secret tracks to the heart of the North Pole. Everyone knows Santa’s main ride is a sleigh, but surprise! He rides a train too!

Conveniently located just outside of Sedona, Arizona, the Verde Canyon Railroad’s Magical Christmas Journey™ is a fresh, fun take on holiday trains, featuring an all-original storybook journey highlighting the railroad’s famed relationship with local wildlife.

The trip to the North Pole is merely one brilliant facet of the festive evening experience. The story begins with the extensively illuminated depot and miniature Birds-Eye Village. Prior to boarding, children can strap on a pair of eagle wings and soar through an adorable village featuring 10 tiny houses on a town square. The kids can imagine what Flurry, our live bald eagle, sees when in flight. This unique aspect is inspired by Verde Canyon Railroad’s relationship with Liberty Wildlife of Arizona who provides an educational bald eagle that visits Verde Canyon Railroad regularly. Adults are not to be left out, as the details of this charming tiny town provide entertainment for everyone.

All are encouraged to come decked in their outrageous Christmas fashions, ranging from wild “ugly sweaters,” funny antlers and twinkly hats, to several generations sporting matching sweatshirts or jammies. Passengers will find an abundance of fun photo-ops around the depot grounds and savor festive food and beverages that will satisfy your seasonal cravings. The train, transformed into a holiday vision, extensively decorated on both the indoor and open-air cars, beckons passengers to board for the journey to pick up a VSP (Very Special Passenger) eagerly awaiting the train’s arrival at the North Pole: Santa Claus!

As soon as the train departs the Clarkdale depot, happy elves encourage everyone to venture onto the open-air viewing cars to make a wish when traveling through the Magical Tunnel, and wave to the illuminated Arizona animals that dance along the track, pointing the way to Santa’s home.

Slowly rolling up on the North Pole, life-size buildings punctuate the star-filled high desert darkness with brilliant lights and colors, wit, and whimsy. Not only do the kiddos catch a glimpse of where all the magic happens … Santa’s Workshop, Mrs. Claus’ Bakery and the Polar Post Office where Christmas dreams are delivered, but they’ll discover where Rudolph learned his tricks … the Reindeer Flight School complete with a well-lit landing strip! And those wacky elves, entertaining passengers and assisting Santa, all earned their talents at the Elf Training School. Wonder just where do all those zany Christmas sweaters come from? The Ugly Sweater Factory of course! For those misbehaving, beware because Santa has a Naughty Kids Coal Mine. Before you know it, Santa is aboard the train for the trip home, spending time in each car visiting with families and sharing a small gift with each child.

The Magical Christmas Journey™ aboard Verde Canyon Railroad is a one-of-a-kind! You won’t experience this all-original holiday adventure anywhere else. With departures at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. starting December 4th, the Magical Christmas Journey’s one-hour length is the perfect excursion for even the tiniest tot.

It’s the Magical Christmas Journey at Verde Canyon Railroad

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Magical Christmas Journey Verde Canyon Railroad

November 24, 2023 - december 24, 2023.

Let your imagination take flight to the North Pole during Verde Canyon Railroad’s all original Magical Christmas Journey™. Beginning November 24th and on select evenings through December 24th, guests will enjoy a bird’s eye view of a magical holiday village and an illuminated adventure via a decorated train during very special nighttime runs to the North Pole. With departure times ranging from 5:30pm, 6:30pm and 7:00pm, Verde Canyon Railroad Magical Christmas Journey™ is 1-hour in length, an abbreviated trip from the train’s standard 4-hour excursion, making it a perfect Christmas trip for even the tiniest tot.

Verde Canyon Railroad is located at 300 N Broadway in Clarkdale. For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit the Verde Canyon Railroad website at http://www.verdecanyonrr.com .

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The Magical Christmas Journey

• 300 N Broadway,
• Clarkdale, AZ 86324
• Phone: (800) 293-7245

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• Description

Nov. 29 - Dec. 24, 2024, the Magical Christmas Journey™ is Verde Canyon Railroad’s all-original storybook holiday journey. The fun begins at the depot with an elaborate miniature Christmas village, festive lights, holiday treats, a Christmas princess, animal characters, and a live Bald Eagle. At the North Pole, train passengers see 10 amusing and creative buildings. Santa boards the train for the return trip where he will interact with all the children and gift them a little memento as a reminder of their Christmas Adventure. This one-hour round-trip journey is perfect for even the tiniest tot. Departure times vary, depending on the date. 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

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Ride These 5 Scenic Arizona Trains For Less Than $200 A Seat

Arizona offers a number of scenic train tickets for less than $200 a seat on both its historic and modern trains.

• Experience the beauty of the American Southwest with affordable train rides from $30 to under $200 in Arizona.
• Choose from Verde Canyon Railway's wine-tasting tours, Grand Canyon Railway trips, or scenic Amtrak rides for breathtaking views.
• Enjoy festive Christmas train rides at Verde Canyon Railroad with magical journeys for the whole family under $200.

Arizona epitomizes the American Southwest, boasting the Sonoran Desert, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and much more. The state preserves excellent scenic and heritage railroads that offer mesmerizing rides for less than $200 a seat.

The two main heritage railroads operating in Arizona are the scenic Verde Canyon Railroad and the Wild West-themed Grand Canyon Railway. Not only do these offer options for various train rides, but there are also Amtrak's rail rides to consider (when booking an Amtrak Arizona ticket, make sure the train is scheduled to run in the daytime to see the views).

The Verde Canyon Railroad - Standard Ticket

Book verde canyon railroad tickets from $119 per seat.

The Verde Canyon Railroad first opened in 1912, and today it is one of the best railroad trips to take near Sedona. It runs along 20 miles of heritage railroad (40 miles return) and takes 4 hours in total.

Tickets start at $119 for regular fares, plus it offers a range of special seasonal tickets for less than $200. For example, their Uncorked: Wine Fest at Verde Canyon Railroad tickets cost $155 (limited to the month of May), and their Valentine Chocolate Lovers’ Special costs $139.

• Route: Clarkdale to Perkinsville
• Duration: 4 Hours
• Price: $119 (regular ticket)

Verde Canyon Railroad - Grape Train Escape

The grape train escape offers wine-tasting tours on a saturday evening ride from $149.

Enjoy a toast in the Arizona wilderness with Verde Canyon Railroad's Grape Train Escape . Passengers enjoy a selection of Italian, Chilean, Spanish, French, and German wines (along with harmonizing appetizers as they explore one of Arizona's most stunning and scenic canyons by rail.

Hop on the Saturday Starlight Trains between May and September and sit back and relax wine in hand.

• When: 5:30 pm every Saturday night from May 11th to September 14th
• Price: $149 per adult

10 Scenic Train Rides In The US For A Magical Christmas Journey

Grand canyon railway, the grand canyon railway runs daily from williams to the grand canyon with fares starting at $34.99.

The historic Grand Canyon Railway is one of the most nostalgic ways to get to the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon Railway runs daily from Williams, Arizona to the Grand Canyon. It is a great hit with the kids as it is a Western-themed train featuring cowboy characters and Western shows on its vintage rail cars.

Even the return first-class tickets are below $200 per adult and offer grand picture windows, reclining seats, snacks, and more.

• Route: Williams to Grand Canyon
• Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Coach Class: From $44.99 one way ($89.98 round trip) - adults
• Pullman Class: From $34.99 one way ($69.98 round trip) - adults
• First Class: From $84.99 one way ($169.98 round trip) - adults

Verde Canyon Railroad - Magical Christmas Journey

Treat the whole family to a magical verde canyon railroad journey for less than $200.

The Verde Canyon Railroad's special Christmas train rides cost only $60 per adult. These adventures are offered from November 29 to December 24 and run at 4:00 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, and 7:00 pm. Here families embark on a southwest journey to the North Pole in Clarkdale, Arizona.

The depot is lit up with festive lights and holiday decor with the outdoor pergolas dripping with icicle lights and more. The price for an adult is only $60, while children's tickets (ages 10 and under) are $40. Note that the prices increase a little to $70 and $50 respectively on the final day before Christmas (December 24th).

• Depot: Clarkdale, Arizona
• Season: November 29 to December 24
• Price: $60 adults ($70 Dec 24th) l $40 Child ($50 Dec 24th)

10 Small Towns In Arizona That Feel So Far Removed From Phoenix

Amtrak's sunset limited & texas eagle yuma to tuscon, amtrak offers some cross-state services starting from $30 for the ticket from yuma to tuscon.

Not all scenic train rides in Arizona need to be historical train rides. Amtrak (the national passenger train of the USA) has two routes crossing Arizona east-to-west. Passengers can also choose to ride these trains at comparatively low prices. The trains crossing southern Arizona through Tucson include Amtrak's Sunset Limited and the Texas Eagle (the longest of the sleeper trains in the United States ).

Make sure to book a day-time Arizona ticket on Amtrak to see the scenic views.

• Duration: Approx. 5 Hours
• Cost: From $30 Coach Class (Yuma to Tucson)

In the northern half of Arizona, Amtrak's Southwest Chief crosses the state through Flagstaff. Coach class tickets from Winslow, Arizona to Kingman Arizona cost from $36.

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Review: The magical musical 'Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey' is a new holiday classic

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The Times is committed to reviewing theatrical film releases during the COVID-19 pandemic . Because moviegoing carries risks during this time, we remind readers to follow health and safety guidelines as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health officials .

Writer-director David E. Talbert’s marvelous, groundbreaking musical-fantasy “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” stands to join the ranks of holiday movie classics. Smartly conceived, lovingly mounted and beautifully performed, this Victorian era-set extravaganza nearly sings out to be enjoyed as a communal, big-screen experience. Still, times being what they are, the film, which opens in limited theaters Friday, should score a massive in-home audience when it premieres next week on Netflix.

Talbert, a highly successful and prolific playwright whose filmmaking credits include “Baggage Claim” and “Almost Christmas,” reportedly envisioned “Jingle Jangle” for the stage. Twenty years later, it made its way instead to film, retaining the best of its crowd-pleasing theatrical roots while making solid use of its cinematic assets. That it stars a mainly Black cast in the kind of period, storybook-type roles traditionally filled by white actors is one of the movie’s most vital strengths.

A “Princess Bride”-style framing device finds a loving matriarch ( Phylicia Rashad ) reading to her wide-eyed young grandchildren (Ria Calvin, Kenyah Sandy) from a magical book. She relates the enchanting tale of Jeronicus Jangle (Justin Cornwell), a.k.a. “The Greatest Inventor of All,” who owns a whimsical toy store called Jangles and Things in the quaint, imaginary town of Cobbleton. But Jeronicus falls on hard times after his hapless apprentice, Gustafson (Miles Barrow), steals his prize creation, a flamboyant mechanical puppet named Don Juan Diego (amusingly voiced by Ricky Martin ), along with Jeronicus’ designs for a trove of other one-of-a-kind gadgets and contraptions.

We jump 30 years and Jangles and Things has become a dusty pawnshop that a sad, impoverished Jeronicus (now played by Forest Whitaker ), long thwarted in his creative efforts, is about to lose. That is unless, as his friendly banker (Hugh Bonneville) informs him, he can produce a “revolutionary” invention by Christmas. Jeronicus starts packing his boxes.

Meanwhile, we learn Mrs. Jangle (Sharon Rose) died many years ago and Jeronicus sent away their gifted young daughter, Jessica (Diaana Babnicova), to find a better life without him. He hasn’t seen her since.

But family dynamics will change when Jessica (now Anika Noni Rose ), inspired by a written invite from her estranged dad, decides to send her kind and brainy 10-year-old daughter, Journey (an endearing Madalen Mills), to visit the grandfather she’s never known, just before the holidays. After a bumpy start with the distracted, withdrawn Jeronicus, Journey and her grandpa’s eager if klutzy apprentice, Edison (Kieron Dyer), join up to revive one of Jessica and Jeronicus’ forgotten creations: a flying, talking robot called Buddy 3000 (think a more nuts-and-bolts version of E.T.) and help save Jangles and Things.

But can they stop the dastardly and desperate Gustafson (now Keegan-Michael Key), who’s been living large for decades off the inventions he swiped from Jeronicus, from claiming Buddy 3000 as his own? As the script reminds throughout, you just have to believe.

It’s a lot of story but Talbert keeps things moving swiftly, clearly and most entertainingly as he punctuates the action with a host of terrific musical numbers written by Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan and Michael Diskint (plus one by John Legend, also a producer here) and exuberantly choreographed in an impressive variety of styles by Ashley Wallen. The rousing, Broadway-caliber “This Day;” the toe-tapping, awesomely staged “Magic Man G;” the soaring “Square Root of Possible” and Legend’s R&B-infused “Make It Work” (with memorable vocals by “Dreamgirls” alumnus Rose) are among the many standouts.

A death-defying race through a twisty, fiery tunnel is another highlight as are the charming bits of CGI and stop-motion animation that mark the narrative’s passage of time.

The fabulous plaid-and-stripes-heavy costumes by Michael Wilkinson employ seemingly every color in the Crayola box and deftly feature fabrics from a range of African cultures and countries. Contributions by cinematographer Remi Adefarasin, composer John Debney and production designer Gavin Bocquet — who brings the film’s steampunk sensibility to eye-popping life — are also tops. A special shout-out goes to hair and makeup designer Sharon Martin for her gorgeous and innovative all-natural Afro styling.

The cast, under Talbert’s fine guidance, is uniformly strong and engaging, placing character over caricature and rarely allowing the sweet to turn syrupy. As the town’s lovelorn mail carrier with an eye for Jeronicus, Lisa Davina Phillip delights with her nimble comic chops. And, true to a film filled with wonder, don’t be surprised by Whitaker and Key’s musical ability.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times .

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The Magical Christmas Journey

• Train Ticket for the Magical Christmas Journey
• Arrive early to see Flurry the Bald Eagle and Princess Noel
• Arrive early, children wear free eagle wings in Bird’s-Eye Village
• Memento signifying their North Pole Canyon Adventure
• Entry/Admission - Clarkdale
• Seasonal treats and libation
• Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA Address: 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale AZ 86324 Parking: Park in the designated parking across the street from the depot.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Infants must sit on laps
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Verde Canyon Railroad 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA Address: 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale AZ 86324 Parking: Park in the designated parking across the street from the depot. See address & details
• 1 Verde Canyon Railroad Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included The Magical Christmas Journey™ to the North Pole begins at the Verde Canyon Railroad depot in Clarkdale. The spirit of Christmas is aglow and visible from afar, beckoning all to experience the dream. Seasonal treats and libation may be purchased and enjoyed while perusing the depot grounds rich with festive lighting and holiday décor. Luminarias light the Southwestern-style depot roofline and giant ornaments adorn the outdoor pergolas dripping with icicle lights. Santa’s elves entertain and tell the tale of the beautiful Princess Noel and Flurry the Christmas Eagle while songs of the season fill the air. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• bethkE5562MX 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Loved it! Of all our experiences in Arizona, this one was by far my favorite. Here's what I loved: so much good food, a bar in every car, so comfortable! a view from any seat or step onto the open air cart where there is your personal guide, lots of room for movement, clean bathroom on every car, beautiful and fun!!! My husband and I love playing cards, I would bring cards next time. The trip is about 4 hours and there is time for sitting and talking. Everyone was friendly, helpful and everything was CLEAN! Get tickets ahead of time! I would so do this AGAIN! Read more Written April 15, 2024
• MaryAnne T 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful way to see all without hiking Great way to spend 4-5 hours of easy and comfortable sightseeing. Beautiful views inside or outside options. Very attentive staff One drawback is reprehensible lack of environmental awareness - 509 to 1000 ppl per day with MANY single use plastic containers and products all just thrown into garbage bags. Staff thought recycling symbols meant biodegradable. Company really needs to source products with 2024 and global awareness Read more Written April 15, 2024
• N222ZVsteves 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Experience. Very comfy ride. Bartender lady (Sycamore Car on April 7) was attentive, cordial and humorous too. Our car's tour guide, Gary, was great. He gave everybody a "heads up" when interesting sights were coming up...and enough time to get to the open car to see them. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! Read more Written April 8, 2024
• ThomasW146 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great day for a train ride We always have enjoyed this train ride. We had a beautiful sunny day to view the scenery. The train staff was friendly and helpful. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• V4803DHkimb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing We had an amazing time . Nate our bartender and Andy our guide were excellent. We had so much fun. What a beautiful experience. Highly recommended. A+ Read more Written April 3, 2024
• Silverlab 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great time Highly recommend. This is a very professional outfit and tour. Great people, hospitality, and the cars are clean and comfortable. The open air cars are outstanding. Gary was our host outside and he was very knowledgeable and engaging. Tonya was our car’s bartender; she was enthusiastic and took care of everyone well. The views were just beautiful and the train pace is slower so that you can take it all in. Wished the tour was maybe 3 hours vs 4 but the route is the route. We enjoyed ourselves and would definitely do again. Read more Written April 2, 2024
• Guide225930 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Recommend 100% Amazing experience! 3/27/2024 Beautiful sunny day, beautiful views! If you have never taken a train ride with "outside" cars - do this when you visit AZ. While we were waiting to board, we checked out the history and fun items from the past in the little museum. They provided us with lunch, a little charcuterie snack plate along with a champagne start up toast when leaving. All the areas were very clean! From the waiting area and train cars to the bathrooms at the station and inside our car. We were on the Jerome car. Kerry was the hostess with the mostest! She didn't stop smiling our whole ride and her specialty drinks were awesome! Andy was our outdoor car guide and was so knowledgeable and friendly. He gave us the history and fun facts about the railroad and sights along the way in addition to the pre-recorded audio playing. We had a great time and would recommend this train ride to everyone! Thanks, VCRR for a memorable day! Read more Written April 1, 2024
• tgaffron 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun trip, good hosts, pretty scenery Great staff on board and a good meal at the station and snack box onboard. Scenery was excellent. Might be a bit boring for the 12-18yo set, but young kids and us old fogies enjoyed it! Read more Written March 28, 2024
• Pressuredoc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A “Must” excursion! This is a very well organized and well run organization. The history comes to life as you ride through the canyon and an out and back trip. The staff wait on you hand and foot and are great resources for answering questions. Many of the questions I had (and some I didn’t even consider) were answered by one of the staff who was on the outside viewing car discussing what we saw. The views are spectacular. The meal provided before boarding is sufficiently good and the snack on board was better than expected. Deer, elk, turkey, and a golden eagle highlighted the wildlife we saw. You can sense the history of the canyon as you travel through it. Read more Written March 28, 2024
• Z1767HIcarolh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun and Relaxing! What a fun and relaxing afternoon! It is very busy so I wish we had arrived an hour and a half early versus an hour. You get vouchers for lunch and have to wait in line to get your meal. You also get a charcuterie meal box upon arriving at your assigned seats. Very comfortable seating and excellent service. Cocktails, other drinks and snacks are available for purchase. The open air car guide was fantastic and shared a lot of interesting history. Not much for kids to do during the 4 hours of they aren't into nature and history. We loved it and our teens brought a book to pass the time :-). Read more Written March 27, 2024
• 697TomK697 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful scenery - four hours of it in a very comfortable rail car with food and drink and great docents. Two hours out and two back. The scenery was fantastic. The train seating was extremely comfortable. Look at the seating photos. This isn't your ordinary short line historic train trip. A gratis tray of snacks at each able and a fully loaded bar in each car. Each car has an entertaining bar tender and a docent. Plus the audio system periodically explains what you're seeing and the history you're passing through. The entire facility is very well maintained and professionally run. This isn't an isolated narrow gage tourist trap, but instead an operating short line railroad spur that happens to have a quarter mile long tourist train in addition to a freight hauler. Four hours may be a bit much for small children. And the ride will set you back $$$. But just about everyone in our car seemed to have a blast. Read more Written March 26, 2024
• Melinda G 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Try to sit on the right side of the train. Don't buy cupcakes. We bought tickets online and the package included lunch and snack on the train. In addition, we purchased cupcakes. We picked up seat tickets, lunch tickets, and cupcake tickets in the gift shop. I had the turkey sandwich, and my husband had pulled pork. We agreed that the turkey sandwich was better. Pulled pork was dry. We were seated on the side of the train with the sofa on the left side. There were no cupcakes. The car attendant said they must not have delivered them. 95% of the views into the canyon are on the right side of the train. They did have open cars to go look at the views. That is the only way to view down the valley if you were on the left side of the train. However, the day we went, the weather was cold and rainy. We tried to spend time outside, but it was very cold. I recommend going on a warm day. I wish we had a choice with the ticket they gave us. Same price for left and right side. The speaker sound system was very low. We were sitting near the front of the car and could not hear. We asked for a volume increase, and the attendant said he had no control over volume. Read more Written March 25, 2024
• ttcarlson 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Great Afternoon on the Rails Great views of the canyon. Above and along side the river as it flows from Perkinsville to Clarkdale. Andy was a great narrator with fun facts about the history and geology of the area. Saw bald eagles soaring above the cliffs. Read more Written March 24, 2024
• WCH20693 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Great scenery Booked this adventure with friends visiting from back east. The seating was comfortable and the service was very attentive. The views were great! It was warm enough for us to enjoy the open air car to enhance the experience. They provide background music (train related) but also provide insights into the local history and the development of the railroad. Unfortunately, they keep the music playing while the staff is explaining these interesting insights which makes it practically impossible to hear unless you are standing right next to the speaker. Wish they would suspend the background music while the speakers are speaking. Read more Written March 24, 2024
• X8050RZfredh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Great Way to Spend a Day! A great way to spend a day. A relaxing trip. History was fun. They kept us well fed! Fun to chat with other passengers. The staff was a lot of fun and conversational! Read more Written March 23, 2024

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

The Magical Christmas Journey provided by Verde Canyon Railroad

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A magical journey, common sense media reviewers.

Muddled fantasy-adventure has peril, some mild language.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Kids can be brave and clever. Family matters.

Many adults behave in an abusive way toward kids.

Some international accents heard here even in dubb

A child is locked in her room and her aunt and cou

A man tells a young girl to kiss a frog and see if

"Damn," "hell," "ass," "idiot."

A woman smokes cigarettes. A group of soldiers dri

Parents need to know that the Ukrainian/Belgian film A Magical Journey is a child-centric fantasy adventure where kids face a variety of threats. Among them, getting chased, locked up, nearly poisoned, threatened with electrocution, mocked, almost cooked for dinner, thrown to the ground, and chased by adults…

Positive Messages

Positive role models.

Many adults behave in an abusive way toward kids. Others help the children. Polina shows courage and ingenuity in escaping danger and attempting to solve a mystery. She and her group of mostly kids help each other out, even at risk to themselves.

Diverse Representations

Some international accents heard here even in dubbed English version. Three different men have physical disabilities.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

A child is locked in her room and her aunt and cousin try to poison her. She's told her parents are dead, and we later see how two members of her family did die in a fire (caused by another relative). She's chased by men, and finds herself in a series of dangerous situations. In one, she's in a war-ravaged landscape and sees a man taken hostage at gunpoint. In another, schoolchildren are made to wear dunce caps, threatened by a teacher, and shut into a cage at the back of a classroom. Men engage in fist and sword fights, where one dies but is brought back to life, and a man gets hit over the head with a pan. A woman directs her servants to prepare a child for her to eat for dinner. A man threatens to conduct experiments on kids and tries to electrocute a small boy, getting electrocuted himself. A young girl and a grown man engage in a boxing match where they both get thrown around, as does another man who jumps in to help.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

A man tells a young girl to kiss a frog and see if it turns into a prince, and that she'll need to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince. A man and a woman kiss and snuggle.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

A woman smokes cigarettes. A group of soldiers drink out of a bottle and appear drunk.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that the Ukrainian/Belgian film A Magical Journey is a child-centric fantasy adventure where kids face a variety of threats. Among them, getting chased, locked up, nearly poisoned, threatened with electrocution, mocked, almost cooked for dinner, thrown to the ground, and chased by adults. Other men are beaten up, killed then brought back to life, hit over the head, thrown around, electrocuted, taken hostage at gun point, and tied up. A young girl watches how two members of her family die in a fire that was intentionally set by another relative. All of this is played for fantasy, as if inside different movies, but the dangers are real to the characters. Language includes "damn," "hell," "ass," "idiot." There's occasional cigarette smoking and one scene where a group of men appear to be drunk. A young girl is told to kiss a frog to see if he turns into a prince. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say (1)
• Kids say (2)

Based on 1 parent review

It’s simply not giving, i wanted to fall asleep but couldn’t cause I was crying at the fact of it being so bad.

What's the story.

A MAGICAL JOURNEY sees 11-year-old Polina (Polina Pechenenko) escape her abusive home, where she lives with an aunt and grown male cousin, to try to find out what happened to her missing parents. She knows the mystery involves a movie studio, and once there, a man ( Jean Reno ) appears to her in a hologram and tells her she must piece together the sections of a family photo in order to solve the mystery before midnight, when she turns 12. Her search for the missing pieces of the photo takes her to different stages in the studio, each of which sends her into a different setting, or movies starring a shared cast of actors. She must escape a variety of threatening situations on the various sets, and in between she's still being chased by her cousin. Some of the actors help her and others seem intent on hurting her or the new friends she's made.

Is It Any Good?

There's an adage in storytelling that encourages writers to "show, don't tell"; this film could have benefited from that advice. Instead, A Magical Journey relies heavily on a character's recollection of events to compensate for a disjointed storyline that doesn't add up to much of anything. An oddball collection of characters moves from disconnected setting to setting, or more accurately, from soundstage to soundstage of a magical movie studio, as a young girl tries to solve a mystery by midnight.

The adventure leaves nothing for viewers to grab onto -- no fully-developed characters, no hoped-for outcome. Other aspects add to the weirdness, including some poorly-dubbed actors in the English version and dismal attempts at humor (?) often involving kids getting hurt. A final fight scene made to look like an early-era video game is vexing. French veteran Jean Reno's apparition as an omniscient hologram does nothing to lift the proceedings, nor does the presence of a few other familiar faces. Take a pass on this muddled journey.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the idea of going "behind the screen" or inside a movie, as Polina does in A Magical Journey . What movie would you like to go inside of?

Polina narrowly escapes danger in many scenes. How does she rely on the help of others to save herself? How does she help others stay safe?

Of all the worlds Polina enters, which felt the most realistic? Which the least? Did any remind you of other movies you've watched?

Movie Details

• On DVD or streaming : October 19, 2021
• Cast : Polina Pechenenko , Virginie Ledoyen , Jean Reno
• Director : Olias Barco
• Inclusion Information : Female actors
• Studio : Blue Fox Entertainment
• Genre : Fantasy
• Topics : Magic and Fantasy , Adventures , Brothers and Sisters , Fairy Tales , Friendship
• Run time : 94 minutes
• MPAA rating : NR
• Last updated : April 15, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

Our editors recommend.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

Review: The magical musical ‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey’ is a new holiday classic

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The Times is committed to reviewing theatrical film releases during the COVID-19 pandemic . Because moviegoing carries risks during this time, we remind readers to follow health and safety guidelines as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health officials .

Writer-director David E. Talbert’s marvelous, groundbreaking musical-fantasy “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” stands to join the ranks of holiday movie classics. Smartly conceived, lovingly mounted and beautifully performed, this Victorian era-set extravaganza nearly sings out to be enjoyed as a communal, big-screen experience. Still, times being what they are, the film, which opens in limited theaters Friday, should score a massive in-home audience when it premieres next week on Netflix.

Talbert, a highly successful and prolific playwright whose filmmaking credits include “Baggage Claim” and “Almost Christmas,” reportedly envisioned “Jingle Jangle” for the stage. Twenty years later, it made its way instead to film, retaining the best of its crowd-pleasing theatrical roots while making solid use of its cinematic assets. That it stars a mainly Black cast in the kind of period, storybook-type roles traditionally filled by white actors is one of the movie’s most vital strengths.

A “Princess Bride”-style framing device finds a loving matriarch ( Phylicia Rashad ) reading to her wide-eyed young grandchildren (Ria Calvin, Kenyah Sandy) from a magical book. She relates the enchanting tale of Jeronicus Jangle (Justin Cornwell), a.k.a. “The Greatest Inventor of All,” who owns a whimsical toy store called Jangles and Things in the quaint, imaginary town of Cobbleton. But Jeronicus falls on hard times after his hapless apprentice, Gustafson (Miles Barrow), steals his prize creation, a flamboyant mechanical puppet named Don Juan Diego (amusingly voiced by Ricky Martin ), along with Jeronicus’ designs for a trove of other one-of-a-kind gadgets and contraptions.

We jump 30 years and Jangles and Things has become a dusty pawnshop that a sad, impoverished Jeronicus (now played by Forest Whitaker ), long thwarted in his creative efforts, is about to lose. That is unless, as his friendly banker (Hugh Bonneville) informs him, he can produce a “revolutionary” invention by Christmas. Jeronicus starts packing his boxes.

Meanwhile, we learn Mrs. Jangle (Sharon Rose) died many years ago and Jeronicus sent away their gifted young daughter, Jessica (Diaana Babnicova), to find a better life without him. He hasn’t seen her since.

But family dynamics will change when Jessica (now Anika Noni Rose ), inspired by a written invite from her estranged dad, decides to send her kind and brainy 10-year-old daughter, Journey (an endearing Madalen Mills), to visit the grandfather she’s never known, just before the holidays. After a bumpy start with the distracted, withdrawn Jeronicus, Journey and her grandpa’s eager if klutzy apprentice, Edison (Kieron Dyer), join up to revive one of Jessica and Jeronicus’ forgotten creations: a flying, talking robot called Buddy 3000 (think a more nuts-and-bolts version of E.T.) and help save Jangles and Things.

But can they stop the dastardly and desperate Gustafson (now Keegan-Michael Key), who’s been living large for decades off the inventions he swiped from Jeronicus, from claiming Buddy 3000 as his own? As the script reminds throughout, you just have to believe.

It’s a lot of story but Talbert keeps things moving swiftly, clearly and most entertainingly as he punctuates the action with a host of terrific musical numbers written by Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan and Michael Diskint (plus one by John Legend, also a producer here) and exuberantly choreographed in an impressive variety of styles by Ashley Wallen. The rousing, Broadway-caliber “This Day;” the toe-tapping, awesomely staged “Magic Man G;” the soaring “Square Root of Possible” and Legend’s R&B-infused “Make It Work” (with memorable vocals by “Dreamgirls” alumnus Rose) are among the many standouts.

A death-defying race through a twisty, fiery tunnel is another highlight as are the charming bits of CGI and stop-motion animation that mark the narrative’s passage of time.

The fabulous plaid-and-stripes-heavy costumes by Michael Wilkinson employ seemingly every color in the Crayola box and deftly feature fabrics from a range of African cultures and countries. Contributions by cinematographer Remi Adefarasin, composer John Debney and production designer Gavin Bocquet — who brings the film’s steampunk sensibility to eye-popping life — are also tops. A special shout-out goes to hair and makeup designer Sharon Martin for her gorgeous and innovative all-natural Afro styling.

The cast, under Talbert’s fine guidance, is uniformly strong and engaging, placing character over caricature and rarely allowing the sweet to turn syrupy. As the town’s lovelorn mail carrier with an eye for Jeronicus, Lisa Davina Phillip delights with her nimble comic chops. And, true to a film filled with wonder, don’t be surprised by Whitaker and Key’s musical ability.

'Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey'

Rated: PG for some thematic elements and peril Running time: 1 hour, 59 minutes Playing: Starts Nov. 6, Paramount Drive-In, Paramount; Studio Movie Grill, Simi Valley; and in limited release where theaters are open; available Nov. 13 on Netflix.

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The Magical Christmas Journey - A Heartwarming School Play

Subject: Drama

Age range: 5-7

Resource type: Other

Last updated

5 November 2023

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Looking for a heartwarming and magical Christmas play for your students this holiday season? “The Magical Christmas Journey” is a charming school play that will captivate both your young performers and the audience, creating unforgettable memories during the festive season.

Product Highlights:

Engaging Storyline: This play takes your students on a captivating journey to the North Pole, where they will meet beloved characters like Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Santa’s Elves, Reindeer, Carolers, and the delightful Snowflake.

Easy-to-Follow Script: The script is carefully crafted with simple and clear lines, making it accessible for young performers, whether they’re in Junior or Senior Infants.

Inclusive Cast: With roles for Santa’s Elves, Reindeer, Carolers, and even a special role for Snowflake, this play provides opportunities for many students to participate and shine.

Interactive Elements: The script incorporates interactive elements like audience participation in caroling, making it an inclusive and engaging experience for everyone.

Festive Atmosphere: Your students will transform into Santa’s workshop helpers, rehearse carols, and witness Santa’s magical journey on Christmas Eve. The play captures the spirit of the season, instilling the joy and wonder of Christmas in your young performers.

Perfect for Young Audiences: The play is designed with a young audience in mind, ensuring it’s age-appropriate and delightful for parents, teachers, and fellow students.

Themed Decoration Ideas: We also provide suggestions for decorating your stage and props to create a winter wonderland that complements the story.

Make this Christmas season extra special for your students with “The Magical Christmas Journey.” Your school play will not only entertain but also spread the magic of the season, leaving a lasting impression on your young performers and their families. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to bring the joy of Christmas to your school.

Download “The Magical Christmas Journey” today and watch your students shine in this heartwarming holiday production!

Spread the joy, create lasting memories, and make this Christmas truly magical. Download now!

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Magical Christmas Journey (Musical)

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'Magical Christmas Journey' is a nativity musical full of character, warmth and humour. The story is clear and simple, the songs are exceptionally easy to learn and the script is easy to follow. With lots of actions provided for the songs and a good pace to the dialogue, there is plenty to keep the children engaged. An easy narrated version is also included.

The children are almost ready for Christmas when the magic begins to happen. They find they have a talking Christmas tree!  No sooner do they mention the need for a star to go on top of this tree, than they are surrounded by stars - who also seem able to talk! As if that wasn’t magical enough, one of these stars leads the children on an amazing journey, during which they find much more than the star to decorate their tree!

Author: Sarah Baker

Age guide: 5 to 9

Running time: 25 mins - perf. licence required

No. of songs : 8

"The songs are really catchy and the script is great, very easy to direct and with very good humour for the audience and the children. Many parts got a laugh, so everyone felt very involved, not just a few main characters. Everyone loved it!" ~ Kerensa Inkpen-Porter, Music Leader, Hailsham

 Click here to listen to the complete songs on our 'Starshine singers' YouTube channel!

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The Magical Christmas Journey

Nov. 29 - Dec. 24, 2024, the Magical Christmas Journey™ is Verde Canyon Railroad’s all-original storybook holiday journey. The fun begins at the depot with an elaborate miniature Christmas village, festive lights, holiday treats, a Christmas princess, animal characters, and a live Bald Eagle. At the North Pole, train passengers see 10 amusing and creative buildings. Santa boards the train for the return trip where he will interact with all the children and gift them a little memento as a reminder of their Christmas Adventure. This one-hour round-trip journey is perfect for even the tiniest tot. Departure times vary, depending on the date. 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

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A Storybook Adventure of Holiday Wonder

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Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey review – stridently festive toyshop musical

A toy inventor rekindles his lost passion in this exhausting Netflix frenzy of Yuletide fun starring Forest Whitaker

T here’s the kind of escapist entertainment that effortlessly wafts the audience into a fantastical realm; then there’s the kind that hogties the viewers, sticks a sack over their heads and hauls them there, possibly at glitter-gunpoint. This stridently festive Netflix-produced musical falls into the latter category.

Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker) is a genius toy inventor whose creations delight children and adults alike. But he has to learn to love, and invent, again after his greatest creation and his career are stolen by his apprentice (Keegan-Michael Key, in full panto villain mode).

The story is all but obscured by the frenzy of Broadway pizzazz (writer and director David E Talbert originally conceived it as a stage production). Every frame is a spectacle crammed with somersaulting supporting cast members, skittering snowflakes, adorable urchins and plaid. Lots of plaid. The aesthetic is an explosive collision between steampunk, greetings card Victoriana and African textile prints.

It’s certainly exhausting. And it should be unbearable. But through sheer force of will, and the sterling work by a committed, largely African American cast (in particular newcomer Madalen Mills, a sparky delight as Jeronicus’s granddaughter Journey), the film works its showy magic. Or perhaps enforces its magic would be more accurate.

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"Colorful" is not a colorful enough word to describe a fantasy movie musical so maximalist that even the title is overstuffed. "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey" packs a lot into the movie's title, including two character names and the dual ideas of something cute and something a little more heartwarming, with a touch of the spiritual. 

It has all of that and more, more, more. But Christmas is a time of excess, and the many pleasures of this overflowing Christmas stocking of a film are sure to make it a family favorite, and most likely a family tradition. Originally conceived as a musical play, it retains the liveliness of an in-person production. The exceptionally strong and nearly all-Black cast gives the film a fresh perspective, and it is heartening to see Black characters in a story that is not just about their being Black.

The setting is a fantasy Dickensian steampunk, gorgeously conceived by production designer Gavin Bocquet ("Stardust," " Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children ," and the underrated " Jack the Giant Slayer ") and by costume designer Michael Wilkinson . You will want to watch it on the biggest screen possible because every frame is bursting with delightfully enticing details to reward many repeat viewings. 

The film begins as a new Christmas story told by a grandmother ( Phylicia Rashad ) from a huge book with intricately spinning gears on the cover. It is about a toymaker named Jeronicus Jangle (played by Justin Cornwell as a young man, and Forest Whitaker as an older man). Jangle has a whole notebook filled with designs for his enchanting toys and a store called Jangles and Things filled with happy customers. 

He also has a devoted wife, daughter, and an assistant named Gustafson (Miles Barrow as a young man, Keegan-Michael Key as the older version). He has been waiting for one last ingredient to bring his greatest invention to life. The package arrives, and Jangle is so happy that he gives his inventory away to the customers, leading to a spectacularly energetic Broadway-style musical number, with athletic spins and jumps choreographed by "The Greatest Showman's" Ashley Wallen. I admit to watching it and the snowball fight scene later in the film a couple of extra times for some cheer during a stressful week.

The ingredient Jangle was waiting for works, bringing to life a little mechanical bullfighter with a very big ego (amusingly voiced by Ricky Martin ). Jangle is overjoyed, planning to manufacture one for every child in the world. But the bullfighter is arrogant and selfish. He wants to be the only one. He persuades Gustafson to steal him and the notebook of designs. In a poignant CGI scene showing us the next decades, with characters designed to look like carved toys, we see that Jangle loses everything. 

The toyshop becomes a pawnshop. The happy inventor becomes a recluse. 

Years later, Jessica is grown and has a daughter of her own, named Journey (sweet-voiced and utterly captivating newcomer Madalen Mills ). She comes to stay with Jangle just before Christmas. At first, he is grouchy and stand-offish. But it turns out that she has a gift for inventing, too, and Jangle's inspiration begins to return.

One of the film's producers is John Legend , which means the music is glorious, with a superb score by John Debney and fine songs from Davy Nathan and Philip Lawrence. The singing is superb, especially from Sharon Rose as Joanna Jangle, Anika Noni Rose as the adult Jessica, Cornwell as young Jangle, and Mills as Journey. Key has a lot of fun with a villain song as he tries to promote his own invention, the toy he could never quite get right. 

The storyline is a bit over-plotted and the cast a bit overpopulated. I haven't even mentioned the banker played by Hugh Bonneville or the postmistress with a crush on Jangle and a powerhouse ballad to try to get his attention. But it only adds to the sense of generous abundance that keeps the film bursting with energy and so much goodwill it is ends up almost as irresistible as it wants to be.  

Now available on Netflix. 

Nell Minow is the Contributing Editor at RogerEbert.com.

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Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

Rated PG for some thematic elements and peril.

119 minutes

Forest Whitaker as Jeronicus Jangle

Keegan Michael Key as Gustafson

Hugh Bonneville as Delacroix

Anika Noni Rose as Jessica

Phylicia Rashad as Grandmother Journey

Madalen Mills as Journey

Ricky Martin as Don Juan Diego (voice)

Miles Barrow as Young Gustafson

• David E. Talbert

Cinematographer

• Remi Adefarasin
• John Debney

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AFK Journey Review: A magical adventure through Esperia

Experience the journey in esperia.

AFK Journey , a  world-based  RPG  by FARLIGHT Games , offers players an immersive 3D world adventure set in the enchanting realm of Esperia. Throughout the game, players engage in strategic battles against the formidable Faceless, accompanied by a diverse cast of heroes. After spending hours immersed in this captivating RPG, I’ll provide a comprehensive review of AFK Journey, delving into its core gameplay elements and offering a fair evaluation of the overall gaming experience.

I have tried and tested AFK Journey on Xiaomi Redmi 9t for over 20 hours to make sure I checked all the available features and got the best possible experience to judge it properly and write an in-depth piece.

If you need help, you can navigate the challenges of AFK Journey by mastering its strategies with our beginner’s guide . Gain valuable insights and tips to enhance your gameplay and increase your chances of success. Also don’t forget to explore redeem codes for in-game rewards and utilize essential guides such as reroll guide , team composition guide , and tier list to optimize your journey. Plus, easily connect with customer support to resolve any in-game issues hassle-free.

The Storyline takes you on a memorable journey through Esperia

Let’s start the AFK Journey Review with the storyline, in the game you’ll assume the role of Merlin, the legendary mage. From the outset, you’re thrust into a realm brimming with ancient prophecies and hidden truths, shaping the destinies of heroes in Esperia .

Guided by the enigmatic figure of Merlin , you embark on a journey through diverse landscapes and thrilling encounters. The narrative unfolds gradually, revealing the rise and fall of gods, conflicts between factions, and the struggles of diverse inhabitants. Each faction brings unique perspectives and conflicts, adding layers to the overarching tale.

Voice acting further breathes life into characters, making their journeys feel personal and authentic. Beyond the main plot, hidden quests and lore tidbits await exploration, ensuring there’s always something new to discover in Esperia.

Overall, I can say AFK Journey offers an immersive narrative experience that fans of fantasy adventures will enjoy. With its captivating storyline and engaging characters, it’s a journey worth taking for those seeking an escape into a magical world.

The game provides strategic battles and exploration

Now let me talk about my experience with the gameplay. AFK Journey’s gameplay revolves around strategic battles and open-world exploration. And there’s a vast array of heroes to choose from, each with unique abilities and strengths. Sure, some heroes might be stronger than others, but that’s all part of the fun. What’s great is that you can upgrade and acquire a variety of these heroes as you progress. So, there’s always something new to try out.

And the hex-based battle system adds a whole new dimension to combat. You’ve got to think about how you position your heroes on the battlefield to come out on top. It’s not just about brute strength it’s about tactics and careful planning, which I found engaging. Speaking of strength, how powerful your team is depends on a bunch of factors, like the gear they’re equipped with and the artifacts they possess. It’s all about finding that perfect balance and maximizing your team’s potential.

You can also roam the open world of Esperia. Discovering hidden treasures, completing quests, and encountering other players along the way. The world is richly detailed, with diverse places, NPCs, and mini-games to keep players entertained. However, sometimes you can’t pass and get stuck on some obstacles.

When it comes to game modes, there’s a ton to choose from. Seriously, you’ll never be bored. Whether you’re into arena battles or just want to explore different realms, there’s something for everyone. But PvP modes like the Arena and Honor Duel may feel imbalanced due to faction and character disparities.

However, one potential drawback in the gameplay mechanics is the reliance on gacha mechanics for hero acquisition. While this is a common feature in many mobile games, some players may find the randomness of gacha pulls frustrating or limiting to their progress. Despite the drawbacks in the hero acquisition, my experience with the gameplay of AFK Journey has been nothing short of fantastic. With its diverse roster of heroes, strategic combat system, and rewarding exploration, it’s a game that’s kept me hooked.

Experience the mesmerizing visuals with relaxing music

With my experience in the game, I can say graphics are truly a sight to behold. The colors are soft and lovely, and the character models look amazing. From the lush landscapes of Golden Wheatshire to the mysterious allure of the Dark Forest , every environment is beautifully crafted with intricate details and vibrant colors.

The character designs are equally impressive, with each hero rendered in exquisite detail, making them feel truly alive. From the smooth animations to the intricate customization options, every detail feels meticulously designed.

In terms of sound and music, AFK Journey delivers an auditory experience that complements its visual splendor. The soundtrack is perfectly tailored to the game’s art style and setting, enhancing the atmosphere. The combat sounds can be a bit overwhelming at times, with each hero having their own set of abilities. But the unique voice actors for each hero add depth to the characters and make them feel more lifelike.

Although the combat sounds may occasionally overwhelm, the overall synergy between graphics, music, and sound design elevates AFK Journey’s qualities. This ensures that players are fully engrossed in the enchanting world of Esperia.

AFK Journey offers intuitive and clean controls and UI

When it comes to controls in AFK Journey, I found them to be quite user-friendly. Navigating through the game is relatively intuitive, whether you’re on a mobile device or using a PC. The touch controls on mobile are responsive, making it easy to interact with the game’s various elements. They say the controls on PC are equally smooth, with keyboard shortcuts enhancing the user experience.

However, when it comes to exploration, the controls can feel a bit limited. Venturing off the main path can sometimes result in getting stuck on obstacles or encountering invisible barriers, which can be frustrating for players looking to explore the world more freely.

As for the user interface, AFK Journey’s UI is clean and well-organized, making accessing features and necessary information easy. The menus are straightforward, with clear icons and labels guiding players through different sections of the game.

While AFK Journey excels in providing intuitive controls and a clean UI, I feel there are areas for improvement, particularly in addressing limitations during exploration. Despite this, the game offers an enjoyable experience for players seeking adventure in its fantastical world.

Purchases in Esperia will depend on your personal preference

In my experience with AFK Journey, the in-app purchases offer a decent boost for players looking to progress more easily in the game. However, you can progress through the game without feeling pressured to spend money.

Resource gathering is made easier with the auto-battle and AFK features, allowing progress even when offline. This means you can still make strides in the game without dedicating all your time to it, which is great for those with busy schedules.

Moreover, the game offers a diverse range of heroes and customization options, ensuring F2P players have plenty of avenues for progression and experimentation. While acquiring top-tier heroes might take more time and effort for free-to-play players, it’s not an insurmountable obstacle. With this, there’s still a sense of accomplishment in building up your team over time.

Though I value the option for in-app purchases, I’ve discovered that progressing without them is feasible, albeit slower. Ultimately, the decision to make purchases depends on personal preference and play style.

Final Verdict

After spending considerable time with AFK Journey during this review, I can confidently say that it offers a captivating experience for players even for the ones who never played AFK Arena . With its engaging storyline, polished gameplay mechanics, stunning graphics, and immersive sound design, AFK Journey stands out as a must-play title in the realm of mobile gaming.

While it has minor drawbacks, the overall enjoyment and satisfaction derived from exploring the world of Esperia far outweigh any shortcomings. Overall, if you’re into mobile games, AFK Journey is worth checking out for its awesome adventure in Esperia.

AFK Journey Review by GamingonPhone

Gameplay mechanics - 7.8, storyline - 8, graphics and music - 9, controls and ui - 7.5, free-to-play elements - 7.5.

AFK Journey offers a captivating experience for players. While it has minor drawbacks, the overall enjoyment and satisfaction derived from exploring the world of Esperia far outweigh any shortcomings.

That’s all from us for the AFK Journey Review! Did you find our AFK Journey Review helpful? Do let us know in the  comments !

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• Times and Tickets

I brought a 7 year old girl, and right from the start she was enjoying the interaction with yetis at the airport. Santa was great and was so interactive with her. She loved how the elf and santa joked and made the experience magical together. She was completely enthralled in the belief she was in the North Pole.

Ash Crouch, TripAdvisor

After visiting last weekend I found myself taken back by the amount of effort that has gone into creating a story and theme before we even got to see Santa.

There were some really fun parts and my child loved all of the wonderful rooms and the story that went along with them, we enjoyed building a bear and when we saw Santa he was incredible, knowledgeable and friendly, definitely the perfect man for the job. I was reasonably impressed and it was a great experience all round.

Jakk W, TripAdvisor 2021

What a fantastic Christmas experience we just had! It was so magical, and personal! I can’t recommend it highly enough! The staff are fantastic, the elves are hilarious and Santa is the best we have ever seen! The launderette ladies are brilliant. I could go on and on!!! Thank you so much 4 kingdoms, we’ll be back next year for sure!

Rachael Maslin, Facebook

Amazing Christmas experience! My whole family loved it. Above and beyond in every way from the staff and actors. Would highly recommend and look forward to coming back next year! Santa was amazing too – one of the best we’ve met!

Poppy Ashworth, Google Reviews 2020

All in all it’s a brilliant day out, and Santa has all the info I’d input prior to our visit. The kids had the most magical time, the information was used at other points throughout the visit so it is vital you fill that in beforehand to get a personalised experience. My youngest daughter, age 5, was amazing saying “but how do they know all this about me!” It was magical and both my daughters (5 & 7) were buzzing by the end.

Amy R, TripAdvisor 2021

Amazing really worth going. An exciting Xmas experience for all the family. Great happy helpful polite Staff, who are great with the children. They really took the time to interact and make the kids day. Thank you everyone at Four Kingdoms for a great day.

Amanda Herbert, Google Reviews, 2021

The Christmas experience was brilliant and staff were superb! So much effort and so much to see and do, we particularly loved ‘Chip & Pinn’ – thank you all

Natasha James, Google Reviews, 2021

Book your magical christmas adventure today, reviews​, ash crouch, tripadvisor 2021.

Amazing Christmas experience! My whole family loved it. Above and beyond in every way from the staff and actors. Would highly recommend and look forward to coming back next year! Santa was amazing too – one of the best we’ve met!

The Christmas experience was brilliant and staff were superb! So much effort and so much to see and do, we particularly loved ‘Chip & Pinn’ – thank you all

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Visit atlanta’s most heartwarming holiday celebration.

Each day during Stone Mountain Christmas, you can enjoy park attractions including Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, and more!

Then, become immersed in holiday magic with evenings full of festive music, millions of dazzling lights, spectacular shows and visits from some of your favorite holiday characters!

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Christmas Drone Show

Watch in amazement as a fleet of color-changing drones light up the sky as they fly above the reflection pond in the Christmas Drone Show*. See larger-than-life festive aerial formations professionally choreographed with color-changing lights and synced to favorite holiday music in this twelve-minute, must-see show!

*Some effects including drones may be canceled due to winds and unfavorable weather.

The Magical Christmas Drone & Light Show is part of the Stone Mountain Christmas event and requires an Attractions Ticket to view the show.

Magical Experiences

Share heartwarming moments with your family while you discover what makes Stone Mountain Christmas Atlanta’s favorite holiday celebration. Catch favorite experiences including the World’s Largest Christmas Light Show and the Christmas Parade!

World’s Largest Christmas Light Show

Celebrate the spirit of the season with this 20-minute experience. Your favorite holiday songs are brought to life with state-of-the-art projection, new special effects and a fireworks finale. Before you know it, the whole family will be singing along!

Catch Santa’s Big Flight

You don’t want to miss this special appearance from Santa himself as he flies overhead in his sleigh each night during the Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony!*

*Some shows including Drones and Santa’s Flight may be canceled due to winds and unfavorable weather.

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Bring your Christmas wishes to the big man himself, live and in person, at his North Pole office. Enjoy a chat with Santa while you get a peek at where all the magic begins. Through 12/24 only.

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Immerse yourself in the Musical Frosted Forest where you’ll be mesmerized by beautiful lights, sights and sounds!

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Enjoy these renowned Christmas Carolers as they sing some of your all time Holiday favorites!

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Watch as Santa, Mrs. Claus and a host of other holiday figures make their way through the streets of Stone Mountain Christmas to spread the joy of the season.

A Christmas Carol

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Enjoy several of Stone Mountain Park’s unique attractions including the Scenic Railroad, 4D Movie Theater, Mini-Golf and more during Stone Mountain Christmas!

Jurassic Christmas

Did you know dinosaurs love to celebrate the holidays? Visit our dinosauars to see what they’re doing to get in the Christmas spirit and stick around into the night to see the special Christmas Dino Glow Experience.

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This lively journey around the mountain by day becomes a special sing-along experience by night!

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All aboard for a movie experience where you’ll find that the true meaning of Christmas lies in your heart.

“Such an amazing Christmas experience” Jessica, Google Reviewer 2023

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  What is Stone Mountain Christmas and when does it take place?

Stone Mountain Christmas is an annual holiday event held at Stone Mountain Park. It features a variety of festive activities, including live shows, millions of twinkling lights, and a festive parade. The event typically takes place from early November through late December on weekends and school holidays.

  What attractions can I enjoy during the Stone Mountain Christmas?

During Stone Mountain Christmas, you can enjoy various attractions including the Summit Skyride , Scenic Railroad , and other park attractions . In the evenings, there’s festive music, millions of dazzling lights, spectacular shows, and visits from some of your favorite holiday characters. There are also special experiences like the Christmas Drone Show, the World’s Largest Christmas Light Show, Santa’s Big Flight, Musical Frosted Forest, and more.

  Are there any family-friendly activities during Stone Mountain Christmas?

Yes, there are several family-friendly activities and attractions during Stone Mountain Christmas. You can enjoy unique attractions like the Scenic Railroad, 4D Movie Theater, Mini-Golf, and more. Also, don’t miss the special Christmas Dino Glow Experience during the Jurassic Christmas.

  How do I purchase tickets for Stone Mountain Christmas?

Tickets for Stone Mountain Christmas can be purchased online through the official Stone Mountain Park website. Simply visit the Attractions Tickets section and select the date you plan to attend the event.

  Are dining options available during Stone Mountain Christmas?

Yes, there are dining options available during Stone Mountain Christmas. The event features various food and beverage options, including traditional holiday treats, warm beverages, and seasonal favorites. These options are provided by on-site restaurants and food stands. You can find more information about dining options and locations on the Dining page on our website.

  Can I buy a ticket for just the Christmas Drone & Light Show?

The Christmas Drone & Light Show is part of the Stone Mountain Christmas event and requires an Attractions Ticket to view the show.

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Planned Release Date: 2024

About this game.

Combat and Cooking: A Magical Culinary Journey on Wheels

The magic culinary stall, growth and expansion: the war vehicle’s continuous evolution, pursuing the power of magic crystals, system requirements.

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: windows 10以上
• Processor: i5
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: 1060以上
• Storage: 20 GB available space
• OS: windows 11
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: 3060
• Storage: 50 GB available space

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