Enjoying a Train Ride in the Melbourne Square Mall

It was a sound that seemed distinctly out of place as I walked into the Melbourne Square Mall last Friday night: The ringing of a bell and a chugging sound. A train? What's all this about? Isn't it too early for the Christmas train that I've seen in the past?

My wife, 2-yr old granddaughter Madelyn and I had decided to visit the mall. Our objective: hit the food court for dinner and then maybe let the grand girl play in the cushy floored children's play area. We'd also planned on visiting the pet store to make faces at the cute puppies, and perhaps riding on the merry-go-round that happily eats dollar bills. But with the sound of an approaching train, Madelyn ran wide eyed to me and held out her arms to be held. I picked her up and she stared, frozen in place at the sight of a brightly painted trackless train rolling down the aisles. As it rolled past, the in-character dressed engineer smiled and waved. The engine was followed by a coal car, two passenger cars and a caboose. Smiling children and adults alike looked out from square windows. My little Madelyn observed all of this in silence, then turned and said softly into my ear, "Ride? Train, Papa?" The simple little request actually brought me to tears. I knew we'd be riding a train that night.

The departure place for the electric Andretti Express Train is across from the Puppies Plus pet store located at the western end of the Melbourne Square Mall at 1700 West New Haven Avenue. (According to Andretti's website, they also operate a train at the Indian River Mall in Vero Beach.) Prices at the time of our ride were set at 1 ticket for $4, 2 tickets for $7, 3 tickets for $10, and 4 tickets for $12. The attendant-less machine, complete with a rail road crossing sign on top, appeared to accept both cash and credit cards (see picture #3 above). I paid for two and two paper tickets printed out. Next we just waited for the train to finish its circuit.

A giggling Madelyn chose the blue passenger car as we climbed aboard, awaiting the train's departure. The look on her face was priceless as the whistle sounded and the cars began to move. After looping around near JCPenney, we travelled east all the way to Macy's stopping a few times to allow pedestrians to cross at various intersections. Madelyn laughed and waved. So did Papa Ron.

The 8 to 10 minute ride was worth every dollar, and a great way to see the entire mall, although you adults out there might want to wait and ride it with a young child. And though you might be a wee bit squished, don't just look out the windows; watch the expressions of the children around you. Through a child's eyes, the entire world looks different.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
More Information
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Andretti Thrill Park (Owners of the Train) Website: Click Here

Melbourne Square Mall - Regular Hours
Mon to Sat: 10:00am - 9:00pm
Sun: 12:00pm - 6:00pm

Melbourne Square Mall Location
1700 West New Haven Avenue
Melbourne, FL 32904
(321) 727-8062
Website

Puppies Plus Pet Store in the Melbourne Mall - Click Here
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Other fun things to do/visit in Melbourne and Palm Bay:

►Giant Romantic Swing - the entire family could fit on this thing! - Click Here

►Inspiration Park in Palm Bay: Click Here