June, 1997
June, 1997
Kids Ride Free This Summer!
Kids Ride Free Makes Family Summer Travel Easy Taking the train makes any trip an adventure -- especially for kids. There's room to move around, bathrooms on board, and cafe cars when they get hungry.
So, between May 27th and August 28th, kids (age 15 and under) ride FREE seven days a week on any Amtrak California route (San Diegans, Capitols, and San Joaquins).
The offer is limited to two children per full fare adult or senior fare, and is not valid July 3-6. Fares include Amtrak Thruway Bus service.
Last year's Kid's Ride Free promotion helped boost summer ridership 21.9 percent and succeeded in attracting new riders. We hope to match last year's ridership with improved revenues.
And the savings don't end there. When you buy your train tickets through your local travel agent or Amtrak Station, you'll get admission to your favorite local attraction at a special discount price. Don't Miss these fun local attractions:
Disneyland ; Don't miss Disney's new "Light Magic" extravaganza when you make reservations to catch Amtrak's "Fantasy Flyer" shuttle from the Anaheim station to the "Magic Kingdom." From the lights of Main Street to the many adventure rides, there is something for everyone at the "most magical place on earth." Amtrak offers One-Day and Five-Day Passports that include train transportation, guaranteed shuttle connections and park admission. An adult One-Day Passport is $45, child $36; Five-Day Passport is $73, child $57. Passports do not include rail fare and kids ride free on the shuttle connection.
Knott's Berry Farm ; Convenient local transit will take you from the Amtrak Fullerton station to America's first themed amusement park featuring Camp Snoopy Depot, sponsored by Amtrak's Grand Sierra Railroad, Wild Water Wilderness and Kingdom of the Dinosaurs.
Sea World ; Journey to the frozen North at Sea World's new Wild Arctic, a thrilling new adventure that begins as guests board a jet helicopter and disembark onto stunning arctic landscaping and open air habitats with above and below water viewing areas. The park also features killer whales, birds, dolphins, sea lions, otters, walruses and over 20 attractions. Each train arrival at the San Diego Amtrak station during Sea World's operating hours is met by a direct shuttle for transfer to the park. The shuttle is an additional $5 each way for adults and two children per adult ride the shuttle free.
San Diego; Birthplace of California, San Diego is the home of the famous San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Wild Animal Park and the historic Gaslamp Quarter, all with convenient connections from the San Diego Amtrak station.
Los Angeles;To see the sights of Los Angeles, Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, the La Brea Tar Pits, Olvera Street, Chinatown, Little Tokyo ; rent a car at the Budget rental counter inside the Los Angeles Amtrak station.
One-way per person fare from San Diego to Los Angeles maybe as low $20, from San Diego to Santa Barbara, $22.50, from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara $18 and from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo, $20.50
Where to find the San Diegan News:
At most popular San Diegan Stations
On all Amcafe and Custom Class Cars
Where you Can't:
At your local grocery store along
with all the coupons
DESTINATIONS
Del Mar/Solana Beach, CA
Amtrak San Diegan's Feature City for June 1997
CRITIQUES CHOICE
Restaurants:
The Brigantine
3263 Camino Del Mar (619) 481-1166
The Brigantine features fresh seafood as well as the finest Certified Black Angus Beef and fresh free-range chicken prepared in a variety of styles. Patio dining is available with unique views of the historic Del Mar Racetrack and the Pacific Ocean. Atmosphere is "California Casual" with an emphasis on fun and friendly professional service.
The Fish Market
640 Via de la Valle (619) 755-2277
The Fish Market philosophy is a simple one; serve our customers the very freshest seafood at an honest price. From the incredible seafood cocktails, chowders, salads and shellfish appetizer to the masterfully created entrees, most of which are mesquite charbroiled and served with an assortment of tasty side dishes. Visit one of their 6 fresh locations on the West Coast!
Hotels:
Doubletree Hotel Del Mar
11915 El Camino Real
(619) 481-5900/800.528-0444
The Doubletree Hotel Del Mar has just completed its 1.3 million dollar renovation and has added an additional ballroom. The 220 room, 5 story, 8 suite facility is located on Carmel Valley Road just off Interstate 5 in Del Mar and only minutes from the Solana Beach Amtrak train stop. New decor, exciting colors and rich tapestries all reflect the "Spanish Mission" theme that is created at the all-new Doubletree Hotel in Del Mar.
Del Mar Hilton
15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
(619) 792-5200/800.HILTONS
The Del Mar Hilton North San Diego the standard for casual elegance in San Diego's North County. Across from famed Del Mar Racetrack and less than a mile from the magnificent beaches, you'll enjoy a wonderful array of activities including tennis, golf, spas, and health facilities. Each of the 245 beautifully appointed oversized guest rooms is designed for the utmost in comfort with fully stocked mini bars, two phones, a desk and data phone for modem function. The Hilton Family Plan, no charge for children, regardless of age, when they occupy the same room as their parents.
Critic's Notes:
The Del Mar and Solana Beach areas are actually the hidden jewels of San Diego County. Often overlooked, these two towns are some of Southern California's most beautiful and romantic coastal communities. They are rich in culture and history alike. Miles of sandy beaches and tranquil lagoons will invite you to return for many years to come. Amtrak's San Diegans serve Solana Beach with connections to/from Del Mar.
For more information on what to see and do while in the Del Mar and Solana
Beach areas, please call the Chamber of Commerce at (619) 755-4775.
Father for A day!
According to Conductor Sonya Shestak, her fellow co-worker Conductor Tom Tuttle has always been one to pay special attention to the needs of kids who ride his trains, so it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone to hear of his generosity to one young fellow in particular. "Nick" and his teacher were recently traveling on Amtrak when Tom learned of the child's dream to become a Railroad Engineer or Conductor when he grows up.
Tom quickly invited Nick to help him do his job for the day, collect tickets and assist with many of the varied duties of a conductor. Nick was dressed appropriately, wearing Tom's official Conductor hat. Before the day was over Tom and Nick were best buddies and had even exchanged phone numbers, so it was no surprise for Tom to hear from Nick later on.
Nick had a wish . . . to attend the Railroad Family Day and asked if (father) Tom would be his Dad for the day?" After speaking with Nicks' mom, Tom loaded up Buck, his dog, and off they went to collect their new buddy.
Nick was again wearing his new hat, and judging from the smile on his face, he was about to experience his dream.
Together they toured equipment displays, ate hot dogs, and spent most of the day at the San Diego Santa Fe Station, meeting people, seeing and doing things that many children could only imagine. Nick was truly experiencing a dream come true.
Later in the day, when his mom came to collect him, she had tears of joy in her eyes as she thanked employees, and most especially Conductor Tom, for giving her son such a wonderful day. You see, Nick has always dreamed of, someday, working on a train. And now, he has a new Best Friend, Big Brother, and Family to help share that dream. And, yes, Nick still has the hat!
Also present at the event were the San Diego Railway Museum, the San Diego Electric Railroad Association, and the San Diego Trolley. Fantasy Flyer, Disneyland and Coaster provided their respective tour package information. San Diego and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) "Operation Lifesaver" representatives offered valuable life saving safety tips about safe and responsible behavior on or near railroad tracks. Operation Lifesaver is an international non-profit coalition highway-rail safety organization providing public safety education in 49 states.
Hot dogs, chili dogs and cold beverages were the cuisine of the day provided by members of Operation Redblock, a railroad employee organization providing employee assistance. Volunteer employees from Amtrak's San Diegans, Southwest Chief, and the Coast Starlight disseminated information about Amtrak travel to over 500 destinations and also sold souvenirs exclusive to their trains. Of special interest was an Amtrak California Thruway Motorcoach display provided by Amtrak California, a partnership between the California Department of Transportation and Amtrak.
A door prize drawing was also held during the event. Over 200 entries were received for the numerous door prizes being raffled including Knotts Berry Farm tickets, hotel packages from Solvang and Ventura, and hotel/Whale Watching packages from Santa Barbara. Each package included rail transportation. Also donated were souvenir gift items and gift certificates.
Thanks to those who attended Railroad Family Day, and to all of those employees who contributed to it's success, hopefully it will soon be an annual San Diego May Day event.
Special thanks to Carol East, Ken Barrett, Clayton Boyer, James Hatton and Viki Rudy.
The San Diegan News is a publiction of
Amtrak's San Diegan Product Line.
Write to us at:
San Diegan News
Attn: Natalia Driskill, Marikay Bumstead - Editors
1050 Kettner Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101
Or visit us on the web at:
www.amtrakwest.com
E-Mail address: SANNews@aol.com
