Happy Trials Express

FAQs

Q: How far in advance do I need to reserve the train?

A: As soon as you have a confirmed date for your event, we highly recommend that you book the train for that date. Don't wait! There's nothing worse than getting your event organized, mailing invitations, then calling up to book the train, and finding that the train is not available. If the train is not available, we can refer you to one of our partner companies. We can book as far as one year in advance.

Q: Does the rental price include travel fee and tax?
A: No. The average travel fee within the Austin area is $25. The travel fee is based upon destination.

Q: Do you match prices?
A: No. We offer an excellent product. Our train looks like the photo on our website. Our conductor is uniformed. Our train is cleaned and sanitized before and after each use. We are licensed and insured. Our train has covered tops, working seatbelts, train horn, bell and uniformed conductor who operates the train. Adults can comfortably ride our train. The most exciting service is our custom radio system, which plays ipod playlists or music from a usb jump drive. You Get What You Pay For...

On the other hand, we offer a variety of specials, promotions and discounts throughout the year. Please check our specials page for discounts.

Q: Do you service other cities?
A: We mainly service the Austin Area and surrounding cities. If you are planning a large event outside of the Austin area, please call us for a travel quote. Travel fees outside of the Houston area can be expensive. Please call our office for a current quote.

Q: Does the requested party time include the set up time?
A: No. Our goal is to arrive 20 to 30 mins early to set-up, clean and sanitize the train. The train will pull up in front of your door or the designated passenger loading/unloading location at the start time of your event.

Q: What surface does the train operate on?
A: The preferred surface is a paved, smooth concrete or asphalt surface. A paved surface will give you the best ride. We can operate on grass, as long as it is a level surface. Grassy surfaces have a tendency to hide bumps and holes, which makes an uncomfortable ride. Please contact us if you wish to operate on a grassy or dirt surface prior to booking the train.

Q: We've rented a dirty, neglected, unkept train in the past, which was different from the photo on the website. What is the condition of your train?
A: Our train is in excellent condition. All of our seatbelts properly work. The train is cleaned and sanitized before and after each use. Our train is housed in an enclosed garage, which prevent constant exposure to harsh weather elements. Our train is polished and waxed once every quarter. We pride ourselves by keeping our train in Excellent Condition.

Q: Can adults ride the train?
A: Yes. Adults can ride the train. The train holds 12 adults or 18 kids. Two adults to a seat or three kids to a seat.

Q: What comes with the train?
A: A uniformed conductor, horn, bell, covered tops, seatbelts, and music.

Q: What forms of payments do you accept?
A: Cash, Checks (made payable to "Happy Trails Express"), or Credit Cards (except American Express). Credit card payments on the day of the event must be authorized prior to the event. Our drivers do not have access to a credit card machine. If paying by cash, please have exact change as our drivers do not carry cash. Please note that there is a $35 NSF fee on all returned checks.

Q: What if we need to cancel?
A: Please review our agreement page for details.

Q: Do you require a deposit?
A: Yes. A $100 is required for all rentals.

Q: How big is the train?
A: The train is 29 feet 6 inches long x 54 inches wide x 6 feet 6 inches tall . The train has a 16ft turning radius. The train will not fit in a residential back yard, unless you have several acres.

Q: Is the train insured?
A: Yes. We have the requied insurance to enter most public parks, private community centers or country clubs. Please contact us if you need proof of coverage (an additional fee may be required).

Q: Do you have any moonwalks?
A: No. Our only product is the train. However, we can refer you to one of our partner companies for moonwalk rentals.