White Pass and Yukon RR vs. sight-seeing van

[fajitapita]

Hi everyone...
First time to Alaska, so I have a question about White Pass in Skagway. Is it absolutely crucial to take the train, or will I be just as happy with a smaller passenger van/tour mini-bus that will stop once in a while for pictures? If it's just the experience of riding a train, I've done that many times in the past. Can you give me pros/cons of the train vs. smaller van/bus? Thanks!!!

Fajita Pita

Song of Norway 12/79
Tropicale 12/84
Explorer of the Seas 8/3/02
Mariner of the Seas 1/4/04

Serenading to Alaska for our 10th anniversary!
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[CruiseIsGood]

The train gets views the bus definitely doesn't. It wasn't for the train experience as much as the scenery that you couldn't get from the road. The train is narrated, and the one I took in 2002 was far better narrated than the one I took in 2003, but both times, some of the elderly fell asleep. You need to like looking at scenery to enjoy the train.

[Budget Queen]

A significant reason to consider the train- is to be a rail fan. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] But more important - scenery (superior from the rail), engineering, history. The van tours- are good options and are very reasonable. Determine what your priorties are?? AND head to the Park Service visitor center- loaded with great free activities and the info will make your tours come alive. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]http://www.nps.gov/klgo/schedule.htm