Question 1

Weather related inquiries

Accepted Answer

The Train, Carousel, Snack Shack, & BBQ do not operate in the event of rain. We make the call about a half an hour before we are scheduled to open. Please call 408-395-7433 on the morning in question for confirmation, you may also check facebook for day to day updates.
The Train, Carousel, Shack Shack, & BBQ will close if weather reaches 98° or above as a safety measure to the staff and public.

Question 2

Train ride FAQ

Accepted Answer

The train ride is between 8 and 10 minutes long. The train ride begins at our station in Oak Meadow Park and crosses the bridge into Vasona Park. The ride is a one mile loop around Vasona park, and returns back to the station in Oak Meadow. The Oak Meadow Station is the only entrance and exit for the train.
Dogs & Pets are permitted on the train as long as they are on a leash, and they don’t need a ticket!
Roller blades, scooters, and any other apparatus with wheels are not permitted on the train.
Our train is wheelchair accessible. Please request the wheelchair accessible car at the ticket booth.
1 ticket is required per guest. We ask that after each ride all guest exit the train. If you would like to ride again and have your tickets already, simply get back in line. We want to ensure that all of our guests have the opportunity to ride within our hours of operation.
Monday through Friday, the train schedules change slightly. The train runs continuously until 12:30pm, then the train will run every half hour on the hour. (i.e 1:00pm, 1:30pm etc.)

Question 3

Carousel ride FAQ

Accepted Answer

The carousel ride is about 3 and half minutes long.
One person per horse only.
Children under 3 must have an adult standing next to them on the ride. Safety first!
So sorry, but dogs & pets are not permitted on the carousel.
Roller blades, scooters, and any other apparatus with wheels are not permitted on the carousel.
1 ticket is required per guest. We ask that after each ride all guests exit the carousel. If you would like to ride again and have your tickets already, simply get back in line. We want to ensure that all of our guests have the opportunity to ride within our hours of operation.

Question 4

Reservations: are you part of the park?

Accepted Answer

The town of Los Gatos is responsible for all picnic table reservations in Oak Meadow park, and they may be reached at 408-399-5781. Santa Clara County is responsible for picnic areas in Vasona park. To make a reservation in Vasona park please call 408-355-2201.
The BJWRR is a private nonprofit that leases land off of Oak Meadow and Vasona Parks. They are our landlords and they are in charge of the land around us. The BJWRR has no control over restrooms, picnic areas, and for the most part the grounds around our buildings and tracks.
Parking is available in the Oak Meadow Parking. Overflow parking is also available in Vasona Park for a small fee administered by the County of Santa Clara. Free Parking is available along University Ave.

Question 5

Birthday parties

Accepted Answer

The BJWRR does not host birthday parties. We simply don’t have the room or sufficient supplies to cater to individual parties. We do welcome large groups to visit the railroad and carousel by having group rates available. Group tickets: Must be purchased in increments of 30 or more. Tickets are $4.00 each. Ticket may be used on train or carousel.
Please note that we do not reserve time slots for the train, and admission on the train is on a first come first serve basis. If you have a large party, make sure to let the conductor know so that we may get you all on the same train.

Question 6

Hours of Operation

Accepted Answer

Hours of operation

The BJWRR operates on a seasonal schedule year round. To see the break-down of each season and their according time of operation please visit the hours page, above.
The BJWRR operates during park holidays including: Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, 4th of July, & Labor Day. To check for hours on these days please visit the events page, above.

Question 7

Tickets and special events

Accepted Answer

Ride tickets are required on the train and carousel.
Each ride requires its own ticket.
These tickets may be purchased in person at the BJWRR ticket booth during normal hours of operation.
Special events are extra events conducted throughout the year to raise extra funds. All special events are fundraising events, and all proceeds go back to the organization.
Special tickets must be used for certain special events. Please check our events page, above.

Question 8

Volunteer/Employment opportunities

Accepted Answer

The Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad is always accepting applications for employment or volunteer.
We employ for year round positions. Training is a bit too extensive to just hire for the summer. Work is mostly on weekends year round, so it is perfect for students or persons wanting to work mostly weekends. For more information please visit our employment page, above.
There are plenty of ways to get involved as a volunteer at the railroad. Volunteers must be responsible adults who do not require much supervision. Please visit our volunteer page above, for more information.

Question 9

Can you donate to my project/event

Accepted Answer

The Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad is happy to donate ride tickets to your event or project as long it falls under our guidelines. Please visit the Contact Us page and click on the donation request link.

Question 10

Do I need to purchase tickets ahead of time/ Do I need a reservation?

Accepted Answer

Tickets do not need to be purchased ahead of time and no reservations is required for this event. We do not sell ahead of time for crowd control or in the event of rain as all sales are final.

Question 11

Will the Holiday Train operate in the event of rain?

Accepted Answer

No, the Holiday Train will not operate in the event of rain. Call 408-395-7433 or check our Facebook page for updates.

Question 12

What are the exact hours?

Accepted Answer

We begin at 6:00pm each scheduled night. For crowd control we will close the entrance gate into oak meadow park at 8:45pm and tickets will not be available for purchase after this time. The last train of the night will depart at 9:00pm.

Question 13

Can I use any ticket from BJWRR for this event?

Accepted Answer

No, this event is a fundraiser for the BJWRR and will require its own special tickets. Regular operation tickets including group tickets and discount cards will not be permitted for use during this event. We appreciate your understanding.

Question 14

Are group rates available for this event?

Accepted Answer

No group rates are available for this event, as it is a fundraising event for the BJWRR. All proceeds made from this event will go back into the organization.

Question 15

Are all of the lights visible from the train?

Accepted Answer

The first third of the Fantasy of Lights set up is visible from the train. As an added bonus, the train with you on it becomes part of the fantasy of lights show!

Question 16

Will the snack shack be open and selling BBQ?

Accepted Answer

The snack shack will be open from 6:00 to 8:00pm during the event, and will be serving a variety of sweet snacks and hot beverages. We will NOT be selling BBQ during the event.

Question 17

Where do I park and how much will it cost?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available in the oak meadow parking lot. If there is a booth attendant present then the Town of Los Gatos will be collecting a parking fee (typically $6). If no attendant is present then parking will be free, but please park in parked spots only. Overflow parking will available on University ave. If possible always carpool or rideshare, as drive-through traffic can get backed up.