We had a family reunion in Scottsdale AZ, and one of our events was going to the Grand Canyon. We took the 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive from Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon Railway station. There was plenty of parking available at the station.
We were in the Pullman car. The train was clean and it was a comfortable ride. I loved seeing the country as we took the ride there and back. The train staff was very friendly and helpful, answered our questions, and we enjoyed the narrative and events aboard the train (live music, jokes, train robbery). They announced our family reunion over the intercom which was nice of them. The staff was also attentive to the kids, giving them crayons for coloring and also allowed them to come up to the mic and sing or tell a joke or two. We made sure to tip the staff.
My only complaint would be the shops at the train station. Everything was super expensive (a pair of sunglasses for $24, a warm shirt for $50) and the staff was not very pleasant or helpful.
Overall our family had a great and memorable trip.