Tweetsie Railroad will open its gates April 29 for the 2011 season and announces a golden opportunity for season passes and unlimited classic family fun.

"Purchase Tweetsie's Golden Rail season passes now through May 1 and enjoy preseason rates by saving up to $15 on each pass purchase," says a spokesman. "With preseason discounts, a Golden Rail season pass pays for itself after only two visits."

Adult passes are $70, and passes for children ages 3-12 are $50. After May 1, season passes are $85 for adults and $60 for children.

"Visit Tweetsie.com, and print your season passes from home," says the spokesman.

During 2011, Tweetsie Railroad will host several special events, including the popular Day Out With Thomas, Dora the Explorer, the annual July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza, a visit from everyone's favorite purple dinosaur Barney, the return of the family favorite K-9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs, Tweetsie's spooktacular Ghost Train Halloween Festival event and much more.

In addition, Tweetsie guests can experience the other activities offered at the park, including a ride on the famed historic steam locomotive. Spend the day walking the streets of a Western town, take a spin on the rides, from thrilling to kid-sized, be a part of the toe-tappin' live entertainment at Tweetsie Palace, or take a scenic chair lift ride to Miner's Mountain and pan for gold or visit with the animals at Deer Park zoo.

Included in the Golden Rail season passes is a full season of Wild West adventure from train rides to amusement rides, live entertainment and the Deer Park zoo as well as free admission to all Tweetsie special events, including Day Out With Thomas, the Ghost Train Halloween Festival and the park's new evening program, Cool Summer Nights (July 2, 9 and 16).

Golden Rail season pass holders also receive discounts at other family attractions, including Biltmore Estate, Chimney Rock Park, Grandfather Mountain, Mast General Store and Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway.

Tweetsie Railroad will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting April 29, and seven days a week beginning May 27 through Aug. 21 before returning to the weekend schedule from Aug. 26 through Oct. 30, including Labor Day Monday. The 2011 season ends Sunday, Oct. 30.

The park's regular hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but it will be open until 9 p.m. on July 2, 4, 9 and 16 and from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. for the Ghost Train Halloween Festival Friday and Saturday nights Sept. 30 through Oct. 29. In addition, the park will open at 8 a.m. both Saturdays (June 4 and 11) during the popular Day Out With Thomas event.

Daily admission is $34 for adults and $22 for children ages 3 through 12. Children 2 and under are admitted free.

Tweetsie Railroad is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains on U.S. 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock. For more information about the 2011 season at Tweetsie Railroad, visit Tweetsie.com.