Frequently Asked Questions

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

IS PARKING PROVIDED? WHERE DO WE PARK FOR OUR RIDE?

There is NO onsite parking provided. It is extremely important to plan ahead and arrive early. There is NO ON-SITE PARKING available. Please take advantage of the FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE (on weekends and peak dates). Street, lot and garage parking have all been limited this year. Traffic is very heavy during Nights of Lights, so please allow EXTRA (and we do mean extra) DRIVE TIME!

​Remember: Leave EARLY to arrive on time! Rides depart with or without you. There are no refunds or reschedules.

Adjacent to the Visitors Information Center, there is a 1,200-car facility that has proven to be our guest's favorite location for quick-and-easy parking. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the parking facility is conveniently located within walking distance to St. George St. and San Marco Ave., as well as the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and Francis Field. 

​View the VIC and the Parking Garage on a Google map.  Learn more about additional parking in St. Augustine. Parking is at premium during peak season and holidays. 
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HELPFUL PARKING LINKS:
Please allow plenty of time to locate parking as well as walk to the starting location of your ride. 
Parking is at premium during peak season and holidays.  We recommend using the shuttle service (when available).

FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE: St. Augustine Night of Lights Parking & Shuttle Info | St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL (floridashistoriccoast.com) and Free Shuttle | St. Augustine, FL (citystaug.com)
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WHAT IS THE STANDARD GRATUITY THE DRIVER/CHARACTERS?

Gratuity for your Carriage or Character Driver is NOT included in the price of the tour. Although not expected, it is happily accepted. As a general guideline, a standard tip is approximately 15% of the ride cost, with 18-25% recommended for exceptional service.
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​HOW MUCH HISTORY IS PROVIDED ON THE RIDE?

While you may pass by several historic landmarks along the route, this is not a narrated history or sightseeing tour. Our holiday rides are designed primarily for entertainment, character interaction, and enjoying the sparkling Nights of Lights displays. Oh! And holiday spirit! 
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E-CARRIAGE & CHARACTER RIDE - FAQ:

Is wine provided? 
No. Wine is not offered on the e-carriage nor character rides. For the safety and comfort of all guests, outside alcohol is also not permitted.

Can the e-carriages or the character rides accommodate wheelchairs or scooters?
No, the character vehicles are unable to accommodate wheelchairs, electric scooters or walkers. 

Unfortunately, the E-carriages are also unable to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, or guests who cannot safely board and exit the carriage without assistance.

Wheelchairs and scooters can be stored at the check in location for the duration of the ride. 
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What routes do we take? 
Routes will vary depending on traffic. ​Vehicles are not allowed to stop along the route. All carriage routes are predetermined and specified (strictly enforced) by the City of St. Augustine. 

The number of lights viewed, depends on the participating businesses and private homes, along the designated route.

What should be bring on the ride? 
We recommend dressing appropriately for the weather. During the cooler winter months, guests are welcome to bring a cozy blanket to stay warm and comfortable during the ride.

Is there an age restriction?
No. Guests of all ages are welcome to enjoy e-carriage and character rides. Children (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult. 

Is there a discount for children?
All guests, regardless of age, require a full-price ticket.

​Can the vehicles accommodate a child's car seat?
Infant car seats and carriers cannot be accommodated. Please ensure that your infant is in a body harness for safety.

How does the seating work?
The e-carriage and character rides are a shared group experience. Guests should expect to sit closely together, and seating may include other parties.

Seating is not assigned and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Each seat is designed to accommodate two to three guests, depending on the total number of guests booked for the ride.

As this is a shared experience, we kindly ask all guests to be considerate and make room so everyone can be seated comfortably and enjoy the ride together.

Both vehicle types are open-air, allowing everyone to enjoy the sights and sounds of St. Augustine throughout the ride.

PLEASE NOTE:
  • This is NOT a history ride/tour.  
  • This is NOT a horse drawn carriage ride. ​
  • Sorry, no outside alcohol or pets are allowed on character rides. 
  • The rides are conducted on an open-air electric shuttle.​
  • Seating on the character rides may be REAR facing.
  • There are two to three guests PER seat - depending on the number of guests that have booked.
  • The ride does NOT make any stops.
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​WHAT IF IT RAINS? ARE THERE ANY WEATHER CONTINGENCIES?

Rides are held 'rain or shine'.  Check the forecast and come prepared – we do not provide umbrellas, We do provide ponchos. Rides may be rescheduled based on SEVERE conditions, such as a severe thunderstorm (lightening)!  Guests will be notified in advance, if the decision is made to cancel or reschedule a particular ride. ​
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​WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY?

​We understand that plans can change! Here’s what you need to know:
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Full Refunds:
  • We offer a full refund (minus processing fees) with 48 hours’ notice prior to your scheduled tour.
  • Purchased Trip Protection? You’re eligible for a full refund (minus trip protection cost and processing fees) with just 24 hours’ notice.
Need to Reschedule?
  • Without Trip Protection, we are still able to assist — should an emergency arise outside the 48-hour window, we can reschedule your ride for a later date.
Please note:
  • No refunds or credits will be issued for cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice, same-day cancellations, partial attendance, no-shows, or late arrivals. All rides depart promptly at scheduled times with or without you.
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​ARE PETS ALLOWED ON THE RIDES?

Sorry, no pets are allowed on any ride (unless privately booked).
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