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I have experienced several "Murder Mystery" games in both homes and commercial settings but never on a real, working train. Wow, what a great time!

Seminole Gulf Railway began operating freight trains in 1987 and in 1991 added a Dinner Train and daytime excursion trains. (www.semgulf.com)

The train is based in Ft. Myers, Florida The Dinner Train began its first Murder Mystery Production, “Murder on the Seminole Express” and has had over 65 new murder mystery productions since. They also have a Christmas Rail/Boat Trip to Punta Gorda that has become an annual event for many guests.

Over 1/2 million guests have enjoyed the MMT as the train seat up to 200 passengers in four reconditioned vintage railcars from the 1930’s to the 1950’s, “Sanibel”, “Marco”, “Gasparilla” and “Captiva”.

All food is prepared fresh daily on board the train and the cuisine I dined was truly 5 star quality.

The train trip begins at 6:00 with check-in at the railway station followed by a short walk to an assigned railroad car (1 of 4). Tables are set up for 2 couples or 4 people and a nicely appointed (plus air conditioned).

At 6:30 the train departs northbound for 1.75 hours and then stops. During this time, the various courses of dinner and drinks are served with views of the gulf coast landscapes including crossing the Caloosahatchee River. The train then stops for about 30 minutes or so and the main dinner course is served.

Throughout the ride, the cast and characters will enter the cars for 4-6 minute skits in the middle aisles and lay out clues during their acting performances so that guests can decipher the clues to determine who is the murder suspect. All actors and actresses are in period costumes and all were outstanding.

Each guest also is provided with a 'clue" sheet to use to make notes if they wish and it is turned in near the end of the train trip so that any 'super-sleuths" can be rewarded. The train then departs back to the station while dinner, drinks and dessert are completed and the Murder Mystery concludes.

As the train approaches the station about 10 pm. the main character will enter each car and announce who the
murderer was and provide the clues that were given. Each car has a winner of a special gift if they solve the 'crime" correctly. (No, I did not pick the right one).

 All in all, a 4 hour adventure on the rails with beautiful southwest Florida scenery, great food, awesome entertainment and with the numerous themes throughout the year there's something special for everyone to enjoy in addition
to the great food, service, and entertainment.

 NOTE: A special price was in place when I did this August 2011 where for $99 per person I had both a hotel room at the nearby Courtyard by Marriott (including all taxes, amenities and even a hot breakfast) plus the dinner train experience. I'll definitely be back to do this again! :-)