In an interview with Jimmy Fallon, Mandy Moore stated that when she originally read the script, she threw up since, "it was really close to the bone for me, because this has been my life for the last six years."
Easter Eggs on the Train: The train ride itself is a callback to her memories of train-riding with her father. Cupcake with candle (for Jack from the first episode). The piano references her piano playing. The Little Red Caboose book that Rebecca was having a hard time remembering. Catcher in the Rye book references a conversation with Jack about Randall. The moon pendant necklace she wears was given to her by Jack in the second episode, as a symbol of commitment to the family; she was also singing Moon Shadow (by Cat Stevens) when Jack saw her for the first time.
In the bar car, the bartender is her triplet's obstetrician, Dr. K., who always provided with her with sage advice; he is holding "The Terrible Towel" of Jack's birthday fame. There is Heinz Tomato Soup can (Jack made this for the Big 3 for lunch because his Mom made it for him); Neighborhood Trolley (Pittsburgh-related Mr. Roger's reference ); Lundy Coffee Mug (where Jack worked); Champagne bottle from Ka-Toby's wedding; World's Greatest Dad mug (Kate gave to Jack on Father's Day); Barr Hill vodka bottle (recalls the alcohol addictions of Kevin and Jack); Steelers game on TV (Steelers/Raiders game with the Immaculate Reception on 12/23/72 the night she met Jack); Height Chart for the Big 3); Jerry Maguire VHS (Jack's favorite movie); Police Academy 3 VHS (Family tradition to watch on Thanksgiving); Ball of Yarn (the first Thanksgiving scene where Kate's sweater unravels; they pull the yarn out and ball it up, saying what they were thankful for); Kate's red boots (jumping in puddles as a kid). She orders a Vesper martini (the James bond martini she always spoke about wanting to try).
In the bar car, the bartender is her triplet's obstetrician, Dr. K., who always provided with her with sage advice; he is holding "The Terrible Towel" of Jack's birthday fame. There is Heinz Tomato Soup can (Jack made this for the Big 3 for lunch because his Mom made it for him); Neighborhood Trolley (Pittsburgh-related Mr. Roger's reference ); Lundy Coffee Mug (where Jack worked); Champagne bottle from Ka-Toby's wedding; World's Greatest Dad mug (Kate gave to Jack on Father's Day); Barr Hill vodka bottle (recalls the alcohol addictions of Kevin and Jack); Steelers game on TV (Steelers/Raiders game with the Immaculate Reception on 12/23/72 the night she met Jack); Height Chart for the Big 3); Jerry Maguire VHS (Jack's favorite movie); Police Academy 3 VHS (Family tradition to watch on Thanksgiving); Ball of Yarn (the first Thanksgiving scene where Kate's sweater unravels; they pull the yarn out and ball it up, saying what they were thankful for); Kate's red boots (jumping in puddles as a kid). She orders a Vesper martini (the James bond martini she always spoke about wanting to try).
Dulé Hill, here portraying Kenny Brooks, the father of the family in the car, had previously worked with Timothy Omundson, Kate and Toby's neighbor Gregory. They were both on Psych (2006), Hill as Gus, the sidekick to Shawn Spencer who pretends to be a psychic to get work with the police, and Omundson as Detective Charlton Lassiter, who worked with the pair and tried to bust Shawn for not actually being a psychic.