Christymarie222
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2010
All about the Autotrain
- Thread starter cherylp3
- Start date
labdogs42
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2005
I think coach is perfect for a family like yours. They put families in the same cars together so the kids end up making friends and having a great time. They can walk around, watch movies, etc. I'd go for coach myself.
denise5374
<font color=CC0066>Dares to say CRUISE out loud<br
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2003
quick question, do u tip the attendant in a sleeper car?
Posted from DISboards.com App for Android
Posted from DISboards.com App for Android
imlazar
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2005
just got back from our 2nd trip on the AT, again we bought seats in coach, and again we had a great time. The train was actually 1 hour early returning to Lorton.
Responding to a few questions:
- we've never had much of an issue sleeping in coach other than the occasional crying kid. Our kids are 9 & 12 and they slept easily in the coach seats.
- we prefer coach simply because we feel less isolated (and it's a lot cheaper). Generally the other passengers are traveling with kids and are very friendly
- the train was perfectly warm, we just used the light blankets they provided.
- we tipped the wait staff at meals, usually $5.00
- we arrived at Lorton on Friday at 2 PM for the trip down and the only dinner seating left in coach was 9 PM. Fortunately the lady at the check-in counter took pity on us and somehow got us into the 5 PM seating. Yesterday we arrived about 1:15 and all seating times were open, once onboard they even cancelled the 9PM seating so everyone could eat at either 5 or 7. Weekend trips are far more crowded than weekday trips, get there early if you want to eat before 9 and are traveling on a Fri/Sat.
- the biggest piece of advice I can offer is to bring your own pillows. It really improves the sleep quality to have a nice pillow
- Oh, and bring plenty of water, the tap water on the train tastes a little stale.
i look forward to our next trip on the AT.
Responding to a few questions:
- we've never had much of an issue sleeping in coach other than the occasional crying kid. Our kids are 9 & 12 and they slept easily in the coach seats.
- we prefer coach simply because we feel less isolated (and it's a lot cheaper). Generally the other passengers are traveling with kids and are very friendly
- the train was perfectly warm, we just used the light blankets they provided.
- we tipped the wait staff at meals, usually $5.00
- we arrived at Lorton on Friday at 2 PM for the trip down and the only dinner seating left in coach was 9 PM. Fortunately the lady at the check-in counter took pity on us and somehow got us into the 5 PM seating. Yesterday we arrived about 1:15 and all seating times were open, once onboard they even cancelled the 9PM seating so everyone could eat at either 5 or 7. Weekend trips are far more crowded than weekday trips, get there early if you want to eat before 9 and are traveling on a Fri/Sat.
- the biggest piece of advice I can offer is to bring your own pillows. It really improves the sleep quality to have a nice pillow
- Oh, and bring plenty of water, the tap water on the train tastes a little stale.
i look forward to our next trip on the AT.
DJFan88
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2004
I second alot of this advice. We just got back on yesterdays train. We were also early both times once 1 1/2 . One attendant told me they pad the time, so it's a pretty good bet to get in early.
We found the 7 pm to be better for us with our almost 10 and 12 year old because there are snacks in the lounge when you first get in of fruit and one time chex mix, one time this weird wasabi hot type mix, and also later was cookies and you can get coffee or hot chocolate. We arrived by 1-1:15 and got our 7 pm choice no problem. Yes,do bring a drink or just by one in the lounge car if you need because the only other complimentary is hot in the lounge or that water. However,at the meals there are plenty of drinks.
In fact, dinner is awesome. It's elegant and they even serve you caraffs of wine (yes plural, they refill it).
Breakfast is very basic. Corn muffins, bagels, special K, Frosted flakes, bananas and apples, OJ, coffee. However, check out the lounge too, because you may find like blueberry muffins in there. Oh, and always fruit in there like apples, bananas and oranges.
The way up I don't know if there were young children on our train- if they were you didn't know it.
The way back were 3 babies but they did not cry during sleeping!!! Snoring from adults was louder! Only thing with them is the air is circulating so you may get a little diaper smell.
All in all it's a great ride and I definetly recommend it.
Have fun!
DJFan88
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2004
I saw many families with kids that age. They did fine. There's plenty of coach room. And when you think about it, the width doesn't actually change. You can walk to the lounge for a break. Coach is roomy and like someone else said they put the families together. Some people bring a dvd player or video handhelds. Some also bring board games or cards and use a table or watch the movie in the lounge. Only problem there is it can smell smoky. Bring a pillow pet or fav. animal and pillow. They sit a family of 4 in a row accross from each other so you have 2 seats on one side and 2 on the other. Parents switch and mix and match as needed for their children to break it up, Dinner and breakfast each can take about 1 hr. The kids sleep throughout the night as each chair reclines and has this like wing that extends from the bottom, so for a small child it can be like a little bed. There's never a problem with bathrooms being available as there are 5 in each car. The handicap restroom is larger if you need it, but there are pull down diaper tables in the smaller restrooms.
loveysbydesign
I can pinch a penny so hard you can hear it scream
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2005
Thanks to both of you for your helpfulness! Can;t wait to go on the At for the 1st time!!! Hurry up October
buzz5985
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2000
We had our first trip on the Autotrain from Sanford-Lorton on August 18. It was a great experience for us, and we would do it again in a heartbeat. My DS 15 had a friend along and they also enjoyed it a great deal.
We arrived at Sanford station around 1:30 pm. I was able to get a 7 pm dinner. We had 2 roomettes on the lower level. We boarded the train at 2:30 , brought our luggage to our roomettes and then we went to the lounge car. We enjoyed the wine and snacks until about 4 pm when we were asked to leave since they needed to ready the car for dinner. We went back to our roomettes and enjoyed the scenery.
What we loved about the train was how friendly everyone was!!! You know that feeling when you get on a plane and nobody makes eye contact?? Not on the train - everyone is happy and smiling, saying hello. It was a great experience.
Janis
We arrived at Sanford station around 1:30 pm. I was able to get a 7 pm dinner. We had 2 roomettes on the lower level. We boarded the train at 2:30 , brought our luggage to our roomettes and then we went to the lounge car. We enjoyed the wine and snacks until about 4 pm when we were asked to leave since they needed to ready the car for dinner. We went back to our roomettes and enjoyed the scenery.
What we loved about the train was how friendly everyone was!!! You know that feeling when you get on a plane and nobody makes eye contact?? Not on the train - everyone is happy and smiling, saying hello. It was a great experience.
Janis
mykidslovesdisney
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2006
We traveled on the AT on the 14th with Mikat. It was great to meet her and her family. We traveled in coach on the way down. It was a full train!! We had a 5pm dinner (we checked in at 1030 am) We then drove over to Potomac Mills Mall to hit the disney outlet store. I found some great t's for myself under $9 and a stainless steel coffee mug for under $5
Our train car wasn't noisy during the night. We did have other children in the car but once everyone fell asleep it was quiet. I got DS5 to sleep by 7pm and he slept till 7am!! I put the foot rest up so it was level with the seat of the chair and he slept there. i did bring his pillow from home and his blanket. I found myself chilly in the train and liked that I had my sweatshirt and a light blanket. I have been on the train when I was hot so it is a toss up if a jacket is needed. Go with your personal comfort level. I woke a few times during the night but it was doable. I used my GPS to figure out where we were in our travels. We arrived in Sanford about 9 am. The time is padded for arrival. We have been in by 8 am and as late as 11 am on previous trips. Our car was over #100 off. We have been the fortunate #5 and #3 off on previous trips.
We returned on the 23rd train. The train didn't leave Lorton till 5pm. Unknown what caused the delay but coach dinner for 5pm was delayed till 530 since the dining car didn't not have power till 5pm. We were in 2 deluxe bedrooms next to each other. We had enough of room for our bags-- 1 carry on duffel, one backpack and 1 weekender VB Bag. My weekender bag fit up on the shelf over the single seat. We had dinner in the coach dining car and it was quite a trip down the length of the train to the coach dining car. I think it was 12 cars down. We were in the 2nd sleeper car from the engine. I hardly heard the whistle blow unlike last year when we were right behind the engine. (DH works for Amtrak and the only seating we can get in sleeper is 9pm so we opt to go to coach for the 5pm seating.) The train does get Satellite radio in booth coach and sleepers. The reception was great. I dont' remember it on the way down in coach but DD9 definitely had the speakers on for the sleeper. We didn't arrive till 930am. And again our van was in the last carrier.
The movie going North was Lomax. We didnt' watch it bc the lounge car smelled of cigerette smoke. (as did the southbound trip). My DC were also bothered by the smell. It was bad just to walk thru it let alone sit in it.
The OP that asked about the handicap room. We had that room last year, I shared it with dd8 and ds4 (at the time). It is a bigger room with windows on both side but getting up on the top bunk could be tricky- there isn't a ladder per sa but a few steps along the wall to use to get up on the top bunk. I also didn't love the bathroom smells that came along with the toilet in the room. Another thing was that the bathroom doors right outside the room kept slamming all night long bc passengers didn't close them completely after they were used. A lower level coach seat might be better. I do know the front row does have a bulk head space. (not sure if it is used for wheelchairs or not). Good luck with your decision.
The OP that asked about the closet in the roomette-- it will not hold anything big at all. I usually dont' even use it.
The OP that was traveling with young children-- coach is doable with young children. Our youngest started at 14 months old. Putting the foot rest even with the seat of the chair works great! Bring their pillow, blanket and stuff animal. The time goes by quick. Board at 230. Dinner at 5,7 or 9. I usually get my youngest to sleep by 7am. the motion of the train does him in. He didnt' even wake up this trip. There is some dim lighting during the night. We bring snacks and a few toys to amuse them with. Always pack extra in diapers and change of clothing for children and yourself in the event of a delay in travel.We wake up by 7am and get breakfast and then prepare to get off the train. DVD players work great-- just remember headdphones.
To the OP that had the Chevy Venture-- we use to have one and it was an oversize vehicle. Our model was the extended version. Not sure what size you have. we have an Odyssey and it is an oversize. hope this helps.
I do have to note that while I love the new Sanford station -- I have no clue who designed the women's rest room! It must have been a bunch of men! J/K
There are a few stalls that are soo tight that to open the door you literally have to stradel the toilet! I could not get dd9 and I into a stall together. We tried but gave up. For some reason a few are not quite and deep as others. It makes no sense. that was the only thing that bothered me about the station.
Another word of advice is once you load into your vechicle after it comes off the train is to move your vehicle over to the side away from where the cars are offloaded. DH had to switch off from his vacation hat to his police officer hat at the Lorton station bc a 2 groups of people refused to follow the employees directions on moving away from the loading zone to the parking lot to fix the bags or load your gps. One group litterally parked their vehicle in the exiting lane and fiddled with their stuff. I waited in Lorton with my DC over at the parking lot bc it was safer to load them into the car out of the loading zone. Just my 2 cents.
It was a great trip all together. Can't wait to start really planning next August trip!
Our train car wasn't noisy during the night. We did have other children in the car but once everyone fell asleep it was quiet. I got DS5 to sleep by 7pm and he slept till 7am!! I put the foot rest up so it was level with the seat of the chair and he slept there. i did bring his pillow from home and his blanket. I found myself chilly in the train and liked that I had my sweatshirt and a light blanket. I have been on the train when I was hot so it is a toss up if a jacket is needed. Go with your personal comfort level. I woke a few times during the night but it was doable. I used my GPS to figure out where we were in our travels. We arrived in Sanford about 9 am. The time is padded for arrival. We have been in by 8 am and as late as 11 am on previous trips. Our car was over #100 off. We have been the fortunate #5 and #3 off on previous trips.
We returned on the 23rd train. The train didn't leave Lorton till 5pm. Unknown what caused the delay but coach dinner for 5pm was delayed till 530 since the dining car didn't not have power till 5pm. We were in 2 deluxe bedrooms next to each other. We had enough of room for our bags-- 1 carry on duffel, one backpack and 1 weekender VB Bag. My weekender bag fit up on the shelf over the single seat. We had dinner in the coach dining car and it was quite a trip down the length of the train to the coach dining car. I think it was 12 cars down. We were in the 2nd sleeper car from the engine. I hardly heard the whistle blow unlike last year when we were right behind the engine. (DH works for Amtrak and the only seating we can get in sleeper is 9pm so we opt to go to coach for the 5pm seating.) The train does get Satellite radio in booth coach and sleepers. The reception was great. I dont' remember it on the way down in coach but DD9 definitely had the speakers on for the sleeper. We didn't arrive till 930am. And again our van was in the last carrier.
The movie going North was Lomax. We didnt' watch it bc the lounge car smelled of cigerette smoke. (as did the southbound trip). My DC were also bothered by the smell. It was bad just to walk thru it let alone sit in it.
The OP that asked about the handicap room. We had that room last year, I shared it with dd8 and ds4 (at the time). It is a bigger room with windows on both side but getting up on the top bunk could be tricky- there isn't a ladder per sa but a few steps along the wall to use to get up on the top bunk. I also didn't love the bathroom smells that came along with the toilet in the room. Another thing was that the bathroom doors right outside the room kept slamming all night long bc passengers didn't close them completely after they were used. A lower level coach seat might be better. I do know the front row does have a bulk head space. (not sure if it is used for wheelchairs or not). Good luck with your decision.
The OP that asked about the closet in the roomette-- it will not hold anything big at all. I usually dont' even use it.
The OP that was traveling with young children-- coach is doable with young children. Our youngest started at 14 months old. Putting the foot rest even with the seat of the chair works great! Bring their pillow, blanket and stuff animal. The time goes by quick. Board at 230. Dinner at 5,7 or 9. I usually get my youngest to sleep by 7am. the motion of the train does him in. He didnt' even wake up this trip. There is some dim lighting during the night. We bring snacks and a few toys to amuse them with. Always pack extra in diapers and change of clothing for children and yourself in the event of a delay in travel.We wake up by 7am and get breakfast and then prepare to get off the train. DVD players work great-- just remember headdphones.
To the OP that had the Chevy Venture-- we use to have one and it was an oversize vehicle. Our model was the extended version. Not sure what size you have. we have an Odyssey and it is an oversize. hope this helps.
I do have to note that while I love the new Sanford station -- I have no clue who designed the women's rest room! It must have been a bunch of men! J/K
There are a few stalls that are soo tight that to open the door you literally have to stradel the toilet! I could not get dd9 and I into a stall together. We tried but gave up. For some reason a few are not quite and deep as others. It makes no sense. that was the only thing that bothered me about the station.
Another word of advice is once you load into your vechicle after it comes off the train is to move your vehicle over to the side away from where the cars are offloaded. DH had to switch off from his vacation hat to his police officer hat at the Lorton station bc a 2 groups of people refused to follow the employees directions on moving away from the loading zone to the parking lot to fix the bags or load your gps. One group litterally parked their vehicle in the exiting lane and fiddled with their stuff. I waited in Lorton with my DC over at the parking lot bc it was safer to load them into the car out of the loading zone. Just my 2 cents.
It was a great trip all together. Can't wait to start really planning next August trip!
Mykidslovesdisney--thanks for the super detailed report!
Couple of questions for anyone. After some delay and drama, we finally booked our week at the condo. Problem is, that week for the AT is about $150 more than the other weeks we were looking at. Super budget trip so now I'm starting to panic. Does anyone know of any ways to 'earn' Amtrak travel? I know about Guest Rewards but haven't really seen any businesses on there that I could use. I know about the credit card, but doubt I could get one, being a SAHM with a huge student loan debt. I am just hoping against hope that there is some other trick. Next questions-if I book now for myself and the 2 kiddos, but then my mom wants to ride with us, can I add her later? Right now, oversize vehicle (which I think our van is, by 2 inches) is about $110 more than regular vehicle. What are the chances of them adding more space for oversize vehicles and the price coming down? Again, hoping against hope. My 4 year old and I are super excited about taking the AT so that part of the plan is not going to change, just might need to reconfigure some things. TIA!
Couple of questions for anyone. After some delay and drama, we finally booked our week at the condo. Problem is, that week for the AT is about $150 more than the other weeks we were looking at. Super budget trip so now I'm starting to panic. Does anyone know of any ways to 'earn' Amtrak travel? I know about Guest Rewards but haven't really seen any businesses on there that I could use. I know about the credit card, but doubt I could get one, being a SAHM with a huge student loan debt. I am just hoping against hope that there is some other trick. Next questions-if I book now for myself and the 2 kiddos, but then my mom wants to ride with us, can I add her later? Right now, oversize vehicle (which I think our van is, by 2 inches) is about $110 more than regular vehicle. What are the chances of them adding more space for oversize vehicles and the price coming down? Again, hoping against hope. My 4 year old and I are super excited about taking the AT so that part of the plan is not going to change, just might need to reconfigure some things. TIA!
I am booked for AT in October. My husband has ALS (Lou Gehrig's) and is confined to a power wheelchair. We didn't book a room, as it seemed silly since we cannot transfer him to the bed (6'6" tall). Now I am just a little nervous as I am having trouble visualizing the wheelchair parking in coach. I have seen descriptions on here as "facing the other coach seats". Does anyone have a visual on this?
Thanks in advance, everybody!
Thanks in advance, everybody!
imlazar
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2005
elsvkitty, i'd recommend you contact Amtrak and see what they recommend. In coach there are lower level seats on the same level as the bathroom, so it might be easier to book those but then you'll need to be able to get up the stairs and over to the dining car. If you book on the same level as the dining car, you'll need to get down the stairs to use the bathroom. The stairs are very narrow. On the lower level there is a large area in the coach seating area for wheel chairs.
mikat
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2010
It was so great to meet you as well! When we returned to Lorton yesterday, my youngest ran for the train table in the waiting area and asked if William was going to play with him again. I told him you were on a different train and he was very sad.
We took the Autotrain south on the 14th and returned to Virginia on the 24th. I had a Deluxe sleeper southbound and we had lower-level coach seats on the way back. I can honestly say that I slept better in the coach seats because the lower level does not sway side-to-side as much. Even though it is "bouncier", it didn't bother me nearly as much as the swaying did. We not hear the bathroom doors slam at all, although we may have been very lucky in terms of that. I will say that the lounge car was much less smoky in the sleeper area and dinner service was nicer (real china and glassware, better service) in the sleeper area, but in both cases the food was good. On both trips I was in the last 25 cars - annoying, but totally up to chance. Everyone was very friendly and I really enjoyed having the chance to get to know people. Thanks Diane and others for all of your ideas and advice!
mikat
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2010
I just rode lower-level coach on Friday, and I this will help:
In the bottom image, the open area adjacent to the luggage area is where they would put the wheelchair, facing towards the other seats.
pwdebbie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2007
That graphic is just what I needed to see. So there is only seating for about twelve people in the lower level? And the bathrooms are down a hallway -- that is so much better than what I pictured. What is in the shaded area at each end of the train car?
mikat
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2010
The shaded area is not accessible space - there are walls there and the car ends. I don't know if it's used for cargo, equipment, or if it's part of the wheelbase, but the lower section is much smaller than the upper.
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