We are planning on taking the Autotrain this summer up north. I understand that the lower level of the coach car is where they book you with your power chair. Is there room enough to move around or would we be better off just to keep the power chair in the van and carry him for car to car if need be, he is still small enough and young enough where it could be done.
My personal experience with this is limited, but since no one else has responded yet I will share what I know.
On the trip north last Sept., my DSis and I were booked into two roomettes on one end of the car (lower level) and a middle-aged couple (he was in a power chair) were booked in the accessible room on the other end.
General boarding begins at 2:30, but a few minutes before general boarding begins an announcement is made in the station that those who need extra assistance are allowed to board. The train doesn't pull out until about 4:00 so this allows ample time to get settled in and explore the train to locate restrooms, showers (the accessible car has its own toilet, sink and shower), the lounge (snacks are served before the train leaves the station) and dining cars, and become familiar with the way the trains are arranged.
Before leaving the station you car attendant will stop and visit with you for several minutes about any special needs you have. He does this for everyone. He will explain how the things in your room work (air, call button, etc.) and, based on both my trips, will do everything he can to ensure you will be comfortable (both our car attendants -going down and coming back - were SO nice it was a pleasure to tip them). The attendant in our car delivered meals to the couple in the accessible room since the husband was unable to navigate to the dining car and it allowed the wife to dine with her husband. Before leaving Sanford he gave them the opportunity to order from the menu. Dining times are assigned when you check in at the station, but I don't know if exceptions are made for those who have meals delivered. I also don't know if the meal delivery is limited to the disabled person and one caretaker, but I would assume it might be if others in the party are able to climb the somewhat narrow stairs to the upper level and get to the dining car.
Walking through the car(s) while they are in motion can be a shaky proposition and those walking through cars will be jostled, most times gently, but sometimes not. I'm sure Amtrak doesn't want to be held liable for injuries to those who are already challenged which is likely why meals are delivered in those cases.
As with the departure, those who need extra time to get off the train will be allowed to exit first at the end of the trip.
Based on the wording of your post, I will assume the person with a power chair is a child. Before our train left Sanford, I spoke for a few minutes with the couple in the accessible room just to say hello, and was invited to look around a little. From what I remember, there was some room for the two adults to move around a bit and certainly for him to rotate/navigate the chair, but you don't say how many are in your party so I can't comment on how much space you will have. Virtual tours of accessible rooms can be seen on the Amtrak website here
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conte...dation_C&pagename=am/Layout&cid=1241210576085
For more information on traveling by Auto Train, you can visit the Auto Train thread on the Transportation board here on the DIS at
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=402667. If you have any other questions I will do my best to answer them. I hope this helps and that you have a wonderful experience on the Auto Train.