A few Amtrak questions...

[Tallent]

I was able to book a roomette with points (can't argue with free!) so will be arriving in to Orlando Amtrak area. We are flying back so only taking the train one way (2 of us, me and 13y.o ds).

*Do you bring your own blankets/pillows? We've only taken the auto train r/t before and so had room for this stuff. We'll each bring one suitcase or duffel bag, and then I typically pack and extra duffel for souvis. So pack an extra bag with blankets and pillows?

*I'm used to the dining car on the AT and read that there's no dining car on the Silver Star. How do you do dinner? I don't mind bringing simple breakfast foods to nibble on or general snacks (and a bottle of wine lol) but I'm stumped on what to do for dinner that's not totally crappy. Bring sandwiches?

*Are there a lot of uber cars parked outside when the train arrives? I don't want to have to hunt down our car. (we've taken uber a lot before but never from a train station where a lot of people are disembarking at the same time) For about $20 more than what uber estimates I can get a town car service that has good reviews and that is recommended by this board. The concern with that one is if we are delayed I don't think they monitor train arrivals like they do flights (though I could totally be wrong as I haven't asked)

Thanks for any advice!

Rachel

 

[Nicks2001]

Hey Rachel!

I've done Amtrak to Florida quite a few times, so I can answer a few of your questions.

The roomettes have all linens provided: pillows, sheets, and blankets for both the upper and lower berths. There is limited storage space in the roomett, there is a handy cubby above the doorway that you can store some smaller bags in. If you are bringing bigger suitcases, I'd suggest checking them at the station.

The Silver Star only has a cafe car, no dining car. Which basically means cold items like sandwiches, or microwaveable fare like pizza. Anything you buy in the cafe is not included in your ticket, it's all out of pocket.

I don't know about the Uber question, but I'd hazard a guess and say it wouldn't be a problem getting one, as the train doesn't leave you in the middle of nowhere, it's a pretty active area. I'd pretty much plan on delays, they it usually happen, all the times I've done the train, southbound delays by the time we reach Florida are about 2 hours.

Alex

 

[kaytieeldr]

Because Lyft and Über aren't taxis, there generally aren't drivers just waiting at the train station. Just as with any ride, you order the pickup when you're 100% ready to go. You could do a test run some day soon, without completing the transaction, to get an idea how long it would take a driver to get to you.

You could also look into regarding in Kissimmee. Closer, so less expensive.

 

[joelkfla]

The Silver Star only has a cafe car, no dining car. Which basically means cold items like sandwiches, or microwaveable fare like pizza. Anything you buy in the cafe is not included in your ticket, it's all out of pocket.

Here is a sample menu from the Amtrak web site. The selection is very limited. I've heard that "Fresh Selections" really means prepackaged food a la 7-11, and "Hot Selections" means microwaveable food. I've also heard that they often run out of popular items.

 

[Tallent]

Here is a sample menu from the Amtrak web site. The selection is very limited. I've heard that "Fresh Selections" really means prepackaged food a la 7-11, and "Hot Selections" means microwaveable food. I've also heard that they often run out of popular items.

Thank you! Good to know--we'll find a Subway or something and bring it with us. I'd prefer to just stay in my little cubicle and go to bed early anyway.

 

[Tallent]

Hey Rachel!

I've done Amtrak to Florida quite a few times, so I can answer a few of your questions.

The roomettes have all linens provided: pillows, sheets, and blankets for both the upper and lower berths. There is limited storage space in the roomett, there is a handy cubby above the doorway that you can store some smaller bags in. If you are bringing bigger suitcases, I'd suggest checking them at the station.

The Silver Star only has a cafe car, no dining car. Which basically means cold items like sandwiches, or microwaveable fare like pizza. Anything you buy in the cafe is not included in your ticket, it's all out of pocket.

I don't know about the Uber question, but I'd hazard a guess and say it wouldn't be a problem getting one, as the train doesn't leave you in the middle of nowhere, it's a pretty active area. I'd pretty much plan on delays, they it usually happen, all the times I've done the train, southbound delays by the time we reach Florida are about 2 hours.

Alex

Thank you Alex! So we'll stick with our duffel bags and forgo the blankets, etc. It's only for a night so I'm sure we'll make do. We'll bring sandwiches or something for dinner and try to avoid the cafe car. I'm thinking we'll be fine with uber. Thank you again!

Rachel