A Trip of Firsts! Sept 2011 PTR *UPDATE* 8/30 The Train is WHAT?!

[Ducky4Disney]

My fever broke! YAY! And my WDW docs arrived from AAA!

I was flipping through the 2011 AAA WDW Vacation book and when I came across the SSR page I noticed something strange.

What's wrong with this pic?

What SSR room is that?

D4D

 

[chloe770]

Hi subbing. I enjoyed you TR with MEk so I am looking forward to this TR. I am also curious how the whole autotrain thing is going to work out. DH hates to fly and we have talked about taking the auto train. Im not sure how the kiddos would handle the long trip tho. We wont be going back until late next year so your trip could help me decide.

 

[KatMark]

I'm here. I've got to go catch up on my PTR, but I'll be back to read yours soon. And I hope you are feeling better really soon. I see you got the flu shot. I haven't had one in about eight years; the last time I had one I got the flu so bad it was unreal...so I gave up the shots. Okay, be back soon.

Great start, Jen. Although we've never stayed at CBR (the theme doesn't appeal to us as we go to the beach every trip), your kids are going to love that pool. Our son stayed there in 2009 with the 13-year old baseball team he coached, and he said the pool was the highlight of the trip for the younger siblings.

Sorry you are having trouble with your DVC sale...hope that works out soon for you.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

Hi subbing. I enjoyed you TR with MEk so I am looking forward to this TR. I am also curious how the whole autotrain thing is going to work out. DH hates to fly and we have talked about taking the auto train. Im not sure how the kiddos would handle the long trip tho. We wont be going back until late next year so your trip could help me decide.

Hi!

You're just in time; my fever has broke and I'm starting to feel better so there shall be more posts soon!

I'm still unsure about how we're going to get there and I need to book something. I'm a little excited about the Auto Train as an option of pure adventure! My 5 y/o is the right age but the 2.5 y/o is another story. DH is considering a family bedroom just to contain the little one (he thinks the little guy will escape us in coach in the middle of the night and run rampant car to car).

I hope to rememdy this soon.

D4D

 

[chloe770]

Hi!

You're just in time; my fever has broke and I'm starting to feel better so there shall be more posts soon!

I'm still unsure about how we're going to get there and I need to book something. I'm a little excited about the Auto Train as an option of pure adventure! My 5 y/o is the right age but the 2.5 y/o is another story. DH is considering a family bedroom just to contain the little one (he thinks the little guy will escape us in coach in the middle of the night and run rampant car to car).

I hope to rememdy this soon.

D4D

Oh yeah, your TR is going to help me. we are waiting until DD is 3 before we go back and at 16months she is already escaping me. DS will be 9 so he will probably just complain a lot that's he's bored.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

Hi subbing. I enjoyed you TR with MEk so I am looking forward to this TR. I am also curious how the whole autotrain thing is going to work out. DH hates to fly and we have talked about taking the auto train. Im not sure how the kiddos would handle the long trip tho. We wont be going back until late next year so your trip could help me decide.

Wow, subbing - I have so much to live up to! Well, there's no backing out of this now; not that I'd do that....

My... um, DS5, the first child... eldest... aw crap.

NEW RULES!
DS#1 - the 5 year old - from here on out will be AJ!
DS#2 - the 2.5 year old (at time of trip) - from here on out will be Tomzilla! Unless I find a shorter name for him.

Where was I?

Oh yeah! AJ has flown several times and is a very good flier. Tomzilla has not been air tested as of yet. No wait, he has been, but he was a baby and it was just me and him.

They have both been on long car trips (PA to MI) and I know they can handle it. It's all about bringing the right WMD (Weapons of Mass Distraction) and rotating them as necessary

I'm here. I've got to go catch up on my PTR, but I'll be back to read yours soon. And I hope you are feeling better really soon. I see you got the flu shot. I haven't had one in about eight years; the last time I had one I got the flu so bad it was unreal...so I gave up the shots. Okay, be back soon.

Great start, Jen. Although we've never stayed at CBR (the theme doesn't appeal to us as we go to the beach every trip), your kids are going to love that pool. Our son stayed there in 2009 with the 13-year old baseball team he coached, and he said the pool was the highlight of the trip for the younger siblings.

Sorry you are having trouble with your DVC sale...hope that works out soon for you.

I hear a lot of people say "never had the flu until I got the flu shot" but that hasn't been true for me. I started getting the flu shot when I was PG with AJ because I wasn't just vaccinating myself, I knew I was passing my immunity on to him. I kept getting vaccinated because then I had a small child to care for... then was PG again... then had 2 small kids.... so on and so forth. This is my first time having what I would call "the flu" in.... um, forever I think. Can't remember another time, actually. So far, I've been the only casualty in the household - let's knock on wood to keep it that way!

I always say this, but here is it again: That's what I love about WDW, there's something for everyone! We aren't beach goers here so the tropical theme of CBR is going to be great! A friend of mine from work stayed here and didn't like it. She didn't like the long walk around the lake to get coffee, she thought the quiet pool was too cold, and she didn't like the long walk back from the main pool. She'd rather get on an elevator, head to the lobby for coffee, then back up to her room; and that's great, because there are resorts that will provide that convenience for her! She disliked CBR for the reasons we'll like it: we LIKE the spread out feel, we LIKE the open spaces, we LIKE the seclusion and outdoor feel to it all. I like the feel of being at a resort; not a box hotel.

Isn't WDW wonderful?

D4D

 

[KatMark]

I always say this, but here is it again: That's what I love about WDW, there's something for everyone! We aren't beach goers here so the tropical theme of CBR is going to be great! A friend of mine from work stayed here and didn't like it. She didn't like the long walk around the lake to get coffee, she thought the quiet pool was too cold, and she didn't like the long walk back from the main pool. She'd rather get on an elevator, head to the lobby for coffee, then back up to her room; and that's great, because there are resorts that will provide that convenience for her! She disliked CBR for the reasons we'll like it: we LIKE the spread out feel, we LIKE the open spaces, we LIKE the seclusion and outdoor feel to it all. I like the feel of being at a resort; not a box hotel.

Isn't WDW wonderful?

D4D

I agree; that's why we love CSR....I walk outside immediately to enjoy the weather and it is so quiet and peaceful.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

I have to feel like I'm making a truly informed decision about how to get to WDW. I can't just assume that the AT with a bedroom is going to cost more than flying with a rental and all that goes with it.

So here's what I've come up with.

Plane: flying on SW, 4 tickets, 9/1 - 9/8, $110/$137 - total $1116.40
Automobile: National w/ Emerald Club - midsize - $340.98
Gas: approx $35.00
Airport Parking: approx. $100

TOTAL: $1592.38

Auto Train
Coach: $891.20
W/ Family Bedroom both ways: $1775.20 <-- return bedroom is $653! I hope there's a chance that goes back down to $443, or with a lot of luck, down to $231 like the trip down.

That's not bad, considering we don't have to schlep through airport security with a stroller, two kids, and tons of gear. We don't have to unpack the car or carseats and we don't have to pay a fortune for airport food; food is included!

Now THAT breakdown makes the Auto Train STILL look like a winner; even if the return bedroom is $653!

I'll run the numbers by DH and let you know if we book

D4D

 

[chloe770]

How long is the actual trip on the Auto train?

 

[Ducky4Disney]

I agree; that's why we love CSR....I walk outside immediately to enjoy the weather and it is so quiet and peaceful.

Love CSR! It was a close call between CSR and CBR for this trip. If it were just me and DH, I think CSR would've been it.

I love the views:

How long is the actual trip on the Auto train?

According to Amtrak, the trip takes 17 hours 29 minutes. It leaves Lorton, VA at 3:30 pm (possibly a smidge earlier) and arrives in Sanford, FL at 9:30 am (again, could be a little early). It offers a sit down dinner in the dining car, continental breakfast, and entertainment in the form of a movie that's played in the lounge car.

D4D

 

[KatMark]

Great pics of CSR....I may have to ask to uyuse them the next time I update the thread.

I think you made a fine choice with CBR, especially with the two-year old and the zero entry pool. And if you don't like it, you can always go back to CSR next time.

 

[chloe770]

Love CSR! It was a close call between CSR and CBR for this trip. If it were just me and DH, I think CSR would've been it.

I love the views:

According to Amtrak, the trip takes 17 hours 29 minutes. It leaves Lorton, VA at 3:30 pm (possibly a smidge earlier) and arrives in Sanford, FL at 9:30 am (again, could be a little early). It offers a sit down dinner in the dining car, continental breakfast, and entertainment in the form of a movie that's played in the lounge car.

D4D

Wow! CSR is beautiful.

Ok I'm in Delaware so we would leave from the DC area train. Gotta check that out.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I love CBR, were at CSR for our last trip, love it, too. I like to change it up & since my DIL had stayed at CSR the last time that she was here in 2002, I thought that she would like CBR. The beach theme pulls me in!

 

[Ducky4Disney]

Great pics of CSR....I may have to ask to uyuse them the next time I update the thread.

I think you made a fine choice with CBR, especially with the two-year old and the zero entry pool. And if you don't like it, you can always go back to CSR next time.

Sure! You can use them! I can find a few more if you'd like.

I am really looking forward to CBR; something new for us!

Wow! CSR is beautiful.

Ok I'm in Delaware so we would leave from the DC area train. Gotta check that out.

It really is a hidden gem. Another great thing to do at WDW is resort hop. Go have lunch at the Pepper Market at CSR then rent bikes and ride around. Great way to spend the afternoon.

I'm in SE-PA so the drive to Lorton, VA is just under 3 hours. We'll leave early that morning, or we could even stay with family in MD the night before Gonna have to look into that option.

I love CBR, were at CSR for our last trip, love it, too. I like to change it up & since my DIL had stayed at CSR the last time that she was here in2002, I thought that she would like CBR. The beach theme pulls me in!

I'm excited about staying somewhere new! This is going to be a very different trip for us and we have to keep that in mind. It's not our regular DVC trip with a full kitchen, separate bedroom, washer/dryer, and all that. I have to remind DH of that, he's going to forget, I'm sure!

D4D

 

[Ducky4Disney]

I did it! I booked our train tickets!

I don't know why that was so hard, but it took real courage to book it. I was so afriad it wasn't going to be the right choice but in the end I had to look at the refund/exchange policy and know that I could easily cancel it if necessary.

In the short time that I've been considering the Auto Train, I've been watching the price flucuate and I've already "missed out" on a lower price.

Ok, lesson learned: book early.

All is not lost, though!
From what I understand, I can easily rebook if the price drops, so I will be keeping an eye out (and my fingers crossed ) for that!

I opted to book 2, one-way trips instead of a round-trip ticket. And here's my (probably screwy) reasoning:

The Family Bedroom for the Southbound trip was a great price, $231. But for the Northbound trip it was $653 I cringe just typing that. I am HOPING that the Family Bedroom for the Northbound trip will miraculously drop in price and I will be there to rebook and save money.

HOWEVER!

What if in rebooking for the better Northbound bedroom I somehow lose out on the great Southbound price? I've never done this and that was my fear. I figured, with separate reservations for going South and going North, I could easily change one without fear of mucking up the other.

I think I tried to me-proof it.

D4D

 

[KatMark]

I did it! I booked our train tickets!

I don't know why that was so hard, but it took real courage to book it. I was so afriad it wasn't going to be the right choice but in the end I had to look at the refund/exchange policy and know that I could easily cancel it if necessary.

In the short time that I've been considering the Auto Train, I've been watching the price flucuate and I've already "missed out" on a lower price.

Ok, lesson learned: book early.

All is not lost, though!
From what I understand, I can easily rebook if the price drops, so I will be keeping an eye out (and my fingers crossed ) for that!

I opted to book 2, one-way trips instead of a round-trip ticket. And here's my (probably screwy) reasoning:

The Family Bedroom for the Southbound trip was a great price, $231. But for the Northbound trip it was $653 I cringe just typing that. I am HOPING that the Family Bedroom for the Northbound trip will miraculously drop in price and I will be there to rebook and save money.

HOWEVER!

What if in rebooking for the better Northbound bedroom I somehow lose out on the great Southbound price? I've never done this and that was my fear. I figured, with separate reservations for going South and going North, I could easily change one without fear of mucking up the other.

I think I tried to me-proof it.

D4D

I think you did great, Jen. I would have done the same thing...book two separate one ways and make it easier to change if need be (and hopefully you will find a lower price to change it).

I'll let you know when I need to update the CSR thread and see if I need any pictures. I'm hoping to take some better ones myself in September. I'm using the one you posted of the view of the Casitas as my desktop.

 

[Wonders10]

Hi there!

I'm joining in! I read and loved your TR with MEK, so I'm excited to see how this trip turns out, too! I am going to have to look into this AutoTrain thing since I hate to fly...where does it start and stop? Does it just go up and down the east coast?

 

[Ducky4Disney]

I think you did great, Jen. I would have done the same thing...book two separate one ways and make it easier to change if need be (and hopefully you will find a lower price to change it).

I'll let you know when I need to update the CSR thread and see if I need any pictures. I'm hoping to take some better ones myself in September. I'm using the one you posted of the view of the Casitas as my desktop.

Thanks! I thought it was rather ingenius to break up the train tickets. Now I have to convince DH not to drive!

 

[MEK]

Jen's DH really wants to drive. He thinks it will be fun. Fun? Really? Two kids, two adults, one car and a 16 hour drive. NOT.

In the end Jen will convince him to take the train. For educational purposes, if nothing else. I think its an awesome idea for the kiddos and if you guys hate it you never have to do it again.

I just don't understand why its so much more expensive for the return trip.

For the OP - the auto train runs from Lorton VA to Sanford FL.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I remember those 19 hour drives to Orlando with 4 kids in the car!

Glad that I don't have to do that anymore, we always fly. However I wouldn't mind driving again. With just of the 2 of us it is sort of fun.

The train thing really interests me, I like train rides.