All about the Autotrain

We are just the road from you and have taken the autotrain a number of times, it is a great way to travel and a lot easier than driving, the kids can walk around get snacks, lots better than all being crammed in a car. We also all love the train and make the ride part of the vacation.
 
We are just the road from you and have taken the auto train a number of times, it is a great way to travel and a lot easier than driving, the kids can walk around get snacks, lots better than all being crammed in a car. We also all love the train and make the ride part of the vacation.


I think I have talked to you before on this or another Auto Train thread. I believe I asked you a bunch of questions for our 2007 trip. We did take the auto train and is was ok. To be honest my exact words were "never again". However this trip we are planning involves my nephew and step kids, all of which have never flown. Let alone the airlines now nickel and dime your for luggage so we are back to the auto train! The thing I didn't like about our trip down on the train was we were very late! We never pulled in the station till almost noon! Also the kids were younger and used to flying; they grew bored quickly! At least now we know what to expect and these kids are all teenages, expect my dd who will be 11, so I think it should be better!
 
I think I have talked to you before on this or another Auto Train thread. I believe I asked you a bunch of questions for our 2007 trip. We did take the auto train and is was ok. To be honest my exact words were "never again". However this trip we are planning involves my nephew and step kids, all of which have never flown. Let alone the airlines now nickel and dime your for luggage so we are back to the auto train! The thing I didn't like about our trip down on the train was we were very late! We never pulled in the station till almost noon! Also the kids were younger and used to flying; they grew bored quickly! At least now we know what to expect and these kids are all teenages, expect my dd who will be 11, so I think it should be better!

we took Amtrak (non-auto train) coach last year and spent 34 hours on the train as we were caught in the path of a hurricane..we can do 16 hrs standing on our heads now:thumbsup2

Also, if you are traveling in the summer.buy trip insurance..and make sure it covers your trip up and back .our trip last year was delayed leaving florida and it covered our meals and hotel room ($600 for 5 people) and it only cost $79..
 
Maybe we like it, because we have never been that late, last month we got there at 8:00 a.m. both ways, my girls bring their Ipod, nintendo, books and are fine.
they alternative is driving so we all know that the train is much better.
We like to go down to Florida in February during President's week, and the flight prices are outrageous then.
 

we took Amtrak (non-auto train) coach last year and spent 34 hours on the train as we were caught in the path of a hurricane..we can do 16 hrs standing on our heads now:thumbsup2

Also, if you are traveling in the summer.buy trip insurance..and make sure it covers your trip up and back .our trip last year was delayed leaving florida and it covered our meals and hotel room ($600 for 5 people) and it only cost $79..


Does WDW travel insurance cover train transportation to and from WDW? I always use my cc that has travel coverage as well.
 
Does WDW travel insurance cover train transportation to and from WDW? I always use my cc that has travel coverage as well.

My guess is yes on your way there but not once you leave the parks, but I do not recall specifically...you will have to ask them or read the brochure...

I have used http://tripinsurancestore.com/ with great success,and get door to door coverage,usually with more coverage,and at a lesser cost than Disney insurance or cruiseline sponsored insurance. I use this for my cruises as well as land travel..
 
DS, DS (2.5 years old) and I booked our first trip on the AT for our Aug trip and we are very excited. Before I booked I called up Amtrak and asked if it was still possible to get a Roomette even though my son was considered a child even for his age and the online booking won't let you. I was told that it would be no problem at all. Unfortunately I didn't write down the reps name.

So I booked my trip online and this afternoon called up Amtrak to add the roomette. No can do they say. They are unable to override the computer to add the roomette since the ressie shows a child as the third. They could if the third was an infant. Needless to say I am T.O.'d. Spoke to a supervisor
/* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> [FONT=&quot]and she backed her rep up.

Has anyone ever had any luck with getting this kind of override? The super. says it is impossible to do, that the computer will not allow it. Also, any experienced AT'ers have someone they have dealt with over at Amtrak in these kinds of matters?

I guess as a last resort I will cancel my ressie and rebook and put my son down as an infant. He is small one, lucky to be 30 lbs when wet so he is no bigger then most kids that are around two. Plus he won't eat anything they have for him since he is the pickiest eater in the world (but then aren't all kids).
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DS, DS (2.5 years old) and I booked our first trip on the AT for our Aug trip and we are very excited. Before I booked I called up Amtrak and asked if it was still possible to get a Roomette even though my son was considered a child even for his age and the online booking won't let you. I was told that it would be no problem at all. Unfortunately I didn't write down the reps name.

So I booked my trip online and this afternoon called up Amtrak to add the roomette. No can do they say. They are unable to override the computer to add the roomette since the ressie shows a child as the third. They could if the third was an infant. Needless to say I am T.O.'d. Spoke to a supervisor
/* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> [FONT=&quot]and she backed her rep up.

Has anyone ever had any luck with getting this kind of override? The super. says it is impossible to do, that the computer will not allow it. Also, any experienced AT'ers have someone they have dealt with over at Amtrak in these kinds of matters?

I guess as a last resort I will cancel my ressie and rebook and put my son down as an infant. He is small one, lucky to be 30 lbs when wet so he is no bigger then most kids that are around two. Plus he won't eat anything they have for him since he is the pickiest eater in the world (but then aren't all kids).
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If your problem is 3 people to a roomette, I can tell you we have squeezed 3 in a roomette several times, even when my kids were 10 years old..The computer says its overbooked, but they sold us the tickets and the conductor let us on each time..
 
If your problem is 3 people to a roomette, I can tell you we have squeezed 3 in a roomette several times, even when my kids were 10 years old..The computer says its overbooked, but they sold us the tickets and the conductor let us on each time..

Wow. Now how did you book? Do I take the chance and try to get one when we check in on the day of the trip?

I would rather not lie (darn Catholic guilt ;)) but I don't want to spend more money on a bedroom. Plus with the bedroom, it lists two adults only so who knows if they can override that one.

-Matt
 
Wow. Now how did you book? Do I take the chance and try to get one when we check in on the day of the trip?

I would rather not lie (darn Catholic guilt ;)) but I don't want to spend more money on a bedroom. Plus with the bedroom, it lists two adults only so who knows if they can override that one.

-Matt

I just called the 800 number, and told them how many and they issued tickets..no lying or deception.. our last trip was 2 years ago, so maybe somethig has changed,but we did it several times..
 
I just called the 800 number, and told them how many and they issued tickets..no lying or deception.. our last trip was 2 years ago, so maybe somethig has changed,but we did it several times..

That is what I tried yesterday, to add the roomette, and flat out said "No!" They claimed the computer will not allow it. I figured I would call again tonight and try again. Maybe I had a bad rep as she was pissy on the phone.
 
Please note that we are enclosing the menu selections for our Auto Train coach passengers below:

Auto Train Coach Dining Car Menu



Table Setting Includes Flowers, Linen Napkins With

Silverware, And Disposable Beverage Cups And Plates.



Dinner Is Complimentary And Includes:



- Carafes Of Chilled White Wine And Baskets Of Bread

(Pre-Set On The Tables; Once Seated Passengers May Help Themselves; Will Be Replenished As Needed)



- Other Beverages (Regular And Decaf Coffee, Hot Or Iced Tea, And Milk) Provided By The Server. Soda, Beer, Mixed Drinks Available At Regular Prices.



Dinner - Choice Of:

- Barbeque Meatballs, Rice, Vegetables



- Braised Zinfandel Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetables

- Lemon Pepper Cod, Rice, Vegetables



- Vegetable Lasagna - Sweet Pepper Sauce, Parmesan Cheese



Included With Dinner: Garden Salad, Dinner Roll, Potato Or Rice, Sauce, Vegetable, And Dessert (See Below).



Children Under 12: Chicken Tenders, Macaroni And Cheese, Veg.

(Also Available In Adult Portions)



Desserts: Specialty Dessert (Server Will Describe);

Cheesecake, Vanilla Ice Cream With Chocolate Or Fruit Topping, Sugar Free Jello



Breakfast Is Complimentary And Includes:



- Carafes Of Chilled Orange Juice

- Baskets Of Warm Bagels And Muffins

- Butter, Margarine, Cream Cheese, And Jelly

- Fresh Whole Fruit

- Brewed Coffee (Both Regular And Decaffeinated),

Hot Tea, And Milk.



Seating Is Open. The Above Items Will Be Kept Supplied To Each Table, And Passengers May Help Themselves As Soon As They Are Seated.



Kosher Breakfasts As Special Meals Not Available.

Vegan Breakfasts As Special Meals Not Available.

Passengers May Select Items From The Above, Most Of Which Meet Kosher Or Vegan Guidelines.



We hope this information is of assistance for you.



Sincerely,

William
Amtrak Customer Service
 
Are there any restaurants at the station to grab lunch?
 
Are there any restaurants at the station to grab lunch?

njbill,
nothing at the station, but about 2-3 miles up toward I4 is a crackerbarrel, orlando ale house, steak and shake, and a couple others
gas stations also if you need.
we have used them a lot over the years:)
 
There is nothing but a snack shop at the train. However across the street to the left is a strip mall. It is about a 10 to 15 minute walk with kids in tow. They have several resturants there including an Japanese Steak house. We have eaten there and the Kids loved it. We asked and took one of the amtrack lugage carts with us to hold our carry ons since there are no lockers. It is a great way to kill a few hours since there is not much to do in the station. There is also a Sports Bar type resturant, Ice cream shop, grocery store and bunch of other stuff. The only place where there is no sidewalk is leaving the Train station.

:firefight
 
Sorry wrong station. What I just described was the Lorton station. Do not know much about the Sanford Station.:confused3:confused3:confused3
 
Therre was absolutely nothing in walking distance of the Sanford Station. They did have a "gift shop", a little stand with playing cards and stale muffins.
The Lorton Station is much nicer.
If you want any food, pick it up along the way.
 
With the remodel of the Sanford station starting soon you may not even get that.
 












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