All about the Autotrain

[dalspot]

And if I remember correctly, 417 will cost you a fortune in tolls!!!

 

[cherylp3]

well if you get to Sanford at 8am you'd want to take 417 because of traffic.

The Toll amount is around $5 I'd guess.

 

[NJBILL]

Is either one "easier" to navigate to get to Disney?

 

[cherylp3]

They are both equally the same. Just one goes around the Metro area(417) and the other goes right through downtown (interstate 4)

If you were asking me to go to from Sanford to Disney
If its at 8am - I'd pick 417 (hate traffic)
If we're talking 10am - I'd say I4 is fine. (very little traffic)

 

[melcan]

We took the Autotrain 2 wks ago. I HATED it. We cashed in the return tickets and drove home. Now on to your question. They now have outlets at every seat in coach. Bring your own blankets and pillows, the ones on the AT are recycled.(gross) If you have anything of value with you. (anything you don't want to lose) take it with you everywhere.The train will prob. be in Sanford between 8:30 and 9:30 and you will have to wait for your car. Depending on how many cars are on the train it could be 15 min.- 2hrs. We got in about 8:45 and were on out way by 9:30 on I-4 and not much traffic.

 

[NJBILL]

We took the Autotrain 2 wks ago. I HATED it. .

CAn you please share your experience,as it is clear it was not positive for you. Thanks.

 

[vllygrrl]

CAn you please share your experience,as it is clear it was not positive for you. Thanks.

Yes - would you mind elaborating for the rest of us? We're taking the Autotrain the day after Thanksgiving, and I would really like to be prepared...

 

[melcan]

Sure, I hope this was just my bad luck and that it does not happen to a lot of folks. We had a family sleeper, the doors lock from the inside but do not lock from the outside. So when you go to the lounge or the dining car all of your "stuff" is not protected. During dinner the car attendent goes up to help with dinner. Anyone in first class has access to any of the first class or the sleeper cars. We went to dinner and when we came back DS DVD player was missing. The attendent brought flashlights and we looked under the seats (where it had been left in the case) of course it was our word against theirs and we had no proof. I had a VERY hard time sleeping. I felt like someone was constantly shaking me. All day the next day I had the sensation of how it felt walking on the train, maybe it was from lack of sleep.
Anyway, some people LOVE that train, for me it was an experience I don't want to have again.

 

[PEANUT1]

melcan..thanks for sharing your experience. We are taking the AT in January.

 

[melcan]

Just to get OT for a second, I have to say our whole trip started out bad and only got worse. Of all the trips I have been to WDW this one will go down as a mess. So if you read some of my other posts, please know, I am usually more positive, but this trip there were few. Definately a DO OVER

 

[bdcp]

We always lock our laptops in our suitcase when we're not sitting there. I also carry my jewelry, money, passports (going on a cruise), etc with me when we are away from our seats. Leaving a DVD player out where it could be picked up made it easy takings for someone who has lesser ethics.

Also, the sensation you're still moving is very common (just like after a cruise) and goes away after a day or two at most.

We'll be on our third round trip Auto Train trip in two weeks.

The only things you need to be prepared for is that the train moves along tracks and can sway and bump, just like ALL trains (except the TGV in France-that was a smooth ride). Most people have a positive experience and many people have been riding it for years. You can't go in with expectations that are unrealistic. We also find we sleep much better in coach than in a sleeper/roomette. Kids tend to sleep fine and most adults do perfectly fine and sleep enough. I never expected 8 hours of sleep(I don't get that at home) and I have ridden trains before so I knew I'd feel motion, swaying, etc. It's part of train travel.

 

[melcan]

FYI We did not leave the DVD player out where it could be seen. It was in the case pushed under one on the side seats. Whoever took it was rambling around looking for something. I believe most people are honest, and yes I have ridden on trains before, and I did not go into it with unrealistic expectations, Thank you very much. I have neighbors that have taken the AT and did not like it either and they were in coach, they did not like sleeping with strangers., and said it was too bumpy. I wish I had listened. I hope EVERYONE has GREAT AT experiences. I was asked and I answered.

 

[bdcp]

You made it sound like you didn't know what to expect. I also didn't say you left the dvd player in plain sight. If you've ridden trains before, why were you surprised by the motion? I just wonder what your expectations were? I also know lots of people who have ridden the AT many times and enjoy it. Also, I never assume I can leave anything of value alone in an unlocked location. Amtrak isn't responsible for your valuables.

I think the train between DC and Boston is bumpier, but that said, most trains are bumpy and if you don't like it, don't ride it again, but your "review" is biased due to your overall bad trip.

 

[melcan]

Leaving a DVD player out where it could be picked up made it easy takings for someone who has lesser ethics.

What? Do you work for Amtrak? My review of the AT has nothing to do with the overall bad trip. It is MHO of my experience of the AT. I was asked and I answered. Get off my case. Go ride the train. Have a great time. Hope nothing gets stolen, because Amtrak is not resposible for your valuables

 

[pplasky]

For those of you just reading the last 2 pages or so, the AT is fine. Some people have bad experiences, but for the most part, reviews are good. My family has taken it several times, without any horrible experiences. Once the engine did break down, we were up and running in about 2 hours. My in-laws take it almost every year and we are taking my parents with us this year. We stay in coach, don't feel the sleepers are worth the extra money. The ride to Disney is easy from Sanford, usually traffic is gone by the time you get your car. We are usually in parks by early afternoon.

Of course, I am careful with valuables. I usually lock them in my luggage in my car. The kids are responsible for their electronics and one of us usually stay with our stuff except for dinner.

Hope this helps.

 

[bdcp]

As I also said, we are also careful with our valuables and the train is no different than anywhere else. Some people don't know how to post a real review and let their bad decisions or expectations color the real experience. I really have issue with the "never again" crowd. And the anger is a little over the top.

And, no, I do not work for Amtrak, but if you read my previous mini reviews on this board of our Auto Train trips you will find I never say our trips are perfect, but I also don't base them on blame for something that isn't Amtrak's fault. And, as anywhere, you are responsible for your valuables and that applies EVERYWHERE you go.

 

[PEANUT1]

 

[melcan]

I only posted about my experience because I specifically was asked. In the future, I guess I will just not answer. I did not realize the AT was so near and dear to your heart. I am just saying, I did not have a good experience. Not that EVERYONE would not have a good experience, I am not a blamer. I never said anything was anyones fault. Get over yourself. I'm out of here.

 

[bdcp]

You did blame Amtrak in a back handed way. And your posts are very defensive. What did your family think of the train? Kids usually love it. How was the food? Were you ontime? Those are what is included in a true and fair report/review. You didn't really post a review, but came on to complain about something that was in your control and something that anyone who has ever been on a train knows (train's sway and bump).

You totally miss the point of my posts. I was trying to show EVERYONE that nothing you bring on the train is Amtrak's responsibility. Just as nothing you bring on a plane is the airline's responsibility.

Anyway, for those looking for real information on the train that you can't find on Amtrak's website, you will find a lot of it here. Some of us have ridden more than once and in both coach and sleepers/roomettes so we have a variety of experiences.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I'm sad to hear that someone has something stolen. I do worry about that happening when I am on the train, or anywhere for that fact. I actually take my valuables with me in a backpack when I go to dinner or the lounge, so they are not unattended at my seat/roomette. A huge pain to walk around with a backpack (especially with the narrow corridors! ) but I manage! I also travel solo so I really have to rely on myself, though.

The train certainly isn't for everyone - to each their own! I am one who loves it - I am traveling again on the Autotrain next week for my 27th trip! I love the ride - I love putting up my feet, reading a good book, meeting interesting people at dinner, watching the train go through these tiny little towns, and peeking through my window late at night to try to figure out where we are! If I time it just right, I can see the South of the Border neon Sombrero Hat when we pass by! What can beat that!

I won't/can't fly (I get very sick ) so the train is a wonderful option for someone like me. Can't wait!