All about the Autotrain

[Marshay]

Heading to the Autotrain now. We are going on a cruise for thanksgiving and then to Disney for some holiday fun. Anyone else on the train today - Saturday?

Linda

Hope you had a good time on the train and a better time at WDW/DCL!

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

We just took the autotrain North bound on Saturday. We had 2 bedrooms that's connected and having the wall opened between the 2 made such a difference!

I have to say they were terrible in handling food allergies which after spending the week in Disney and having my son treated like a king, it was a rough blow.

I enjoyed the autotrain and my husband couldn't stand it because he's the type that when vacation is done, he wants to be home so he didn't enjoy it as much as my son and I did.

The train was very full, I think it was 16 trains of cars and 21 of passengers? Maybe it was the other way around but I know that was the numbers. There was 419 people on the train.

If you want to get the free snacks in the lounge car you have to get there as soon as you board or they are gone (cheese, crackers, snack mix, and veggie sticks) and once they are gone, they are gone.

If anyone has any questions let me know.

 

[Marshay]

We just took the autotrain North bound on Saturday. We had 2 bedrooms that's connected and having the wall opened between the 2 made such a difference!

I have to say they were terrible in handling food allergies which after spending the week in Disney and having my son treated like a king, it was a rough blow.

I enjoyed the autotrain and my husband couldn't stand it because he's the type that when vacation is done, he wants to be home so he didn't enjoy it as much as my son and I did.

The train was very full, I think it was 16 trains of cars and 21 of passengers? Maybe it was the other way around but I know that was the numbers. There was 419 people on the train.

If you want to get the free snacks in the lounge car you have to get there as soon as you board or they are gone (cheese, crackers, snack mix, and veggie sticks) and once they are gone, they are gone.

If anyone has any questions let me know.

Wow - that was a VERY full train! When we went it was very full with over 350 people...can't imagine the coach seating areas with that many.

Sorry they couldn't help with allergies...they pretty much are limited in their selection and handling of food.

Yeah, the secret is to go up to the lounge car right away and at least bring back snacks or stay there and eat. On our 4 trains, we never ran out of food so your train must have been REALLY hungry!

Glad you and your son enjoyed it! Taking the train really is an experience! It extends the vacation for you to enjoy...but if you just want to get home, then I agree, it's not worth the money.

But if you can just relax and know that you got an extra day/night of vacation (that's the way I look at it since we wouldn't stay an extra night at WDW), then it's pretty fun!

How crowded was Disney? Any delays on the train?

 

[karice2]

I leave on Friday on the Auto train for two weeks in Disney. I waited too long and didn't book my roomette and they are sold out. I am hoping there is a cancellation because I love having that space to myself. Luckily I work nearby so all I have to do is pack up the car the night before and leave straight from work. This will be the first time with my new car.


Pray to the auto train gods that there is a roomette cancellation.

 

[magicaddict]

Travelled southbound on the 13th and the train was extremely full. So glad I changed my mind early on and booked the roomettes. When I booked they only had lower level available and I was kind of bummed but I was really glad we had it. I felt like we were in our own little world since we had two of the four roomettes and the attendant had one so that left one other gentleman who was travelling alone. The family bedroom next to us was empty so we used it when we were changing so that was convenient.

We checked in right before 2:00 and the only dinner time left for coach and sleeper was 9:00. It worked out as we brought a bunch of snacks and then while we ate the attendant put down the beds. We had no problem with space before the beds went down but it did feel cramped after. My daughter and I managed to keep the sleepers a secret until we walked into the sleeper car so my husband and son were puzzled then excited to find out we had our own space - especially after seeing the crowd for coach. All in all another great trip but now we're spoiled and won't want to travel coach again!

 

[Marshay]

I leave on Friday on the Auto train for two weeks in Disney. I waited too long and didn't book my roomette and they are sold out. I am hoping there is a cancellation because I love having that space to myself. Luckily I work nearby so all I have to do is pack up the car the night before and leave straight from work. This will be the first time with my new car.

Pray to the auto train gods that there is a roomette cancellation.

Oh, I hope you do get a roomette!

Travelled southbound on the 13th and the train was extremely full. So glad I changed my mind early on and booked the roomettes. When I booked they only had lower level available and I was kind of bummed but I was really glad we had it. I felt like we were in our own little world since we had two of the four roomettes and the attendant had one so that left one other gentleman who was travelling alone. The family bedroom next to us was empty so we used it when we were changing so that was convenient.

We checked in right before 2:00 and the only dinner time left for coach and sleeper was 9:00. It worked out as we brought a bunch of snacks and then while we ate the attendant put down the beds. We had no problem with space before the beds went down but it did feel cramped after. My daughter and I managed to keep the sleepers a secret until we walked into the sleeper car so my husband and son were puzzled then excited to find out we had our own space - especially after seeing the crowd for coach. All in all another great trip but now we're spoiled and won't want to travel coach again!

I hear ya! We did coach 1 time and Family Room 3x now...can't see us going back to FR until our girls outgrow it ...then I'm hoping for a roomette.

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

We didn't have any delays and got in early at 8:15. Our car however was second to last off!

My dad said the arrival time used to be 8 but they were always missing it and he thinks that's why they changed it to 9 because now they can say they are early lol!

My parents said they don't know how they will have just one bedroom next time (when it's just the 2 of them) they really liked having the 2 bedrooms opened into each other.

 

[dromio42]

For anyone who took the train southbound on Thanksgiving (today), how were the crowds? We took the train the day after Thanksgiving in 2008 and it was nearly empty - but tomorrow's train is sold out! so, I am wondering if we should do Thanksgiving day next year....any thoughts?

 

[herdtoDisney]

Hello! I have what might be a silly question, but one that's on my mind nonetheless. Has anyone ever become "train sick" while riding on a long distance train trip?
I know it's possible and fairly common to become sea sick while on a cruise, and some people have issues with long distance car trips, but is this an issue on the train? I've never been on one and I just wonder how much movement, or rocking is experienced while riding?

Thanks in advance for any info or personal experiences.

I am prone to motion sickness. I've ridden the Autotrain twice, round trip. I never had a problem except once while dining I was facing backwards(facing the opposite way of travel) and that bothered me. once i faced forwards, i was fine and didn't have any problems otherwise

 

[Marshay]

Continental Partnership ChangesUpdate on the Amtrak Guest Rewards partnership with Continental OnePass and Presidents Club
The Continental OnePass program will formally end in December. A new Amtrak Guest Rewards partnership with the United MileagePlus program is in the works.

In the meantime, here’s what the changes mean for members of Amtrak Guest Rewards:

Transfer PointsDecember 31, 2011 is the last day that Amtrak Guest Rewards members will be able to transfer Continental OnePass miles into Amtrak Guest Rewards points. Transfer in increments of 5,000 miles by contacting the OnePass Service Center at 713-952-1630. Transfers must be completed by 11:59 pm CT, December 31, 2011.

Eligible members* may transfer Amtrak Guest Rewards points to OnePass miles, through December 31, 2011. Convert your points to miles now. Transfers must be completed by 11:59 pm CT, December 31, 2011

United ClubsUnited Club is the new name for Continental Presidents Club and United Red Carpet Club. Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Plus members will continue to enjoy access to the United Clubs through February 2012. Present your valid Select Plus card at the United Club to enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks, free Wi-Fi and more.

Earn Amtrak Guest Rewards points on flights
Through March 2012, members will continue to earn Amtrak Guest Rewards points on Continental operated flights. And beginning in March, members will earn points on United operated flights.
Earn 1 point for each air mile traveled on Amtrak/Continental code-share trips taken through Newark Liberty International Airport to Philadelphia, PA; Wilmington, DE; Stamford, CT; or New Haven, CT, with a minimum of 500 points per flight. Plus, earn a 50% point bonus for travel in Business, BusinessFirst, or First Class, with a minimum of 750 points per flight.

*Only Select and Select Plus Members and Members that are active cardholders of the Amtrak Guest Rewards® World MasterCard® with an annual Amtrak travel spend of over $200 may redeem for Continental OnePass miles. See full program terms and conditions.

 

[dade1196]

I am a avid lover of trains always have been since I was little. And me, my wife, mother in law and 2 5yr old daughters are going to Seaworld(2 days) and Disney(7days) in late March 2012. Starting in CT(stationed in the NAVY) driving to MD to pick up my mother in law then the plan now is to be driving to FL. I am thinking about driving from CT to MD picking up my mother in law and then taking the train to FL. And then when the trip is all over driving back. Right now I called AMTRAK and could book the Superliner Bedroom Suite for a total of around 1100 from VA to FL(thats everything car/tickets and room). I think this is okay. Others think not. I would much rather do this then drive both ways but am being told this is too much. Are you able to place a hold reservation and how much is that? I think this would a great way to start the vaction.

 

[tinker-belle]

I am a avid lover of trains always have been since I was little. And me, my wife, mother in law and 2 5yr old daughters are going to Seaworld(2 days) and Disney(7days) in late March 2012. Starting in CT(stationed in the NAVY) driving to MD to pick up my mother in law then the plan now is to be driving to FL. I am thinking about driving from CT to MD picking up my mother in law and then taking the train to FL. And then when the trip is all over driving back. Right now I called AMTRAK and could book the Superliner Bedroom Suite for a total of around 1100 from VA to FL(thats everything car/tickets and room). I think this is okay. Others think not. I would much rather do this then drive both ways but am being told this is too much. Are you able to place a hold reservation and how much is that? I think this would a great way to start the vaction.

There may also be a military discount. AAA offers you 10% discount. The earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets. As long as you don't have them mail you the tickets, and have them hold it at their 'will call' window, it's 100% refundable up until the day of travel (we've been doing it this way for years)
One year though on our way home via the auto train we met another family who said they had driven down to florida & had planned on driving back home, but she couldnt face the drive so she booked the train for the way back. I think it may be 'easier' for you to face the long drive GOING to exciting disney as opposed to when you are going back home.
Have fun!

 

[AMVmom]

Does anyone know if you travel coach, do they have outlets at the seats? I am going to bring lots of entertainment but a good number of them will be electronic and more likely than not will require recharging

 

[MommaB]

Does anyone know if you travel coach, do they have outlets at the seats? I am going to bring lots of entertainment but a good number of them will be electronic and more likely than not will require recharging

Sure do! Every row has a set of their own. Great for phones, dvd players, laptops and such

 

[loveysbydesign]

so happy to have found this thread! Next time we head down to FL I think we'll drive the way down and take the AT back!

Is $ 500 each way and/or $1000 roundtrip for 2 adults and 3 kids a good price? (and 1 car)

 

[Joss&Brendan'sMommy]

so happy to have found this thread! Next time we head down to FL I think we'll drive the way down and take the AT back!

Is $ 500 each way and/or $1000 roundtrip for 2 adults and 3 kids a good price? (and 1 car)

For the experience of the autotrain, compared to flying (that may cost EVEN MORE depending on your flight), and compared to the time and exhaustion of driving (for the driver)...the $1,000 is quite reasonable. We paid about $900 in July for four of us. The year before we drove from Western PA. That's quite a drive...as I'm sure you know!

 

[ancestry]

We are considering taking the auto train and will be traveling with an odd number of people. From what I can tell the seats are all by 2s. Our party will consist of myself, 17 year old friend of my son's, my 16 year old son, and my 9 year old twins.

We were going to drive but are now considering the auto train on the way down so I can try to get some sleep. If we drive I would arrive at Disney completely exhausted.

I do not sleep well in open public space or around strangers. I might be able to sleep if I take a window (non-aisle seat) and have one of the kids or an empty seat next to me. I will not be able to sleep if I have to sit next to a stranger.

How does seating work when traveling with an odd number of people?

 

[chartle]

We are considering taking the auto train and will be traveling with an odd number of people. From what I can tell the seats are all by 2s. Our party will consist of myself, 17 year old friend of my son's, my 16 year old son, and my 9 year old twins.

We were going to drive but are now considering the auto train on the way down so I can try to get some sleep. If we drive I would arrive at Disney completely exhausted.

I do not sleep well in open public space or around strangers. I might be able to sleep if I take a window (non-aisle seat) and have one of the kids or an empty seat next to me. I will not be able to sleep if I have to sit next to a stranger.

How does seating work when traveling with an odd number of people?

I think it would depend on how full the train was. They don't really add or subtract cars much so there maybe a ton of extra seats. Enough that everyone in your party gets their own seat

 

[AMVmom]

We are considering taking the auto train and will be traveling with an odd number of people. From what I can tell the seats are all by 2s. Our party will consist of myself, 17 year old friend of my son's, my 16 year old son, and my 9 year old twins.

We were going to drive but are now considering the auto train on the way down so I can try to get some sleep. If we drive I would arrive at Disney completely exhausted.

I do not sleep well in open public space or around strangers. I might be able to sleep if I take a window (non-aisle seat) and have one of the kids or an empty seat next to me. I will not be able to sleep if I have to sit next to a stranger.

How does seating work when traveling with an odd number of people?

We're looking at the same situation, but I see it as a good thing I will have dh with my son, the two girls togather and I will just have to sacrifice myself and sit with a stranger or maybe an empty seat next to me, oh too bad

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

I traveled in June. There were 7 of us in our party. Myself , DN 23 and 21, DS 12, 10, 4 and DD 8. Amtrak gave us 8 seats. It was a pretty packed train. We did have a problem with our seats at first bc we were the last to board - and once we got to our seats we realized they did not assign enough seats to all of us according to our boarding pass. Plus there were 2 older teenagers and an older lady in the assigned seats. The teenagers aplogized and moved back with their family. The older lady had occupied both seats with all her stuff and was insistant that she wasn't moving any of her stuff. I tried to find staff but the train was starting to move. We had to wait a bit until the supervisor came over with the master passenger listing. He determined that all 8 seats were ours even though it wasn't listed on the boarding pass. The older lady was not in the right car. She played dumb-- she boarded with another passenger according to his information. She reluctantly moved. While we headed to the dining car we passed both of them and her and the campanion both took up 2 seats each.

Needless to say it was a bit frustrating. It was my first time going w/o DH. He handles all the ticketing/dining stuff. Now I know to check the seat assignments before I leave the ticket counter. I know if you are traveling with kids they try to keep families all together.

Good Luck! We traveled 2 trips this year to FL and truely enjoyed the AT. It was my 10th and DC 9th trip and DN 2nd trip on the AT. It is a great way to travel-- it is part of our vacation not just mode of transportation