All about the Autotrain

[mykidslovesdisney]

We had the car right behind the engine in August. OMG I wanted to go up there and rip the horn right off the engine!! We have never been that close to the engine before and it was rather annoying. Luckly I did eventually fall asleep but would wake up every so often thanks to the horn. DS4 on the other hand slept for 12 hrs!!

 

[Marshay]

Going on Thursday via Autotrain to Disney!!

 

[MinnieGi]

Going on Thursday via Autotrain to Disney!!

Have a great trip!!

 

[Marshay]

Have a great trip!!

Thanks -- my DD6 said she is looking forward to sleeping on the train and making new friends. She's even bringing Disney Hedbanz game along in case she meets another girl/boy who wants to play with her!

 

[jacthree]

Amtrak does offer a $19 kids fare that covers that timeframe. There is not an abundance of snow birds at that time.

Has Amtrak announced the kids fare for this summer yet? What are the dates? Last year, it looked like June 1 - Aug 31. Headed down 7-17 June.

TIA

 

[Marshay]

Got back Sunday from our WDW vacation. Took Amtrak both down and back. Loved it as always!

This time we really cut back on what we brought on the train and it helped a lot! DH had his bag, I had a beach bag to hold the DVD player and small kid-size suitcase for PJs/clothes/toiletries/toys, plus a laundry hamper for pillows, blankets and stuffed animals. Worked great!

Both times we went to the lounge car right away and brought toys/games along. We played Disney yahtzee together and then the kids colored or played on their leapster while we chatted with others in the car. Was very nice and relaxed.

We've noticed that both fish offerings were dry; however the steak offerings were really good and cooked well to my MR order. Both girls filled up on the lounge car snacks and weren't hungry for the 5pm dinner...wish they would do 5:30pm instead to give a bit more time between lounge car and dinner.

Both movies were not age-appropriate (Breakfast at Tiffanys and Beneath the Blue) for my young kids so we went to bed early.

Already waiting to book the train for Jan 2013!!

I did find out that the Orlando Magic Card gives discounts throughout the year on Amtrak, including the AT. Haven't used it yet but just signed up for the free card. The last offer they had was 15% off, exp in Dec 2011.

 

[kittylady1972]

Got back Sunday from our WDW vacation. Took Amtrak both down and back. Loved it as always!

This time we really cut back on what we brought on the train and it helped a lot! DH had his bag, I had a beach bag to hold the DVD player and small kid-size suitcase for PJs/clothes/toiletries/toys, plus a laundry hamper for pillows, blankets and stuffed animals. Worked great!

Both times we went to the lounge car right away and brought toys/games along. We played Disney yahtzee together and then the kids colored or played on their leapster while we chatted with others in the car. Was very nice and relaxed.

We've noticed that both fish offerings were dry; however the steak offerings were really good and cooked well to my MR order. Both girls filled up on the lounge car snacks and weren't hungry for the 5pm dinner...wish they would do 5:30pm instead to give a bit more time between lounge car and dinner.

Both movies were not age-appropriate (Breakfast at Tiffanys and Beneath the Blue) for my young kids so we went to bed early.

Already waiting to book the train for Jan 2013!!

I did find out that the Orlando Magic Card gives discounts throughout the year on Amtrak, including the AT. Haven't used it yet but just signed up for the free card. The last offer they had was 15% off, exp in Dec 2011.

Thanks for the update! I think this will be key with us for the next trip as well...packing much lighter! We'll have rooms on the way down which will be fine, but on the way back we'll be in coach so less room to store stuff I'm guessing. I think we are going to plan to hit the lounge early as well and hang out there for as long as possible, at least on the trip back in coach. As for the trip down, we'll have two bedrooms that connect so we'll probably hang there most of the time unless we want to see the movie.

 

[chartle]

We've noticed that both fish offerings were dry; however the steak offerings were really good and cooked well to my MR order. Both girls filled up on the lounge car snacks and weren't hungry for the 5pm dinner...wish they would do 5:30pm instead to give a bit more time between lounge car and dinner.

If they did 5:30 then they would have to move the later meals to 7:30 and 9:30.

 

[Marshay]

Thanks for the update! I think this will be key with us for the next trip as well...packing much lighter! We'll have rooms on the way down which will be fine, but on the way back we'll be in coach so less room to store stuff I'm guessing. I think we are going to plan to hit the lounge early as well and hang out there for as long as possible, at least on the trip back in coach. As for the trip down, we'll have two bedrooms that connect so we'll probably hang there most of the time unless we want to see the movie.

yes, we spent a LOT more time in the lounge car these past 2 times and enjoyed it more...even with our own room. I just love looking out the windows and talking to everyone.

If they did 5:30 then they would have to move the later meals to 7:30 and 9:30.

Yep!! They only had 2 seatings for both of our trips (there and back) so I was really surprised by the 5 and 7pm...When we went a year or so ago, I swear it was 5:30pm and 7:30pm.

Oh, well, not really complaining..just stating that we filled up too much on snacks! (obviously there is an easy solution to that!)

 

[Marshay]

See the new Amtrak sweepstakes for a free r/t ride including meals and sleeper car. Ends Feb 9th.

amtrak.com or on facebook page too.

Good luck and may a Disser win!

 

[nyfinfan]

What does everyone do with your electronics (laptop,dvdplayers) when you go to the lounge car or to dinner? DO you bring them with you or leave them at your seat's? We will be going coach if that makes a difference.

Also , regarding cancellation's. I've read throught the entire thread and I see conflicting reports. Some posts say that you get a full refund and some posts say you get charged the 10% penalty fee...anyone know which is correct?

Thanks.

 

[dromio42]

I think the responsible thing to do is to take the electronics with me. I leave my pillow and books and toiletries...but the enticing stuff I take. No need to start the vacation on a bad note due to my own negligence.

 

[Marshay]

Agree with PP. Take anything with you that is $$ like a good camera, laptop, purse/wallet, etc. Also, make sure all of these are marked with your name.

Now personally, when we traveled coach we left our DVD player and Leapsters back in our seats, hidden out of direct eyesight. And nothing happened. However, we understood it was taking a chance (we don't bring our laptop on board at all but keep it in the car).

Now we get a Family room but these doors are not locked either (can only lock from the inside). We do leave our DVD player/leapsters in the room, once again hidden out of direct eyesight.

 

[MinnieGi]

We travel in the sleeper section, however when going to dining car or lounge we put all electronics hidden away in our bags so as not to entice anyone. I always take my cell/wallet with me.

 

[nyfinfan]

Thanks for the replies. Most appreciated.

 

[Marshay]

Just booked my January 2013 trip on the Autotrain!

Glad to see they have not increased prices for next year, at least not at the 11 month mark.

Will book my return portion separately next week.

 

[labdogs42]

Does anyone know what it means when the Auto train is sold out? Does that mean every coach seat is full? Or does it mean that they are at capacity for cars, but there might be some empty seats on the train? I'm getting nervous about our return train on March 10 that is now listed as "sold" out on Amtrak's website. The train was never that full when we traveled before! Anyone know how full that really means?

 

[chartle]

Does anyone know what it means when the Auto train is sold out? Does that mean every coach seat is full? Or does it mean that they are at capacity for cars, but there might be some empty seats on the train? I'm getting nervous about our return train on March 10 that is now listed as "sold" out on Amtrak's website. The train was never that full when we traveled before! Anyone know how full that really means?

Since they don't really add or subtract train cars for either passengers or cars. I would say full means they ran out of space for either people or cars.

I was on a train that they said was full. There wasn't an empty seat in my coach car.

 

[Marshay]

Does anyone know what it means when the Auto train is sold out? Does that mean every coach seat is full? Or does it mean that they are at capacity for cars, but there might be some empty seats on the train? I'm getting nervous about our return train on March 10 that is now listed as "sold" out on Amtrak's website. The train was never that full when we traveled before! Anyone know how full that really means?

Sorry can't answer your question but assume with PP that it would be sold out of seats or car space, whichever comes first.

We were on one sold out train going down to FL in January (all those snow birds -- it was really odd b/c there was only 1 other child besides mine!!)

It was crowded but we were in the sleeping car section so don't know about coach. I do know they announced that all 3 dinner services were full and if you come late you will not be seated. Actually they served people in the lounge, car too!

Also, breakfast had a huge waiting list and the lounge car was filled too.

I had to laugh at the movie choice -- Breakfast at Tiffany's. Guess they were appealing to the snowbirds, as my young kids had no interest in the movie!

 

[lindap1]

When we went on the Auto train last year we upgraded to a deluxe sleeper (me, DH and 4 year old dd) and when we went to the dining car we left all of our electronics in our room (out of sight of course). With the sleeping cars you have a car attendant who is constantly walking around so I don't think sticky fingers would have a chance to go in and snoop. As for the coach seats, I can't answer that, but I thought all cars had an attendant?