All about the Autotrain

[jwboucher]

So glad we cancelled. The train out of Sanford ended up leaving at 10:04pm.

 

[cburek]

So glad we cancelled. The train out of Sanford ended up leaving at 10:04pm.

Do you know the reason for the delay by chance?

 

[chartle]

Do you know the reason for the delay by chance?

Going to assume it was the big storm that came through the south east. It would have put a ton of debris on the tracks.

Last time we rode it, Tropical Storm Fay lingered in the area and really messed stuff up. The morning train that should have come into Fl around 9 got in at 7 PM and of course our north bound train was cancelled.

 

[princesspwrhr]

We just got off the Autotrain in Sanford. We boarded yesterday (the 14th) in Lorton. We arrived at the station around 1 and there was a line of vehicles parked waiting to get in. They opened the gates around 1:45 boarding started at 2:45 and the train pulled out just after 4. We had a slow start waiting for other trains but arrived in Sanford at 8:30.

It was a really rough ride. The last time we rode was 7 or 8 years ago and it seems that it smoothed out at some point, but last night was rough all night and this morning. We had a lower level coach this time and upgraded to roomette sleepers on the way home. Hopefully that will help.

So the trains seem to be back on schedule.

 

[jwboucher]

Do you know the reason for the delay by chance?

Have no idea... We are still on the road... We will probably be home in CT before the train unloads in Lorton.

 

[Debs Disney]

Boarding tomorrow! Going solo in a roomette. My mom, kids and husband are flying on Monday, my mom is handicapped so it is easier for her to fly. A little nervous to be going by myself.

 

[Wishes Count]

Boarding tomorrow! Going solo in a roomette. My mom, kids and husband are flying on Monday, my mom is handicapped so it is easier for her to fly. A little nervous to be going by myself.

I am also boarding tomorrow! Taking coach, but might see if I can upgrade to a roomette if any are available. This is my first time going by myself, although I've been on twice before with others!

 

[jlhill4444]

Ok! All packed and ready to board tomorrow for our first trip. I am almost as excited to ride the train as our two week visit to Disney! Lol! It is really nice to be able to take everything we need, including DH and Ds's golf clubs. Can anyone tell me what drinks are available for free in the sleeper cars? Thanks!!

 

[pepe of ohio]

Ok! All packed and ready to board tomorrow for our first trip. I am almost as excited to ride the train as our two week visit to Disney! Lol! It is really nice to be able to take everything we need, including DH and Ds's golf clubs. Can anyone tell me what drinks are available for free in the sleeper cars? Thanks!!

Go, sit back, enjoy a book, relax.... It is exciting, rolling alone covering miles of tracks while you enjoy a drink... What could be better.... Sure beats being cramped up, elbow to elbow in an airplane...

We've had available in the sleepers, juice ( sometimes orange , and apple ) coffee, tea and bottled water....

Hope you got a blanket, gets real chili when the sun goes down....

 

[jlhill4444]

Thanks for the info! I don't know how relaxed I'll be with a 2 yr old. But I will try!!

 

[Marshay]

Ok! All packed and ready to board tomorrow for our first trip. I am almost as excited to ride the train as our two week visit to Disney! Lol! It is really nice to be able to take everything we need, including DH and Ds's golf clubs. Can anyone tell me what drinks are available for free in the sleeper cars? Thanks!!

During the wine and cheese reception for sleeper cars, the only free drink is wine, white, red or blush usually. Sometimes they have small bottles of water, but we just bring our own from the free ones in our room, in case there are none in the lounge. They also have hot water and packets (ETA) for tea, coffee or hot chocolate to make your own. There is a small bar available to purchase extra beverages.

At dinner, you can get juice, soda, tea, wine and hot beverages for free. They often offer to give me a to go cup of wine after dinner...really helps you relax even more!

And remember you will be much more relaxed with a 2yo on the train, than a car or plane!

 

[Disneyholic]

Ok! All packed and ready to board tomorrow for our first trip. I am almost as excited to ride the train as our two week visit to Disney! Lol! It is really nice to be able to take everything we need, including DH and Ds's golf clubs. Can anyone tell me what drinks are available for free in the sleeper cars? Thanks!!

There is water, hot tea, cocoa packets and Douwe Egberts coffee at a station at the top of the stairs for your car (the reason I remember name is because my oldest brother commented when they had that at Mom's assisted living place & because he had a baby doll named Egbert. I sent him a text from the train when I saw that.) The juices are available in the club car as well as some fruits, cheese & crackers, a trail mix type of stuff and the wine during the meet and greet. There is also a bar in the club car that you can order mixed drinks for a price.

 

[Marshay]

The juices are available in the club car

I'd love to know where these are. We've taken the train six (?) times now and never saw juice available. When we asked for something besides water and wine, we were told we had to purchase at the bar. It would be great to have juice, too!

Thanks!!

 

[jlhill4444]

We are all checked in and waiting to board. It is very crowded, so I am thinking it will be a full train!

 

[raenyny]

Took the autotrain about 2 years ago and loved it got a great price...was going to purchase tickets this year during the kids $29 deal but the price was ridiculous for when we were going...about a week ago the price dropped and we were contemplating it again...we are leaving 7/5 so busy weekend...anyway yesterday I didn't have my aaa card with me so I waited until I got home from work..40 minutes to be exact the price went up $600..I called to make sure this was correct what happened to my great fare...ugh anyway they were able to book me 5 tickets at the 2nd lowest fare and 1 at the higher fare making it 150 more than earlier in the day...then this morning I looked online and there was 1 ticket at the low fare ....I again called and was able to swap the highest fare for the lowest fare ...yay...so now we are only 68 above where I was before I left work yesterday..LOL..still working on it..what a frustrating experience and lesson learned do not wait

 

[Marshay]

Took the autotrain about 2 years ago and loved it got a great price...was going to purchase tickets this year during the kids $29 deal but the price was ridiculous for when we were going...about a week ago the price dropped and we were contemplating it again...we are leaving 7/5 so busy weekend...anyway yesterday I didn't have my aaa card with me so I waited until I got home from work..40 minutes to be exact the price went up $600..I called to make sure this was correct what happened to my great fare...ugh anyway they were able to book me 5 tickets at the 2nd lowest fare and 1 at the higher fare making it 150 more than earlier in the day...then this morning I looked online and there was 1 ticket at the low fare ....I again called and was able to swap the highest fare for the lowest fare ...yay...so now we are only 68 above where I was before I left work yesterday..LOL..still working on it..what a frustrating experience and lesson learned do not wait

Glad to hear it is working out for you!

 

[Tallent]

Starting to pack and remembering posts about it being chilly on the train at night and to bring our own blankets. Does this mean a throw or a full fledged blanket? We are in roomettes and bringing long pjs. I hate not being able to sleep due to bring cold.

 

[Marshay]

Starting to pack and remembering posts about it being chilly on the train at night and to bring our own blankets. Does this mean a throw or a full fledged blanket? We are in roomettes and bringing long pjs. I hate not being able to sleep due to bring cold.

We just wear long PJs and bring a sweat shirt/jacket to wear if we need it. Plus, I just grab an extra blanket or sheet next to the restrooms if I am too cold. The less you bring on board the better, so I recommend not bringing your own. There are always extras in sleeper cars!

With a room, you can also adjust the air/climate settings, so you shouldn't freeze.

 

[Tallent]

Good to know, thanks! I'm all for bringing minimal 'stuff' lol but we may bring our disney fleecey throws from previous trips---they're small enough to roll up, familiar, and will get us in the disney state o'mind!

 

[bdcp]

Starting to pack and remembering posts about it being chilly on the train at night and to bring our own blankets. Does this mean a throw or a full fledged blanket? We are in roomettes and bringing long pjs. I hate not being able to sleep due to bring cold.

I have never been cold on the train. I do have a travel blanket, but generally sleep in a t-shirt and leggings or sweatpants just because I can go downstairs to the bathroom without getting dressed lol.

When we're in coach, we just sleep in what we wore onto the train which is usually jeans since we normally go in the fall.