All about the Autotrain

[DJFan88]

We completed the southbound part of our trip at the beginning of the week and I have to say I'm now a true fan of the auto train I was a bit chilly in the room at night and was glad I'd brought the extra throw blanket. Ds ended up switching beds with me in the roomette and so I ended up in the top. Horrible night of sleep---but that being said I was so grateful to be able to lay down--I couldn't imagine doing it sitting up or reclining. I'm thinking our next trip we may try and drive down and then auto train back up. Thank you to everyone for all of your wonderful advice and opinions!!

We don't mind the chairs for sleeping at all. They give you quite a bit of room,I thought, much different than on a bus. Our travel times basically ended up being 17 hours, so to me not that big of a deal, since I walked around a little to dining, lounge snacks/coffee, etc., Kids did fine on it, In fact, We all LOVED it and will be doing it all the time! Just wanted to add that in in case someone is considering it but can't get a roomette. Just wanted them to know that they will stll Love it!

Will also get the cup of wine to go! I always make sure Idrink my fill at dinner!
I should've guessed you could as the staff is all so helpful.

 

[princesspwrhr]

We're on te northbound train now. My husband mentioned to our host that the track seems rougher than it was 8 years ago. Our host said that was correct- the tracks are maintained by CSX and they are maintained for freight not passenger trains- different standards.

 

[pepe of ohio]

We're on te northbound train now. My husband mentioned to our host that the track seems rougher than it was 8 years ago. Our host said that was correct- the tracks are maintained by CSX and they are maintained for freight not passenger trains- different standards.

We always notices a certain section down south was rougher... Especially when dining... Train car rocked side to side a lot... Almost put my forkful of food in my wife's mouth..... Doable, but funny...it's why we enjoy the train... An adventure!

 

[TPTraveler]

I have only taken the train a couple of times but I always travel everywhere (not just the train) with a light fleece throw. I roll it up and use a bungee cord to secure which helps make it even smaller.

I had no issues controlling the temperature in our room last year when we traveled in July, so hopefully it will not be an issue for you.

 

[Marshay]

They will give you a to-go cup? wow I'll have to remember that.

Yes, I have gotten that before...I also tip well when they do!

 

[bdcp]

We completed the southbound part of our trip at the beginning of the week and I have to say I'm now a true fan of the auto train I was a bit chilly in the room at night and was glad I'd brought the extra throw blanket. Ds ended up switching beds with me in the roomette and so I ended up in the top. Horrible night of sleep---but that being said I was so grateful to be able to lay down--I couldn't imagine doing it sitting up or reclining. I'm thinking our next trip we may try and drive down and then auto train back up. Thank you to everyone for all of your wonderful advice and opinions!!

Actually we've found sleeping in seats is easier than the roomette. Our best sleep is in the bedroom. We rock side to side more in the roomette. In the bedroom, you don't feel it so much because of the position of the beds, sleeping width wise vs length wise on the train. We got a roomette for our next trip to try it one more time. We like the privacy, but the beds aren't that comfy. Bedroom would be our first choice, but way too expensive.

 

[bdcp]

We always notices a certain section down south was rougher... Especially when dining... Train car rocked side to side a lot... Almost put my forkful of food in my wife's mouth..... Doable, but funny...it's why we enjoy the train... An adventure!

We eat at 7 and it's always really bumpy heading southbound. It tends to smooth back out a bit for the most part. We were just onboard in Oct 2011 and honestly, it has varied every trip. Some trips were bumpier headed south and some north and in different sections. It also is dependent on the speed since sometimes we get slowed down in an area that might be bumpier at a higher rate of speed. They are freight tracks. Although our last trip headed north on the Acela was pretty bumpy in a few spots too. I commented it was like riding the autotrain and the person manning the snack bar laughed and agreed with me.

 

[vacationer1954]

Make your own block ice for the cooler. Rinse out an empty gallon milk/water container, then fill about 1/2 way with water. Freeze for 24 hours. Cut the plastic bottle off with scissors or a box cutter. You're left with a nice convenient block of ice to use in the cooler. Repeat as desired to make as many blocks as you need.

Did I hear somewhere that the rounder the ice block is the longer it will last?

 

[SteveMouse]

Did I hear somewhere that the rounder the ice block is the longer it will last?

It's a matter of physics and exposure. Corners have more air contact than a round surface.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Did I hear somewhere that the rounder the ice block is the longer it will last?

Throwing salt on the ice naked it colder...we free water bottles, or lemonade bottles and as they thaw, we have cold drinks... Blocks of ice are messy

 

[Yellowstonetim]

Fill the gallon jug 3/4 full and freeze. Don't remove it from the jug. No mess and it lasts a long time. Works with 1/2 gallon, too.

 

[sraiford]

We will be on the auto train July 12 in 2 Roomettes! When we come back we will be in the seats. Looking forward to a great trip! Hoping we do not melt in the FL heat. We have hardly hit 80 in PA. Looking forward to some nice hot days!

 

[bdcp]

Okay, quick question for a friend. We always forgot to use our military discount when DH was active so I couldn't answer it. He's now retired, but our friends are still active and wanted to know what experiences people have had with being asked for their military ID's at checkin for the discount? They asked because they don't usually take their ID"s on vacation. I know they should, but they don't because it's just more stuff to keep track of and with kids, it's just a pain to carry them all, but they will if they have to.

 

[TallGuy76]

Just booked to depart Feb 1, and return the 14th. Already excited!

This will be our second time taking the auto train, and will be our second time in the family bedroom.

Traveling with our daughters who will be 13 and 5 at the time.

We had the family bedroom last time, and wouldn't trade it for anything. Being able to have your own private space to enjoy is invaluable.

We carried on my wife's mini-laptop, a usb dvd player, a power strip, a duffel bag of clothes, and a backpack with some toys and books. It worked out great!

We stayed overnight in Lorton at the Springhill Suites for around $80.

 

[Marshay]

Just booked to depart Feb 1, and return the 14th. Already excited!

This will be our second time taking the auto train, and will be our second time in the family bedroom.

Traveling with our daughters who will be 13 and 5 at the time.

We had the family bedroom last time, and wouldn't trade it for anything. Being able to have your own private space to enjoy is invaluable.

We carried on my wife's mini-laptop, a usb dvd player, a power strip, a duffel bag of clothes, and a backpack with some toys and books. It worked out great!

We stayed overnight in Lorton at the Springhill Suites for around $80.

Congrats on trip #2 next year!

Like your family, we love the AT and having our own space! I've lost track but think this is #6 or so.

I've already forgotten how to fly, or rather how to pack for flying and security!

Enjoy!!

 

[Marshay]

Okay, quick question for a friend. We always forgot to use our military discount when DH was active so I couldn't answer it. He's now retired, but our friends are still active and wanted to know what experiences people have had with being asked for their military ID's at checkin for the discount? They asked because they don't usually take their ID"s on vacation. I know they should, but they don't because it's just more stuff to keep track of and with kids, it's just a pain to carry them all, but they will if they have to.

Tell them to bring IDs if they want to be sure to get the discount.

 

[sraiford]

When we got off the Autotrain Saturday morning we are planning to drive over to Daytona Beach area for the day. We would like to find an easy place to park and enjoy the beach for the afternoon? Any suggestions where to go?

 

[BonnieA]

When we got off the Autotrain Saturday morning we are planning to drive over to Daytona Beach area for the day. We would like to find an easy place to park and enjoy the beach for the afternoon? Any suggestions where to go?

At Daytona you can drive and park right on the beach. There are a couple entrances and there is a fee, but then you can drive along until you find a place you like to stop, park and swim.

 

[atwmommy]

Can anyone tell me about the outlets available in coach? Is there one per pair of seats....or less? Will we be able to charge/power the DVD players, laptops, etc? I was planning to bring an extension cord.

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

Can anyone tell me about the outlets available in coach? Is there one per pair of seats....or less? Will we be able to charge/power the DVD players, laptops, etc? I was planning to bring an extension cord.

There are 2 plugs for both seats.