All about the Autotrain

[monorailsilver]

Long long long time lurker (more than 3 years), first time poster.

My wife and 2 children (12 and 10) have taken the auto train many many times and absolutely love it. In fact, we have two roomettes booked for the same trip down as you, monorail if anything, I'll wear a simsbury baseball hat so you can come find me in the waiting area to say hi. Please feel free to fire questions my way as I have ridden in every section of that train except the staff quarters. We even had the entire downstairs cabin to ourselves last spring.

Nice to finally introduce myself.

Andy

Woo hoooo I have a companion on board! LOL, ok I have my family. I have a 12 & 10 yo too as well as a 7 yo-ok the 12 yo will be with 13 in May and the 7 yo will be 8 in 2 weeks.

 

[Disneyholic]

Thanks for all the information. The girls are excited they are 9& 10. I just hope the train isn't so packed?? Are they normally? I'm concerned about sleeping.. I don't like not sitting right by the girls. Wish dh was coming but he will be in Orlando before us

I would put the 2 kids together and you across the aisle unless there is no one in the other seat across the aisle. When DH, DS 10 and I went coach years ago, DS sat with me and DH was across the aisle. The lady next to him fell asleep on him. If it was me I would rather have a stranger fall asleep against me than one of my kids.

 

[huggiebear23]

I would put the 2 kids together and you across the aisle unless there is no one in the other seat across the aisle. When DH, DS 10 and I went coach years ago, DS sat with me and DH was across the aisle. The lady next to him fell asleep on him. If it was me I would rather have a stranger fall asleep against me than one of my kids.

That's how I feel..

Does the train normally get sold out?

 

[Disneyholic]

That's how I feel..

Does the train normally get sold out?

I don't know how often it is sold out. I do know that our last trip north the train was completely sold out and they said it was the longest train with the most people & automobiles they had had in a long time.

We only did coach once. Since then we have opted for a Deluxe Sleeper w/ the bathroom. We are 60 & 70 and are small enough to both sleep on the bottom bed together. We used to camp & share double sleeping bag, so we are used to it. I like not having to share a bathroom and being able to sleep laying down flat.

We have driven round-trip many times, but as we get older it is just easier to take the train at least 1 way. In April we will be taking the AutoTrain down, but driving back because DH wants to pick up a motorcycle trailer in South Carolina on the way home. In August we are going to do round trip AutoTrain leaving to come home on Labor Day. This will save us the Labor Day drive north.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

This thread has been interesting reading. We will be taking our fourth autotrain trip next Saturday - March 8. Can't wait. Third time in a roomette, once we had a bedroom. Were going to try coach but just couldn't do it.

 

[Disneylover99]

Never taken the auto train, but we are seriously thinking about taking it home from our Florida trip in August. I've scrolled through the last 6 months of discussion, but I was wondering.....

Are there discount codes? Or deals I should be looking into before booking? I need advise. Thanks!

 

[Marshay]

Never taken the auto train, but we are seriously thinking about taking it home from our Florida trip in August. I've scrolled through the last 6 months of discussion, but I was wondering..... Are there discount codes? Or deals I should be looking into before booking? I need advise. Thanks!

In general there are not discounts codes. There is a AAA discount (and AARP, etc) and in summer kids can ride for only like $29 but last year it was only for coach, not rooms. I've found that you just have to keep checking bc lately it seems prices fluctuate.

 

[monorailsilver]

5 weeks from today we leave & I am starting my packing list.

This is just for the train so I want to know what I am missing.

Family of 5, we are in the sleeper car RT-roomette & a bedroom & a family bedroom on the return.

Here is my list so far:

-clothes/PJ's/flip flops for the shower (yes I will need one as will dh)
-electronics & cords for the under 12 crowd & the over 40 crowd-iphones, ipad, ipod, lap top, 2 small dvd players (they all like something different)
-extension cord/power strip
-Lysol wipes for the bathroom (more so the return)
-toiletries
-books, etc...so we aren't on the electronics the entire time.
-snacks (I won't need drinks as there is water available, right?)
-medicine that we might need
-pillows-we like our own..but we won't need blankets, right?
-ear plugs (more so for my neighbors so they don't have to listen to my husband!)


So give me some other things that I may need or want on the trip, stuff that you guys bring.

I am nervously excited. I have only taken the train to NYC or around WDW or the Essex Steam train here in CT.

I have to update my EZPass & give it some money for the tolls.

 

[poison ivy]

Monorailsilver,

First, Have a great trip!

also, they will provide a thin blanket. We brought a small extra from home which worked just fine.

We also brought our own pillows and yes - they do provide water in the sleeper cars.

 

[tommyvr]

monorailsilver- Enjoy your trip. Be aware, EZPass does not work in Florida. I do not think there are any tolls between Sanford and WDW though.

We are attempting our first Autotrain trip over the summer. We are a family of 4, so I am looking forward to your trip review.

Have Fun!!!

 

[shafke]

monorailsilver- Enjoy your trip. Be aware, EZPass does not work in Florida. I do not think there are any tolls between Sanford and WDW though.

We are attempting our first Autotrain trip over the summer. We are a family of 4, so I am looking forward to your trip review.

Have Fun!!!

If you stick to I4 there are no tolls. There should be no traffic when you arrive so this would be the best route to WDW.

The other route to WDW would be to take 417 but this is a toll road. I think most of the tolls that you would take are manned or have an exact change (coins) lane.

 

[monorailsilver]

monorailsilver- Enjoy your trip. Be aware, EZPass does not work in Florida. I do not think there are any tolls between Sanford and WDW though.

We are attempting our first Autotrain trip over the summer. We are a family of 4, so I am looking forward to your trip review.

Have Fun!!!

If you stick to I4 there are no tolls. There should be no traffic when you arrive so this would be the best route to WDW.

The other route to WDW would be to take 417 but this is a toll road. I think most of the tolls that you would take are manned or have an exact change (coins) lane.

I know that. It will take us thru Baltimore. Can't remember if there are tolls in DC.

We will take 1-4 since we really aren't going to Disney. We may stop at DtD if we arrive early enough.

Our only FL tolls will be to get out to sanibel and when we go to st.pete for the Yankee game.

 

[Marshay]

5 weeks from today we leave & I am starting my packing list. This is just for the train so I want to know what I am missing. Family of 5, we are in the sleeper car RT-roomette & a bedroom & a family bedroom on the return. Here is my list so far: -clothes/PJ's/flip flops for the shower (yes I will need one as will dh) -electronics & cords for the under 12 crowd & the over 40 crowd-iphones, ipad, ipod, lap top, 2 small dvd players (they all like something different) -extension cord/power strip -Lysol wipes for the bathroom (more so the return) -toiletries -books, etc...so we aren't on the electronics the entire time. -snacks (I won't need drinks as there is water available, right?) -medicine that we might need -pillows-we like our own..but we won't need blankets, right? -ear plugs (more so for my neighbors so they don't have to listen to my husband!) So give me some other things that I may need or want on the trip, stuff that you guys bring. I am nervously excited. I have only taken the train to NYC or around WDW or the Essex Steam train here in CT. I have to update my EZPass & give it some money for the tolls.

Money for tips (wine steward, waiters dinner and breakfast and room steward).

Bag to carry personal electronics or items when going to lounge/dining car (rooms do not lock from outside), if you desire. I take iPads and phones with us all in one duffel bag and leave DVD player and Leapsters in room.

We pack card and dice games (Disney Yahtzee, Uno) and play them in the lounge cars.

I bring magazines I haven't had a chance to read and then recycle them when we arrive at station.

I bring a small notebook and pen and record our trips.

Have a great time!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

We just got off the train this morning.

They have discontinued the wine tasting in the sleeper car lounge. Still have the snacks but you have to buy alcohol. There was still wine with dinner. Water, coffee, tea, ice, hot chocolate available in the sleeper car. I think they kept you well fed with the snacks, dinner, and breakfast.

The temperature control in the roommette worked well and, altough we took extra blankets, only DH on the upper bunk needed it. They gave us 2 pillows each so we didn't need our own.

Internet access was not good on the train. It was supposed to be available in the lounge car but neither DH or I could ever access it. It was very good in the stations though.

Roommette is small and not a lot of storage so don't bring too much stuff. As far as tolls, we came from near Delaware. Southbound there is the Delaware state line toll and the tunnel by Baltimore. No other tolls in DC/VA or between Sanford and WDW.

Any other questions, feel free to ask.

We stopped in WDW and are now in Fort Myers. Going to Sanibel tomorrow. Back to WDW on Thursday before driving home to MD.

 

[Marshay]

We just got off the train this morning. They have discontinued the wine tasting in the sleeper car lounge..

Noooooooooo!!!!!!

Say it ain't so! That was one of the great extras about the sleeper car for my DH and me. We thoroughly enjoyed having some wine during the snack time and knowing that we aren't driving and can relax. Boo!!

 

[monorailsilver]

We just got off the train this morning.

They have discontinued the wine tasting in the sleeper car lounge. Still have the snacks but you have to buy alcohol. There was still wine with dinner. Water, coffee, tea, ice, hot chocolate available in the sleeper car. I think they kept you well fed with the snacks, dinner, and breakfast.

The temperature control in the roommette worked well and, altough we took extra blankets, only DH on the upper bunk needed it. They gave us 2 pillows each so we didn't need our own.

Internet access was not good on the train. It was supposed to be available in the lounge car but neither DH or I could ever access it. It was very good in the stations though.

Roommette is small and not a lot of storage so don't bring too much stuff. As far as tolls, we came from near Delaware. Southbound there is the Delaware state line toll and the tunnel by Baltimore. No other tolls in DC/VA or between Sanford and WDW.

Any other questions, feel free to ask.

We stopped in WDW and are now in Fort Myers. Going to Sanibel tomorrow. Back to WDW on Thursday before driving home to MD.

We are headed to Ft. Myers as well. I can't wait!

As far as internet, are you talking wireless or thru cellular service.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

We are headed to Ft. Myers as well. I can't wait!

As far as internet, are you talking wireless or thru cellular service.

WiFi. I don't have a smart phone and was trying to connect an iPad.

An aside, Sanibel was crazy crowded today. We have gone before and never seen such crowds and traffic. Took us over an hour and a half just to get off island today.

 

[Marshay]

We just got off the train this morning.

They have discontinued the wine tasting in the sleeper car lounge. Still have the snacks but you have to buy alcohol. There was still wine with dinner. Water, coffee, tea, ice, hot chocolate available in the sleeper car. I think they kept you well fed with the snacks, dinner, and breakfast.

We stopped in WDW and are now in Fort Myers. Going to Sanibel tomorrow. Back to WDW on Thursday before driving home to MD.

OK, so today I called Amtrak to talk about redeeming points and while on the phone I asked them about the wine tasting being discontinued on the Autotrain.

Amtrak assured me they still have it and the very helpful employee actually read the official announcement of the wine tastings that said, "The Autotrain is not changing." Only the Co-starlight, Empire, Lake Shore Limited lines, etc are discontinuing the wine and cheese reception ... but NOT the Autotrain.

So I asked her to double check and she put me on hold for a while and confirmed with Customer Service that the Autotrain is still supposed to have the free wine and snacks according to what was announced.

Then I shared with her your experience on Sat/Sun and she said that according to the official announcement and customer service, that they should have still served the free wine for the sleeper cars.

She asked me to double check with you that you were sleeper (I know you were since you were roomette) and that you knew where to go (I assume you did since you mentioned it here).

I asked her what we can do to make sure that Amtrak personnel are all on the same page and she said that you would have to call.

Would you be willing to call them?

Amtrak Customer Relations: 800/307-5000 and tell them about your experience.

 

[Marshay]

So prices for late October were still not coming down to what I think is reasonable. So I transferred enough points from my Ultimate Rewards credit card to get a free bedroom for my family of 4 (25,000 points), Lorton to Sanford.

I chose to pay $186 for my vehicle instead of using 15,000 points.

I already booked the north route via cash since I found a good price for that.

Woo hoo!!

 

[monorailsilver]

WiFi. I don't have a smart phone and was trying to connect an iPad.

An aside, Sanibel was crazy crowded today. We have gone before and never seen such crowds and traffic. Took us over an hour and a half just to get off island today.

I hope you had a good trip!

We drove up to captiva one day only to find there was no parking. This year we said we are going to leave at about 7:30-8 to get there since it's a slow drive. My sister is about 5-10 min from the bridge depending on lights.

Have a safe trip home!