Just returned from a trip on the Auto Train. I had another great experience. I travelled on July 30 and returned on August 6.
I work for Amtrak, so the week leading up to my departure, I was tracking the train to see what the On-Time Performance was. NOT GOOD. So I knew what to expect.
The food was really good this trip both going and coming. I had the seared catfish with a tomatoe sauce that came with rice and carrots. I had the chef's special dessert, which was a white chocolate lace cake. Pretty good. I don't really remember what else was on the menu. Everyone at my table loved their food. Two had the catfish and one had the beef torpedoes.
The movie shown was In Good Company. I didn't watch because I had my dvd player and a array of movies. Life was good.
As you know, we are due into Sanford at 8:30 am but didn't arrive until 10:30 am, not too bad. I had to wait a little over an hour for my car, and was on my to WDW by 11:45am.
On the return trip home, I arrived at the Sanford station at 2:15 pm waited in the long line to check in. I know what your thinking, why didn't I throw my weight around and bypass the lines. Because I am a good person, and besides, I didn't want to start a riot. And, when I travel, I try not to mention that I am an Amtrak employee, because you get bombarded with questions.
Anyway, back to my story......Normally boarding begins at 2:30 pm, well this was not case on August 6. Apparently, the train was really late getting there, so we couldn't board until 4:00 pm. Of course, all of the seats were taken on the inside, so I had to sit outside for an hour and a half. Another instance where I should thrown my weight around, but I didn't. It actually wasn't that bad.
Finally get on the train get situated and we are pulling out at 5:00 pm, not to bad.
Dinner was again excellent. I forgot to mention that I had to get the
9:00 pm dinner seating. Again, not too bad, it's not as crowded. Dinner was really good. They had changed the menu just that quick. I had braised beef rib that was so good and tender that the meat literally fell off the bone. It came with a baked potatoe and mixed vegetables. Go Amtrak! I had the cheesecake with strawberry topping. My table mate had salmon and he said that it was delicious.
We were actually early until we got Quantico where CSX had signal problems and caused us to sit for about 45 minutes. Again, not too bad.
CSX has done quite a bit of track work, which makes for a much smoother ride. On the train coming home, I noticed that some of the sleepers were refurbished. We also had a refurbished viewliner, which was very nice.
Also, there is now a wine tasting service for sleeper car passengers that last about an hour after you board the train. Very nice touch.
I also, travelled solo this trip and felt very comfortable. Had a great trip. I am not just saying this because I am an Amtrak employee. The Auto Train is my favorite long distance train.
Any questions, please ask away.......Thanks for choosing Amtrak!
No phone call to alert us, so we found it out when we checked in at 1:00. They told us we could leave and return no later than 3:30, which we did. Train didn't leave until 8:30 or later, so I was stuck with hundreds of other people in that station with my two young children for 5+ hours. 
