Amrak from NY to Fl. Feedback???

[AnnaS]

Well unfortunately due to Delta chaging our reservations so much to a point that we had no good choices and had to cancel we are looking into Jet Blue and Amtrak. At this point not sure if we will even go now. But, if anyone has any experience with Amtrak good or bad, i.e., cleaniness, safety, bearable, uncomfortable for 24 hous and for two kids, please post. Also, any recommendatios fo seating like on a plane - middle by wing or windo, etc. Thanks a million.

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

My dd and I are taking Amtrak Easter Sunday (7 pm out of penn station) down to West Palm Beach to visit my folks. Airfare was outrageous, so this was our only choice. It is not autotrain, but regular amtrak. The trip is a little longer than going to disney (25 hours) , but I will let you know about cleanliness, food, etc. We are in reserved coach. I hope to upgrade to a sleeper car that day, but will bring a blanket and pillows just in case. I know it will be an adventure for dd (7), and a pain in the but for me , but $200 r/t trainfare compared to $600 r/t on airfare - I'll put up with the long ride!

 

[Dopey's twin Dippy]

My family and i have been going from dedham,ma to disney by amtrak the last 3- 4 years. I never really liked flying so thats why. One trip we took into Penn staion. That wasnt to bad. Another year it ran 2 hrs late. Last summer we took train into Wash. DC. WE were there a few hours. We ate lunch, great building and alot of food court places. Also a few nice rest. to eat at. We walked over to Capitol Bldg. WE will be going again this Aug. We usually end up taking snacks with us . THe ones on train are alot more $.We bring like, crackers, smart popcorn, etc. Make sure your dd takes mag., book , color,etc. to keep busy. WE had movies just 2 times. not all rides had movies. The food is ok on train. What i do like is we have met alot of nice people from all over. The kids usually end up playing cards with kids they meet. Im not to crazy over waiting to use bathrooms. That can be a problem. I also take like dramimine for my daughter, i take meclizine so we dont get dizzy or naus. It is a long ride, but if you like to chat with people , it can be fun. We play cards and read. Bring long pants and sweatshirt cause it can feel cold with AC ,if your going in warm weather. Sorry this is long, but if you go we hope you have a good trip.

 

[singitalto]

We're taking Amtrak the week after Easter Sunday. We have taken the train from Penn once and we have taken the autotrain once.
I don't mind the train, my kids love it, my husband hates it. I hate flying , my husband loves flying- that is probaby the difference.
I look at it as it's an experience. We are prepared, we are bringing games, a cooler of food and drink and even a dvd player.
The only real problem I have was that we had coach seats and I had a real hard time sleeping. I found that taking dramine helped cause it got my drousy. If you have any questions just ask. (Oh yea, take disenfectant wipes for the bathroom, you usually need them there)

 

[AnnaS]

Thanks Singitalto and and Dopey. At least I know what to expect. I hate, hate flying too, yet I still fly. We are flying in July. We had Delta reservations and had to cancel so I will not book again. My dh will fly and meet us down there a few days later and then fly back home (he can't take extra days - we are flying and staying two weeks in July). Thanks for the wipes idea, I did think of bring spray doedorizer (for bathroom - just in case, lol). I have reservations on hold and will call later to book. I took the early departure so that we would be awake all day and "hopefully" tired and bored by evening so that maybe we can get a few hours of sleep here and there. Coming back, I reserved leaving in the late afternoon so when we arrive late the next day, dh can pick us up. I was also just worried about being safe with my two kids - like do I need to follow them even if they go to the bathroom and the sort. Also, should I request specific seats, up, down (I did not even know they have up and down, yes?) Also, middle cars, back, front? Window, etc. I am sure I will think of more. Glad I also read about what to wear (comfortable and warm) and to bring pillow and blanket. Thanks a million.

 

[LisaNJ25]

AnnaS,

Did you happen to compare the prices on the autotrain? I was playing around with some dates last night and I was surprised it was cheaper for my family or 4 for the autotrain than the regular train from Newark to Orlando.

As far as seating you will have to see how many are in a row. I know with the autotrain it is 2. So with your family of 3 if they are only 2 rows I would go with the middle and aisle and the aisle of the one next to it.

Not sure if the regular service has 2 level but the autotrain does. It seemed like the lower level was reserved for those who are handicap.

 

[DC7800]

Originally posted by AnnaS
I was also just worried about being safe with my two kids - like do I need to follow them even if they go to the bathroom and the sort. Also, should I request specific seats, up, down (I did not even know they have up and down, yes?) Also, middle cars, back, front? Window, etc. I am sure I will think of more.

I wouldn't worry about the kids. You can see them at both ends of the car (hence, the restroom) from your seat and, unless the train is stopped at the time, there's nowhere for them to go anyway. The trains you will be riding do not have an "up and down", it's all single-level equipment (Auto-Train has the bilevel cars); 59 seats per car. All the coaches will be the last four passenger cars on the train (usually a standard conssist is baggage - crew dorm - 3 sleepers - dining car - lounge car - 4 coaches - followed on some trains by mail cars), so no worries about what seats to request. Unless the train is relatively full, with two kids you will possibly have four seats (two windows) to yourselves.

 

[Harambe]

I've enjoyed reading everyone's posts for some time, with no desire to join in, but felt I had to register just to reply to this! My DH, DD, and DS took the train from Boston to Orlando the November following 9/11. Our flight was cancelled, and we got a refund from Delta. Train tickets cost the same as the flight at that time. We had an awful time! We did not get a sleeper car and that was the big mistake. DS (age 6) could not sleep so cried most of the night (folks in our train car just loved us!). I had to give him my seat so he could lay across. I ambled around the train for the rest of the night. Total trip was 28 hours.

By the time we reached the Poly, we were beat, tired, and dirty! Our piece of magic came when we plopped down at the Poly pool, MaiTai in hand and the MK fireworks began. I almost cried!

A word about the Amtrak employees - they can not do enough for you! They are extremely helpful and pleasant, and take great care of you!

 

[AnnaS]

Okay, just reserved and let's hope for the best. Kids are 10 and 15 so hopefully they understand some and know what to expect. They did not have any sleepers - we are going in two weeks. Again, I am doing this because of flight cancellations and in-laws in West Palm Beach were already looking forward for us to spend Easter with them and check out the condo that they bought last year. They are coming back in May (May-Jan. in NY and rest in Fl) so it's not like they live there all year round. I will bring wipes and spray for bathroom, pillows, blankets, goodies and things to keep us busy. This is one level and since it originates in NY, we have choice of seats - Whatever that means. I have to experience it. I am sure like everything else, sometimes it's good and sometimes it's bad. Thanks again everyone. If you think of anything, please post.

 

[zurgswife]

After this thread...I checked the prices for my Dec trip....for all 6 of us...$615.56....WOW!!!!

I think the kids would love a new adventure.....So, we aredefinatley thinking about this one...

 

[singitalto]

I booked the train because the price was unbeatable-$243 RT for the 3 of us(ME, DS,DD). I opted to book the early train(noon) because it gets into Orlando earlier in the day, and then leave on a later train too so that we have more time in FLA. Too bad the those trains takes 24 hours to get to Orlando instead of 21 like the other train. (anyone know why???)
As far as where to sit, I was going to ask for the middle of the car, last time the doors on the ends of the cars opening and closing in the middle of the night where loud and drove me crazy.

I would love to get a sleeper, they are just sooo expensive. I heard you can ask when you get on the train and pay like $150 a sleeper room, but I think that would only fit 2 and we have 4 people and it would still be expensive (adding a total of $600 to our total cost)

Does anyone know if the cost goes down as the train moves south??? Like if we get on in NY at noon and deceide that we want a sleeper in Virginia at 10 that night, would it be cheaper (provided they had the rooms)?? Any one know? LOL--Can you tell I'm on a budget and really want to find a way to lower the cost so I can afford it?

 

[AnnaS]

Since the train originates in NY - we have a better choice of seats when we board. We are paying $831.60 for the three of us with AAA discount (we saved $90). When I first looked at prices for this back in Jan., I think it was a lot cheaper, no choice now. I am actually looking forward to it now, not like flying. I will post our experience when we get back. We will bring small collapsable cooler with water, sandwiches, snacks. Dress comfortable, pillow, blanket, spray, wipes and anything we can think of to keep us busy. Any other ideas? Please post whenever you guys travel if you decide to do this.

 

[DC7800]

Originally posted by singitalto
Too bad the those trains takes 24 hours to get to Orlando instead of 21 like the other train. (anyone know why???)

The Silver Star takes longer than the Silver Meteor because it travels a different (longer) route on the way to Florida. Both trains follow the same route north of Rocky Mount, NC and south of Savannah, Georgia. Between those points, the Star turns slightly inland via Columbia and Raleigh, while the Meteor takes a more direct route.

 

[lizfromfl]

I have taken the auto train a few times (hate flying) and my experiences were all positive. The kids slept and even if I didn't exactly sleep, I rested, relaxed and let someone else do the driving for a while. I just wish it went further north than Virginia since the Virginia to NJ part of the drive is the worst part!

Have a great trip...

Liz

 

[TandyR]

Can you put a hold on train tickets like you do with airfare? I am just wondering because I am waiting for $100 Amtrak gift certificate to show up (I got it with my AmEx points). I know what train I want and stuff like that, but I don't want to buy until I have that gift certificate so I was wondering about holding some tickets. Thanks for any help.

 

[AnnaS]

I think you can only hold it for 48 hrs. I think it was the 29the when I called an she told me it would cancel itsfelf by April 1st. Whatever it is exactly, it's not much.

 

[singitalto]

When I booked back in January they put my tickets on a one week courtesy hold. I did it twice, I let the first courtesy hold lapse and bought the second batch of tickets.

 

[dandelion]

Originally posted by lizfromfl
I have taken the auto train a few times (hate flying) and my experiences were all positive. The kids slept and even if I didn't exactly sleep, I rested, relaxed and let someone else do the driving for a while. I just wish it went further north than Virginia since the Virginia to NJ part of the drive is the worst part!

Do you have any advice about the autotrain - when to get to station, what are the meals like, etc?

We will be taking it (VA to FL) on Friday.

Thanks!

 

[lizfromfl]

The last time I went I had to be at the station by 2PM so they could load the minivan. I believe if you have a car you can get there as late as 3PM but I hate to risk cutting it that close. Remember to bring anything you need with you to your seat since you will not have access to your car until the next morning.

We got on the train, rested for a bit and then took off. Soon after we started dinner was served. I don't remember the food choices but it was in a dining car with tables, linens, etc... The food wasn't wonderful but was also not horrible. They also had a separate little area where you could by snack type foods and drinks.

After dinner we watched the movie and then I started to settle the kids down to sleep. They really slept with no problem. I just dozed in and out of sleep.

By the time it was morning we had just enough time to grab the continental breakfast and a cup of coffee and we were there! It took about an hour to get our car unloaded once we arrived.

I didn't notice if you had children but, if you do, I would mainly suggest bringing a few items for them to play with or read.
I would also bring some different snacks, drinks, etc... as it would be much cheaper than buying it on the train. You might also want to bring some of the antiseptic hand gel so you can clean your hands before eating (or snacking) without having to wait for the rest room.

I hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[AnnaS]

We just got back last night and we survived. We went down with the Palmetto train. No dining car on this one, just snack bar which was fine. No TV in lounge car but we used it plenty for playing cards, etc. It really was not that bad - only thing is I could not take the bathrooms. (Bring spray). Cars could of been cleaned up here and there. Staff very nice.

Coming home we were on the Silver Star and we did have the dining car which we used once for dinner. Food okay, expensive compared to snack bar and/or quality. Survivable (is there such a word). Could not sit once in lounge car because this one had a tv with spiderman showing and there was never a seat. Tried again to get a sleeper once on but none available. I think I will drive next time - would do Amtrak again only if I was able to get a sleeper. Took a peak in one - extremely small. This time staff, "Cassandra" cleaned up pretty often. It was very relaxing - having good company in car helps. Tough for children under 5.