Amtrak concerns...

[la79al]

I have pretty much decided to take the kids on Amtrak to Florida next year. I am actually pretty excited about it. I have a few concerns though that I am hoping someone can help me with. To begin with, it will be me traveling with a 6 year old and a 10 year old. Looking at the pictures, I am seeing that the seats are in two's. While I don't mind having the ten year old sitting in front of me, what are the chances that he will have to sit next to a complete stranger? Also, I don't think I would feel comfortable letting either of them out of my sight so when we go on bathroom breaks, how safe will their carryon bags be? Lastly, how hard is it going to be for me to keep track of both of them while getting on the train and off the train with luggage and all? They are both good kids but tend to pay a lot of attention to what is going on around them and not necessarily to where they are going. Any other tips you can give me about this whole topic would be greatly appreciated. I think this will be a fun adventure for us but I don't want it to be full of stress.

 

[AshAlytwins]

Hi...Are you taking the Auto Train???? If so I can give you some advice...we have travelled the Autotrain the last 3 years!!

 

[la79al]

No, I think we are taking the regular Amtrak from Baltimore. I would welcome any advice though.

 

[bicker]

While I don't mind having the ten year old sitting in front of me, what are the chances that he will have to sit next to a complete stranger?

From Baltimore to Richmond, VA, it is extremely likely. From there down to Orlando it isn't as likely, but there is no way you can be sure either way.

 

[ducklite]

You could always let the kids sit together while you sit next to the stranger. I agree, at least on the first part of your trip, one of you will be seated with a stranger.

Anne

 

[bicker]

On other suggestion... instead of putting the third member of your party in front of the other two, try to find three seats in the same row: window, aisle and aisle. It's much easier to keep an eye that way.

 

[la79al]

Can anyone give me advice on how safe our stuff will be if we get up to do bathrooms or walk around or how safe the kids and the stuff will be while we are sleeping?

 

[NotUrsula]

While US trains are not really known for overnight theft, I personally would rather be safe than possibly sorry.

Safety of stuff is always an issue on any overnight mode of public transport, though a bit less so on aircraft. Easiest way to be absolutely sure no one rifles through anything is to get a PacSafe, which is what backpackers use on overnight trains. http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=2292825

If you don't want to go that far, your best bet is to use a zipper pouch/small daypack for valuables and put them behind the back/under the arm of the person seated next to the wall. This would include all wallets and pocket-size electronics such as cell phones, iPods, cameras, etc. The idea being that no one can get into them without reaching underneath your body, so you are likely to wake up. Make sure that you set the controls so that you won't accidentally turn any devices on, and obviously, take that pouch with you whenever you leave your seats. Just in case, it is also a good idea to put all cash and CC in a security wallet underneath your clothes while you sleep.

 

[Drake]

Is a sleeping compartment out of the question? They might have the family size rooms available on your train.....and one would fit your family perfectly!
They are expensive..but, worth it if you can afford one...and meals are included with the room.

A few pointers.....AAA membership gives you a discount (10 or 15 percent) on the base ticket prices. The sooner you make reservations, the less expensive they will be for seats and sleeper compartments.

 

[we3disneygo]

on most day train trips weve taken from Bloomington,IL to Chicago,IL there will be a set of seats at the back of each car that are turned around so it is a set of 4 seats.....you are facing each other. that would be an option if there seats are like that you could ask the attendent to switch the seats that way....there's a little lever on the bottom of the chair. good luck !

 

[la79al]

Anyone know how far in advance I can make reservations?

 

[bicker]

330 days.

 

[goofytime2000]

out of curiousity, how do you get from the train station to WDW? Are there car rentals at the station or what?

 

[la79al]

There is a hertz location at the train station. Plus I guess you could always have Enterprise pick you up.