Amtrak from New Jersey to Orlando

[Tarpon]

I hate to fly and so does my 7-year old son. So, we are thinking of taking Amtrak this August to Orlando. We are interested in the Viewliner accomodations.

I have a few questions.

1. Any tips on where on the train we should request seating so the traffic is less?
2. Do we get food with the Viewliner or do we need to buy ourselves. I will bring some myself.
3. Is there a Car rental counter at Orlando station? We will be arriving on the Silver Meteor on a Sunday.
4. I could travel to Kissemme but I hear there is no car rental possible there. Is that true?

Any other tips are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[beccasmom]

Check out this link -

http://www.mousesavers.com/train.html#wdw

1. Any tips on where on the train we should request seating so the traffic is less?
2. Do we get food with the Viewliner or do we need to buy ourselves. I will bring some myself. - if you purchase sleeping accommodations, your meals are included. If you are in Coach (sleeping in your seat), they cost extra.
3. Is there a Car rental counter at Orlando station? We will be arriving on the Silver Meteor on a Sunday.
4. I could travel to Kissemmee but I hear there is no car rental possible there. Is that true? [Any other tips are greatly appreciated. Thanks.[/QUOTE]

 

[DVC Chris]

You might also want to consider the Auto-Train. You would need to drive to Lorton, Virginia - just outside of Washington DC (about 5 hr drive from NYC area).

BUT:
1) You can bring your own car (no rental fees - pack all you want)
2) Food is included in the price. If you get a 'Superliner Roomette' (same as viewliner room), you get better food.
3) Train leaves VA at 4:00pm (last checkin is at 3:00pm) and arrives in FL around 8:30 the next morning. It is an express train and does not make any PUBLIC stops. Only one stop in middle of the night to gas and water the train.
4) Depending on time of year and what day, price may be similar (or less) than train from NYC & rental car or airfare and rental car.

If you have any other questions about auto-train, feel free to ask, or see the other thread about the Auto Train that has LOTS of info..