Amtrak question

[mamateacher]

We are leaving in a few weeks by train from MA to Orlando. Since we're going to Disney in the extreme heat, I wasn't planning on packing sweatshirts, but I forgot that we may need them for the train. Does anyone know if it's cool on the train? We also have 2 roomettes---are blankets provided?

Thanks so much!

 

[ancestry]

I haven't done the overnight train but I have ridden the train during the day. It has always been air conditioned in the summer as long as the train was running, which for me means that I would need a sweatshirt -- especially during the overnight when I tend to be cold anyways.

I'm not certain about blankets in the roomettes specifically but I would have everyone take a light jacket/sweatshirt just in case.

 

[AnnaS]

We have done the overnight from NY a few times and I can tell you that it gets cold at night. The dining room - we were freezing with sweatshirts. We never ate so fast.

As much as you might not want to carry it, you will be happy you have it at night.

Have a fun and safe trip.

 

[Vijoge]

Blankets will be provided and they will bring you an extra one if you get chilly. It's also been my experience that the sleepers aren't quite as chilly as the coach cars. I'm jealous-we're long overdue for a train trip. Enjoy.

 

[NJRRK]

You have your own thermostat in each sleeping compartment so you can have it as cold or as warm as you wish. The beds in the sleeping compartments have complete bedding, pillow (very skinny bring your own additional one if you like a higher pillow), sheets and blanket.
We've never wished we had a sweater or jacket on the train, but it depends on how tolerant of coolness you are.
Enjoy your trip, I prefer the train, so do my parents and DS.

 

[katybugsmom]

We are taking Amtrak for the first time in December! Here is a website I found that has a lot of useful tips! Hope you guys have a great trip!


http://www.on-track-on-line.com/index.shtml

 

[lisa-upnorth]

I would ask yourself if you are an 'always cold' kind of person???
I have never needed a sweatshirt in the roomettes-I find them warm! That said- I will agree with the other poster that the dining car is cold. I just want to pack the minimum so I wouldn't pack 4 sweatshirts for my family just for that wee bit of time we are eating.If you are so cold you hate it-you can get your meals to go and eat in your roomette

I have a thread about the train and roomettes on the board, so be sure to check it out

 

[Sadie22]

We just got back. We did not take jackets and never missed them. Ponchos were not needed either.

On the way down we were in an upper level roomette and I needed a cover in the upper bunk at night. On the way back we had a lower level roomette and it seemed warmer. Neither of us wanted the covers. If you want another blanket or pillow ask the car attendant.

If you want to worry about something, worry about whether you'll be able to sleep despite the rocking of the train.

 

[rockydek]

We use Amtrak from Boston to Orlando with the roomettes all the time.
You will not need those sweatshirts. as you have control of the AC.
With the roomette...When you get to New York you can wait in the Acela lounge. When you get in Boston get a skycab and he will get you on the train before everyone else...It's worth the tip.
Have fun...We are doing the same thing next month.
We love the train...Its the only way my elderly Mom will go.
We fly if ....she is not with us.

 

[mamateacher]

What is a skycab?

Thanks for all the tips! =)

 

[Vijoge]

What is a skycab?

Thanks for all the tips! =)

Skycap. . actually on the train he's called a redcap. Person who carries your luggage.

 

[lyonking3]

Ever look at on time stats for Amtrak. It's terrible. Don't take a train....they are always late....

 

[DMass]

Some of us can't fly for various reasons.

 

[katybugsmom]

Ever look at on time stats for Amtrak. It's terrible. Don't take a train....they are always late....

We are taking the train for the first time in December. You can check how well your train has been running on the site below:

http://www.on-track-on-line.com/index.shtml

The train we will be taking (97 Silver Meteor)has only had 1 major delay in the past 4 weeks. You can also call Amtrak before you leave to go to your departing station to see if the train is running on time. ahead of schedule, or is delayed. As others have said Amtrak doesn't own the tracks, so they are at the mercy of the freight trains-living in a small, rural community in the South I understand this well-we are forever waiting on slow freight trains to pass by-no overpasses for us around here!
We are willing to try Amtrak-it will be an experience, hopefully pleasant, that our children will never forget!

 

[katybugsmom]

I found travel blankets/w inflatable pillows for my children for $10 each at Walmart yesterday! One was pink and one was blue. Very compact! I also bought locks for our carry-on luggage-package of 2 for around $6.00.

 

[Sadie22]

Our northbound AutoTrain arrived at the station two hours early. The station attendants were not in yet so we had to wait a bit until the station was open before we could disembark. Delays were built into the schedule but on this trip there were no delays required. We arrived home about the time we had expected to be leaving the station. It was great.

 

[mamateacher]

Luggage locks.....never thought of using those. Wonder if I should?

 

[katybugsmom]

Luggage locks.....never thought of using those. Wonder if I should?

I bought locks because we are riding coach. If we leave our seats to go eat in the dining car or go to the lounge to play a game our carry-on luggage would be safer if each piece had a lock. We aren't planning on checking any luggage, but each family member will have two pieces they can carry on the train- 4 carry-on bags w/wheels, backpacks for the kids, cooler and cosmetic bag. My DH plans on taking a laptop too, but we would take any of our electronics with us when we leave our seats.
You probably won't need locks on anything you carry on the train because you reserved a roomette, but I would lock any luggage checked.

 

[Vijoge]

We aren't planning on checking any luggage, but each family member will have two pieces they can carry on the train- 4 carry-on bags w/wheels, backpacks for the kids, cooler and cosmetic bag.

There's not a lot of room for carry-on luggage on the train. Is there a reason you don't want to check your luggage? We've travelled extensively on Amtrak's long distance trains and I can't imagine boarding with that much stuff. There really isn't any reason to carry on anything except what you will actually need while on the train.

 

[katybugsmom]

There's not a lot of room for carry-on luggage on the train. Is there a reason you don't want to check your luggage? We've travelled extensively on Amtrak's long distance trains and I can't imagine boarding with that much stuff. There really isn't any reason to carry on anything except what you will actually need while on the train.

Thanks so much for the tip! We assumed since you could take two pieces on board that there would be room for them. I guess I was using the same thought-process as flying-it would be easier to keep up with your own stuff if it was with you! No chance of lost or misplaced luggage! I'm so glad you questioned my thinking! We were going to buy two more carry-on's and not use our other luggage-now we will take just what we need on the train and check the rest! This is why I love DISboards!!!

Questions: We have to board at 3:30AM in a small town-waiting room/attendant /checked baggage hours are from 10:30AM-4:00AM. Would they remain open if the train is running behind schedule?
Our train has been known to be over an hour ahead of schedule. I know we need to be at the station 45 minutes to an hour ahead anyway, but if it's earlier than that will the train wait until it's scheduled departure time or will they just pull out if no one is there to board?

Thanks again for helping us out!!!!