Amtrak Questions

[MeMomof3]

My family and I are planning a trip from Boston to WDW April of 2012. We found the cost of taking Amtrak would be far less than flying for our family. I'm worried about a few things however....

Delays on Amtrak...We would board our train in Boston at approx. 9am and stop in NYC at 145. Our next leg would board at 3:15pm. I have heard that Amtrak can run into some significant delays. I'm worried about being able to make the next train at 3:15 if there is less than 2 hours time between getting off the first train and getting on the second. What happens if we miss the next train? Are we just stuck there?

Coach Seating....We are not able to afford buying the rooms on the train and and I was wondering if anyone has any pointers for staying in coach with 3 children (ages 4, 6, and 9). They are pretty good travelers but have never been on a trip of this length.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

[kerplop]

I can't speak to the delays, though I have ridden the train and been really overdue a couple of times. Once more than 6 hours. I don't know how it is on the east coast, but I know on the west coast that Amtrak has to stop to let commercial traffic through if they share a line. So the delays aren't Amtrak's, they're usually the fault of the commercial traffic.

We used to take the train all the time when I was a kid. I'm not sure how long your trip will be, but if it's overnight then you should be okay. The seats are considerably wider and tilt back further than an airline seat. They also have a separate footrest that swings up from under the seat so that you get your legs elevated when you sleep. We never got a cabin either when I was growing up because of the cost and we did quite a few trips overnight. Make sure you pack a blanket and a pillow for all of you because honestly I wouldn't count on the cleanliness of either if you use Amtrak's (in fact not even sure if they have them).

Bring tons and tons of games and activities for the kids. Coloring books, video games, a laptop if you have it with more games and movies. I don't know about now, but even 5-6 years ago not all cars and seats had outlets so if you need them you should tell the conductor when you board and ask where they are if the train has them. Seats aren't assigned and it's first-come, first-serve. I would also pack bags of snacks because though the train has a galley, it is expensive to keep eating at it and keep in mind you CANNOT heat up things using their equipment. So all your food needs to be non-cookable or non-perishable. There are different cars as well, including a quiet car that people use for sleeping or reading (no music out loud, no yelling kids, no talking or cell phones, etc.) and a viewing car (with big windows and swiveling seats to sit in during the day).

Honestly I love taking the train, I wish we could do it on our trip in December but the line doesn't run that way really from here. I can't think of what to add, but feel free to ask!

 

[MeMomof3]

Thanks for the info kerplop. I'm not really too terribly worried about the kids on the train. I think they will think that it is a great adventure and be excited to see the sights zooming by our windows.

The only real concern I have is the delays. It's about a 25 hour trip by train from Boston, and I have heard that the Eastern Corridor has a better history of being on time. I just don't want to be stuck in NYC when all we want to do is get to WDW!!!

 

[pepe of ohio]

My family and I are planning a trip from Boston to WDW April of 2012. We found the cost of taking Amtrak would be far less than flying for our family. I'm worried about a few things however....

Delays on Amtrak...We would board our train in Boston at approx. 9am and stop in NYC at 145. Our next leg would board at 3:15pm. I have heard that Amtrak can run into some significant delays. I'm worried about being able to make the next train at 3:15 if there is less than 2 hours time between getting off the first train and getting on the second. What happens if we miss the next train? Are we just stuck there?

Coach Seating....We are not able to afford buying the rooms on the train and and I was wondering if anyone has any pointers for staying in coach with 3 children (ages 4, 6, and 9). They are pretty good travelers but have never been on a trip of this length.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!!!!

We use Amtrak alot for our trips to WDW, we're from northeast Ohio, first leg to DC, then DC to Kissimmee....We board at 3 am, that train usually is late coming in, but they have time built in their schedule and can make up time in route......hence the big layover for us in DC, so to make the connection plus your connecting train can be late too making everything hunky dorey....

The trains seem to me in the past few years running better to schedule...more on time than off or just minutes off..fairly reliable but since Amtrak doesn't own the tracks, you're at the mercy of the freights.....no sure of these days but a few years ago if Amtrak was at fault in missing connections, they put you on the next train out or put you up in a hotel until the next day and gave you travel vouchers.....but like I said, their schedulling is alot better now...

As for seating....we've done coach mostly, sleepers are way to expensive and really not needed for one night.....bring food and drinks and the seats are very comfortable....good tip on the blanket and pillow....as for receptacles, some cars have 2 for the whole car and some cars have them at each pair of seats, just depends on the car but they were in the process of up grading their cars....electronics all require headphones, same with computers and DVD players, so as not to bother other passengers...

One tip I can give you is when you board in NYC, large stations have Amtrak porters, called Red Caps, that will help you with your luggage and what not....use them...look for their stand about 45 minutes before your connectiong train is to arrive, even though we put our main bag in baggage we still use them....they'll take you to the right train and car before the general loading of the regular passengers and help get you seated and secure all for the price of a tip, we tip 2 bucks a bag so for the wife and me, 2 bags.....we give him 5 dollars.....it's nice to be escorted to the train, seated and relaxed and then see the general passengers come lining up and you're already on board...makes getting your whole party seated together easier.....

Amtrak, is great for traveling, lights out at 10 pm, club car for hand food and drinks, dining car for meals....very good but quite pricey....we have sandwiches with us and just use the club car for coffee and danish in the am......hope that info helps....enjoy the rails!

 

[lisa-upnorth]

Thanks for the info kerplop. I'm not really too terribly worried about the kids on the train. I think they will think that it is a great adventure and be excited to see the sights zooming by our windows.

The only real concern I have is the delays. It's about a 25 hour trip by train from Boston, and I have heard that the Eastern Corridor has a better history of being on time. I just don't want to be stuck in NYC when all we want to do is get to WDW!!!

Glad to hear you are interested in the train!! I have a thread with info and a report from the east coast route.Most delays happen AFTER the NYC transfer so I wouldn't worry too much.In my thread I have the link to amtrak where you can check recent track records on trains to see how they are running!
ALSO---please read in my thread about the guest rewards program!!!!! You just might be able to get a room FOR FREE!!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

It's extremely unlikely, but not entirely impossible, you'll be delayed between Boston and New York. That actually is commuter rail track. I would say, double-check with Amtrak if they have a policy on that. There may be a later train you can board, or your connecting train may wait. If you can board early on New York, ask if there are any discounts on the rooms.

 

[Dreamingin2010]

We took the train from Raleigh to Kissimmee last September! We liked it a lot. We wore comfortable clothing. My girls wore yoga pants and tshirts for sleeping. Coach seats are large, recline and have a foot rest like a recliner. We bought fleece sleeping bag liners instead of blankets. They are small and worked great. The train was chilly at night. We brought portable dvd players, ipods/mp3, cards, books, snacks and a soft cooler with drinks. There is a lot of room. My kids also found other kids to talk to and play with during the daytime.
Big thing was bring clorox or handiwipes for the restrooms. Moving train makes aim a lot worse for some. I would go in, clean it, etc and then my girls would go in.
Have a great time!

 

[katrina1122]

I used to take Amtrak from Trenton, NJ to DC all the time. Delays are fairly regular, but they know this and work with to make connections, etc.

The NE Corridor coach class seats aren't as nice as the one's on the west to east runs. They lay back a bit and do have a foot rest, but aren't super fancy, though I've slept in them many times.

Make sure you are on all trains that are gauranteed seating, I think they are all gone, but Amtrak used to just sell NE corridor coach class seats and would oversell all the time. I once stood from DC to PHilly, so I paid extra for business class to make sure I had a seat.

Use AAA for a significant ticket discount.

Heading out of NYC is probably when you'll hit the delay. NYC Penn Station is crazy nuts because of all the commuter trains also going thru it. Things just end up behind there sometimes. Amtrak gets track priority though, and commuters just keep getting delayed to get Amtrak thru, including leaving the tunnel into NJ. We once sat on the track trying to get into NYC for 3 hours on NJ Transit because only one track was working and Amtrak had priority over NJ Transit. I wouldn't worry about delays too much.

Take snacks, the snack car is subpar at best and way way way overpriced. If you are lucky to get train with a real table service dining car, that is fun. We did that from Montana to Chicago with my 7 yr old nephew and he loved it.

Also, sign up for the Amtrak Rewards card, points rack up fast and the redemption levels are fairly low.

 

[rockydek]

We take the same train from Boston every year. We have never been late from Boston to New york. We were late once from NY to Fl ,for an emergency...A passenger needed an ambulance in Georgia. Only about an hour.

Bring your own food ..as dinner in the dining car can be on the expensive side... Coach has to pay for the dining. Also ...try the great deli at Penn station.

One more thing..When you know for sure you are going...buy the tickets asap, as the price goes up the closer it gets.
Sometimes Amtrak has children ride for free promotions.

 

[MeMomof3]

Thanks everyone so much for the wonderful information! I emailed Amtrak yesterday and they sent me a response in answer to all my questions regarding delays. The representative also said that if we believe we may be delayed while on the train to call guest relations and they will get us moved to a later train. The rep also stated that there would be a small chance of delay on the Boston to NYC train. I think our plan will be to take the train down to FL and then maybe fly back because of work schedules, I would like to spend as much time in WDW as possible!
Thanks again!!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Here some helpful info

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conte...ode=perf&pagename=am/Layout&cid=1237608339450

 

[Asellus]

Originally we were going to do the same thing: Westerly to Penn Station (its the same train you board in Boston) and then Penn Station to Orlando but my sister cautioned me against it saying that Penn station is nuts and trains are always running late. (She lives right outside NYC) Having to catch a connecting train sounds much worse then a connecting plane to me.

Chances are we'll either do a direct flight or drive.

 

[MeMomof3]

I'm not so worried about the train leaving NYC being late. I just don't want the first train to be late into Penn station. We were originally going to drive, but our vehicle isn't big enough to drive all that way comfortably with all the kids in the backseat. So, we would have to rent a car which can be just as expensive as flying after factoring in all the gas, and an overnight stay somewhere along the way. I wish that flights weren't as expensive now, but we would rather take a little more time traveling to WDW than blow all of our budget on airfare. Round trip Amtrak tickets for the 5 of us were 844.00 with AAA discount. That's less than half of our airfare!!

 

[Asellus]

Thats what I meant....it freaks me out that I'd get there with 5 minutes or less to spare for the next train....and my husband and I have two little kids (and possibly luggage) we have to rush to the next train. I am not going until next September or December, but I checked the price online and it would be $808 for me....and it wasn't that much cheaper to drive to NY and get it from there. (not counting parking and the 3 hour drive.....it was only $50 less)

I know what you mean about airline tickets....I'd be looking at $1300 for tickets....so much more then driving or taking the train. I have a mini van though so driving is an option. I haven't flown since early 2002....and only because it was Disney (I was originally going to go to London...canceled it)

 

[Asellus]

Thats what I meant....it freaks me out that I'd get there with 5 minutes or less to spare for the next train....and my husband and I have two little kids (and possibly luggage) we have to rush to the next train. I am not going until next September or December, but I checked the price online and it would be $808 for me....and it wasn't that much cheaper to drive to NY and get it from there. (not counting parking and the 3 hour drive.....it was only $50 less)

I know what you mean about airline tickets....I'd be looking at $1300 for tickets....so much more then driving or taking the train. I have a mini van though so driving is an option. I haven't flown since early 2002....and only because it was Disney (I was originally going to go to London...canceled it)

 

[DMass]

My question is about tickets. I'm assuming most people order online.

Do you have them sent to you or do you pick them up at the station the day of your trip?

 

[spartankid34]

Hi MeMomof3,

I was actually quite excited to see your post!! I will be taking Amtrak from Boston to WDW in 10 days on the same route as you!!! I wanted to share some of the tips that I've learned from the boards so far.

1. From Boston to NYC the rails are commuter, so delays shouldn't be that bad and you shouldn't miss your connection (I was worried about this too)
2. I will be in coach seats as well since we could not afford the room, bring blankets for you and your kids. The trains tend to be really cold at night since they can't regulate the AC very well.
3. I will be packing plenty of snack and sandwiches for meals. I've read that the food on the train is not the best quality for the price you pay.
4. Feel free to walk around (up/down the aisles), especially with your kiddos, unlike a plane you will be travelling quite some time, get up and stretch!
5. Bring a deck of card, or travel board games for your kids. If they have electronic games, bring them...anything to help pass the time for them.
6. Oh, and don't forget a nice book for you
7. From NYC to WDW, you will most likely see delays...don't get discouraged, you're still on your way to WDW!!!!!
8. Use Red Caps..they'll get you boarded before the mass rush, but don't forget to tip.
9. ENJOY the scenery and time with your kids!!!

I'm sure most of this has been posted, but those are the tips that I'm trying to keep in mind as my trip approaches. When I get back, if I have anything to report other than this I would be glad to do so!! We are also flying home, so this will be a one-way train trip. The prices worked that this combination would work best!!

 

[pepe of ohio]

Hi MeMomof3,

I was actually quite excited to see your post!! I will be taking Amtrak from Boston to WDW in 10 days on the same route as you!!! I wanted to share some of the tips that I've learned from the boards so far.

1. From Boston to NYC the rails are commuter, so delays shouldn't be that bad and you shouldn't miss your connection (I was worried about this too)
2. I will be in coach seats as well since we could not afford the room, bring blankets for you and your kids. The trains tend to be really cold at night since they can't regulate the AC very well.
3. I will be packing plenty of snack and sandwiches for meals. I've read that the food on the train is not the best quality for the price you pay.
4. Feel free to walk around (up/down the aisles), especially with your kiddos, unlike a plane you will be travelling quite some time, get up and stretch!
5. Bring a deck of card, or travel board games for your kids. If they have electronic games, bring them...anything to help pass the time for them.
6. Oh, and don't forget a nice book for you
7. From NYC to WDW, you will most likely see delays...don't get discouraged, you're still on your way to WDW!!!!!
8. Use Red Caps..they'll get you boarded before the mass rush, but don't forget to tip.
9. ENJOY the scenery and time with your kids!!!

I'm sure most of this has been posted, but those are the tips that I'm trying to keep in mind as my trip approaches. When I get back, if I have anything to report other than this I would be glad to do so!! We are also flying home, so this will be a one-way train trip. The prices worked that this combination would work best!!

Bring earphones and a splitter for all electronics, games, DVD player and computers (used for playing DVD's)....nothing more irritating then listening to someone else's movie or game noise....we bring a splitter so 2 sets of headphones can be plugged into one unit.....

 

[lisa-upnorth]

Thats what I meant....it freaks me out that I'd get there with 5 minutes or less to spare for the next train....and my husband and I have two little kids (and possibly luggage) we have to rush to the next train. I am not going until next September or December, but I checked the price online and it would be $808 for me....and it wasn't that much cheaper to drive to NY and get it from there. (not counting parking and the 3 hour drive.....it was only $50 less)

I know what you mean about airline tickets....I'd be looking at $1300 for tickets....so much more then driving or taking the train. I have a mini van though so driving is an option. I haven't flown since early 2002....and only because it was Disney (I was originally going to go to London...canceled it)

My fellow Rhody lander-worry not!You can find the train easily in NYC!! With kids even! I promise

You will not be late getting into NYC--that route is for commuters into the city, runs everyday and it is very rare for them to be late.

You do not want to drive from RI to NYC and then pay to park See my info thread for pics and info that may help you decide.Happy traveling!

 

[MeMomof3]

Hi MeMomof3,

I was actually quite excited to see your post!! I will be taking Amtrak from Boston to WDW in 10 days on the same route as you!!! I wanted to share some of the tips that I've learned from the boards so far.

1. From Boston to NYC the rails are commuter, so delays shouldn't be that bad and you shouldn't miss your connection (I was worried about this too)
2. I will be in coach seats as well since we could not afford the room, bring blankets for you and your kids. The trains tend to be really cold at night since they can't regulate the AC very well.
3. I will be packing plenty of snack and sandwiches for meals. I've read that the food on the train is not the best quality for the price you pay.
4. Feel free to walk around (up/down the aisles), especially with your kiddos, unlike a plane you will be travelling quite some time, get up and stretch!
5. Bring a deck of card, or travel board games for your kids. If they have electronic games, bring them...anything to help pass the time for them.
6. Oh, and don't forget a nice book for you
7. From NYC to WDW, you will most likely see delays...don't get discouraged, you're still on your way to WDW!!!!!
8. Use Red Caps..they'll get you boarded before the mass rush, but don't forget to tip.
9. ENJOY the scenery and time with your kids!!!

I'm sure most of this has been posted, but those are the tips that I'm trying to keep in mind as my trip approaches. When I get back, if I have anything to report other than this I would be glad to do so!! We are also flying home, so this will be a one-way train trip. The prices worked that this combination would work best!!

I would love, love, love to hear what you think about using this combo of train/plane! Please let me know how it went when you come home!

This seems to be the most affordable way for our family of 5, without having to have the stress of driving all of those miles ourselves. I figure once we board the train we will be on "on our way" without having to worry about where we are going to stay overnight or where our next meal will be. I plan on packing a insulated tote bag with all of our food for the trip. I think I will plan on doing lunch in Penn Station if possible and then dinner of sandwiches and salad, and possibly breakfast from the cafe car. So excited! Too bad we still have months before we actually get to go!!