amtrak ??s

[carli]

Hi all. considering a trip to WDW via Amtrak. A few questions:
Is there any kind of shuttle from either the Kissemmee or Orlando stops going straight to wdw? are there car rental agencies at either of these stops? also, how is luggage stowed on the Amtrak trains? What am I allowed to bring on as far as luggage goes? Thanks.
Carli

 

[DC7800]

Is there any kind of shuttle from either the Kissemmee or Orlando stops going straight to wdw?

Yes, CoachUSA operates a bus connection from the Orlando station "to the WDW theme parks". Hertz rental cars are listed for the Orlando station, while rental cars are "on call" at Kissimmee. What this usually means (perhaps for both Orlando and Kissimmee - I've never dealt with rentals here) is you call the rental agency upon arrival at the station and they come pick you up and transport you to the nearest rental (Hertz) facility (often at the airport, ironically). Taxi's are also available, and in Orlando Lynx public bus transportation. The Kissimmee station is somewhat closer to WDW.

how is luggage stowed on the Amtrak trains? What am I allowed to bring on as far as luggage goes?

Amtrak offers both checked and carry-on baggage. There are no specific size regulations for either, it merely must be of reasonable size and weight. Even larger, hard-shell suitcases are fine as carry-on luggage, the only stipulation is to limit carry-ons to two pieces per passenger (due to limited space). Each person may check up to three items of up to fifty pounds at no charge; an additional three items (total 6) of up to 75 pounds may be checked for a small fee. The checked baggage goes into the baggage car (the first passenger-type car on the train); carry-on luggage goes into overhead luggage racks. In some cars (Sunset and Auto-Train), there is additional luggage storage on the lower level of the car. Also, since you have your own car anyway, Auto-Train does not offer checked baggage.

As for specific individual items, small coolers or portable TV's/radios are fine (need headphones). Golf Bags or bicycles must go as checked baggage. If you have other specific concerns, please ask.

 

[singitalto]

FYI. We used Amtrak to Orlando in Sept and when we got to the station, I though we would have to call for a shuttle but there was a guy in the Hertz booth at the station. He filled out the paperwork and off I went with a car that was parked at the station. It was great!

 

[kellyann]

singitalto,

That is great to know. We are taking Amtrak to Orlando in February and also renting from Hertz. I hope we encounter the same situation you did. When I talked to Hertz on the phone, the representative was not too clear on whether there would be a shuttle, if we needed to call for one or what the situation would be. She basically had no clue! I would love to get off the train and have a the car right there at the station!