Amtrak silver service from Jersey to Orlando.

[Disneydiversion]

We are thinking about taking the train.
We live at the Jersey Shore (Point Pleasant) so I think we would need to go to Penn Station. Is that correct?
Cost? We will depart Dec. 23rd-31st 2010. Any ideas what the cost would be (guesstimate)? tickets are not available yet. I am sure it will be much more expensive than flying.

Thank you
Vicki

 

[persimmondeb]

It's definitely more expensive than flying if you get a roomette. If you are willing to sit up in coach for approximately 24 hours, it's pretty close. From Point Pleasant you have a number of options for stations, Penn Station NY, Penn Station Newark, and 30th street in Philadelphia. I'm pretty sure they make a stop in Trenton, too.

I've never taken it all the way to Disney, but in '98 I took it from NY to Savannah and back again with a two and a half year old (and a roomette, thank goodness), and had an absolute blast, although the train on the way back was crowded and running out of water.

Two years ago I took it from Palatka (one or two stops north of Orlando) to Philadelphia, and sat in coach since it was just me and I was feeling cheap. It was fine, but I'd get a roomette if I were going to take a trip of more than 12 hours again.

I HATE to fly, and won't unless I have no other option, and I like train travel a lot, but a lot of people don't care for Amtrak and don't enjoy it.

 

[artesian]

Metro Park would be easiest from Point Pleasant

 

[NJGirl]

Yes they stop in Trenton too. I've taken the Silvers once in 2008 down and back from Trenton and have reservations to go again this spring. Last time I went coach and it was fine. Just bring a blanket, a travel pillow, and stuff to do. This time I have enough Amtrak reward points to go in a bedroom for free down and back. I'm looking forward to having something other than a recliner to sleep in and seieng if it's worth the extra money.

When I went coach, with the AAA discount, I seem to remember it being about 175-200 round trip for me?
If you want to secure a bedroom or roomette for the lowest coast, make sure you purchase your tix on the day travel opens. It only goes up from there. REmember, meals are free with the roomette and bedroom. You can get some idea of price if you look at about 11 months out from now. Those dates have just opened

 

[Disneydiversion]

Metro Park would be easiest from Point Pleasant

Where is Metro park? and is it a connecting line I didn't see it on the route schedule, but then I don't know what I'm doing right now.

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer/AM_Route_C/1237608339450/1237405732511

 

[NJGirl]

Metro Park is in Iselin, NJ (MET in Amtrak Code) The Silver Service doesn't stop there, I don't think. You either have to go to Newark, NJ or Trenton, NJ (or NYC or Philly) to pick up the Silver directly.

 

[sue1013]

MetroPark is Edison.

 

[Dizney73]

We did Amtrak last Easter break from 30th Street Station in Philly to the Orlando Station (I think there is also one in Kissimee). We did coach seats for the 22 hour overnight ride. We took our daughter who was 3 years old at the time and SHE LOVED IT!!! She had a super time and because she is small was able to sleep great ALL NIGHT (unlike me). We actually saved $500 vs. flying but gave up about 2 days that we could have been in the parks. Also, we were traveling to Taiwan (19 hours over with layover) for an adoption and wanted to test ride the LONG trip with our daughter. She did so well on the train ride to Disney we decided to take her with us to Taiwan!

I don't know if anything has changed since last Easter time... but there was no security which was very pleasant and relaxing!

Also, we used FL Tours to pick us up at the Orlando Amtrak to AKV and did a grocery stop on the way... it was great!

Oh... and we were allowed to take Play -DOH for our daughter to play with which is a no-no when flying!

 

[dromio42]

If you are planning on renting a car, you may want to consider the auto train. The coach seats are far superior to regular amtrak coach and you get there with your car! Plus dinner and breakfast are included with your fare, as well as snacks and a movie. Ticket prices only go up, so booking as soon as you can gets you the lowest price. Do not get the tickets, plan to pick them up at the train station. As long as they have not printed your tickets, they are supposed to be refundable.

 

[Disneydiversion]

A am looking into the autotrain after your suggestion and I like what I see. Thanks!