AMTRAK: Tell me all about your trip from NY to FL via Amtrak.

[fairytinkerbell]

Well, to not worry about driving from NY, we are seriously thinking about Amtrak. We won't have to worry about rain, flooding on the roads, leaving WDW a day early to beat the bad weather, or getting home late.

Please tell me if possible any info.

Did your train go on any high bridges?
Any tunnels?

How much luggage can we bring? We would get Coach seats only (not a room).

Is it safe? You just sleep in your seat?

Thank you!!!

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

I have done this trip from CT once round trip and then another one from FL to CT one way. First trip was w/ 5 kids and 2nd by myself.

the train does stop alot all night long. Either to pick up passengers or to wait for passing frieght cars. We had a running joke the first trip down that we were picking up ghost riders. Literally the train stopped in the middle of some small town w/ one blinking light just sitting there until a freight train whizzed by. We slept very little on the way down. We had the very last car and it really rocked the entire time. Food was $$. the return trip was much better. We were able to sleep fairly well and didn't feel the rocking too much due to a car in the middle of the train. we had a GS troop board in GA and they were really good for the ride North. definitely would have packed more food if I had an extra hand to carry it. We had drinks and snacks but not substantal food.

My trip north by myself was a LONG trip-- it was the first trains out of FL after Hurricane charlie (i think-- they had 3 in a row back in 04). It was 8 hrs delayed before I boarded. They had to stop to refill in Jacksonville. It was just a sad trip back -- the car smelled. I almost missed the last connecting train to CT bc we were late. Amtrak held that train bc soo many on ours needed that connection. By the time we hit NJ I was in tears bc we were soo late and I hadn't slept well at all.

now that's the horror stories that do happen on train travel. On the most part the trip is uneventful. I will not take the reg train to FL. We are diehardt Autotrain travelers. We love having our vehicle with us. no stops until we hit Sanford FL. Sleeping is better for us on the Autotrain.

I am sure others that travel the reg Amtrak train can chime in with better experiences than what I had. We do love Amtrak and absolutely love the Autotrain. our trip from ct to Va is about 8 hours then its 17hours on the train and then 40 mins top to WDW.

For your ?'s -- no high bridges to cross. I remember doing a tunnel but I think that was once we changed trains in penn Station to head to CT. Definitely no tunnels south of DC.

I think you are allowed 2 bags (purse does not count) but be very careful of the weight limit. Our first trip heading home my bags were too heavy and I had to play musical bags with my contents.

I would have to say it is safe. My DH is an Amtrak Police officer and there are not too many problems he hears about. If there is a problem along the way the crew knows to call ahead and at the next station they will remove whomever is creating a problem. Taking precautions such as not leaving expensive items left at your seat etc is just common sense.

For your concerns of rain and flooding the roads via car- it can also happen to the train. in 08 our return Autotrain was cancelled due to tropical storm Fay. It rained 8 days straight over Fl. Some areas had 48" of rain total. Service was cancelled for 4 days or so. We stayed an extra 5 days till the next autotrain had space for us. We thougth of driving home but we would be driving into the storm and didn't feel comfortable doing so not knowing how bad the storm could get.

We consider the train as a part of our vacation not just a mode of transportation. We go knowing full well that anything can happen--just like in flying and driving. We have had frieght car derailments, delays bc our engine when to help another train and last yr we sat 3 hrs on the train in FL due to trees across the track -- a very violent storm came thru. the crew was able to get out and move a few of the trees but bigger ones fell and we had to wait for a track crew come out to remove the trees. And then there are times we are on time or even ahead of schedule.

Where in NY are you coming from? You may want to check out the Autotrain since you have your vehicle with you and food is included in coach seats too.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[pepe of ohio]

We come from the east, Ohio and take regular Amtrak from Alliance Ohio to DC and then south to Kissimmee Florida.......only used the AT once and that was back 30+ years ago and we found that we needed no car in WDW and never used the AT again...

As for Amtrak....we've taken over 20 trips via the train.....some better than others as each trip is an adventure.....I must say we've encountered many different episodes while traveling.....being late, canceellations, hurricanes, bomb scares etc....you just never know......but we have always arrived, though late to very late......

We have used the sleepers on occasion from DC to Florida....acquired a roomette in route at a good savings over pre-booking.....sleepers pre-booked are ridicilously priced, and in our travels, not necessary....coach for one night is very doable.....and a roomette is no bigger than a phone booth and someone has to ahimmy up to the upper bunk.....not easy I can tell you...

All in all ,our trips have been okay, we take food and drinks, items to occupy ourselves and just sit back and relax......

Again, for the AT, we feel that for the price they charge of boarding your car, just as easy and cheaper to take regular Amtrak and rent a car in Florida....And in our 46 trips to WDW, we've never needed nor wanted a car while there.....it's great to be car free for a week or more...

 

[fairytinkerbell]

Wow, thanks for the info! Flooding and trees on tracks? Ee gad, I don't know what to do!! Maybe we'll just drive. .... I still think Amtrak sounds cool though. I will show these posts to DH. Thanks again!!!!!!

 

[lisa-upnorth]

take the train! I have never had a flooding or tree problem. I will bump my thread with TONS of info. Pour a cup of coffee and read on