Amtrak train info w/pics!All Aboard-Choo-choo!UPDATED

[disneymarie]

Faster as far as travel time is involved yes. However, if I want to be there on Friday, I can leave here after work on Thursday night on the train and be there in the morning, fairly well rested.

If I fly out on Friday, I have to be at the airport very early, after probably doing last minute packing the night before, get the baggage checked, get thru security, head to the gate, wait to board and then see how many screaming babies there are on board (almost always because of the destination) and then arrival is usually close to noon.

So, I see the train as a more restful form of travel, maybe I am just trying to talk myself into it.


And, the train would be an adventure/

I really think it is an adventure and you should consider taking the plunge. It is a mini vacation in itself to be on the train. THe atmosphere, watch the world go by. Now I did auto train and the cost was $$$ and I did not sleep. but loved the experiance. If it were less expensive and time was not an issue, I would do it.

Just like on the old movies, only the sleepers are much nicer then a bunk, lol.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Well, you wouldn't have your own private sleeping room on a plane though, right? If you did coach on Amtrak, it would be more like $200-$300 round trip, maybe less. The train has a lot more room than a plane, even in coach. We were able to stretch out when we did coach a couple years ago. We got a roomette last August and I was so cramped, it wasn't even funny. It wasn't a very restful trip, at least for me. The food was good, but nothing spectacular.

what's running up your cost is the sleeper....we've done the roomettes a few times.....they are very small.....tough climb to the upper berth for sleeping....the little room (with open toilet) narrow aisle between the roomette in the car got quite claustrophic to me and we don't do them anymore.....for one night in the coach car, tons of air and space reclining seat.....just overall more comfort.....so others snore...no big deal, earplugs work for that.....and for one night.....never mind booking a sleeper larger than a roomette....just ridiciously priced and not necessary for an overnighter....check coach prices and you can still do the dining car or club car out of pocket...we pack a lunch and snacks and drinks and just stay in our coach seats.....very affordable and doable...it's all about personal preferences and what you're willing to pay....

It's like the Auto Train....why would I pay the high price to put my own car on the train and haul it to Florida when I could just as easily and cheaply just rent a car in Florida....and not worry about dings and dents in my personal auto....it ain't cheap putting your car on the train when you can take regular Amtrak, go to the same destination, rent a car and save some money....it's all in what you want and are willing to pay for...I won't fly and Amtrak has served us great for 20 years, coach, and no car ever needed in 46 trips to WDW...Off my soapbox now...

 

[lisa-upnorth]

what's running up your cost is the sleeper....we've done the roomettes a few times.....they are very small.....tough climb to the upper berth for sleeping....the little room (with open toilet) narrow aisle between the roomette in the car got quite claustrophic to me and we don't do them anymore.....for one night in the coach car, tons of air and space reclining seat.....just overall more comfort.....so others snore...no big deal, earplugs work for that.....and for one night.....never mind booking a sleeper larger than a roomette....just ridiciously priced and not necessary for an overnighter....check coach prices and you can still do the dining car or club car out of pocket...we pack a lunch and snacks and drinks and just stay in our coach seats.....very affordable and doable...it's all about personal preferences and what you're willing to pay....

It's like the Auto Train....why would I pay the high price to put my own car on the train and haul it to Florida when I could just as easily and cheaply just rent a car in Florida....and not worry about dings and dents in my personal auto....it ain't cheap putting your car on the train when you can take regular Amtrak, go to the same destination, rent a car and save some money....it's all in what you want and are willing to pay for...I won't fly and Amtrak has served us great for 20 years, coach, and no car ever needed in 46 trips to WDW...Off my soapbox now...

I love when you get on your soapbox Pepe!!!

 

[torinsmom]

what's running up your cost is the sleeper....we've done the roomettes a few times.....they are very small.....tough climb to the upper berth for sleeping....the little room (with open toilet) narrow aisle between the roomette in the car got quite claustrophic to me and we don't do them anymore.....for one night in the coach car, tons of air and space reclining seat.....just overall more comfort.....so others snore...no big deal, earplugs work for that.....and for one night.....never mind booking a sleeper larger than a roomette....just ridiciously priced and not necessary for an overnighter....check coach prices and you can still do the dining car or club car out of pocket...we pack a lunch and snacks and drinks and just stay in our coach seats.....very affordable and doable...it's all about personal preferences and what you're willing to pay....

It's like the Auto Train....why would I pay the high price to put my own car on the train and haul it to Florida when I could just as easily and cheaply just rent a car in Florida....and not worry about dings and dents in my personal auto....it ain't cheap putting your car on the train when you can take regular Amtrak, go to the same destination, rent a car and save some money....it's all in what you want and are willing to pay for...I won't fly and Amtrak has served us great for 20 years, coach, and no car ever needed in 46 trips to WDW...Off my soapbox now...

Totally agree with you here. The roomette we got last year was tiny and although we didn't have to hear others snore, the whistle blowing every few minutes was much louder and distracting than snores, at least to me. I have never felt claustrophobic, but I did in that roomette. We won't ever get one of those again.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Totally agree with you here. The roomette we got last year was tiny and although we didn't have to hear others snore, the whistle blowing every few minutes was much louder and distracting than snores, at least to me. I have never felt claustrophobic, but I did in that roomette. We won't ever get one of those again.

We always use the Kissimmee station, and the last trip (January) our waiting stop to board was usually way down on on spot 8.....just about the furtherest from the station and close to the end of the train....but that January trip...we were at stop 3, close to the train engine.....don't know if they figured sleepers (first class) we complaining about the engine noise or what, but they were the ones with the long walk to board and were at the end of the train...

Either way doesn't bothers us, train whistle wise....but it was nicer boarding closer to the station than walking clear down to the end....just wondering if that was the case in moving the sleepers to the end of the train or just a fluke...

As for my soapbox....alot of posters come on here feeling they really need a sleeper....it's personal preference and what you're willing to pay....I found no real comfort in the sleepers other than the meals are included (OOP it's pricey) plus in coach going to the dining car, I don't care to drag my personal stuff with me nor leave it at my seat....so we bring our food...

One night on a train in coach is not as bad as some make it out to be.....we try to keep our travel expenses to a minimun...and sleepers are ridiculously priced...plus in coach you can look out both sides of the car and the sleepers (especially the roomette) you have one side only and someone has to ride facing backwards....just makes me feel like a sardine in there...soapbox put away....

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I am a very light sleeper and I think that I would have a very difficult time getting any rest in the coach sleeps. I am also a must have 8 hours of sleep at night or you don't want to be around me the next day, seriously.

I am guessing that when the train is moving at night that the lights are turned off and when they stop at each station, the lights are turned on for those that are boarding? Would you not also have people potentially boarding and disembarking at every stop? Just trying to get an idea of what disturbances there might be. For DH, it would not be a problem as he sleeps thru any and everything.

 

[torinsmom]

I am a very light sleeper and I think that I would have a very difficult time getting any rest in the coach sleeps. I am also a must have 8 hours of sleep at night or you don't want to be around me the next day, seriously.

I am guessing that when the train is moving at night that the lights are turned off and when they stop at each station, the lights are turned on for those that are boarding? Would you not also have people potentially boarding and disembarking at every stop? Just trying to get an idea of what disturbances there might be. For DH, it would not be a problem as he sleeps thru any and everything.

I rode in coach a few years ago, and don't remember a lot of disruption of lights going on or people getting into our car. I think the stopping for no reason(well for a freight train to pass) was more disruptive to me, because the train was stopped and just sat there and when I looked out there was just blackness. People that are getting off at one stop sit in one car, so unless the passengers getting on were getting on at the same stop as you, they wouldn't get in your car, and I imagine there are multiple cars for Orlando. I was also shocked at how short the stops are. Last year, we weren't even in our roomette before the train started moving again.

 

[pepe of ohio]

I am a very light sleeper and I think that I would have a very difficult time getting any rest in the coach sleeps. I am also a must have 8 hours of sleep at night or you don't want to be around me the next day, seriously.

I am guessing that when the train is moving at night that the lights are turned off and when they stop at each station, the lights are turned on for those that are boarding? Would you not also have people potentially boarding and disembarking at every stop? Just trying to get an idea of what disturbances there might be. For DH, it would not be a problem as he sleeps thru any and everything.

Lights out on the train (Coach) is 10pm....not totally dark, emergency lighting is on for manuvering and each seat has a reading light...they don't turn on the car lights for stops....car attendant or conductor comes to your seat and tells you that your stop is next and proceed to the right exit.....

Depending on where the boarders are going as to which car they are placed....most people are considerate getting on late at night but there are the exceptions.....like I said before, earplugs and eye mask would help...never bothered us in coach....

Sleepers are in a car all their own, no people noise but rattling of compartment doors, etc....still not all that totally quiet..it's a train and at some portions of the trip, rolling quite fast.....I prefer an Ipod to drown out the noise...though there are not alot of stops, some are just a few minutes and a couple where they servoce the train and change crews....I notice these more as the car and train are totally still and after rockin and rolling for awhile you feel the quiet but doable....

I'll put it another way...it's like doing forst class on a plane, you pay more, are on the same plane, little more comfort for the price but you get to the same place as those in coach...same for the train....alot more money for a sleeper but gets to the same destination as the coach seats....I would have to do sleeper section for cross country trips but for the one night....not that big of a problem.....but if you must, go for it...only you and your pocketbook will know the difference....if the sleepers were not so expensive, I'd do a bedroom for sure......

 

[LuvEeyore]

For those who use the train from Raliegh NC and Cary NC, Is there a charge for long term parking 9 days?

 

[torinsmom]

For those who use the train from Raliegh NC and Cary NC, Is there a charge for long term parking 9 days?

No, but the lot at Raleigh is pretty small. You may get stuck with nowhere to park. The lot in Cary is really large and is right next to the police station, so I felt totally safe leaving my car there last summer.

 

[pepe of ohio]

No, but the lot at Raleigh is pretty small. You may get stuck with nowhere to park. The lot in Cary is really large and is right next to the police station, so I felt totally safe leaving my car there last summer.

Most small stations are off the beaten path...ours in Alliance Ohio, is unmanned, very small lot and no parking fee....we notify the local police that we're leaving our car, give license number and secondary contact person if needed, duration of trip, and ask them to check now and then, when we're coming home, we call and tell them we're picking up the car and thanks for the survelliance...they have been wonderful and have come to the unmanned station to see us off.....great police department in Alliance....we board at 2 am...and come back at 3 am.....

 

[GetGlowing]

We took the train down and back last week. The sleepers were at the end of the train.

It seems like they load the cars by destination as much as possible, which creates fewer disruptions in the middle of the night. Earplugs and eyemasks work for us in coach, plus we take blankets and our own travel pillows. We have a rolling duffle that fits under the seat that holds it all (and then some). Sometimes we sleep well on the train, sometimes not. But I like it. Last week it was raining cats and dogs on our return. I would much rather be in the train during heavy rain than on I-95. No thank you!

 

[misundersteph]

My first post here on Disboards!

We are going down May 31, staying at Riverside. This is our 2nd trip. We are seriously considering taking the train from Cary to Kissimee. We have 3 kids (8,7,2) and to justify not driving we would have to buy coach. I am a bit of an overprotective mom though, and I'm wondering if I will feel comfortable actually sleeping when my 2 year old could just wake up and wander off? She has a bit of a sleep walking habit. I am a very light sleeper, but the thought really scares me.

 

[torinsmom]

My first post here on Disboards!

We are going down May 31, staying at Riverside. This is our 2nd trip. We are seriously considering taking the train from Cary to Kissimee. We have 3 kids (8,7,2) and to justify not driving we would have to buy coach. I am a bit of an overprotective mom though, and I'm wondering if I will feel comfortable actually sleeping when my 2 year old could just wake up and wander off? She has a bit of a sleep walking habit. I am a very light sleeper, but the thought really scares me.

Just put her by the window and you on the aisle. The two older kids could be in another row with dad or one between you and the little one. Weird idea, but maybe you could get one of those kiddie leashes and attach it to her and your wrist. That way, you would wake up if she started walking away. I never got into a deep sleep in coach or the roomette. There is just too much going on and I am a light sleeper.

 

[lisa-upnorth]

Just put her by the window and you on the aisle. The two older kids could be in another row with dad or one between you and the little one. Weird idea, but maybe you could get one of those kiddie leashes and attach it to her and your wrist. That way, you would wake up if she started walking away. I never got into a deep sleep in coach or the roomette. There is just too much going on and I am a light sleeper.

I hear ya!I was soooo nervous with the young ones! I admit that I now only do a roomette BUT for you I agree that the leash is a great idea! I have to connect in Penn Station in NYC and until my daughter was 5 I used the lease/harness because I am trying to watch the luggage and older daughter and hubby and not get us all lost in the crowded Penn.I like not having to be worrying like crazy that she would get lost or taken.I would do the harness if the roomette is not in the budget.

 

[sorul82?]

My first post here on Disboards!

We are going down May 31, staying at Riverside. This is our 2nd trip. We are seriously considering taking the train from Cary to Kissimee. We have 3 kids (8,7,2) and to justify not driving we would have to buy coach. I am a bit of an overprotective mom though, and I'm wondering if I will feel comfortable actually sleeping when my 2 year old could just wake up and wander off? She has a bit of a sleep walking habit. I am a very light sleeper, but the thought really scares me.

I was worried also, but my three are older. I like the leash idea for the two year old.

What surprised me was the number of children and families that boarded in Raleigh. We really had a nice group of people in our car. There was a couple heading to a golf tourney, three sisters going on Norwegian, another family going to that "other" park, a college girl going camping (she got so tickled when DS13 started belting out Journey songs).

 

[speniner]

Thanks for this thread. I am going to do an Amtrak trip from Cary, NC to Orlando later this year.

To that end, I signed up this week for the Amtrak rewards program. Tuesday to be exact. My family has decided to switch to Direct TV from cable. MUCH cheaper in our area and we don't watch that much TV anyway. Direct TV is listed as a partner on the Amtrak Shopping Mall page. So starting Tuesday I attempted to sign up for DTV through the Amtrak rewards site. I get an error page when I click on the Shop Now button. I tried the Shop Now button on a few other sites (IE Groupon and Athleta) and they didn't work either. Some sites work, like Sears. Same results everyday through today (Friday).

I called the 800 number on the Amtrak Rewards site and was pleased to get a live person in less than 3 minutes. However, the pleasure stopped there. She saw the same error messages and told me to just keep trying...."it must be a website problem".

Has anyone else experienced this? If yes, what was the fix?

This is 7000+ reward points, so I want to make this happed. That's a third of the way to a bedroom!

Thanks!

 

[lisa-upnorth]

Thanks for this thread. I am going to do an Amtrak trip from Cary, NC to Orlando later this year.

To that end, I signed up this week for the Amtrak rewards program. Tuesday to be exact. My family has decided to switch to Direct TV from cable. MUCH cheaper in our area and we don't watch that much TV anyway. Direct TV is listed as a partner on the Amtrak Shopping Mall page. So starting Tuesday I attempted to sign up for DTV through the Amtrak rewards site. I get an error page when I click on the Shop Now button. I tried the Shop Now button on a few other sites (IE Groupon and Athleta) and they didn't work either. Some sites work, like Sears. Same results everyday through today (Friday).

I called the 800 number on the Amtrak Rewards site and was pleased to get a live person in less than 3 minutes. However, the pleasure stopped there. She saw the same error messages and told me to just keep trying...."it must be a website problem".

Has anyone else experienced this? If yes, what was the fix?

This is 7000+ reward points, so I want to make this happed. That's a third of the way to a bedroom!

Thanks!

do not buy without getting those points!! I do shop the online sites thru amtrak and have not had a problem so I hope that tomorrow this issue will be gone for you.

 

[torinsmom]

I just tried the SHOP NOW for the Direct TV link through Firefox and it works fine for me.\ Are you using Firefox? If not, maybe try it?Or maybe try a different computer.

 

[uncw89]

Hi! I'm new to this thread and train riding! I was just wondering a few things....We are thinking about going from Raleigh-Kissimmee. When you get there does everyone rent a car or is there other modes of thransportation that you use. We are staying at the Nick hotel one night (son wants to check it out and his friend is going to be there) and then we will be staying onsite the rest of the time. So we would really only need the car a day or two, but then how would I get back to the train station? We are going for Spring Break (3 weeks from today!!!). Which car places usually have the best rates? I know it's sort of late in the game to get a good deal on car rates. I was just talking to a friend yesterday who gave me this idea! We were (and still might)going to drive but I thought this could be fun if the $$ wasn't too bad. If I book and change my mind, is there a cancellation policy? I know you can get adjustments if the rate decreases.
I'm open for suggestions, comments, etc!
Thanks!!!!