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

[torinsmom]

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!!!!

It's a pretty easy cancellation policy, as far as coach. You get your money refunded less 10% in whatever form you paid. For sleeping accomodations, you have to cancel more than 7 days ahead to get a full refund. Less than 7 days, you will get that portion in an exchange voucher that is good for a year.

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241267362242

 

[uncw89]

Thanks! What did you do about a car?

 

[wdwmom2]

Wow, what a great, and long, thread!!!

DH and I are taking the Auto Train to Florida next year. We will be taking our Harley and the motorcycle trailer that we pull behind it.

Can't wait to experience this mode of transportation, sounds exciting. Plan on getting a sleeper, DH doesn't do well with tour busses, he gets very restless. So going coach is not our best option.

Well, back to reading this thread

 

[torinsmom]

Thanks! What did you do about a car?

We rented a car both times we took the train. Once we used the Enterprise closest to the station and they came and picked us up. Last year we got a better deal from an Enterprise 10 miles away and we took a cab there. You could rent a car for two days. If you use Enterprise, they will come pick the car up at your resort once you transfer to Disney property. Then, I guess you would need to get a cab or towncar transportation back to the train station on your departure day. You may also be able to catch a city bus from DTD to the Amtrak station, but I don't know if they allow suitcases, and it would probably time consuming.

 

[uncw89]

Do you remember how much the cab to the other Enterprise was? I see there are two locations in Kissimmee. I'm going to price all 3. I guess only the Disney location will pick up from the resort.
Wonder how much a cab would be to the train station?

 

[torinsmom]

We actually got off in Orlando and there are 17 Enterprise locations there. The one I used was:

PINE HILLS
4442 W COLONIAL DR
ORLANDO, FL 32808-8116
Tel.: (407) 297-0319

We got an economy size car for $182/week. I believe it cost around $15 for the cab to the car rental place. I don't remember which location picks you up at Enterprise, but you could definitely call one of the other locations and ask. I did not have a credit card at the time, so I had the added trouble of finding one that took debit cards.

I would call a few cab companies and ask about the charge for getting from your resort to the train station on departure day.

 

[la79al]

It looks like, at this point, my 2 DDs and I are going to be doing Autotrain in January. To be honest, I have always wanted to take the train down but DH has never been able to take extra time off work. I'm looking forward to all the time riding down to hang out with my kids and get extra excited about DW (and then really hoping they sleep for the whole trip home). I really don't like the idea of driving down by myself and it looks like the cost of flying + a rental minivan would be just about the same as the Autotrain, plus more hassle. Now I just have to figure out a way to talk family members out of offering to help me drive instead .

 

[sorul82?]

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 rented from Hertz. They have a counter in the Orlando station.

 

[LuvEeyore]

Okay train enthusiasts, I have jumped on the rails!!

For our December 2012 cruise, we have decided to ride the rails. We will be leaving from Cary NC Dec 13 and arriving in Orlando, renting a car at Hertz and dring to Port Canaveral. To come back, we wil get back into port Dec 22 and rent a car at port and then leave Orlando at 7:15 pm to return to Cary NC about 8:?? am.
There are 4 of us, Mom age77 at the time who has always wanted to take a trip on a train. She will be traveling with a w/c and walker.
I am 47 and work full time and care for mom. I have been on a train. 30+ hours fom Moscow to Piatagorisk Russia.

My goddaughter is going as is her best friend. They will both be 18 at the time. At this time we are going for coach seats. I have already make my ressies, etc.

Any of you that have any tips for train travel, ie what we need to take for the journey, please post. I am also looking forward to hearing all of your experiences over the next months

 

[torinsmom]

Okay train enthusiasts, I have jumped on the rails!!

For our December 2012 cruise, we have decided to ride the rails. We will be leaving from Cary NC Dec 13 and arriving in Orlando, renting a car at Hertz and dring to Port Canaveral. To come back, we wil get back into port Dec 22 and rent a car at port and then leave Orlando at 7:15 pm to return to Cary NC about 8:?? am.
There are 4 of us, Mom age77 at the time who has always wanted to take a trip on a train. She will be traveling with a w/c and walker.
I am 47 and work full time and care for mom. I have been on a train. 30+ hours fom Moscow to Piatagorisk Russia.

My goddaughter is going as is her best friend. They will both be 18 at the time. At this time we are going for coach seats. I have already make my ressies, etc.

Any of you that have any tips for train travel, ie what we need to take for the journey, please post. I am also looking forward to hearing all of your experiences over the next months

I would take snacks and even drinks. They have a snack bar but the prices are high and they don't have that great a selection. We actually brought backpack cooler with us when we were in coach. I would also suggest a pillow and blanket for each person. It can get cold on the train and they rent/sell really nasty ones. I would also suggest earphones and a sleeping mask if noise or light bothers you. When we did coach a few years ago, there was an adults only car, and with the youngest being 18, I would request that if I were you. Crying and loud children kept me awake on the way back last time we rode coach. Someone was letting their child play with one of those Bop-It things at 11pm, and the attendant wouldn't say anything to the parent.

 

[uncw89]

Thanks for the car info. I ended up booking for the whole time of our trip at Enterprise. However, I just called and found out that all the Enterprises don't pick up on Sat cause they close at noon and don't have the staff to pick up! I guess I will have to take a cab there. Just when I thought I had it all figured out!!!

 

[sorul82?]

Okay train enthusiasts, I have jumped on the rails!!

For our December 2012 cruise, we have decided to ride the rails. We will be leaving from Cary NC Dec 13 and arriving in Orlando, renting a car at Hertz and dring to Port Canaveral. To come back, we wil get back into port Dec 22 and rent a car at port and then leave Orlando at 7:15 pm to return to Cary NC about 8:?? am.
There are 4 of us, Mom age77 at the time who has always wanted to take a trip on a train. She will be traveling with a w/c and walker.
I am 47 and work full time and care for mom. I have been on a train. 30+ hours fom Moscow to Piatagorisk Russia.

My goddaughter is going as is her best friend. They will both be 18 at the time. At this time we are going for coach seats. I have already make my ressies, etc.

Any of you that have any tips for train travel, ie what we need to take for the journey, please post. I am also looking forward to hearing all of your experiences over the next months

I don't know how high the first step will be to get on the train. At the Raleigh station, they used a lift for my mom.

 

[lisa-upnorth]

Wow, what a great, and long, thread!!!

DH and I are taking the Auto Train to Florida next year. We will be taking our Harley and the motorcycle trailer that we pull behind it.

Can't wait to experience this mode of transportation, sounds exciting. Plan on getting a sleeper, DH doesn't do well with tour busses, he gets very restless. So going coach is not our best option.

Well, back to reading this thread

glad you found us

sounds like you will be having a full time in FLA

 

[GetGlowing]

Bed Bath & Beyond has a small travel sized pillow for about $4. We got a couple of those for our recent trip and used two fleece lap-sized blankets. I also recommend a sleeping mask and earplugs. Got on the train once at 2am and the lady in the row ahead of me was having a conversation like it was the middle of the day. Popped in the earplugs and it didn't matter.

It might take you a few minutes to make yourself comfortable to sleep, but remember that leg rests pull out to almost a horizontal position, so it gives you a lot of options for sleeping positions.

I think taking the train down for a cruise is a fabulous idea especially when you consider how much luggage a cruise requires! I just wish there was a station closer to the port.

 

[wdwmom2]

glad you found us

sounds like you will be having a full time in FLA

Glad I found this thread

Yes, lots to do in Florida. Places we don't want to miss are: Magic Kingdom, the Keys, Everglades, Sanibel Island, Thomas Edison's winter home, and swimming with the manatees!!!

Got to hit the local Harley Davidson dealerships for some t-shirts (it's a Harley thing)

We are taking two weeks vacation to do this. And I can't wait

 

[FBandA]

Wondering want to expect, this is our first time taking the train to Orlando, I just was checking our train and it is sold out and there is a service alert. Saying that tracks are being worked on by CSX. Train 92 will depart Miami approximately 5 hours earlier. I am on 97 how will that effect me. Called but was not able to get a clear answer. We leave the 4th of april out of Wilmington, DE. Thanks

 

[LuvEeyore]

Bump.

 

[LuvEeyore]

Bump...great thread!!

 

[pepe of ohio]

Bumping back up to continue.....

 

[lisa-upnorth]

thanks for the bumps guys

I am EAGERLY awaiting June so I can book my train to Disney for next year!!! I will be heading down in style with a family bedroom FREE with my points I will take lots of pics for all of my Dis friends! I also hope to find a few spare minutes to post amazing pics from my train trip to DC-that Union Station is STUNNING!!!!!!!!