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

[Miffy]

Okay, so anyone in central NC want to save some money on Amtrak tickets? I have a refund voucher that expires August 22. The tickets have to be bought by then, but travel can be anytime in the future. The refund voucher is for $186, but I will sell it for $130. I would just need the person to meet me at either the Durham, Cary or Raleigh station. I will need to pay for the ticket(s), but they will be in your name. If anyone is interested, please PM me. Someone said they were interested when I posted before, but now they are not responding to me.

I was just reading on the Amtrak site and you might want to check into this. This is directly from their site: An eVoucher or paper exchange voucher is valid for use for one year from date of issue and may be renewed provided this is done before its expiration date.

So perhaps you can renew the voucher and use it yourself in the future.

Apologies if you've already checked into this.

 

[torinsmom]

I was just reading on the Amtrak site and you might want to check into this. This is directly from their site: An eVoucher or paper exchange voucher is valid for use for one year from date of issue and may be renewed provided this is done before its expiration date.

So perhaps you can renew the voucher and use it yourself in the future.

Apologies if you've already checked into this.

I'll definitely check into renewing it. I just don't know if we will be taking the Amtrak anytime soon. I like having my car down there, and I'm about to start foster care and it could be more than a year before we go again, depending on the age of the child.

 

[aprilgail2]

Just got back from our two week trip to Disney. We had a roomette which is really small! You had to really squeeze around to use the toilet when the beds were down! But all in all it was a nice trip-I KNOW I couldn't have done it if we hadn't had the ability to close our door and block out the people noise- even in the waiting room in Orlando to get on there was way to many screaming and crying kids to make it a happy trip for me.

One bad thing was that on the way down my daughters luggage didn't make it off the train with us and took a trip to Miami on its own. They did put it on the next train back and deliver it to the hotel but by then it was 11pm. I am glad we rented a car so I could go buy her a bathing suit to go swimming and clothes to go to dinner in!

The food was ok, about what I expected-but I did like that our room attendant would go get it for us and we could eat in our room. We did the dining car on the way down but since there were only two of us they would always seat us with 2 other people and it was just uncomfortable. The first couple they sat us with was an older couple and just in the time we were there for lunch the man had 2 beers, a scotch on the rocks and a bottle of cognac- it just was not comfortable for us. But we did like eating in our room!

 

[Mary Anne]

Great thread, I have read it from start to finish.

We usually fly but I need to bring a car down to my son who now lives and works for Disney. I have some specific questions regarding the auto train that I hope someone can answer.

We will be boarding in Lorton, Va. The website says you can start to board your car at 11:30 but must be there and ready to board no later then 3 pm (for the type of car that we will have). Assuming we arrive at the station around the 11:30 am time and we get the car loaded, when do we actually board the train.

We will be 3 people traveling (because I have a 22 year old who needs to one up his brother with a I did this with Mom and Dad and you missed it == honest they really are loving brothers -- it's fine, hopefully this will make up for the trip the oldest made at 18 months to Disney that this child missed because he wasn't born yet and I will no longer have to hear about it LOL ). I have read that the best seats are the groups that are two facing each other to make 4. Are these available on the Autotrain and how hard would they be to get?

Regarding food, will we have an issue eating in the dining car. From what I read on the regular Amtrak train those with compartments get first choice (we will just be in coach) to eat and then if there is food/room left over we may be able to eat? I read where people bring their own small coolers, I think this is a great idea and will probably do it no matter what.

If anyone has any specific information of do's or don'ts I'd really appreciate it.

Thank you.

 

[NJRRK]

Unlike the regular train, meals are included even in coach on the auto train, there are two separate dining cars. When you check in you will be given a choice of meal times. I don't recall any two facing two seating, but I've only traveled in the sleeping cars.
Enjoy your trip, it is better than driving, also better than regular train.

 

[Mary Anne]

Thank you NJRRK. That was helpful. I've taken the regular train down once -- 36 years ago.

 

[DanBoris]

The food was ok, about what I expected-but I did like that our room attendant would go get it for us and we could eat in our room. We did the dining car on the way down but since there were only two of us they would always seat us with 2 other people and it was just uncomfortable. The first couple they sat us with was an older couple and just in the time we were there for lunch the man had 2 beers, a scotch on the rocks and a bottle of cognac- it just was not comfortable for us. But we did like eating in our room!

Sorry you had a problem with your dining companions, for me this is one of the best parts of riding of the train, you get to meet some really interesting people.

We just got back from a cross country train trip from Philadelphia to Anaheim California via Washington DC and Chicago. We had a great time, it is an amazing way to see the country. If you are a Disney fan you get an added bonus if you take the Southwest Chief from Chicago to LA, you pass right through Marceline Missouri where Walt Disney grew up!

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

Great thread, I have read it from start to finish.

We usually fly but I need to bring a car down to my son who now lives and works for Disney. I have some specific questions regarding the auto train that I hope someone can answer.

We will be boarding in Lorton, Va. The website says you can start to board your car at 11:30 but must be there and ready to board no later then 3 pm (for the type of car that we will have). Assuming we arrive at the station around the 11:30 am time and we get the car loaded, when do we actually board the train.

We will be 3 people traveling (because I have a 22 year old who needs to one up his brother with a I did this with Mom and Dad and you missed it == honest they really are loving brothers -- it's fine, hopefully this will make up for the trip the oldest made at 18 months to Disney that this child missed because he wasn't born yet and I will no longer have to hear about it LOL ). I have read that the best seats are the groups that are two facing each other to make 4. Are these available on the Autotrain and how hard would they be to get?

Regarding food, will we have an issue eating in the dining car. From what I read on the regular Amtrak train those with compartments get first choice (we will just be in coach) to eat and then if there is food/room left over we may be able to eat? I read where people bring their own small coolers, I think this is a great idea and will probably do it no matter what.

If anyone has any specific information of do's or don'ts I'd really appreciate it.

Thank you.

Boarding for the Autotrain starts by 2pm. We are usually the very last to board by choice. There are no seats that face each other. Years ago we took the reg amtrak train that had that choice but when we pulled in DC they made us spin the seat around. It was not allowed to be reversed on the DC to Orlando stretch. That was a really old train car and not sure if they are even in service any more (8 yrs ago). We usually check us in at 1030 and then take the van back out and return by 2pm. there is the Potomac mills mall a few exits south. We also grab lunch while we are out too. We did that for both trips last year.

When you check in you will be given a choice of dining times and dining tickets that indicate you time. Bring the ticket slip with you to give at the dining car. Coach and sleepers have seperate dining cars. You are seated as you arrive. IF you are a party of less then 4 other traveleres can and will be seated with you. Breakfast is served from 630-8 (I think). just show up at the dining car and you will be seated -- any time they are open -- dining time not required. Lounge car usually has some fruit and cookies out. We usually bring a tote full of snacks and juice packs/water bottles. We have 4 dc (13-5) and they are alwasy hungery. It is also helpful if there is a delay.

Remember that delays can happen and just treat the train as part of your vacation just not a mode of transportation. We have been really late and cancelled a few times. last August we didn't pull into Lorton till 2 pm. We had been delayed in FL just after we left Sanford. A strong storm when thru and knocked trees on the tracks. The crew removed a few but we had to wait for another crew to come bc the trees were too big to just pull on the side. I think we sat for 3-4 hours till the trees were all removed. THe crew was great keeping us informed of what was going on. They did serve a lunch for us too and kept the breakfast car open longer. In 08 our return train was cancelled due to Tropical storm Fay. We opted to hang out at WDW till the next train out (5 days later).

make sure you give cell phones for your reservations-- they can contact you if there is a service issue (IE cancellation). If traveling in coach bring headsets to wear for DVD players. We also bring a pillow and light blanket. If you need meds pack a few extra incase of delays.

there is an Autotrain thread on this board -- it is really long but has lots of useful info on it.

We are returning in 14 days for our annual AT trip to WDW!

 

[lisa-upnorth]

Mary Anne-
Holy Smokes-is that scale correct???? You lost over 80 pounds!!!!

CONGRATS ON THAT HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT

 

[Mary Anne]

Actually, I lost 92 lbs. I really need to get focused again to take those few extra off again. It took me a year.

I found that auto train thread, very interesting and lots of info. I ended up booking the Auto train for 2 people (my husband and my son) and got them one of the small sleeper rooms. I myself will fly down in the morning that they board the train and check into the AKL that day, this way when they arrive the next morning the can just come right into the room and not have to wait until 3/4 pm check in. I am kind of sorry that I'm missing the experience of the train but I am consoling myself with the thought that I will be in disney 24 hours by myself to do anything I want! I am assuming that if my husband enjoys the train, we will do it again sometime when it fits our need. Thanks to everyone for all their help.

 

[KashaKasha]

This thread has really put my mind at ease! Thank you all for posting your experiences.
Planning a NJ-Orlando trip in Nov 2013 with 4 adults, one of whom is in a wheelchair. We'll be getting two bedrooms (one accessible).

Already signed up for the Amtrak rewards program from the information posted here.

Can't wait to ride the rails to WDW!

 

[lisa-upnorth]

This thread has really put my mind at ease! Thank you all for posting your experiences.
Planning a NJ-Orlando trip in Nov 2013 with 4 adults, one of whom is in a wheelchair. We'll be getting two bedrooms (one accessible).

Already signed up for the Amtrak rewards program from the information posted here.

Can't wait to ride the rails to WDW!

WELCOME!!! Glad to hear you are saving points!! My next trip is in May and I can NOT wait!

 

[LuvEeyore]

Bumping up!!

Cant wait to hear from all who have traveled on Amtrak this summer!! Reports please.

 

[labfan]

For those that traveled before - how is the dining car set up? Are they all tables for 4? Do they have any tables for 2?

 

[NJRRK]

Dining car is set up like a diner. All tables for 4, that is it. A party of two will be seated with another party of two.

 

[torinsmom]

I'll definitely check into renewing it. I just don't know if we will be taking the Amtrak anytime soon. I like having my car down there, and I'm about to start foster care and it could be more than a year before we go again, depending on the age of the child.

I was able to renew it for another year. I still don't plan on using Amtrak though, so if anyone in central is interested in traveling in the next year, the offer still stands. I may find someone locally to take the offer if not. It is totally legal--from the Amtrak website--"The funds in the eVoucher will be held in the customer’s name and can be applied toward future travel. An eVoucher can only be redeemed by the person whose name appears on it; however, that person can choose to apply it to someone else’s travel."

 

[labfan]

I've booked a bedroom for our trip to Disney in May. I read a previous post where the poster mentioned they would go to the back of the car to get free drinks rather than having the attendant bring them. What types of drinks are these? Water and sodas?
Also are there lounge cars nearby where we can also go if we don't want to stay in the bedroom? How far away is the dining car?
Just trying to get an idea of how things are situated on the train.

 

[LisaNJ25]

Just passed the Lorton exit on 95. So wish I was taking the train both ways instead of just home in 2 weeks. So those who are thinking about taking it round trip.. Book early before rates double.

Got off to a bad start.. Had a tire blow out right before Baltimore. Now were dealing with nasty traffic.

 

[lisa-upnorth]

are rates doubling?????

 

[darrengs]

are rates doubling?????

The closer the dates are, the higher the prices.