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

[NJRRK]

If price isn't an issue, I would go with the bedroom. It defiantly has more space. I liked having a long "couch" which folds out into the lower bed. Even with the bathroom, you get a lot more room then just a roomette. My mother and I really enjoyed the bedroom.

I can't understand why the bedroom space would be defiant. Lol.

 

[Ormonster]

I've been thinking about taking the train home to Boston from the world. I think it might be a nice way to decompress after a long 2 week vacation.
The first week is a cruise (not Disney) then I rent a car and drive from Fort Lauderdale to Disney for a solo birthday week at Disney. I haven't bitten the bullet yet but I may be soon.

 

[TandyR]

Just booked our train tickets for our June Disney trip, we got two roomettes across the hall from each other just the way we like it. We are going to celebrate my older DD's high school graduation. I am just so excited to be taking the train again.

 

[Pooh2]

Just took the train from Boston to Orlando last week. (we flew home) This was our first time in a room. It was so nice having our own bathroom and private space. The tracks seemed really rough in a a few places and woke us through the night. The food service was extremely slow but other than that, we had a very relaxing trip!

 

[DMLAINI]

Can a child bring a booster eat on the train? Also, looking for recommendations on a shuttle/taxi to transport 3 adults and 1 child from Orlando Amtrak station to Disney. Thank You!

 

[PlutoGirl1117]

We are off tomorrow! So very excited!

 

[GetGlowing]

Can a child bring a booster eat on the train? Also, looking for recommendations on a shuttle/taxi to transport 3 adults and 1 child from Orlando Amtrak station to Disney. Thank You!

Are you asking about a booster seat as carry-on luggage, or to use on the train? The seats are like big comfy recliners. They're not small and cramped like airplane seating. And there aren't any seat belts.

 

[lisa-upnorth]

as GetGlowing said, you will have no seat belts on the train-
BUT of course you can bring it!! It will help the wee one see out the window
You will also have it for car travel after!

 

[bocaj1431]

I have read through most of this thread and it has been full of so much great information and I love the pictures too. Thank you to all who have posted.

After reading I am second guessing my choosing to fly to DW. Before I decide to definitely choose Amtrak instead, I have a few questions.

First, I would travel from Penn station through to Kissimmee. A friend told me I would have to switch to another train in D.C. but. that does not seem right to me. I know the train makes stops on the way to Kissimmee; but, unless it states you have to switch trains when choosing which departure date and time to purchase tickets for, doesn't that mean you do not have to switch to another train? (With the exception of a mechanical problem).

Also, I have read a few favorable comments about the Coach Seats but, wondered if there were any negative experiences. A friend of mine said I was crazy to try the train but it seems like it wouldn't be that bad. Are the seats comfortable? Are they clean? Do the seats all have outlets? I think I read somewhere that there were very few outlets. We would not be able to manage a long trip like that without the outlet to recharge electronics.

I am not that knowledgeable about technology, so I am not sure if I have the right name but, I know the wi-fi on the train does not always work so are you allowed to bring a "hot box?" to provide portable wi-fi service.

Can you dine in the dining car, if you are not in a roomette or other rooms. Do you make a reservation for the dining room while on the train or when purchasing tickets?

Except for the length of the trip, do you find traveling by train less hectic and stressful than dealing with the airport?

Are the carts that you can rent at the airport to push your luggage also available at the train depot? It is just my son and I but we stay for two weeks so I end up with 3 suitcases and he can't manage to pull any along on the wheels. Luggage is so tortuous for me to deal with. I'm sure it is quite amusing to see me stumbling over the 3 suitcases I am trying to wheel through the airport.

 

[NJRRK]

I can only answer one of your questions with any certainty. There are two trains a day from NY Penn Station to Florida, the Silver Meteor and the Silver Star. Many stops, but no change of trains.

 

[Pooh2]

I have read through most of this thread and it has been full of so much great information and I love the pictures too. Thank you to all who have posted.

After reading I am second guessing my choosing to fly to DW. Before I decide to definitely choose Amtrak instead, I have a few questions.

First, I would travel from Penn station through to Kissimmee. A friend told me I would have to switch to another train in D.C. but. that does not seem right to me. I know the train makes stops on the way to Kissimmee; but, unless it states you have to switch trains when choosing which departure date and time to purchase tickets for, doesn't that mean you do not have to switch to another train? (With the exception of a mechanical problem).

Also, I have read a few favorable comments about the Coach Seats but, wondered if there were any negative experiences. A friend of mine said I was crazy to try the train but it seems like it wouldn't be that bad. Are the seats comfortable? Are they clean? Do the seats all have outlets? I think I read somewhere that there were very few outlets. We would not be able to manage a long trip like that without the outlet to recharge electronics.

I am not that knowledgeable about technology, so I am not sure if I have the right name but, I know the wi-fi on the train does not always work so are you allowed to bring a "hot box?" to provide portable wi-fi service.

Can you dine in the dining car, if you are not in a roomette or other rooms. Do you make a reservation for the dining room while on the train or when purchasing tickets?

Except for the length of the trip, do you find traveling by train less hectic and stressful than dealing with the airport?

Are the carts that you can rent at the airport to push your luggage also available at the train depot? It is just my son and I but we stay for two weeks so I end up with 3 suitcases and he can't manage to pull any along on the wheels. Luggage is so tortuous for me to deal with. I'm sure it is quite amusing to see me stumbling over the 3 suitcases I am trying to wheel through the airport.

We just took the train from Boston to Orlando a few months ago. We got on the train in Boston, changed trains in at Penn Station. No changes in DC.

We have done coach over night and a sleeper car. We would not do coach again for an overnight. We enjoyed having our own bathroom/shower and arrived in Orlando showered and ready to go to the parks.

After sleeping in coach, we felt too grimy and wanted to wait to shower but were not able to check in until 3pm. The seats were comfy enough though.

Not sure about renting a cart, but you can get help from a Red Cap. We did not use that so do not know if there is a fee, or just a tip. He would bring your luggage to the next train for you. I am sure someone will chime in with that info.

We enjoy train travel over flying and do find the pace relaxing. It's part of the vacation.

We did not enjoy NY Penn Station at all. There was no place to sit while we waited.

I believe we were on the Silver Meteor from NY Penn to Orlando. They did not have wi-fi in the bedrooms. Do not know about in coach.

 

[lisa-upnorth]

I have read through most of this thread and it has been full of so much great information and I love the pictures too. Thank you to all who have posted.

After reading I am second guessing my choosing to fly to DW. Before I decide to definitely choose Amtrak instead, I have a few questions.

First, I would travel from Penn station through to Kissimmee. A friend told me I would have to switch to another train in D.C. but. that does not seem right to me. I know the train makes stops on the way to Kissimmee; but, unless it states you have to switch trains when choosing which departure date and time to purchase tickets for, doesn't that mean you do not have to switch to another train? (With the exception of a mechanical problem).
No switching after Penn

Also, I have read a few favorable comments about the Coach Seats but, wondered if there were any negative experiences. A friend of mine said I was crazy to try the train but it seems like it wouldn't be that bad. Are the seats comfortable? Are they clean? Do the seats all have outlets? I think I read somewhere that there were very few outlets. We would not be able to manage a long trip like that without the outlet to recharge electronics.
Coach seats are great-for a shorter trip!! I have done it twice by coach and will never do it again! Too long.The roomettes aren't cheap but are worth every penny! Free meals,all alone,sleep in a bed! It is definetly part of the vacation adventure we love. There ARE outlets at every seat and in the rooms,they are clean!

I am not that knowledgeable about technology, so I am not sure if I have the right name but, I know the wi-fi on the train does not always work so are you allowed to bring a "hot box?" to provide portable wi-fi service.
The wi-fi is spotty as you chug along...sometimes it is working though.Your 'hotbox' would prob work most of the way-where there was good cell service.

Can you dine in the dining car, if you are not in a roomette or other rooms. Do you make a reservation for the dining room while on the train or when purchasing tickets?
You can dine in the car if you are not in a room,you make ressie once on train.
Except for the length of the trip, do you find traveling by train less hectic and stressful than dealing with the airport?
I haven't flown in almost 20yrs so can't help ya on this one!!I do not find the train hectic at all!

Are the carts that you can rent at the airport to push your luggage also available at the train depot? It is just my son and I but we stay for two weeks so I end up with 3 suitcases and he can't manage to pull any along on the wheels. Luggage is so tortuous for me to deal with. I'm sure it is quite amusing to see me stumbling over the 3 suitcases I am trying to wheel through the airport.
They have men with carts that will do it for you-for a tip.Very easy-they will ask you if you would like help.

Lots of great questions!

 

[bocaj1431]

I can only answer one of your questions with any certainty. There are two trains a day from NY Penn Station to Florida, the Silver Meteor and the Silver Star. Many stops, but no change of trains.

That is good to know. Thank you.

We just took the train from Boston to Orlando a few months ago. We got on the train in Boston, changed trains in at Penn Station. No changes in DC.
We have done coach over night and a sleeper car. We would not do coach again for an overnight. We enjoyed having our own bathroom/shower and arrived in Orlando showered and ready to go to the parks.

After sleeping in coach, we felt too grimy and wanted to wait to shower but were not able to check in until 3pm. The seats were comfy enough though.

Not sure about renting a cart, but you can get help from a Red Cap. We did not use that so do not know if there is a fee, or just a tip. He would bring your luggage to the next train for you. I am sure someone will chime in with that info.

We enjoy train travel over flying and do find the pace relaxing. It's part of the vacation.

We did not enjoy NY Penn Station at all. There was no place to sit while we waited.

I believe we were on the Silver Meteor from NY Penn to Orlando. They did not have wi-fi in the bedrooms. Do not know about in coach.

Thank you for sharing your experiences on the train. I think i am definitely going to try it.

Lots of great questions!

 

[bocaj1431]

Lots of great questions!

This is really helpful. Thank you.

 

[GetGlowing]

We don'ttravel from the Northeast, so I'll defer to the expertise of others on your scheduling question.

But I can give you my opinion of coach. I don't mind it for overnight, but despite their generous recline and huge legrest that will pull up flat with your seat, the seats don't fit my frame as well as I'd like. Now if I could carry on 5-6 pillows I could get right comfy! And we do bring a couple travel pillows and blankets when we ride the train. That said, I'm 5'9" and leggy. Shorter people don't seem to mind, and plenty of people taller than me seem to sleep just fine in coach. Of course, it could be that we catch the train at 2am and my fidgetyness is just part of sleep deprivation. So, long story short, you may or may not love coach, but the seats are overall pretty comfy and you have a heck of a lot of room.

One outlet per seat, which means a pair of outlets at every bench. No wifi on board. Bring a hotspot, but there are some places in SC, GA, and FL where you may not get a signal. I always fire up my GPS map and the Speedview app to see where we are and now fast we're going.


Anyone can eat in the dining car, you just pay the menu prices. Spendy, but it's a nice experience. Food on the Silver Service is a lot better than on the Cardinal we took to Chicago.

Always bring earplugs and an eye mask, or at least a ball cap you can pull down over your eyes; the coach lighting is dimmed, but it still shines right inbyour eyes when you're trying to sleep. The train horn can be annoying to some, but I sleep right through it. It will he very noticeable if your coach is near the locomotive.

We always use Kissimmee station rather than Orlando. It's teeny tiny and taxi driver can let you out right near the tracks so the luggage struggles are less of an issue. You can check 2 bags per person free as long as your originating station has baggage service. Amtrak website will tell you if it does. Generous carry on limits, too, plus you can bring food & drink onboard.

When we were in a sleeper, out attendant didn't have a problem with our BYOB, but I'm not sure that would be appropriate in coach. The cafe car does sell wine & beer, though.

 

[bocaj1431]

That is good to know. Thank you.



Thank you for sharing your experiences on the train. I think i am definitely going to try it.

We don'ttravel from the Northeast, so I'll defer to the expertise of others on your scheduling question.

But I can give you my opinion of coach. I don't mind it for overnight, but despite their generous recline and huge legrest that will pull up flat with your seat, the seats don't fit my frame as well as I'd like. Now if I could carry on 5-6 pillows I could get right comfy! And we do bring a couple travel pillows and blankets when we ride the train. That said, I'm 5'9" and leggy. Shorter people don't seem to mind, and plenty of people taller than me seem to sleep just fine in coach. Of course, it could be that we catch the train at 2am and my fidgetyness is just part of sleep deprivation. So, long story short, you may or may not love coach, but the seats are overall pretty comfy and you have a heck of a lot of room.

One outlet per seat, which means a pair of outlets at every bench. No wifi on board. Bring a hotspot, but there are some places in SC, GA, and FL where you may not get a signal. I always fire up my GPS map and the Speedview app to see where we are and now fast we're going.


Anyone can eat in the dining car, you just pay the menu prices. Spendy, but it's a nice experience. Food on the Silver Service is a lot better than on the Cardinal we took to Chicago.

Always bring earplugs and an eye mask, or at least a ball cap you can pull down over your eyes; the coach lighting is dimmed, but it still shines right inbyour eyes when you're trying to sleep. The train horn can be annoying to some, but I sleep right through it. It will he very noticeable if your coach is near the locomotive.

We always use Kissimmee station rather than Orlando. It's teeny tiny and taxi driver can let you out right near the tracks so the luggage struggles are less of an issue. You can check 2 bags per person free as long as your originating station has baggage service. Amtrak website will tell you if it does. Generous carry on limits, too, plus you can bring food & drink onboard.

When we were in a sleeper, out attendant didn't have a problem with our BYOB, but I'm not sure that would be appropriate in coach. The cafe car does sell wine & beer, though.

Thank you so much for all the details you provided!! Especially the info about the seats. I have definitely decided to travel by train this time. Can't wait.

 

[Miffy]

bocaj1431:

I second the opinion that if you could possibly afford it, a roomette (or room, if you could swing the expense) makes all the difference on this very long trip, nearly 24 hours of train travel. The seats in coach are comfortable, but they're not private and they aren't beds. Other than the noise of the train, the roomettes are extremely quiet, something that you can't be guaranteed in coach. If you read through this thread, you'll see posts by people who've traveled coach and had at best fitful sleep because of, well, other people. No offense to other people! or to people who take coach! It's just that people do make noise, babies cry, people snore, etc., etc., etc. If none of this would bother you or your traveling companion, then you might be fine in a coach seat. But if you think it would bother you, then get a roomette. You won't be sorry. Ear plugs and noise-cancelling headphones only do so much.

My sister took Amtrak to WDW last year for the first time and was sure she'd be happy in a coach seat. On her return trip, she paid for the roomette, which, by then, was quite expensive, and she was happy and relieved that she did.

The cost for the roomette, btw, is per roomette, not per person, and is in addition to the fare. As someone else already mentioned, it includes meals in the dining car, so you might want to factor that cost into your budget considerations.

Book your train reservation as early as possible. Unlike air fares, train fares are certain to increase the closer you get to your travel date.

There are cancellation fees now on Amtrak. I'm not certain what exactly they are (they've changed recently) but make sure you read Amtrak's cancellation policy before you book.

BTW, we use the Orlando station and have never had a problem with crowds there. Perhaps this is because we aren't traveling at peak times.

One more thing. If you book a roomette or room, there's an Amtrak lounge at Penn Station NY you can use. It's a much more comfortable place to hang out before the trip than the general waiting room. It's quiet, has its own bathrooms, there's free food and drink, and they escort you to the gate.

And . . . have a great trip!

 

[bocaj1431]

bocaj1431:

I second the opinion that if you could possibly afford it, a roomette (or room, if you could swing the expense) makes all the difference on this very long trip, nearly 24 hours of train travel. The seats in coach are comfortable, but they're not private and they aren't beds. Other than the noise of the train, the roomettes are extremely quiet, something that you can't be guaranteed in coach. If you read through this thread, you'll see posts by people who've traveled coach and had at best fitful sleep because of, well, other people. No offense to other people! or to people who take coach! It's just that people do make noise, babies cry, people snore, etc., etc., etc. If none of this would bother you or your traveling companion, then you might be fine in a coach seat. But if you think it would bother you, then get a roomette. You won't be sorry. Ear plugs and noise-cancelling headphones only do so much.

My sister took Amtrak to WDW last year for the first time and was sure she'd be happy in a coach seat. On her return trip, she paid for the roomette, which, by then, was quite expensive, and she was happy and relieved that she did.

The cost for the roomette, btw, is per roomette, not per person, and is in addition to the fare. As someone else already mentioned, it includes meals in the dining car, so you might want to factor that cost into your budget considerations.

Book your train reservation as early as possible. Unlike air fares, train fares are certain to increase the closer you get to your travel date.

There are cancellation fees now on Amtrak. I'm not certain what exactly they are (they've changed recently) but make sure you read Amtrak's cancellation policy before you book.

BTW, we use the Orlando station and have never had a problem with crowds there. Perhaps this is because we aren't traveling at peak times.

One more thing. If you book a roomette or room, there's an Amtrak lounge at Penn Station NY you can use. It's a much more comfortable place to hang out before the trip than the general waiting room. It's quiet, has its own bathrooms, there's free food and drink, and they escort you to the gate.

And . . . have a great trip!

All these posts are so helpful.

I am starting think a roomette might be the way to go. I especially like the information you shared about the lounge. My son has Autism and I can't see him being patient, if there is a delay with the train and there is no where to sit down.

Thanks!

 

[Miffy]

All these posts are so helpful.

I am starting think a roomette might be the way to go. I especially like the information you shared about the lounge. My son has Autism and I can't see him being patient, if there is a delay with the train and there is no where to sit down.

Thanks!

The lounge at Penn Station is really great. We use it every trip.

If you think of the expense of the roomette as the cost of 3 meals (for 2 people) and a hotel for the night, it's really quite a bargain. And it's so much more pleasant to be on the train than in an airport or on a plane.

Another really nice thing about the train (Shhh! Don't tell anyone! ) is that when you check into your resort, it's almost guaranteed there won't be as many people in line at the check-in desk, since you're not arriving at the same time as the ME buses.

 

[bocaj1431]

Another really nice thing about the train (Shhh! Don't tell anyone! ) is that when you check into your resort, it's almost guaranteed there won't be as many people in line at the check-in desk, since you're not arriving at the same time as the ME buses.

That is definitely a plus!