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

[LuvEeyore]

Planning another trip and would love to take the train from Cary NC again but my Goddaughter told me the only place she wanted to take the train to was NYC. So no train to Orlando. Guess I will have at least a 10 hour trip or longer to look forward to!

 

[lisa-upnorth]

I was looking for a different car rental company because hertz is much higher than other rental companies. Thank you though.

Hertz will price match!!! They do for me everytime!

 

[lisa-upnorth]

I am back! I haven't been on in months and so glad to see all the new train lovers!!!!! We had another wonderful journey from Albany NY to Disney...what,you want some pics????OK
coming up ASAP

 

[lisa-upnorth]

all aboard! Our family bedroom(we get into it at Penn in NYC)

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[lisa-upnorth]

wash up area

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standing near window(near the 2 kids in seats from other pic) looking toward hall(the lower bed rolls down-all the blue cushion slides down and becomes the base/bed two can sleep on

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[bocaj1431]

I am back! I haven't been on in months and so glad to see all the new train lovers!!!!! We had another wonderful journey from Albany NY to Disney...what,you want some pics????OK
coming up ASAP

Thanks for the pics!

Hertz will price match!!! They do for me everytime!

I did not know that. Thanks for the tip.

 

[TandyR]

Hertz will price match!!! They do for me everytime!

How do you deal with the price match? Who do you call and how do you prove it?

 

[lisa-upnorth]

I was actually surprised at how easy it was. I stalked all the deals I read about here and on mousesavers. I ran my dates on every site weekly.I called the Orlando Hertz directly and explained I was interested in renting from them for my vacation but "Budget" had a price of "$150" and they wanted "225". They said they would price match.Think they said 'hold on while I ask the manager' and they did it.I printed the competitor 's page and took it with me but don't think they ever asked for it! Be firm,talk to a manager if you can't get the person on the phone to do it.Tell them your friend has done it there
DO NOT GIVE UP! If you get a person that won't help call back again another time.

 

[TandyR]

I was actually surprised at how easy it was. I stalked all the deals I read about here and on mousesavers. I ran my dates on every site weekly.I called the Orlando Hertz directly and explained I was interested in renting from them for my vacation but "Budget" had a price of "$150" and they wanted "225". They said they would price match.Think they said 'hold on while I ask the manager' and they did it.I printed the competitor 's page and took it with me but don't think they ever asked for it! Be firm,talk to a manager if you can't get the person on the phone to do it.Tell them your friend has done it there
DO NOT GIVE UP! If you get a person that won't help call back again another time.

Ok...I just have a incredible deal with National right now and I have trouble believing that Hertz would match it, but if they even got close so we didn't have to take a taxi to go get the car I would take it. I will call and see if they will match right now I have 10 days in a full-size car for $230.

 

[lisa-upnorth]

Ok...I just have a incredible deal with National right now and I have trouble believing that Hertz would match it, but if they even got close so we didn't have to take a taxi to go get the car I would take it. I will call and see if they will match right now I have 10 days in a full-size car for $230.

mine was a crazy good deal too! They did it! Good luck! Much easier than getting off train and taxing around.I was off train and in car in 10 min total time,at hotel less than 30 min after getting off train!

 

[TandyR]

mine was a crazy good deal too! They did it! Good luck! Much easier than getting off train and taxing around.I was off train and in car in 10 min total time,at hotel less than 30 min after getting off train!

Ok I will give it a shot as soon as I get my nerve up.

 

[lisa-upnorth]

checkers anyone?

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[lisa-upnorth]

one of my fav sights


Chloe napping up top


shower in our room's bathroom-above the toilet!

 

[bocaj1431]

This will be my first time traveling by train. We will be leaving out of the PENN station in NY and arriving at the Kissimmee station.

I am nervous about both departure at the PENN station and the Kissimmee station. It will be just myself and my son. My son has Autism and at times travel can be a little tricky.

My first concern is; what is the process which will provide the least amount of stress when arriving at PENN station. I will have two suitcases and a carry on, a cooler, a duffel bag and a back pack. My son can not help with much so I would like to have help with the bags as soon as possible. Do the train stations have people who help with checking in luggage at the main entrance like at airports? If so, does anyone know the fee for that service and how it works? If not do they have luggage carts at the station?

Is it easy to find your way around the station and find the train you are taking? When getting on the train, is it better to sit in the first section or walk further on to another area of the train?

Does the train have ice that you can get for your coolers?

When heading back home, we have an evening departure. I have read posts saying that the Kissimmee station is not in the best of areas and that the station is very small. We will have to wait about an hour for our train with all our stuff. I am nervous being that it is just my son and I. Will there be many other travelers around 7pm in such a small station? Do I have anything to worry about? Should we switch to the Orlando station?

Is there any important tips about traveling by train for the first time which would be useful?

Any info would greatly be appreciated. I am just so nervous and having a better idea of what to expect will help with the stress level for my son.

Thanks

 

[buckirj1]

I *think* you can call a Redcap porter from the main entrance at Penn Station to help you with your bags. That'll probably involve a wait of some sort...they're busy guys, and typically don't hang around the entrance. It'll probably be easier if you can have your cab driver drop you off at the side entrance and take the elevator to get you and your bags to concourse level. You can then simply go to the baggage area to check your bags. You might want to check about baggage assistance at the other end. I'm pretty sure it's available at Orlando, but I'm not sure about Kississimmee.

Oh, and I shouldn't have to say this, but tip your Redcap well. They work hard.

 

[Teacher03]

This will be my first time traveling by train. We will be leaving out of the PENN station in NY and arriving at the Kissimmee station.

I am nervous about both departure at the PENN station and the Kissimmee station. It will be just myself and my son. My son has Autism and at times travel can be a little tricky.

My first concern is; what is the process which will provide the least amount of stress when arriving at PENN station. I will have two suitcases and a carry on, a cooler, a duffel bag and a back pack. My son can not help with much so I would like to have help with the bags as soon as possible. Do the train stations have people who help with checking in luggage at the main entrance like at airports? If so, does anyone know the fee for that service and how it works? If not do they have luggage carts at the station?

Is it easy to find your way around the station and find the train you are taking? When getting on the train, is it better to sit in the first section or walk further on to another area of the train?

Does the train have ice that you can get for your coolers?

When heading back home, we have an evening departure. I have read posts saying that the Kissimmee station is not in the best of areas and that the station is very small. We will have to wait about an hour for our train with all our stuff. I am nervous being that it is just my son and I. Will there be many other travelers around 7pm in such a small station? Do I have anything to worry about? Should we switch to the Orlando station?

Is there any important tips about traveling by train for the first time which would be useful?

Any info would greatly be appreciated. I am just so nervous and having a better idea of what to expect will help with the stress level for my son.

Thanks

We've used both the Orlando and Kissimmee stations; I did not feel that Kissimmee was a bad area. In fact, I prefer it over Orlando. It is closer to Disney and not so many people. I traveled with my daughter and never felt unsafe.

 

[Miffy]

This will be my first time traveling by train. We will be leaving out of the PENN station in NY and arriving at the Kissimmee station.

I am nervous about both departure at the PENN station and the Kissimmee station. It will be just myself and my son. My son has Autism and at times travel can be a little tricky.

My first concern is; what is the process which will provide the least amount of stress when arriving at PENN station. I will have two suitcases and a carry on, a cooler, a duffel bag and a back pack. My son can not help with much so I would like to have help with the bags as soon as possible. Do the train stations have people who help with checking in luggage at the main entrance like at airports? If so, does anyone know the fee for that service and how it works? If not do they have luggage carts at the station?

Is it easy to find your way around the station and find the train you are taking? When getting on the train, is it better to sit in the first section or walk further on to another area of the train?

Does the train have ice that you can get for your coolers?

When heading back home, we have an evening departure. I have read posts saying that the Kissimmee station is not in the best of areas and that the station is very small. We will have to wait about an hour for our train with all our stuff. I am nervous being that it is just my son and I. Will there be many other travelers around 7pm in such a small station? Do I have anything to worry about? Should we switch to the Orlando station?

Is there any important tips about traveling by train for the first time which would be useful?

Any info would greatly be appreciated. I am just so nervous and having a better idea of what to expect will help with the stress level for my son.

Thanks

Hi. I live in NYC and use Penn Station pretty frequently, although--disclaimer--I have never used a porter to check my bags. But I've never seen a porter at the entrance on 7th Avenue. Apparently there are often porters at the 8th Avenue entrance. Take a look at this extremely useful information: http://jasongibbs.com/pennstation/ which I found with only a little searching.

You don't say how you're getting to Penn Station. Taxi? Subway? Car? If it's the subway or LIRR, then you don't have much choice where you're going to get off your transport into the station, but if you're taking a car or taxi, then make sure to be dropped off on 8th Avenue. Apparently the former service drive is now closed to vehicles. Not sure why.

Are you traveling coach? Or do you have a roomette or room? If you're in coach and you could possibly afford it, I highly recommend taking a roomette. This is a very long trip--about 24 hours and sometimes longer if there're delays--and it's far more comfortable to have your own space. It doesn't really make up for the price difference, but you do get all your meals in the dining car included with the cost of the roomette and also you can use the Acela Lounge in Penn Station while you're waiting for your train. The lounge is quite nice and they really take care of the people who're traveling long distances. At least, that's been my experience.

Of course only you can judge what your son can handle and also what you can afford. Just be aware that it may be difficult to sleep in coach during the night, since it's not exactly silent.

DH and I always use the Orlando station and it's been absolutely fine. I know that a lot of regular Amtrak riders to WDW seem to prefer the Kissimmee station and it may be that it's better if you're in coach. Really, I don't think it makes a huge difference.

Hope this answered some of your questions.

Have a magical trip!

 

[bocaj1431]

I *think* you can call a Redcap porter from the main entrance at Penn Station to help you with your bags. That'll probably involve a wait of some sort...they're busy guys, and typically don't hang around the entrance. It'll probably be easier if you can have your cab driver drop you off at the side entrance and take the elevator to get you and your bags to concourse level. You can then simply go to the baggage area to check your bags. You might want to check about baggage assistance at the other end. I'm pretty sure it's available at Orlando, but I'm not sure about Kississimmee.

Oh, and I shouldn't have to say this, but tip your Redcap well. They work hard.

Im really happy they have the Redcap service. Just one person dealing with all the luggage I have is comical to watch but sooooo stressful.

I definitely will tip them. Every person who handles my luggage gets a really good tip. They so deserve it! Thanks for the information!

We've used both the Orlando and Kissimmee stations; I did not feel that Kissimmee was a bad area. In fact, I prefer it over Orlando. It is closer to Disney and not so many people. I traveled with my daughter and never felt unsafe.

Because the train station is not fully staffed in the evening, and the possibility that there may not be that many other travelers I have been worried. Hearing that you never felt unsafe is reassuring. Thanks!

Hi. I live in NYC and use Penn Station pretty frequently, although--disclaimer--I have never used a porter to check my bags. But I've never seen a porter at the entrance on 7th Avenue. Apparently there are often porters at the 8th Avenue entrance. Take a look at this extremely useful information: http://jasongibbs.com/pennstation/ which I found with only a little searching.

You don't say how you're getting to Penn Station. Taxi? Subway? Car? If it's the subway or LIRR, then you don't have much choice where you're going to get off your transport into the station, but if you're taking a car or taxi, then make sure to be dropped off on 8th Avenue. Apparently the former service drive is now closed to vehicles. Not sure why.

Are you traveling coach? Or do you have a roomette or room? If you're in coach and you could possibly afford it, I highly recommend taking a roomette. This is a very long trip--about 24 hours and sometimes longer if there're delays--and it's far more comfortable to have your own space. It doesn't really make up for the price difference, but you do get all your meals in the dining car included with the cost of the roomette and also you can use the Acela Lounge in Penn Station while you're waiting for your train. The lounge is quite nice and they really take care of the people who're traveling long distances. At least, that's been my experience.

Of course only you can judge what your son can handle and also what you can afford. Just be aware that it may be difficult to sleep in coach during the night, since it's not exactly silent.

DH and I always use the Orlando station and it's been absolutely fine. I know that a lot of regular Amtrak riders to WDW seem to prefer the Kissimmee station and it may be that it's better if you're in coach. Really, I don't think it makes a huge difference.

Hope this answered some of your questions.

Have a magical trip!

Thank you for the link. I am definitely going to check it out.

I will be dropped off at the station by a friend so, I will use your tip about 8th ave.

Unfortunately, we could only afford coach. Those roomettes are nice but pricey. Luckily the medications my son has to take in the eve put him to sleep so, I do not have to worry about that. I on the other hand will probably not sleep. My son also wears noise canceling headphones so he is good with noise throughout the day too.

Thank you so much for all the helpful information!

 

[pepe of ohio]

Definitely use the Red Caps... Since you're traveling coach ( we feel sleepers are ridiculously priced) have a Red Cap handle your baggage, seek out one early and they will escort you and your stuff to the right train car before general boarding starts... So nice to have personalized service right to the train and board all by yourself eliminating the long line processional of general boarding...

We prefer Kissimmee just because we've seen the boarding in Orlando... Imagine 60 + people, all in a long line, carrying baggage and souvenirs , standing in the hot Florida sun, trying to board one by one, then finding their seat and storing their stuff holding up the entire line waiting to board because you can't pass each other in the car.... no thank you... Detraining in Orlando maybe easy but boarding there is not something I want to experience....that's coach ... Very few people board sleepers so that's different..

Kissimmee, 10+ people, maybe, board...easy to get off and away... Baggage handled fast... Same for boarding there, checked baggage, small station for waiting.. So fast to board and closer to WDW for cab fare...we recommend Kissimmee in a heart beat... Where does everyone and their brother get off and board... Orlando, imagine the hoards of people, chaos, most have no idea what they are doing....

 

[PixieDust8913]

Hello,
Me and my boyfriend are going to be taking our first trip to Universal Studios and using the amtrak for the first time.
We are leaving from Boston and when we get to Penn Station there is a hour wait, Can we leave the station and walk around for a little before are train? and also since its gonna be a over night ride how does the smoke breaks work?
Thanks