Amtrak

[vacationwoman]

Is anyone else terrified of flying or just me?
I stopped flying 5 years ago and have been taking Amtrak every year since then, even though it's much more expensive. Any other train buffs?

 

[4merlurkerchris]

It's not just you!!!! We have been taking Amtrak for years now. You are right--it is alot more expensive than flying--especially if you get a sleeper! Last year, we tried the Auto-Train for the first time.
Chris

 

[vacationwoman]

Glad to hear I have company. Went coach for two years and didn't like the "dirty" bathrooms. Now we get deluxe sleeper and I love it. For my peace of mind it's worth every penny.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

Yes Yes!!! I always take the Amtrak AutoTrain to Disney. I will not fly - I get very ill on airplanes (those little bags on the planes are not big enough!!). As well, the anxiety I have about flying would just about ruin the entire trip, anyways. So I take the train, and absolutely love it - it's part of the adventure! I also get a sleeper car, and I always meet nice people to chat with. I always look forward to riding the train!

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[vacationwoman]

Have never taken auto train. Never leave the park so don't need a car.
Although one year we did spend a day at "that other theme park" but had Mears take us round trip.

 

[4merlurkerchris]

We don't use our car either when we are there. We used to take Amtrak from Penn Station, New York, but that was before my husband decided to bring his golf clubs, instead of renting them. Even with the sleeper on the regular train, there is not enough room for all of our stuff. They said they may be able to store some of our stuff on another part of the train, but we didn't really like not knowing where all of our stuff is. So now we just drive the 5 hours to Lorton, Virginia and we can pack up whatever we need. The auto-train trains were nice and so was the staff.
Chris

 

[Patio]

I took the Amtrak from Philly in Dec 99 with my ds, then 5, and my parents, while my dh and dd, then 10, flew. My parents have never flown and I was also deathly afraid. We were in coach but it was relaxing and enjoyed it. This past Feb. myself, dh, dd and ds decided to fly. It wasn't too bad, I just brought books and hand-held games to pass the time. Also we had a direct flight which helped. I couldn't believe how fast the time went by up there.I would do it again.

 

[vacationwoman]

Patio - We live in Philly and flying is much faster, but had a really bad experience in "95" and absolutely will not fly again. I really enjoy the train (even though it's much longer) find it very relaxing and time is not a problem for me. Still am not crazy about coach, the seating was quite comfortable, but the restrooms leave a lot to be desired. Prefer to have the private bath in the sleepers. You would think with all the employees that they have on the train they would keep them cleaner.

 

[woody62798]

Two years ago we took the auto train for the first time. We went in Mid AUG, 6 kids, 2 adults and a car. we got great rates;. we went coach and it was wonderful, our car was not full so the conductor allowed us to spread out.. all the kids had two seats to themselves!

The food was good too! No stress, no real worries about packing too much, etc. We only used the car once while we were down there, but it still worked out to be very economical!

This year we are flying (one less kid) and an incerdible airfare, so we'll see how that works out.

 

[Patio]

Vacationwoman,
I'd probably feel the same way if I had a bad flight. You're right about the coach restrooms- they were dirty. I wasn't impressed with the food either but I would take the train again.