Another Amtrak question.....

[singitalto]

Is it worth the $550 more each eay to get a sleeper? I MIGHT be able to afford it one way and take coach the other. I just realized- would they charge a fee to add the sleeper since I already bought the coach seats already?
How many meals do they include when taking the train from NY to Orlando(3 or 2)

I'm trying to justify the cost. I really want to take the sleeper, it looks so comftable but right now I cant justify the cost- I have gotten the best deals to stay at Disney and to get a room on the train for 500 night just seems so expensive.

My friend has taken Amtrak to Alabama several times. She Says if the sleeper compartments aren't sold , after you leave the NY station they offer it to you for a discounted price. Anyone heard of this before?? What kind of price would it be?? I would take a chance since we are going on a Wed in the end of Sept - it's not that busy then, it might be a possibility.

Also anyone ever take Coach USA to the hotel. I got a price of $49- the kids were making a racket I don't know if thats round trip. I would hope it is , especially since you can get TTC for $80 RT. ANy one know??

 

[DC7800]

There shouldn't be any fees to add a sleeper, except naturally the extra accomodations charge. All meals are included for which you are onboard during mealtime. For example, some passengers are on a Chicago to L.A. train for about 41 hours - they eat five meals. A 7:05 p.m. departure (has that changed recently?) from New York may not serve a full dinner, though.

You are taking a chance by waiting until you are on the train to get a sleeper. They might be all sold out, or other passengers (who somehow get to the conductor first) may ask for upgrades ahead of you. If you don't reserve ahead of time, and can't snare a bedroom right out of New York, make your wishes known to the train personnel that you remain interested if anything opens up on down the line (literally). A passenger in, say, Richmond Va. might be a no-show, or someone in a bedroom may disembark just after midnight, opening a room for you while it's still worthwhile to have one. Also, the further the train has traveled before you upgrade to first class, the cheaper it gets. This can be a great way to get a bargain room, but you take your chances. The minute you are offered any sleeper accomodation - grab it! The key is to ask immediately upon boarding, but it still doesn't always work. If you need more than one room for your party, your chances are diminished.

I'm afraid I don't know much about CoachUSA's policies. Its also possible to take Lynx (local public) buses from the Orlando station to the Disney Transportation & Ticket Center, but I wouldn't recommend this if you have much luggage at all (requires a change of buses, apparently).

Finally, here's a link which at last clears up the confusion about electrical outlets in Amtrak Amfleet II coaches:

http://communities.prodigy.net/trains/amthints.htm#25

Since you are boarding in NY, you have a good chance to get a seat by the outlets - just try to be one of the first people on the train. With my limited expereince with Penn Station, this can be tough. Specific seats are not assigned (its up to you), but cars are. If, as luck would have it, all the "outlet" seats are taken (you'll have to look for the outlets), sit as close as possible and bring a 3-6 ft extension cord. Wait until everyone is settled in, then politely ask your neighbors if you can plug something in. Remember headphones and a surge protector, too.

 

[singitalto]

DC7800- Thank you so much for all your help! That website is so informative for us Amtrak newbies!!!!

One last question. If I do wait to ask till we are on the train if there are any sleepers left for a last minute upgrade, Who do I ask? The attendant or the conductor?

Thanks again! You guys are great!

 

[DC7800]

The conductor is the person who can sell you the sleeper compartment, should any be available. Try to speak to them as soon as possible when boarding. If you can't find the conductor, ask your coach attendant to make the inquiry for you.