Last summer I booked a room on the Auto Train from Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL. Last week, I booked a room again from my upcoming WDW vacation.
There is alot of information regarding logistics for this type of travel, so I will not go there.
I have taken the train many times from different destinations to the Orlando area; always booking a room. This folks, is really the way to go. Considering this is first class travel, the cost was about the same as first class air fare. However, on the Auto Train you are served two meals. And, actually, they are pretty good meals. Better than airline food. Actual table service.
The room was spacious for me (and whenever I have a travelling partner). I really like the confort of the little couch that folds down into a bed; the little shower. (I am a big 6'2 man, and yes I was able to shower in the morning)
I found sleeping on the train very easy to do. The auto train is non stop (except for a service stop in the middle of the night, which I slept through) and the gentle rocking of the car made sleeping very nice.
The staff was very nice as well. I thought about bringing my lap top, but i was so relaxed from my other trips, I just read a book and cat napped.
There is a smoking lounge downstairs which is a wonderful place to sit and chat with folks. A few times the smoking lounge was a bit raunchy with folks having a bit too much to drink; that's when I thanked my lucky stars for a private room. I just go back there, close the shade on the door and look at the view as we clickety clack on our journey.
Loved having my car on the trip. So easy and simple.
Understand once you arrive at your station, there is no order regarding when your car will be taken off the train. It happens when it happens.
When you check in, you get a number on the side of your car; when you wait in the station, someone calls your number and out you go.
Pack whatever you need for the train ride (medication, snacks, etc.) as once you say toodle loo to your car, you have no access to it until you arrive at the other station.
As I've said, I've taken the train to Florida many times before, but the auto train only once. The rooms, the staff, the space, the smoking lounge, the cleanliness surpasses other Amtrak trains I've taken; and I love that it is non-stop.
Consider this option on your next travel.
Read online about auto train tips, maps, directions, etc., before you go. I got most of my much needed information before I drove to the train station.
And have fun!
. Once onboard, the trip was great. We booked seats in the lower level (didn't book beds because we had 2A and 3K) and only had one other person in there with the 5 of us. Our kids each got a double seat to themselves to sleep on during the night. Highly recommend this because nobody can come through from car to car on the lower level like they do on the upper level. The food was okay (not memorable) and we watched a video upstairs before bedtime. Book early because the rates do go up as it fills up from what I've read. We managed to get the kids free rate so it was only around $ 500-600 including our van. I've told everybody I know to use this on the way back from WDW when the kids don't have anything to look forward to.
