Any Amtrak Vetrans

[js]

My mom and I will be on Amtrak from NY to Orlando with my son since he cannot fly due to his ears (dh and dd will be flying).
We are in coach seats. Can anyone tell me what to expect, what to bring, what to avoid? The train leaves from NY so we will have our pick of seats. Where will be the best place to sit and worst (definately won't be sitting by any bathrooms).
Any ANY information you can give us or secrets would be greatly appreciated. We usually fly and this will be our first time taking the train. Thank you.

 

[tci1212]

We took amtrak for the 1st time from NJ to Ontario Canada this summer,on the way we had to be split up from our kids because people would take double seats for themselves. The train smelled so bad, make sure you don't sit near the bathroom. Also 1 man kept complaining that he was cold so they shut off the air in our car!. We complained and the guy turned it back on. I would never take amtrak again. Some people like it but it is not for me. They had a small dining car that did not offer too much food,so I would bring snacks and maybe some sandwiches. We packed a cooler with drinks for the kids.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I have taken Amtrak only from Schenectady to Rochester,
many times. ( Never to Florida, though) I have found out
that if I sit on the front or end of ANY car, I begin to feel
a little car sick. It seems to sway more on the ends. You
might want to get a seat somewhere in the middle of a
car.

 

[ducklite]

First, it's Amtrak, so don't plan on getting there on time. Next, avoid the bathroom cars, or the front of a car directly behind the bathroom cars.

If I were you I would try to pay the little extra cost to upgrade to First Class/Reserved seats, or better yet sleeper car rooms. The trip is at best about 20 hours, and the seats do not recline. There is more leg room than on a plane though.

Food service, unless you will have access to the dining car (not sure coach does) will be pretty dismal. Sandwiches, salads, not much choice and they often run out. I would definitley pack a cooler with meals.

Not sure where in NY you are coming from, but you will likely have to change trains at least once, if not twice. If you are coming via west of Albany, you might have to change in Rennsealear, a dumpy little station. Then you will have to change at NY Penn, a dauntingly huge station. Use the porters to help with luggage transfers, they wear red caps. There are no porters in Renssealear, you're on your own.

I used to commute in and out of NYPenn daily, and the trains bound to FL were almost always delayed by at least a hour. During bad weather and peak holidays they could be delayed by hours and hours. Take plenty to keep you occupied. There is a waiting area at NYPenn that is pretty safe, they only let ticketed pax use it. But don't leave your belongings. You can check them at the station if you have a long layover. There is also a lounge for first class and higher pax at NYPenn, ask about it, it's much nicer than th public waiting area.

Anne

 

[js]

Thank you for your replys.
Unfortunately, this is the way we have to do it. My son has always such trouble with his ears, had tubes in them-still infections with tubes, they finally came out but the last time we flew (Oct.) his eardrum burst upon landing into MCO and for about 5 months he literally had a small hole in his eardrum. So, we want to wait another year or so until he flys again since I know there is no way he will keep the Airplanes in his ears for takeoff/landing.
I will see how much it will cost to upgrade to a "First Class section" but definatly know we will not be doing the sleeper cars.
I work mid-town Manhattan so I am very aware of NY Penn and we will not be switching trains.
I thought I was told that our seats reclined, I will have to call back and check.
I was also told the seats are 2 across so I know my son and I will be together and my mom will be across from us. We are getting on at the beginning so I don't think there will be too much of a problem with that. But, I can tell you, if people were taking up 2 seats and only paying for one, I would have definately made a big stink about it (just like the man who complained about the airconditioning). No way would my children not be sitting with me because some people decided to be inconsiderate. Did you ask anyone to help you?
I was also informed we will have access to the dining car, club car and a car that shows movies, although I am sure I will have to pay. I like the idea of still brining a collapseable cooler on with me. Thank you. I will put drinks and make some pbj sandwiches and bring some snacks too.
I never thought about not sitting in the front or back of the car and I will be careful not to choose those sections. Any other insights, good or bad, I would greatly appreciate. Thank you

 

[ducklite]

JS-

Sorry, I need to clarify-- The seats do recline a little (like a plane seat). They'll give you a little pillow and blanket, I would bring my own pillow, and my experience is that they aren't always laundered between pax.

The Amtrak lounge is to the left of the NJ Transit ticket windows on the Main councourse. I think it's only available to FC & SLeeper pax though.

In FC the seats are all reserved, which would be a huge plus. Also there is a lot more room in the car, and less "dicey" people.

When they announce that your train will be boarding in "x" minutes, go down to the lower concourse for faster access, poeple don't know you can do that. That way you'll have a better selection if you have to do "coach".

Anne

 

[js]

Anne, thanks. I too am worried about the people and hope it will be ok.
I didn't even know there was first class, just sleepers. That option was never offered to me. I will call now and see what I can do but I know the closer you call to departure the more money it will be.
Thanks.

 

[js]

I just called again. They either offer the coach seating or the sleepers. So coach it will be.
Going it won't matter too much since we are going to Disney, and coming home we will just have to make the best of it. Any other insight would be helpful. Thank you.

 

[4merlurkerchris]

We have taken the auto-train and the train from NY Penn to Orlando. They were both okay, but we kind of liked the auto-train a little better. We always got a sleeper car on both trains. You do have access to the club and dining cars. The food is okay, but I would bring some snacks and drinks along. The train makes alot of stops (the auto-train does not). We always see people bring thier own pillows and blankets. The amtrak lounge in Penn Station is available to sleeper car guests on the NY to Orlando.
Chris

 

[DC7800]

I'll try to address some of the questions above:

All Coaches (Amfleet II on all Florida trains, 59 seats) have reclining seats and bathrooms. Of course, you can't recline too far, or you would end up in the lap of the person behind you. Seats in the middle of the car will be marginally quieter and smoother riding (nothing is really bad, though). You will be provided a pillow, but you may wish to bring a (larger) one of your own. All long-distance trains have coach and first-class accomodations (first-class and sleeper are the same thing). If all sleeper rooms are not sold out ahead of time, you may be able to get a good discount on remaining rooms (ask early - like as soon as you get on board). The seats are indeed two across. Boarding in NY, you should have no problem getting good seats (if for any reason you can't find seats together, the car attendant will help). You should be able to rest in coach reasonably well. With constant scenery, and other people to socialize with onboard (including other children) train travel is seldom boring. However, particularly for your son, you may want to have a few things to do after dark (hard to see much scenery then).

There is a lounge car and a full dining car (the food service tc11212's train had was less elaborate than yours will be). Dining car food is generally quite good; the lounge has snacks and beverages. One advantage to snagging a sleeper: complimentary meals in the diner. These diners are recently refurbished, with expanded menus. The train does make frequent stops, but rest assured this time is allowed for in the schedule. I think the Florida trains (Silver Star, Palm, and Meteor) have about a 75% on-time rating, but don't hold me to that number.

If you have any other questions, please ask.

 

[js]

dc7800-Thank you very much for your informative post. I will also ask about the sleeper as soon as I arrive and again on board. How are the seats configured? Is it set up like an airplane or is it set up 2 seats facing each other? Just curious. Thank you again for all the posts.

 

[karensi]

Thanks all for the information. I felt alittle worried, I'm js's Mom and will be traveling with her and my 3 year old grandson next week, until I read DC7800's post. That made me feel alittle more comfortable. Also appreciated the tip about asking about a sleeper when we board. I still have a few questions left, if anyone can help. I was planning on bringing a duffle bag ,like a carry-on with clothes for the next day, sweater, snacks,etc. Is there a size limit,like on the planes, that you can keep at your seat? Also, is the air conditioning cold at night, or during the day for that matter, I was thinking that maybe I should bring some sweat pants to change into. Also, has anyone ever tried using a cell phone while on the train? I was thinking that it might work, if not I think it should work when we are stopped at a station. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[singitalto]

We are also going on Amtrak from NYC to Orlando. We leave in 31 days!!

We are looking at this as our adventure before WDW!

Do they offer "family" movies in the lounge?

We(me , DH, DD, DS) will be bringing a collapsable cooler with some food too. It's a long ride and I want to bring most of the food with us. I don't want to be stuck in the middle of the night with a hungry kid.

Have a great time!

 

[DC7800]

There isn't really a size limit for something like a duffle bag. Amtrak only says carry-on baggage of "reasonable size and weight" is permitted. I carry a old, hard-shell suitcase which positively dwarfs the carry-ons I see people at Disney with. There is a 50 pound weight limit, but you wouldn't want to lift something that heavy into the overhead luggage racks anyway (baggage - other than checked baggage, also available - is in racks above the seats in coach). There is a limit of two pieces per person. Sleeping car passengers may bring more, but the rooms won't hold it. Last month I carried my suitcase and two camera bags - no problem.

If you want a sleeper upon boarding, talk to the conductor at the first opportunity. If you can't find the conductor, ask your coach attendant. Personally, I think the cars are too hot at night, but a fellow passenger on last months trip talked about needing a sweater. The temperature can vary from car to car, so that's not too unexpected. The coach seats are nearly identical to an airplane; 2-2 seating, you face the back of the seats in front of you. There is a tray built into the seat-back, legrests, etc. Unlike an airplane, you can stroll around whenever you like. You may want to bring a light blanket or sheet, or that larger pillow. The only seating where you face other passengers is the dining car (four person tables).

Cell phone service will come and go depending on where you are. Naturally, cell phone towers are set up for service in populated areas or along major roads. If this happens to be near the tracks, great. But in remote locations, service may be poor or fade out. If you want to make a call, try to time it when you are nearest a city (most any size). The train need not be stopped, you just need enough time in the area to complete your call. Unless you try to talk an hour or something, this shouldn't be a problem.

 

[MdmMim]

I've taken Amtrak from NY to WDW many times--with and without kids. Don't worry--you'll be fine. I always pack a small blanket and snacks and a book. For your son, pack crayons, books, maybe a favorite stuffed animal, etc. They show movies in the coach cars (monitors are located overhead by the luggage), so you may want to pack earphones (or you'll have to buy them onboard.) They usually show a movie and a cartoon or two. (I can't tell you how exciting it was to see a Mickey Mouse cartoon while headed to WDW!)

The seats do recline, as previous posters replied. And there are legrests, which help out a lot when trying to sleep.

If you have any problems or concerns during your trip, your car attendant will be there. Relax and enjoy!!!!

 

[js]

Thank you for such helpful responses. Does this mean my dm can carryon her suitcase? Maybe I will call Amtrak but for those who have taken the train, is it possible?
Also, will have my stroller with my (mid size umbrella). Should I just check it or is their room on the train where I will be sitting. Thanks.

 

[karensi]

DC7800 and MdmMim,Thank you so much for the helpful and reassuring information. My DD (js) says I am worrying too much about the train trip. I am used to traveling by plane and haven't traveled with Amtrak in about 25 years. It sounds as if things have improved since then and after reading your replys I am going to stop obsessing about the train ride . But now I'll have to find something else to obsess about. I hope you'll be able to help me with that as well. Thanks again, I really do feel better.

 

[singitalto]

I have to say thanks also. I have flown before and lately am very fearful of flying. It is not a good way to start and end a vacation- it's very stressful. I am hoping that Amtrak would be a good way to go. Thank you for all your information. I appreciate it!!

 

[MdmMim]

When traveling on a train, I always think of it as an actual part of my vacation--not just a mode of transportation. If the train runs a little late, it doesn't bother me. I feel safe and secure, and I know I'm on an adventure to WDW. I read my guidebook and maybe work on some sort of itinerary (a very loose one!), and I think of all the wonderful, fun things I'll be doing.

I do have a tip, which helps me to sleep better: I don't put my seat all the way back until I'm ready to go to sleep at night. I do recline it during the day, but not all the way. (This works for me, I discovered after several trips.) Earplugs may help at night, too.

Also, you may want to have your little one pack a backpack with things he likes to play with. (For mine, I used to get little inexpensive surprises, wrap them up, and give them out along the way. This way, they'd have something new to amuse them for awhile.) Juice boxes and snacks are good, too.

Sorry if I rambled. Have a great trip!

 

[RustManFan]

we take the Amtrak Auto Train on a regular basis and really enjoy it. We also took the regular train once from Penn Station to Orlando. It is a long haul .... there are 2 things that I recommend bringing along. Food and beverages and a PILLOW. The ones they hand out are tiny. I also recommend bringing along stuff for entertainment .... books is our family preference.

As I recall the seats do recline and were comfortable in couch.