Any Auto Train experts?

[lkneller]

Trying to decide if we should take auto train north in December. Any info would be appreciated. What is a roomette? How comfortable are seats in coach? Do we really need to spend the extra for roomette? How do you keep from falling off the narrow beds, especially the pull down ones? Especially if the train is rocking. Is the train noisy and rowdy or quiet? thanks.

 

[staiebomb]

Were trying the auto train for the first time this January...I found this site extremely helpful....

http://www.on-track-on-line.com/autotrain-tips.shtml

Have a great time!

Jason

 

[Kim&Chris]

We've taken the Auto Train four times. Only once have we had a roomette...and I'll never do the Auto Train again without having a roomette.

The roomette is very small, but very private as well. You don't have the contstant noise of people walking down the aisles, kids crying, lights going on and off, and doors opening & closing between compartments. The pull down beds were comfortable, and you don't have to worry about falling out. They're a little slimmer than twin beds.

The seats in coach are nice (in fact, the entire coach section is nice), but trying to sleep on those seats is impossible. Besides the things I mentioned above, the seats don't recline back very far, so you end up in the shape of a potato chip, and for me...that was bad for my back. I'd rather spend the extra money and get a good night's sleep.

The train's movement actually rocked me to sleep, but I've read where it bothers some people.

 

[hmansure]

You don't have the contstant noise of people walking down the aisles, kids crying, lights going on and off, and doors opening & closing between compartments.

We did the Auto Train once and this was our biggest complaint. Not so much the crying kids, but the adults who kept walking around and opening the doors all night long. We had the seats next to the door and it was awful - the noise combined with the vestibule light shining in! Second worst part - the condition of the bathroom slowly deteriorated through the trip.

We wouldn't do it again unless we were in a sleeper as well.

 

[cherylp3]

there also is a great informational thread at
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=402667&page=1&pp=15

 

[mwehttam]

Kim&Chris: Question on the Roomette. We are thinking of using the Autotrain in July with our 8 month old DS. Do you think that there is enough room and it would be possible for him to sleep on the lower bunk with my DW? We are up in the air about that or staying in the lower coach as there is less foot traffic.

Thanks.

-Matt

 

[lkneller]

I appreciate all of these posts.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I LOVE the AutoTrain! I am probably one of it's biggest fans! I have ridden probably about 20 times in the last 10 years. I done coach and sleeper, and actually done fine in both. Of course, if I have the money, I would do sleeper in a second over coach! I only done the 1 or 2 person standard sleepers rooms, which are small, but give you two seats (and two beds at night) and enough room to hang out and relax in private! I always sleep fine on the beds, but I am barely five feet tall, so not a problem with me! On the upper bunk, there is a strap-like thing that is to prevent people from falling, though I am not sure how well it works!

In coach, I agree with previous posts. You do wind up sleeping like a pretzel as the night progresses! It's actually funny to walk around at night and see all the contorted configurations that people are sleeping in! I only take the AutoTrain in coach in the off-season, so I have two coach seats next to each other to spread out on. Even so, I still can't fully stretch out, and my head usually is against the window, and my legs bent as I sleep. I always pull up both both seat's leg rests, but still it isn't enough room to really stretch! It sure isn't a restful night's sleep, but when I need to save money, it will do! And I agree about the doors opening and closing - that always makes some noise. I seen some people make imprompto tents in coach by draping a blanket over the seats in front and behind them. Coach sleeping needs some determiniation, not everyone can do it!

But overall, I love the train! It's part of the adventure to Disney!