Anyone back using Amtrak from NY Penn to Orlando?

[Alexsmommy]

Hi! Can't find anyone just back on the Transportation board using Amtrak. I am booked for early March on the train from NYC Penn to Orlando. Has anyone done this recently? How was it, I am hoping that I will not regret my decision to do this as opposed to the Auto Train, (it was just so much more expensive just to drive 4 hours myself). However, I am still open to changing the reservation to the Auto Train if people reply it's worth it. Thanks in advance!!!

Maria

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

We've done it from Orlando to Penn Station.

It was a LONG ride.

Of course we did the train when there was really no other option (airports closed), so they were packed! And there were a few problems which made us 3 hours late getting home (after being on a train for over a day...you just want to be home).

It wasn't bad, I'd just prefer to fly.

 

[luvpooh]

We are taking Amtrak from Newark Penn Station to Kissimmee in April. We got a sleeper cabin and plan to take our portable DVD player as well as our Nintendo Game Cube with optional monitor with us to help pass the time. It's more expensive than a plane ticket, but we are justifying it because it's like adding in 2 nights' accomodations and food, so it really kind of evens out.

 

[danacara]

What's the price differential between that and flying? Does anyone know the range?

 

[JoeP]

I have tried both (Newark to Orlando and the Auto Train) and I thought the auto train was much better. The train from Newark seemed to stop every half hour at all times of day and night. The auto train, on the other hand is non-stop. The food was also much better and is included in the price of the auto train. Also, the Amtrak employees were much nicer on the auto train.

 

[Mary Anne]

I did this trip 30 years ago. It cured my fear of flying real fast. Even with everyone afraid to fly today, I'll get on a plane before that train again.

Just my opinion.

 

[Alexsmommy]

Mary Anne your post made me laugh!! LOL I am seriously having secong thoughts and thinking I may just fly, it just seems like the trip might feel like forever. These posts have definitely made me decide either I am flying or changing to the Autotrain. No way can I make all those stops from NYC! LOL
Thanks!

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

I forget how many stops we made back last fall. But I'd say about 20 is about right! It is a time consuming trip. Regular seats were about on par with coach airline tix. A sleeper car was way out of price range.

 

[vacationwoman]

I stopped flying in 1996 after a bad experience. (I never was a good flyer and don't miss it at all) I love the train.
We go from Phila. to Orlando every summer and I travel for work all the time on the train. It is about 23 hours from Phila. to Orlando (on a good day, lol)
The restrooms in the coach cars are not very clean that is the only thing I don't like about the train.
We always get a sleeper (it includes all meals) The standard size sleeper would be ok for two people (average size) but we always get the deluxe sleeper much more comfortable and has private bath.
It costs just under $1400.00 for round trip for two in deluxe sleeper, about $900.00 for two in standard sleeper. (coach is about $200 each round trip, if your traveling alone in a small sleeper you pay the $200 for fare & about $500 extra for the sleeper)
Airfare would cost less than $400.00 for two of us, but for me it's worth it. I find it very relaxing, take a book, needlework, etc. I find going through the small towns and stopping very interesting. The added expense of the train is a perk I treat myself to. If your on a budget then it's much cheaper to fly.