Anyone ever take the Auto train

[pixeegrl]

I first read about it on the transportation thread and read everything I could. Well, I booked it last night. Our August trip is only costing is $882 roundtrip for 5. It's cheaper than flying and renting a car and seems less boring than driving. Any of the Homies over here ever done it? I value your opinions!

 

[spima3]

I first read about it on the transportation thread and read everything I could. Well, I booked it last night. Our August trip is only costing is $882 roundtrip for 5. It's cheaper than flying and renting a car and seems less boring than driving. Any of the Homies over here ever done it? I value your opinions!

Well, I'm not a Homie, but we have taken the auto train....LOVED IT! We were also a family of 5. I have to say the kids talked more about the train than WDW.

It is a long trip, but we like trains, so it was part of the experience, not just about travel. The kids were able to walk around and loved going from car to car. We played cards in the lounge, had meals in the dining car, which were quite good. And it was terrific to have our own vehicle at the end of the trip.

I was thinking about flying next time, but the kids want to take the train. We were also thinking maybe in August, if not June.

If there are no major problems, and you treat it as it was intended, an experience, you should have a great trip.

 

[pixeegrl]

Well, I'm not a Homie, but we have taken the auto train....LOVED IT! We were also a family of 5. I have to say the kids talked more about the train than WDW.

It is a long trip, but we like trains, so it was part of the experience, not just about travel. The kids were able to walk around and loved going from car to car. We played cards in the lounge, had meals in the dining car, which were quite good. And it was terrific to have our own vehicle at the end of the trip.

I was thinking about flying next time, but the kids want to take the train. We were also thinking maybe in August, if not June.

If there are no major problems, and you treat it as it was intended, an experience, you should have a great trip.

Thanks! We all have agreed it's going to be like a vacation to our vacation lol. Is there room enough to squeeze 5 in a booth in the dining car? Are you allowed to eat anywhere on the train (like if we bring sandwiches?)

 

[spima3]

Thanks! We all have agreed it's going to be like a vacation to our vacation lol. Is there room enough to squeeze 5 in a booth in the dining car? Are you allowed to eat anywhere on the train (like if we bring sandwiches?)

Sorry, I didn't get back to you sooner, but in case you're still interested....

We had just enough room for 5 at the table. HOwever, our kids were 5, 8, and 11. The 5 yr old was very petite. At breakfast, DH was up early so went in without us. He was seated w/ some other travellers and enjoyed talking to them. I went in later w/ the 3 kids.

Yes, you can eat anywhere on the train and I would suggest you take snacks, drinks, etc. to save some money, and have things your family enjoys. I believe they had snack bowls available when you first get on, (it was free), pretzel type of stuff, but having your own is better.

Also, what we did, once everyone settled in, was to move to the empty seats so we could spread out and have more room. The kids were almost able to lay down completely and slept fairly well. It's not the most comfortable way to sleep, but doable. I read that on the auto train thread, and felt funny at first, but no one ever said anything to us, and we were much more comfortable than those who didn't take advantage of it.

 

[pixeegrl]

Awesome! Sounds good. I'm a petite (4'11") person myself so it sounds like myself and the 2 littlest ones can squeeze into one side. While DH and the oldest sit across. Nice to know about bringing our own food since the kids will probably want to snack....ok us too. We'll definately take advantage of any free seats. Going down last full week of August so hopefully it won't be too full. Thanks so much!