Anyone take the train to Orlando?

[disney junky]

This is an interesting discussion as I have always wondered if the train would be an option.

 

[NYCgrrl]

This is an interesting discussion as I have always wondered if the train would be an option.

We leave from NYC or Philly when we take the train to WDW and have always found it a relaxing way to travel. It also makes it easier for DGD to finish much of her homework packet before we reach WDW.

Our first trip we were unable to book more than one roomette which is fine for 2 but too small for 3 so I just got a coach seat and visited the other two when the mood hit. Hot meals are included in the price of the Meteor which further explains why that train costs more than the Star. You can also have the steward serve your meals in your roomette. We opted for breakfast in bed but had our other meals (lunch and dinner) in the dining car. I stick to simple hard to mess up meals in the dining car (everything made to order) such as the steak or herb roasted chicken dinners and ask for the dressing be placed on the side for the comes w/ the meal salad. Actually maybe the dressing is served on the side whether you ask for it or not; I don't recall, LOL. DGD liked the chocolate lava cake and the man opted for the vanilla pudding. I bypassed the proffered included in the meal desserts and grabbed a brownie from the Cafe car- they are soo slamming!

Our next trip we booked a family room which has a small but functional separate bathroom w/ wet-room style shower; roomettes do not come with a shower but there is a shower room at the end of the corridor available for all in the car. Once again meals were included.

For our upcoming Thanksgiving trip, I booked 2 adjacent roomettes because I realised it was a few dollars less than a family room and now we'd have 2 bathrooms albeit no private shower.
Security is good on the train as you have to pass through the dining car in order to access the sleeping cars and there is a steward in each car. Roomettes are very small but incredibly functional. I was looked at askance the time I traveled coach and the rest of my party had a roomette but was recognized in short order and allowed to pass back and forth with ease.

Someday, we'll travel on the Star but so far all our trips have been on the Meteor. When we do the Star, I'll be sure to either make a mufaletta or tuna Nicoise pan bagnat at home (my go to travel sandwiches that only gets better the next day and need no refrigeration) or grab up a hero from Campo's or Sonny's if we leave from Philly. We tend to stay at Penn's View hotel in Philly and either of those eateries are convenient to the hotel. Nothing wrong with a run into Reading Terminal Market if that's closer to the Amtrak station (my picks are DiNic's and Herschel's Deli but you truly can't go wrong in that locale) for you.

On the Meteor, try to get a seat or roomette on the right side traveling south to see some iconic DC landmarks such as the Washington monument and Pentagon; the view from the left side through DC aren't shabby either. All and all due to the difference in travel time you'll probably get better scenic views throughout the various states traveling on the Star as the Meteor passes a lot of great spots at night.

Never traveled round trip on the Silver Service trains. Just train down and plane back. You can go over to youtube and find some good vids on what the roomettes look like.

Finally, traveling in coach is no heart breaker and the least expensive option. The seats are comfy and recline akin to the Acela business class section. Just be sure to bring an eye mask or throw a scarf/sweater over your face (LOL) as some lights remain on especially at the car's beginning or end. Also try to sit near the window as there is only one charger per each side of the row. If you've a 6-9' cord and your seat mate isn't hogging the charger you can power your electronic devices from the aisle seat.

HTH.

 

[Liz Z]

Love taking the train. have done this numerous of times. We have always gone through to the Kissimmee station. Never waited more than 15 minutes in Orlando.

We have always had a car service pick us up for $130 R/T. Next time we might try an uber.

Plan on about half an hour to get to the resorts.