Anyone taken the Autotrain lately?

[kathyg]

If you've traveled by autotrain lately, I would love to hear your comments, positive and negative, and any advice you would give for a better experience. One silly question...we are traveling coach this time and I would like to know whether the temperature in the cars is hot or cold. I know that it was always really hot in the sleepers and would like to know if it's that way in coach so I know what to bring. Thanks.

 

[Disneyholic]

We took the Autotrain last August. Had a Deluxe Sleeper. You have a button to adjust the temperature and you have to adjust the vent in the ceiling, too. Our sleeper was very comfortable all the way down and back.

We to the regular train from Philly to Orlando 5 years ago coach. It was chilly. Thank goodness they had 1 blanket left in the gift shop onboard. DH and I snuggled under it for the night. DH is always warm so he was OK. Don't know if they still have the gift shops onboard so you may want to consider taking at least a light blanket with you.

Have a fun trip.

 

[Credit Man]

We will be taking the Autotrain this Aug. for the third year in a row. We ride in coach. A few tips:
Bring your own pillow. The ones on the train are very small and not the greatest.
They do have blankets on board and they are OK.
We always bring an old sheet and drape it frome the luggage rack to the floor. This gives you some privacy while sleeping.
If the train is not full, keep your eyes peeled for empty seats. It is much more comfortable if you can get a two seater for yourself.
During busy times, there are three dinner seatings. Arrive at the train at least two hours early to insure your seating choice.

 

[cherylp3]

I was last on the autotrain in Feb., and I'm on going again in November. I usually bring my own blanket and pillow and a change of clothes. I tend to bring extra books.

Cheryl

 

[SharBear4]

We will be taking the Auto Train 10/17 - 10/25. This will be a first for us. We are taking my disabled brother for his dream trip (1st time to WDW!!) He is afraid to fly. I will also be interested in any info before our trip and will post afterwards!!

 

[zurgswife]

We are taking the autotrain in Dec ...can't wait glad for the tips..

 

[cherylp3]

Sharbear - You mentioned your disabled brother - Are you in coach? Did you request lower level seating? If not you can ask if there is room when you check in and you will be on the same floor as the bathrooms.
Also if he is not mobile ask and Amtrak will bring the meals to you.

 

[SharBear4]

I believe I did request both of those. I will check when we board to make sure! My brother has very little vision and shuffles when he walks. We were going to take a wheelchair, but in my little Neon with four of us going, there is NO room. We called and will rent a wheelchair for about $55/week. If he wasn't in a chair, we could never get through one park, let alone 4 while we are there!

 

[cherylp3]

Sharbear - Amtrak also offers a courtesy wheelchair.

When you check in to drop your car off they ask you if you need any assistance. (Thats when you can request the wheelchair)

Also a tip to anyone, usually the choices are
beef - chicken - pasta and kids stuff
or fish -chicken - pasta and kids stuff

They do honor Kosher meal requests if made in advance.

 

[SharBear4]

Cherylp3

How do you find sleeping in the seats? I am not worried about my brother or the others as myself. They seem to be able to sleep anywhere! I was thinking maybe I should take some Dramamine to make me nod off.

 

[cherylp3]

Sleeping in the seats is weird. Sometimes lower level is less crowded so you can spread out. The weirder thing is the first time I went the rocking didn't bug me but my last 2 trips it did. I was able to take some bonine which cleared things up for me.

Cheryl

 

[DisneyPoly]

We're traveling on Tuesday -- and we've traveled many times on the AutoTrain. The only thing I'm worried about is the arrival time. When traveling last Aug. we didn't arrive in Sanford until 3:00 p.m. Due to the hot weather, the trains run at a slower speed as a precaution for the tracks buckling. Due to the length of time, there was a need for the crew to switch per union rules. Unfortunately the new crew "couldn't find" the train and it took much longer than anticipated.

I've been checking the past two weeks and the train has been late anywhere from a few minutes to 4 hours. Today's arrival was scheduled for 8:30 a.m., but they didn't arrive until 1:10 p.m.

Here's hoping for the best!!!

 

[chrisd596]

We have taken the Auto Train the last four years. Good points have been discussed here including keep an eye out early for open seats in your section of the train. The dinner is fun and generally pretty good, especially for the change of pace dining is. Last year the train ran very, very late coming north. Also pretty late going down south. I remember our first year it ran like clockwork..........but the last two years very late which is pretty disappointing especially when you want to start your vacation...........also when your thinking of driving thru Washington on the way home.

But I have enjoyed the time my oldest and I could spend talking while everyone else is asleep.

This year we're switching to a plane ride............... everyone needed a change this year.

If you arrive early drive to the local town and have lunch "The Polo Club.

Good luck

 

[SharBear4]

Was the train late mostly because of heat in the summer months as was mentioned? We are traveling in October, so I hope that won't be a problem! Your're right about worrying about driving through traffic! That's the worst down near DC at certain times!!

 

[cherylp3]

I've ridden the Autotrain 3 times so far ( Oct. 2001- May 2002 and Jan/Feb 2003 )
The one time I was late was in May.
Some log truck tried to beat a train at a crossing. Well the log truck got hit and the logs spilled all over. ( My inlaws saved me the story from the news ) We didn't arrive until at least 6pmish.
(We ended up being more delayed because we had run out of fuel and the gas truck never showed, Amtrak ended up "borrowing " engines. Also we had a crew switch as well. )