Aug. 21, 2004 Eastern Magic check in list

[Verandah Man]

I checked over the weekend on Amtrak's website, and for four of us, it would cost $1200.00, just curious, what kind of rate did you get Mike?

We're not flying next year b/c DD's Friend is afraid of flying, so we had planned on driving down. BD, mentioned he and his family were going by train next year, that's when I checked into Amtrak and got this price, that's not a sleeper either.

 

[denise5374]

I di the same thing...the rate for train fare only was $500 but to get a sleeper it was almost $1900.00. Not to mention that the train left Philadelphis at 1:30pm Friday and didn't get into Orlando until 11:45am Saturday!!! Thats a mighty long train ride!!!!

Has anyone taken the train to Florida?? How far is the Train station to the Port??

How long does it take to drive there???

$1200 seems high to me.....

 

[Verandah Man]

We've driven to Florida many, many, many, times since 1983. We stop in Lumberton, NC for an overnight rest.

To drive straight through, which I've done twice (never again) took me about 18 hours.

 

[Verandah Man]

I just went back to Amtrak's website and found an unreserved ressie, changing trains in Washington, D.C. for a total of $564.00 for all four of us. Might consider booking this.

I've never traveled by train before, what is unresereved like???

Any info would be appreciated!!!

 

[Credit Man]

There is a great informative thread on the Transportation Board regarding the AutoTrain.
The fare for the 4 of us and our car, leaving on the 19th of Aug, returning on the 3rd of Sept is $642. This is for coach.
The train leaves Lorton, Va. (just south of D.C.) at 4pm and arrives in Sanford, Fl. at 8:30am. Sanford is about 30 min. north of WDW.
When you consider air fare and the cost of a rental, this works out to be a great deal. My kids love the train and consider it a fun part of vacation.

 

[Verandah Man]

Thanks Mike, I'll go over there and check that out!!!

 

[denise5374]

Just wanted to let you know that I got a quote on the Autotrain for the 4 of us for $642.00 roundtrip. This is not a sleeper, the cost for a sleeper was about $1200.oo and I don't think it would be worth it.

My only concern now is that the train is supposed to be in Sanford at 8:30 am Saturday morning...Am I cutting it to close??

 

[Credit Man]

Denise,
I would say, from experience, that if you are planning to arrive on the Saturday of the cruise, I would not recommend taking the AutoTrain. Although it is generally close to on time. It does sometimes run late.
We are planning to arrive the day before the cruise to alleviate any stress.

 

[denise5374]

Yeah...after I thought about it I am booking a room at the Radisson for Friday night and taking the train Thursday into Friday...that way we can relax on Friday at the beautiful pool....my vacation is up to 11 days including travel days!! Yippee!!!!

 

[denise5374]

credit man.....

iam goin to send you a PM I want to ask some questions about the train...

Denise

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi Andy and all.

. BD, mentioned he and his family were going by train next year

We are going down via Amtrak but not on the auto-train. New York to Orlando is approximately 24 hours. You don't want to do this without accommodations aboard the train. The deluxe bedrooms are a fortune but the "viewliner" rooms (aka closets) aren't bad for an overnight. Plus, when you book a sleeper all of the meals onboard the train are included. You get to have a very nice, relaxing sit-down meal served in simple elegance with good opportunity to meet fellow travelers. The staff encourages guests to linger over dinner and enjoy the ride, so to speak.

The viewliner rooms are very tiny, but comfortable. When we last took Amtrak sleepers (which was also our first time, lol) we had the viewliner room for the first night. Buckaroo took the elevated bunk bed while I had the lower berth. We were able to close the door, stand on the very minimal floor area one at a time and change clothes. Need to go to the bathroom? No problem. The seat right next to the bottom bunk bed's "feet area" lifts up to a toilet with a sink a little above it. Tight but private. If you happen to suffer from gas, your roommate won't have to with the air-conditioning controls in the "room."

Each stateroom has a small tv with three continuous movies showing on one of the channels. Plus all sleeper guests have use of a sittingroom car which is quite confortable and airy. Sodas and "light snacks" (I said 'light,' not diet) are available during non-dinner times.

Andy - I priced a roundtrip family of four (two adults/two children) with AAA discount in two viewliner sleeper rooms. The roundtrip was around $1200. We are only taking Amtrak down to Orlando. For the return we're going to fly. At least, as far as present planning is concerned...

 

[Verandah Man]

I presented my proposals to the three "ladies" I am traveling with, this is the response I got.

1 voted to travel by plane

1 voted to travel by train

1 voted to travel by car

I think I will travel by camel, LOL!!!

Now, I'm right back where I started, I'm glad we have 10 more months before this upcoming cruise.

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

1 voted to travel by plane 1 voted to travel by train 1 voted to travel by car I think I will travel by camel, LOL!!!

Andy - I think camels are even more stubborn than women!
Yikes ***Buckaroo's Dad ducks***...

 

[Verandah Man]

Yikes ***Buckaroo's Dad ducks***...

 

[lalapodip]

I need to get our family picture out to you, Andy, and we would love a magnet for our fridge!!

 

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by lalapodip
I need to get our family picture out to you, Andy, and we would love a magnet for our fridge!!

Send me an e-mail or PM with your address and I will get a magnet out in the mail, I have them here on my desk ready to go!!!

 

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by lalapodip
I need to get our family picture out to you, Andy, and we would love a magnet for our fridge!!

BTW, I also need your info for the 8-21-04 Cruise List

 

[Maleficent59]

Hello all! There is another thread on the boards where we are mailing DCL postcards to children who will be cruising. I want to extend this to our 08/21/04 cruising friends. If anyone is interested, please send me an email and I will address and send postcards from the ship next month (we'll try to have Mickey & Minnie sign them all).

Have a great weekend! -Sarah

 

[max123]

I am once again overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of those who participate on this board....

from post cards for our children to magnets for our frigs!!!!!!

thanks you brightened my day!

(now if only the Eagles could beat Dallas today, although it isn't as easy to dislike Dallas anymore with Bill at the helm.)

Have a nice day!

 

[Verandah Man]

Now if only the Eagles could beat Dallas today.

Nothing more needs to be said after "today." Not that I have anything against Dallas mind you!!!

To stay on topic, frig magnets are ready for the asking, if you would like one, e-mail me your address, and I will get one out in the mail to you fellow, San Juan Sojourners!!! Some magnets have already started going out.