Auto Train Again!

[CM Tinkerbell]

Last October I used the Auto Train for the first time (I'm horrified of flying) and I loved it! The trip was so enjoyable. We're heading down in June and will be taking the Auto Train again. I'm thinking that I would like to book a Deluxe Bedroom for myself and my two children (6 & 8). I was wondering if anyone has booked this type of bedroom before and how comfortable it might be for us. From what I understand, the lower bed is wider and I'm thinking that my children can share that one and I'll take the upper one. We've stayed in the Family bedroom previously which was wonderful, but the cost is a bit cheaper or us to do the Deluxe bedroom and having the convenience of toilet facilities and such in your room is a big plus with kids. No middle of the evening trips to the bathroom.

 

[airhead]

I'd love to hear more about your experience w/ autotrain. Where did you start your trip?
How was your car stored? How long did it take? What was the cost?

airhead

 

[4merlurkerchris]

The kids will be fine in the lower bunk. When the beds are down, there isn't much room, but like you said, you don't need to go down the hall to the bathroom!
Chris

 

[CM Tinkerbell]

airhead,

The autotrain leaves from Lorton, Virginia and goes to Sanford, Florida, which is about a 40 minute drive to WDW. You arrive at the Lorton Station and they take your car and load it onto the train. Then you board another part of the train. They offer coach seating which is very nice, the seats are roomy and they offer plenty of leg room, or sleeping compartments wich vary from standard to deluxe sleepers depending on what you are looking for or your party size.

The train departs Lorton at 4:00 PM and you arrive in Sanford at 8:30 AM the following morning. Dinner and a breakfast are included in your fare. There is also a lounge car where you can get drinks and snacks and they will also show a movie there in the evening.

When the train arrives in Sanford, you go to a waiting area where they will call out numbers that coincide with the number that is given for each car, when your number is called, you just get in your car and you're on your way.

The cost of the Coach seating on the Auto train is not a bad deal depending on when you go and is very comparable to flying and renting a vehicle. Sleeper accommodations will bring the cost up quite a bit.

If you are on the East Coast, and are not a good flyer, like myself, the autotrain offers a nice alternative to driving.

We have always driven in the past, and still like to on occassion, but it's nice to take the autotrain so you can feel rested when you arrive and you don't dread the long drive home when it's time to leave.

I hope that is somewhat helpful. If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to answer them as best as I can.

You can also go to www.amtrak.com to look for more information and rates.

 

[cherylp3]

Also if you are doing coach you can request lower level reserved seating.

Lower lever is mostly used by elderly - anyone can request to sit there.
it has less seats the staff doesn't travel through there.

On my way home from FL last October my husband and I had the whole car to ourselves.

I am taking the autotrain in May, for my second time.

Cheryl