Auto train and sleeping

[DentalDana2]

So, tell me how difficult it is to catch some zzzzzzzz's on the auto train without being in a sleeper car?

I'm taking the boys without DH next January via auto train with another family. They always use the auto train, i never have. They usually get two roomettes, each with one child and one adult. I've priced out a sleeping car and with three of us, the only option is a very cost prohibitive family room.

This past August we drove from Philly to Ft. Wilderness through the night. YDS (4) slept fairly well, ODS (8) slept ok, but not great. They had enough stamina upon arrival to explore the campground a bit and have dinner at CM.

I just want to know how much sleep most of you have gotten in a regular seat on the auto train?

TIA

 

[hill6]

Buy some ear plugs and bring a small pillow and blanket with you. You won't get a phenomenal night's sleep but you should do ok. The rocking of the train is very sleep inducing

 

[dominiondad]

We've used the AT twice. The kids sleep ok and the way down and great on the way home. It seems the issue with sleeping on the way south has more to do with the excitment of the trip and less to do with the accomidations. A pillow, blanket, and earplugs are a great suggestion.

 

[dissupermom]

I agree that the lull of the train is very comforting. a pillow and blanket from home adds a bit more comfort. it's ok. I can't justify paying for a sleeper or a bedroom on the AT. for that, I'd fly. but for coach, it's doable.

 

[monorailsilver]

Did you try the bedroom with the bathroom? You would have to call for that since you have 3.

And are your friends still doing the roomettes? If so you won't see them for dinner, etc....

Disclaimer, I am an auto train newbie and will be taking our first trip in a few weeks so I have no idea what I am talking about!

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

You could do a deluxe bedroom. It has its own bathroom.

Sleeping in coach is very easy. Like others have said. Bring the blanket and pillow and your good to go. As mentioned too-- if friend r in coach you won't dine with them. You could ask at check in if they can dine in coach. Its possible.

We are returning in July for our 11th Auto train trip to WDW
Be happy to answer any ?'s

 

[Kim&Chris]

We've done the AT twice so far. First time, we were coach passengers both ways.

I will be honest with you....my husband hated it and couldn't sleep a wink. I, on the other hand, thought it was really fun and slept OK. Not a deep sleep, not a really restful sleep, but enough for me. We made the mistake of bringing little travel pillows instead of our 'home' pillows. Had we done a little research, we would have brought our own pillows and would've a better night's sleep. Also, we didn't have ear plugs, which meant we heard every noise during the night.

For our second trip, we got a roomette for the ride south. Both of us slept great. On the way home, we had our pillows & ear plugs ready, and got a good night's rest.

I'd do the AT again in a second, but the cost of the AT is greater than the cost of airline tickets.

 

[Pooh2]

We did the autotrain a few year back at the end of April/early May. The trip down, our coach car was nearly empty. We still had a hard time getting comfy enough to sleep long stretches and woke frequently. We were able to get through the day though.
On the way back, the car was packed with snow birds who snored and argued all night about who was making the most noise. Not relaxing but we still managed to doze on and off.
Our most recent trip, we did the regular train in a bedroom with bath/shower. Much nicer and more relaxing trip. But we would still do coach again if the budget did not allow for a bedroom.

 

[beccasmom]

We found coach to be okay. IMHO a lot depends on your fellow passengers to a degree. We were lucky on our south-bound trip, but coming back north, there was a good deal of (loud) talking. Ear plugs or noise-canceling headphones would be a good item to have on hand. The seats are wide and they do recline; I found them to be pretty comfortable. Bring items that will aid in helping your comfort level; pillow(s), blankets, warm socks so you can kick off your shoes, maybe something to block out the light although the lights are lowered as the evening goes on. I did not really get an exactly completely restful sleep (it was more like a long nap), but that does not always happen at home either! I had a great first day at WDW, but we made it a point to keep the schedule light and headed to bed early.

 

[Gillian]

Eye masks!!

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

Maybe it was me, but I could not sleep on the thin padding. Maybe if it were more like a hotel bed. It was noisy overall in the sleeper bedroom. I don't imagine I would personally be able to sleep on a coach seat, but who knows at home I have slept in the recliner.