Auto Train for 6 With No Bedroom

[mom23boys]

We are thinking of taking the Auto Train in August. There will be six of us:

Me and DH
3 Boys (11 (he is 5'4"), 5 yo and 3 yo)
My DMother (66)

We are thinking of not getting a bedroom. Has anyone done this and just gotten Reserved Seats. My DSIL's mother tonight said they have done it both ways and actually prefer not getting a room.

What do you think?

Sharon

 

[robinb]

My DSIL's mother tonight said they have done it both ways and actually prefer not getting a room.

Yeah, but did she have 3 kids with her, 2 of them in pre-school? How long is the ride? I took the train cross-country to California years and years ago. It was just my DH and I and we were very happy we had a bedroom. It gave us a lot of privacy plus all meals were included. I don't know if Amtrak still includes meals.

Personally, I think you would be better to just strap the kids in the car and drive the whole way or to get the bedroom. Your own sanity is at stake .

 

[LisaNJ25]

I did it 2 1/2 years ago with an almost 3 you and 9yo. You should be fine. Just bring things to keep the little one occupied. You will also have 3 adults plus your older child who can help with the little ones.

Meals are included on the autotrain. Plus it will give you more room to stretch out than the car.

 

[goldcupmom]

I would do the train. I've never done autotrain, but have done cross country w/ kids many times. The things I don't like about coach are: noisy and you don't get much sleep; I felt the need to always have someone stay and watch our stuff; CREEPY people sometimes (one trip my DH ended up seated w/ a guy who had been thrown off the train 2 days before for being drunk and fighting, sobered up and got back on). I doubt there would be a people problem on Autotrain as I think it's likely families vacationing and seniors - or at least this was the observation we got while waiting at Sanford to board our VERY late Sunset which was leaving from there.

Take things for kids to do, lightweight compact blankets, a flashlight,snacks/drinks and HAVE FUN!!

When I was little we used to take the train about 14 hours away to visit my older bro & his wife, We never had a bedroom and it was always fun.

MUCH better than in the car. you can move around.

 

[Henlady]

We have taken the AutoTrain multiple times, beginning when my 2 children were 5 and 7(they are now 21 & 23). We always traveled coach (no bedroom) without any problems. The kids enjoyed the trips. They normally put all of those traveling with children in the same car. If the train is not crowded, you will be able to spread out and use 2 seats per adult, which is more comfortable for sleeping.
Meals are included - supper consists of several selections, usually beef, fish, chicken and pasta and includes wine and dessert. Breakfast is "continental" with muffins, bagels, cream cheese, jelly, fruit, cereal, juice, milk, coffee & tea. There are also snacks provided during the evening - fruit, cookies, munchies. And a movie is shown at least 2 times during the evening in the longe car. Definately take along some games or coloring books for the kids.
We also always took a pillow and light blanket along for each person. I fold the blanket and slide inside the pillowcase to cut down on what we have to carry.
I also started sliding a sheet inside too, to put over the seat - it makes it much more comfortable for sleeping. In our carry on bag, I include a large baggie that contains a small bar of soap, wash cloth and hand towel - it makes it much easier cleaning up in the morning. Within reason, you can take along whatever you think will make traveling more comfortable.

We look at our train trip as part of the vacation, not just a means of travel. We have met some very interesting people on these trips.
Our next trip by auto train will be in October - Just DH and I this time and we are going to try a "roomette" for the first time.

Hope you enjoy your trip.

Kris

 

[Ms. Belle]

I've taken the autotrain several times. I've had a bedroom and have also done coach. I would reserve the bedroom. August is crowded and you might not be able to spread out. Plus, in coach, you get passengers who think nothing of playing a boombox loudly until all hours of the night and the conductors don't do a lot to stop them or talking non-stop all night long. These two things, amongst others, have happened to me in coach and I don't risk it anymore. I get a bedroom with my own bathroom and if I want privacy, I have it.

 

[Donnask8pro]

I would love to know how long that ride is from PA. And approx how much is it? I have no idea. No clue about the auto train. But w/ the cost of rental cars....to FL

 

[Henlady]

You get the Auto Train in Lorton, VA, just south of Washington DC - it is right off I-95, don't remember the exit number. The cost varies with time of year and how far ahead you book. I just booked our October 21 '05 Auto Train trip this past week for 2 adults, round trip with a car and roomette both ways the total was $761.20. I kept watch last fall and this past October late reservations were costing up to $1200 for the same thing I just got. The further ahead you book, the cheaper it is. The train leaves Lorton VA at about 4:00/4:30 pm and if there are no delays, arrives in Sanford, Fl at 8:30/9:00 am the next morning. Of about 6 trips on the auto train, we were only delayed once and that was January 2004 on the return trip, we got into Lorton at about 10:45 AM.
Amtrak usually only charges 1/2 price for children under 12 years of age.

 

[dor5711]

Hi! We're taking the Auto Train on Friday for our Disney vacation. Excited but a bit nervous too. We booked coach seats for the 4 of us (me, hubby and two kids ages 14 and 17). How are the seats set up? 2 in a row? Is there enough room to stretch out for tall people? Are there compartments to put your carry on bag? Either which way, that's what we have so we'll deal with it. Thanks for all your tips - I have to reread everything again before Friday. Planning to leave by 5am to drive to VA from Long Island, NY. Anything else you can think of that would help us would be wonderful! Thanks,

Doreen

 

[Donnask8pro]

Thanks. I had no idea...