Auto train questions

[Mady/Sophiemom]

Ok- I've looked throught the Auto train posts, but I'm still confused.

Are meals incl. in coach seating? or extra?

Am I right- You can walk around on the train, more than just to bathroom

Also- What experiences have you had w/ kids on the train. My girls will be 8 and 11. Ok in coach, or should we consider a sleeper?

Thanks so much, for any info. I'm hoping to finnally make it to Disney for the Christmas party.

 

[Henlady]

Your meals - supper, snack stuff and continental breakfast are included in the price of your ticket.

You can walk to the lounge car anytime you like. There is "booth" seating in the lounge car and complimentary snacks of munchies, fruit and cookies as well as coffee and tea. Sodas, beer and alcoholic drinks are available for a cost (you can also take your own snacks and sodas, etc..) There is also a movie shown at least twice in the evening on small TV's in the lounge car.

We traveled many times in coach with our 2 kids (now not kids) without any problems. If the train is not crowded, you can take up 2 seats per person and have more room to stretch out. If you request lower level seating, you will not have anyone walking thru your car as with upper level seating, the only ones in your lower level car will be those who are assigned seats there. I recommend taking your own pillow and light throw/blanket as the ones provided on the train are small. I always just fold up a flat sheet and a throw and slide them into the pillow case with the pillow. I use the sheet to cover the seats so it is more comfortable and sanitary for sleeping. You can take anything within reason on the train to make your trip comfortable.

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

Thank you for your reply. I think we may try it for our next trip. Sounds like an adventure!!

Kim

 

[Henlady]

yes, the AutoTrain can be an adventure. We have met some very interesting people on the AutoTrain. DH once had a 2 hour conversation very early in the morning in the "smoking lounge"(separate from everything else of course) with a lovely, elderly lady who was a survivor of a concentration camp. He said it was the most interesting and moving conversation he ever had.
Only once did we have a table mate who refused to carry on a conversation and watched his little TV the whole meal. If there are less than 4 traveling together, they put single or couple travelers in the booth for your meal.

Be aware that there are many times that the train does run late. The latest we have ever been is 2 hours. However there are instances where it can be 6 or more hours late. Just be prepared and don't stress too much. Use the extra time to relax before your very busy Disney vacation - you'll need it.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[bdcp]

We were about 2 hours late each way, but it wasn't a big deal. We had great table mates at all meals. We went coach last time and are getting a roommette this time, just DH and I. Our boys are grown and these trips are ours. Anyway, I like being able to walk around.