Auto train questions

[Beccabunny]

Last year we took the auto train with no problems. DD didn't need her special needs stroller for the train. We had reserved lower level seats. This year, they are charging more for the lower level. DD can walk short distances, but we are finding she needs her stroller much more than in the past (diagnosis of cerebral folate deficiency which causes fatigue ). We'd rather not bring it on the train, though. I seem to remember the restrooms being on the lower level. We only climbed the stairs to get to the dining car, but if we have to be on the upper level and go up and down stairs repeatedly every time she needs to use the bathroom, it's going to be a problem. Would we be charged extra to be on the lower level if it's needed because of her disability?

 

[SueM in MN]

Have not done it, but it is covered in the ADA.
Here's a link to accessible travel information/reservations from Amtrak
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Content_C&pagename=am/Layout&cid=1241245658299

I think Cheshire Figment has used the auto train in the past, ( plus some other posters).

 

[krisnme]

We use the Auto train all the time, the answer to your question is NO. Call the resv line and ask for disabled seating and for a companion discount. this will give a discount for 1 person of 15%. the rest of your group should pay regular seat price, not higher for lower level. ask for a supervisor if necessary and mention it is against ADA to charge for accomodations. Also, arrive early at the station and when you check in, explain your child would like to go to the dining car and ask them to place you in the closest car. Don't be afraid of bringing the stroller,it can be a looong walk to your train car and you will have several hours to wait before loading (tell the rep it is a wheelchair, when you make your reservations thats usually all they understand!) this will insure you get the large open space in front of the seats to tie the chair down in. I fold DS chair and at night blow up a pool float and place it in that open space for him to lie down on. Helps him not be so stiff in the morning. when you check in, ask that your vehicle be marked handicapped, when you arrive they will drive it to a seperate area to give you more time to load away from the other vehicles rushing to leave. let me know if you have any other questions

 

[Piper]

I don't know if it is the same on the auto train, but I have taken the train from Houston to San Francisco. I got a HC compartment and I ordered my food and it was delivered to me in the compartment. It was the most relaxing trip I have ever taken! I just had them leave the berth made up and read, looked out the window, and relaxed. The toilet was in the room and the shower was just outside the door--couldn't be beat!

 

[krisnme]

I don't know if it is the same on the auto train, but I have taken the train from Houston to San Francisco. I got a HC compartment and I ordered my food and it was delivered to me in the compartment. It was the most relaxing trip I have ever taken! I just had them leave the berth made up and read, looked out the window, and relaxed. The toilet was in the room and the shower was just outside the door--couldn't be beat!

The OP mentioned seats rather than a compartment so I answered to that. I agree a cabin is very nice to have, but usually MUCH more expensive on the auto train. In coach, they will bring meals to the hc person and their companion, but others in the party will have to go to the dining car. We have gotten lucky, with having breakfast delivered to our whole group, but it depends on your compartment attendant.(make friends quickly with them!) We always try to go to the observation car and dining car for dinner, but DS and my Mom usually can't do it in the mornings.

A question Piper, on a longer trip, do you feel isolated in your cabin? I have wondered about maybe a cross county or sceanic trip, but if DS can't leave the cabin I think it might get boring.

 

[Piper]

I took a lot of books that I wanted to read. I also enjoyed the scenery. I didn't leave the compartment at all and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. There was room for my WC and luggage with no problems. The compartment goes across the end of the car, so I had windows on both sides!

 

[Beccabunny]

Thanks for all the great info, this is all very helpful!

 

[krisnme]

BeccaBunny, if I remember right I think you once mentioned a child with ASD? A little known trick for the auto train is this...when you check in, mention that your child has ASD, then ask that they keep your seating area as empty as possible. except for 2 trips when the train was totally booked, we have had the lower level seating completely to ourselves (group of 6). this is so much easier on DS who can have trouble sleeping and is sometimes worried the other passengers are looking at him sleeping. Also allows us to let the kids stretch out on the floor on their pool floats and pillows and blankets. Last trip we also traveled with my nephew who managed to keep the whole compartment awake all night,(can you picture the bleary-eyed glares we got the next morning?) So this is not just a strategy for us, but also adds to the comfort of other passengers who may have the misfortune of being in our compartment!

 

[krisnme]

I took a lot of books that I wanted to read. I also enjoyed the scenery. I didn't leave the compartment at all and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. There was room for my WC and luggage with no problems. The compartment goes across the end of the car, so I had windows on both sides!

Nice! thanks Piper!

 

[Beccabunny]

BeccaBunny, if I remember right I think you once mentioned a child with ASD? A little known trick for the auto train is this...when you check in, mention that your child has ASD, then ask that they keep your seating area as empty as possible. except for 2 trips when the train was totally booked, we have had the lower level seating completely to ourselves (group of 6). this is so much easier on DS who can have trouble sleeping and is sometimes worried the other passengers are looking at him sleeping. Also allows us to let the kids stretch out on the floor on their pool floats and pillows and blankets. Last trip we also traveled with my nephew who managed to keep the whole compartment awake all night,(can you picture the bleary-eyed glares we got the next morning?) So this is not just a strategy for us, but also adds to the comfort of other passengers who may have the misfortune of being in our compartment!

Yes, DD is on the spectrum, but she usually travels well with few ASD-related issues, especially in recent years. Her physical health is far more problematic at this point. In fact, in light of her recently discovered autoimmune disorder, cerebral folate deficiency, I wonder if "autism" was ever an accurate diagnosis, but that's another story altogether. Anyway, it is good to know they can be so accommodating on the auto train. I will pass this info on to other ASD families who are also tired of the hassle of flying and are looking for alternatives. Thanks!