Auto Train Sleeper Car....First or Second Level??

[Kim&Chris]

We're going to Disney via the Auto Train! Although we've taken this train before, we've never had a sleeper before, so I have a question:

We have the basic sleeping compartment (two seats that fold into one bed w/ one pop-out berth).

It's my understanding that these compartments are on both the upper and lower level of the train. Which is better? A few years ago, we rode the upper level in coach seats and the rocking was a little tough at times. I'm guessing the bottom level has less rocking.

Can anyone give me some advice?

THANKS!

 

[Debbart]

We travel in autotrain sleeper cars several times a year. Some people will tell you the side to side swaying is less on the lower level but it is bumpier....I don't mind the lower level at all. In the lower level there is a Family room at one end of the car and a handicapped room at the other end. There are three sleeper cars for passengers and the porter's sleeper and that's it!! Very private and cozy...there is also two showers and three bathrooms... the upper level passengers can use them but most people don't realize they are there so they are usually empty...a quick walk up the stairs and you are at the beverage/coffee station.

 

[DC7800]

There are advantages and disadvantages to both the upper and lower levels of the Superliner. A lot depends on personal preference.

The upper level has most of the rooms and is on the same level to reach the rest of the train (meaning you can walk to the diner or lounge or wherever without first going upstairs). A small restroom is near the top of the stairs, across from the coffee/tea service. You will always have at least a few people passing through your car up here.

The lower level has only a few rooms, and no one passing through this way unless they are boarding or detraining (and on Auto-train, this is not an issue). There are larger restrooms, luggage rack, and the public (open to all occupants of that car) shower on the lower level of the Superliner. However, the family and special bedrooms are right next to the car's trucks and, if the train makes a lot of stops, people coming and going nearby.

Finally, there is also an all-deluxe Superliner sleeper (found only on Auto-Train which is layed out a bit differently. You can see a diagram of the sleeper here:

http://www.trainweb.org/crocon/sleeperplans.html

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

My sleeper compartment was on the top level... I never noticed any rocking, and my ride was fairly smooth. Never had any problems. The view was nice, as well.

 

[famouschinesec]

This is an old thread, but so far the info is very helpful and hopefully still up to date. Can anyone verify that there are showers on the auto train? We will be booking a "roomette" so there won't be a bathroom/shower in that room, but it sounds like there are some showers on the lower level (all sold out so can't get one of those). So can anybody clarify what the bathroom situations are overall? Is there one bathroom per car? How big is it size wise. Aircraft bathroom size or maybe a little bigger? Also for anyone that has done this before, how far in advance did you book? I'm traveling late March and I'd rather wait until the beginning of Feb to book, just in case Southwest decides to throw us a bone and open up some frequent flier seats, and or have a sale. Thanks in advance.

 

[Capt_BJ]

I've done the 'roomette' twice

yes there are showers available

the 'water closet' is a wee bit bigger than the average airplane one .... but the shower is a sep' facility. Few know about it and I can easily confess that I showered TWICE on each of my trips (felt good given they were summer trips and the a/c in my car was on the fritz making sleeping uncomfortable) p.s. as a sailor I know how to take a sea shower .... so I don't use much water!

 

[famouschinesec]

From what I can gather, the showers are in the lower level? Is that correct? Also is there a big rush for the showers in the morning? If the train is due to arrive at 9:30AM, would I be correct in assuming that most folks would want to shower around 7 or 7:30? I know my kids would love a shower in the evening before bed. And now I'm just getting really curious, can you do hair dryers etc? Sorry never really traveled by train before so it's a really foreign concept.