Auto Train tips with young kids

[soonerfan2008]

Hi! I've read all the threads I can find about the auto train, but I've still got a few questions! I'm taking 3 kids to DW solo this summer, and we are taking the auto train one way (driving to TX after with my mom). Kids will be 8, 4 and nearly 2 when we go. We are going with coach, though we may try to upgrade at the station.

1. Is it better to be upper or lower coach? One more bumpy than another? One easier with kids?

2. Will each row of seats have an outlet?

3. Any tips for dinner?

4. Any other tips in general with kids?

I'm a pretty seasoned traveler, and I travel solo a lot with the kids, so I'm not new to that aspect. I've just never done a train before!

Thanks in advance!

 

[disney1990]

Hi! I've read all the threads I can find about the auto train, but I've still got a few questions! I'm taking 3 kids to DW solo this summer, and we are taking the auto train one way (driving to TX after with my mom). Kids will be 8, 4 and nearly 2 when we go. We are going with coach, though we may try to upgrade at the station.

1. Is it better to be upper or lower coach? One more bumpy than another? One easier with kids?

I don't find one more bumpy that the other one.

2. Will each row of seats have an outlet?

Yes, every row of seats will have an outlet. It didn't use to be that way, but they retrofitted the train cars.

3. Any tips for dinner?

Yes, very important, get to the train station early. When I say early, I mean 12:00-12:30. That way you have your choice of dinner seatings. If you are arrive late, you will be eating at the 9/9:30 seating.

4. Any other tips in general with kids?

Make sure they bring stuff to occupy themselves -- depending on their ages. Portable DVD player or laptop to play movies, cards, books, magazines.

I'm a pretty seasoned traveler, and I travel solo a lot with the kids, so I'm not new to that aspect. I've just never done a train before!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Beckypooh1972]

I don't have any advice about auto trains but I had to express my admiration for your traveling with 3 kids! I have 3 year old twins and would never consider it; wouldn't work with my kids' personalities. Have a great trip and hope you get some good tips.

 

[mamapajama]

Hi! I've read all the threads I can find about the auto train, but I've still got a few questions! I'm taking 3 kids to DW solo this summer, and we are taking the auto train one way (driving to TX after with my mom). Kids will be 8, 4 and nearly 2 when we go. We are going with coach, though we may try to upgrade at the station.

1. Is it better to be upper or lower coach? One more bumpy than another? One easier with kids?

2. Will each row of seats have an outlet?

3. Any tips for dinner?

4. Any other tips in general with kids?

I'm a pretty seasoned traveler, and I travel solo a lot with the kids, so I'm not new to that aspect. I've just never done a train before!

Thanks in advance!

YOU, my dear, are a brave soul!. We are traveling with a 2 year old and I would never consider the auto train with her-especially outnumbered with no additioanl adult! That being said, we did take the auto train when my now 16 year old was a toddler, maybe 2. (But she was a much different personality. Much more mellow and laid back than my current toddler! My little one wants to go, go , go all the time. She cries when I put her in the car because she wants to walk around our block! ) On the way down we were in coach. On the way home we got a sleeper car.

 

[soonerfan2008]

Thanks for the encouraging words--most people just think I'm nuts to travel with the kids, even when DH goes with. Both of my girls took their first flights when they were around 2 months old, and they've both been on several 1000+ mile road trips. Driving alone with 2 or 3 kids is the most difficult way to travel, in my experience since you cannot pick up toys or hand them new things to entertain. The longest driving trip I've done solo was about 800 miles, so the train ought to be much easier, compared to that!

Any other tips?