Auto Train trip report with pictures! Part 1

[chanken3]

The auto train seems more expensive than flying. (We're coming from NY.) What are the benefits of using the auto train?

Well the major benefit for us is that we will have our own vehicle while at WDW and can pack everything we want/need. We do NOT fly. Ever. We usually drive all the way from Maine and it is a long trip. The train will allow our primary driver a little more r&r on this trip. PLUS it just seems like a fun adventure. We take the DownEaster (amtrak) to Boston & back and love it.

 

[Mary T in PA]

Love this thread! I've been looking into taking AT.

Question for those that have done this train ride: is it smooth? DD7 gets motion sick, bumpy roads and now plane rides. I hate to admit I grew up in a rail town and have never been on a train!
Mary

 

[NJRRK]

For a train the ride is smooth. The Autotrain uses the big double-decker Superliner train cars, they're very heavy so they are smoother than regular train cars. Less likely to get motion sickness than a car or airplane, but not impossible. I'd rather deal with a motion sick child on a train than in the car. At least you can tend to your child and sit next to them to comfort them, go into the lounge car and strech out a little. Bring motion sickness medicine you MIGHT need it.

 

[Mary T in PA]

For a train the ride is smooth. The Autotrain uses the big double-decker Superliner train cars, they're very heavy so they are smoother than regular train cars. Less likely to get motion sickness than a car or airplane, but not impossible. I'd rather deal with a motion sick child on a train than in the car. At least you can tend to your child and sit next to them to comfort them, go into the lounge car and strech out a little. Bring motion sickness medicine you MIGHT need it.

Thanks!!

Mary

 

[Henlady]

Hi Mary T:
An Altoona resident here also....We have ridden the Auto Train many times.
Sometimes the "ride" is a little rougher than others. The trip south is usually a little rougher than the trip north - go figure.
If your dtr gets motion sick, I would definately have her take motion sickness meds if possible. Also book your seats in the lower level, that may help, I've found that the lower level seating experiences less "sway" type movement.
Most train trips don't bother me, but I have had the occasional trip where I've felt a bit "yucky".
Also, if you are traveling after the RailFest in Altoona, take her on the train excursion that goes up the Horseshoe Curve to Gallitzin and back again. That will give you a pretty good idea of typical train "movement".

Also, FYI, book your AutoTrain trip as soon as possible. The rates can be considerably less the further out that you book.

 

[LisaNJ25]

The auto train seems more expensive than flying. (We're coming from NY.) What are the benefits of using the auto train?

Not having to fly

 

[LisaNJ25]

Last time we took the AutoTrain was 2007, loved it, BUT, we came home on Saturday, arriving on Monday, no problems, the Sunday train was cancelled and the Saturday southbound train was delayed for Hours.

Remember train travel is part of the experience, not just transportation.

Labor day weekend? I was supposed to be on that canceled train. We ended up driving home.

 

[shadowryter]

I was so excited to find this thread. Awesome and helpful pics.We are also planning on taking the Autotrain Southbound and back and I had so many questions. But is it really comfortable to sleep in coach? I've had nightmares of arriving in Sanford and being exhausted from lack of sleep. We're actually leaving early and spending a couple of days in St. Augustine before heading to the world. But really is it that good? There will be 3 of us, DH, DD(all grown up)and me so any sleeper arrangement is out and like OP I do not fly, Ever! I still need just a little bit of reassurance. TIA
Linda

 

[NJRRK]

Labor day weekend? I was supposed to be on that canceled train. We ended up driving home.

Yes it was Labor Day weekend. Southbound we were about 1.5 hours late (no big deal), northbound we were right on time. What a difference a day makes.

 

[Mommytink]

Thanks so much for the pictures!
We are going in June and my DS is sooo excited. He loved seeing the pictures. Now we all have an idea of what it will be like.
Anyone know where they show the movies? In the lounge cars? And, DS wanted to know if he brought his DVD player, is there a place to charge it? Unfortunately, we are riding coach, not sure if those seats have plugs? He was bummed we don't have a sleeper room though. Oh well, maybe next time.

The coach seats do have two outlets in each set of seats.

 

[Mommytink]

Does anyone have any pictures of the coach cars???

Thanks for the pics!!
Jenny