Auto train vs Southwest

[NYCgrrl]

One thing you can't buy is time. Whether you drive both ways or work in AutoTrain somehow, you're using up a significant piece of your vacation driving. It sounds like your trip is about a week...I wouldn't want to sacrifice that time driving. I'd fly it...

There is truth in what you wrote but given the state of flying comfort nowadays I'm happy to get on the train from time to time. It's great at allowing DGD time and space to do about 75% of her homework packet before our Disney arrival thus less long faces at the Disney portion of the trip.

 

[Dawn68PA]

One thing you can't buy is time. Whether you drive both ways or work in AutoTrain somehow, you're using up a significant piece of your vacation driving. It sounds like your trip is about a week...I wouldn't want to sacrifice that time driving. I'd fly it...

No matter how we travel, we will still be at Disney for a week. DH owns his own business and my job is super flexible.

 

[Dawn68PA]

Thanks everyone for all of the input!

After this board, comparing costs and speaking with about 2 dozen people who have flown and driven and trained, we have decided to do the following:

We will drive down the day before and stay about an hour outside Disney. Have a relaxing morning, do a little shopping before check in.

Auto train home. We decided to check it out and see if we like it. I’ve never been on a train like this, and DH is excited. We are looking forward to upper level views, dining cars and lounges and sleeping while someone else drives.

Flying is no doubt faster but the train sounds like a mini vacation after the vacation. Besides, it saves about 1/3 of the cost of flying which means more fun money for Disney!

I’ll let everyone know how it goes!

 

[dromio42]

I hope you enjoy the auto train! If you haven't already, consider signing up for Amtrak points. You will get points for this trip that you can use if you decide to take the train again. We take a roomette each way every other year and have paid entirely with points for the last 6 trips.