Auto Train w/ DD 18 mos.

[AnnetteF]

We will be taking the Auto Train (traveling coach) down to Disney in September and I was wondering if anyone out there has done this or any long train trip with a child of about that age. I would love to hear your experiences with it and any tips you might have. Thanks.

 

[mac3013]

We did it one year coming home from WDW. Because my step-D's were 10 and 12 they stuck us in the children's car and let me tell you that was the worst experience I have ever had. Children crying all night. The train was also delayed by about 5 hours because of thunderstorms knocking out signals at intersections all the way from FL to VA. I will NEVER do it again.

 

[NoWorriesMate]

we did LA to seattle when DS was 10mths. Had a private "family cabin" and we had a great time. he liked the changing scenery. the private cabin made naps etc easy. the food was ok. the train did not seem crowded although it was meant to be rather full. he liked being able to move around the train and played quiet a bit in the kids carriage each day.

overall it was a good experiance and we would be happy to travel by rail again - but only with a sleeping berth cabin the little ones need their private space.

 

[NoWorriesMate]

oops sorry misunderstanding of terms i think you may mean by bus - that i haven't tried and honestly wouldn't with a young child.
i was thinking train.

 

[mac3013]

Amtrak is the train. It's the autotrain where you take your own car with you. It is loaded onto the train so you have it at your destination

 

[lazarru]

Our 1st trip DD was about 18m and DS 3 yrs. We had a family room and it worked out very well. We were either going to drive or train as we didn't want to have to do the flying thing. Now that we've flown I don't think we'd do the train again, but for that age I would. Although it does take most of the day to get there, when you figure everything else into flying it's not like you really lose all that much time. It's great to be able to walk around easily.

When we went it was december, way down was a bit crowded, but coming back on Dec 23rd we basically had the train to ourselves. Food is better than plane food and the staff seems willing to do most anything for you

 

[AnnetteF]

lazurru, Can you tell me where your 18 month old slept? Did they have bed rails or anyway to hold a little one in the bed? We were considering the family room but she's too little to let her sleep in a bed by herself, especially on a moving train, so we're figuring if we have to hold on to her all night anyway we might as well just take the seats, but it would still be possible to change that.

 

[familyfirsttimer]

How much does the Autotrain cost? just curious. I live outside Philadelphia and might condiser it next time. Although, that airfares have been so reasonable I don't know...Thanks!!

 

[AnnetteF]

Auto Train is not inexpensive. It's $520 for two coach seats and the car round trip. Bedrooms vary in price but usually drive the price up at least a couple hundred dollars more each way. We've taken it a few times in the past or driven on the other trips. I don't fly! I'm figuring the train will be much easier on the baby than driving since we will be able to get up and move around.

 

[familyfirsttimer]

Auto Train is not inexpensive. It's $520 for two coach seats and the car round trip. Bedrooms vary in price but usually drive the price up at least a couple hundred dollars more each way. We've taken it a few times in the past or driven on the other trips. I don't fly! I'm figuring the train will be much easier on the baby than driving since we will be able to get up and move around.

Thanks for the info! I hope you have a wonderful trip!!

 

[jodifla]

I took my 3 year old and we had a terrific time. He was SO excited to be on a real live train.

We took the smalllest room, which is basically two seats that face each other, and fold into a bed. I could have put one of us on the top bunk, but we snuggled together instead.

 

[madhouserobey]

the earlier you book the auto train the cheaper the price. i booked our turkey day res. in march and paided $657 for a family bedroom,2adults and 3 kids and mini-van. same trip booking it now is in the 700 + range . this is a one way fare