Auto Train

[autumnblue]

Have any of you ever traveled by the AutoTrain. I'm wondering if you felt it was worth the money. My alternative is driving Boston to WDW.

Autumnblue

 

[laurieny]

We used the autotrain this past summer. We really enjoyed it. We did not get a sleeper car and had no trouble sleeping in the coach seats. On the trip north, the train was practically empty and we had the lower compartment to outselves. The ffod was excellent and it was a vewry relaxing trip. Bring your own pillows though.

 

[M & K's Parents]

We used the auto train for the first time in August (family of 4 - kids 9 and 7). We chose it partly for the experience but mostly because we wanted our car but didn't want to make the long drive. We all enjoyed it very much. We had the freedom to move around whenever we wanted which was great. There are free snacks in the lounge car when you get on the train (small bowls of a tortilla chip/cheeto/pretzel type mix). There were 3 different times for dinner (you pick your time at check-in). You had the choice of chicken breast, vegetable lasagna or crab cakes as well as the kids chicken meal. We enjoyed the meals which included desserts and wine. There was a movie shown in the lounge car. We saw Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles and Spy Kids. We brought a small ice chest with sodas and water (you could also bring beer or buy any of those in the lounge car). We brought our own pillows and also brought sheets to tie up on the outside of our seats for more sleeping privacy. My kids and DH slept well. I am more easily distracted so I had a hard time on the way to Florida. On the northbound trip we had an empty seat behind us so DH and I each got to spread out for sleeping which worked out much better. We would do it again. We arrived on time northbound and within an hour of on time southbound (delayed a bit by rainy weather). It took at least 45 minutes to get our car in Florida but we were one of the first to get our car northbound. Getting your car is a random thing not dependent on how early or late you arrive to check in. We would definitely do it again.

 

[CDavid]

autumnblue,
You might want to check some of the threads below, too. I was last on Auto-Train in July, so if you have any questions please ask.

http://www.disboards.com/forums/sho...6&highlight=auto+train+or+amtrak+or+autotrain

http://www.disboards.com/forums/sho...8&highlight=auto+train+or+amtrak+or+autotrain

http://www.disboards.com/forums/sho...8&highlight=auto+train+or+amtrak+or+autotrain

 

[Luv2Dream]

We had the same dilemma this past May, whether to drive from Worcester or take the train. We chose to take the train. We did book a family sleeper car and although it was nice and private, I couldn't sleep with all the wheel noise. The family car is on the lower level at the end of the car. I would try the train again but I would book two sleeper units on the upper level only. I would need two to sleep the three of us as the units only sleep 2 apiece. We are about to leave next week for WDW again. We've opted to drive the entire trip this time. So I'll have a pretty good feel for the answer to this question on 10/23 when we get home. I have a 4 year old so the age of your kids might make a difference. My daughter did extremely well during the trip to Lorton, VA. Let's see if this holds up all the way to Florida. Fingers crossed!