We (me, DH, DD,DS) took the auto train a few years ago and we loved it. It was really neat for the kids who have never been on a real train ride. We live outside of Philadelphia and it took us three hours to get to Lorton. Once there check in was a breeze, they ask you when you would like to eat dinner. The families are put in separate cars from other travelers that don't want to be with them. I thought that was great, that way you don't have some one grumbling about your kid(s) if they are 'too' loud. When you are checking in ask to be near an outlet and bring an extension cord, then you can plug in Dvd/cd players. The food was very good, we went at Thanksgiving and had a Turkey dinner, complete with rolls, and wine on the table~the kids had chicken fingers. There is a snack mix that is available during the entire ride along with coffee, there were also cookies in the lounge later that night. They show first run movies in the lounge.
We slept in our seats instead of getting a sleeper room. It was great to get into Orlando, with our own car (Packed to the GILLS) and be perfectly rested in the same amount of time it would have taken to drive straight through and be exhausted (been there done that!). Over all we would do it again.
