Auto Train

[gingermouse17]

Anyone headed to Kidani or WDW? We are on our way driving to the auto train in VA( our first time). Any tips about the auto train?

Thanks,

 

[DeeDeeDis]

I've done this twice and both times stayed in one of those very small sleeper compartments; bring a carry on bag with a change of clothes, make sure what you have is comfortable (like sweat pants comfy), a lap top is always good to have with dvd to watch a movie. small cooler with snacks and water. Books. Pillow and small blanket.

 

[megrod74]

I also stayed in the small sleeper with 2 kids by myself and found it was a little warm for me, so I'd suggest making your sleeping clothes on the light side. (it was May/June). Bring lots of things for entertainment if you're traveling with kids. I second the dvd player idea. We also had books, Old Maid, and a couple small toys.
Have fun!

 

[Harlemgirl720]

Never did the auto train but have traveled from NYC to Kissimmee. Doing it again on May 1st Make sure you have pillow, blanket, dvd player, ipod, laptop, movies and books. I also bring my cooler with my own food and drinks. Can get quite expensive on the train. Sometimes they even run out of a few things. And like the previous poster, wear comfortable clothes.

 

[RumpleMom]

I recall that our meals on the Autotrain were included in the price of our ticket.

We enjoyed the magician, who does card tricks in the observation car. There were free cracker-type snacks available in the observation car.

We chose the early seating for dinner. There was a movie being shown after the second dinner seating, but we chose to get to bed early as we were up early that morning.

We loved the Autotrain. The food was really good and you have a choice of entrees served at tables with white tablecloths.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Anyone headed to Kidani or WDW? We are on our way driving to the auto train in VA( our first time). Any tips about the auto train?

Thanks,

We LOVE the Auto Train... How are you traveling? Coach or in a room? Just need to know how to respond. It is very different.

 

[PEANUT1]

please report back as to how it goes!! We are doing the auto train in December travelling coach with our two girls ages will be 4 and 7.
have an awesome adventure.

 

[MinnieGi]

We are also travelling on the Autotrain for the first time in Dec. and would love to hear a report back on how it went. We're looking forward to it. Enjoy your trip!

 

[PEANUT1]

We are also travelling on the Autotrain for the first time in Dec. and would love to hear a report back on how it went. We're looking forward to it. Enjoy your trip!

when in dec? We are leaving on Dec 4th and coming home on Dec 13th.

 

[MinnieGi]

when in dec? We are leaving on Dec 4th and coming home on Dec 13th.

We're going over Christmas - leaving the 20th and coming back the 28th. Loving that we will have our van and not have to rent one!!

 

[ILuvCrush]

We have taken the auto train twice... both times coach. I suggest plenty of variety of activitys (books, ipod, movies, gameboy, etc) for the kids and snacks/drinks to take along. The last time we went they had a movie/tv player loaded with 100's of shows that you could rent at the station for the trip. I think that it was about $35 at that time (prob more now). We got it on our 2nd trip and it was nice since we didn't have a videoplayer atthat time.

My second suggestion is to be sure to eat a good lunch before arriving at the station. There is not much available there ( even less in Stanford than Lorton), it's not like at the airport where you can arrive early and have something to eat.

I hope you have a great trip!

Paula

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

Hope u enjoy your trip. We are returning for our 6th trip on the AT in Aug. We love having everything we need in the van. Definitely bring a fleece blanket and a pillow if you are in coach. We pack a bag of snacks and juice packs/water for when munchies occur. Meals are included in the price. There should also be fruit and cookies available in the lounge car.

Previous OP mentioned the preloaded DVD/TV that were avail for rental. They no longer offer that service. You can bring your own. There are outlets at every seat.

An be prepared for delays. They can be expected. We consider the train part of the adventure just not a mode of transportion.

Any ?'s I'd be happy to answer.