Autotrain Coach Seat ????

[grlzmom]

Our kiddos have requested to take the autotrain to Disney instead of flying this time (they want to experience something new). I have read some old auto train threads and gotten some good info (including a discount code for the kids, thanks dissers!), but am looking for a few more specifics.

We already realize that this is not a cheaper or quicker alternative to flying, it is simply something the kids want to try.

Having never done this before I am clueless as to what "reserved coach seating" means. Can someone give me specifics? Are the seats in groups of twos, or threes? Is this like airline sardine seating?

What is the difference between upper level coach and lower level coach? Do you simply get to the station and take a seat or are they assigned?

Are meal times assigned, and do you actually get some rest at night or is that nearly impossible?

We will not be booking sleeping cars as we are a group of eleven and that is a little out of the budget.

Are there preferred locations to try to get, and are there any electrical outlets for laptop charging?

Thanks in advance for any replies to my many questions Any additional hints or tips will be greatly appreciated.

 

[jenwolgey]

http://www.on-track-on-line.com/autotrain-onboard.shtml

This site has lots of helpful info. We've done this 5 times now, and our kids love it. Don't have time to post any more now, the above site should answe a lot of your questions.

 

[Henlady]

Grlzmom: What area of PA are you from? We have found a route to get to Lorton that is completely away from 495 around DC. DH strongly dislikes that route, so for our last trip I found an alternative.

Kris

 

[hollyb]

I am so excited to see your post. We just decided Saturday that we are going to take the autotrain as well. Will you be leaving out of VA? We are thinking of going May 2007. I can't wait to read some ideas and thoughts.

Have a great day.

 

[goofyforlife]

First you may want to read the autotrain thread......

Having never done this before I am clueless as to what "reserved coach seating" means. Can someone give me specifics? Are the seats in groups of twos, or threes? Is this like airline sardine seating?

reserved coach just means you're guaranteed lower or upper level depending on what you pick when you make ressie. Seating isn't bad. They recline and such.

What is the difference between upper level coach and lower level coach? Do you simply get to the station and take a seat or are they assigned?

At the station they will assign your car and specific seats.....

All of the club car activities and the dinning cars are on the upper level. The bathrooms are on the lower level. Upper cars are linked together in the coach sections and people will walk though all night. Lower cars are not linked and it's like having a private section (there is a door that seperates the seating area from the bathroom/hallway)

Are meal times assigned, and do you actually get some rest at night or is that nearly impossible?

Meal times are assigned first come first serve to the station. If you have kids and want to eat before 9 pm, Get there EARLY.....

We will not be booking sleeping cars as we are a group of eleven and that is a little out of the budget.

If you have 11 in your group and book a lower car there's a chance that no one else will get put in that car with you..... It was far more restful downstairs than upstairs.

The lower area seats about 14-16 people and they try not to pack it full .....
When we took LL it was only our family of three and a family of 6 so we got to spin the chairs around and spread out. We put the DVD player on a box and sat the kids in that section and it was like a private movie theatre.

Are there preferred locations to try to get, and are there any electrical outlets for laptop charging?

there are very few per car so if you have spare batteries, I'd take them.

Hope this helps....

 

[hollyb]

Can we bring our own food and snacks for the kids? How far is the train station in FLA from Disney. I went on the above site but didn't see. That doesn't mean it's not there though.

 

[goofyforlife]

Can we bring our own food and snacks for the kids? How far is the train station in FLA from Disney. I went on the above site but didn't see. That doesn't mean it's not there though.

Yes, you can bring snacks and alcoholic beverages too (Soda's on the train are pretty expensive too so we packed our own on the way home).... The Sandford station is roughly 45min-1 hr from disney property.

 

[Henlady]

hollyb,
you can take whatever you can comfortably carry onto the train. Snacks and soda are acceptable. There are, however, snacks of cookies, fruit, and munchie mix available in the lounge car that is free for the taking, coffee and hot tea are also complimentary.
Sodas/juices are not free, they are rather expensive, so take your own. We always take our own pillows and a light throw/blanket for nighttime use. Here is a list of what we normally take when travelling "coach":

pillow
a flat sheet (This I fold and slide into the pillow case - to cover the seat for a little more comfort while sleeping.)
light blanket/throw
Wash cloth and hand towel and a small bar of soap
tooth paste and toothbrushes.
any medications (as your auto is not accessable during the trip)
deodorant, makeup, hairbrush.
A change of underwear and a clean shirt/top.
A small cooler for a couple of sodas.
that may sound like a lot, but honestly, it all fits (except the pillow and small cooler) into a small carryon type bag.

The AutoTrain leaves Lorton VA at about 4:00pm and arrives in Sanford Fl at approximately 8:30 am(if things are running on time - occasionally they do - otherwise plan on getting there around 10:30 to 11:30) then allow time for your car to be unloaded. Traveling by train is not "fast". Sit back and relax and enjoy the down time.
It normally takes us about an hour to get from the Sanford station to PO-R. I have read that some people make it in 45 minutes, so I must drive slow.
Hope this helps.

Kris

11 days till our "Favorite Restaurant Tour" AutoTrain to Sanford/Disney>Cocoa Beach>St. Augustine>Myrtle Beach>Berkely Springs, WV>Home
116 days till our September Freeing Excursion also via AutoTrain

 

[grlzmom]

WOW,

Thanks for all the great replies. I really appreciate them. The link to the website was great. Lots of info.

Kris, we are from kinda west central PA, about an hour from State College. I would appreciate any alternative route info you have.

Well, we are booked into the lower level coach seating. It cost about 50 bucks more total but she said we will be in our own car (cars hold 12 we have 11) so very rare that they would put someone else in there with us. She said out train is currently very empty (less than 100 booked, she said it holds 500). We still have almost 3 weeks to go so it might fill up. But, she said as we are travelling on a Monday its usually not a busy day. She also prebooked us for 5:30 dining as we are large party with lots of kids. They were very helpful on the phone.

She told me there will be less traffic on the lower level but we will have to go upstairs for eating/lounge.

She also said that usually vans and suvs are first off in Florida.

We paid 700 even for 11 people (four adult fares, seven kiddos (going free with the H608 code, and a LARGE van), this is ONE way. We are driving back and stopping to see family. So just a little less than one way what I would pay for a southwest DING airfare. Not too bad.

Thanks for all the great replies and would love more info.

 

[hollyb]

Thanks so much!!! We are really getting excited about the train. I can't wait to hear more about your trips on the auto train.


Does anyone have a list of pros and cons of taking the train?


Have a great night!!

 

[Henlady]

Girlzmom:
Like I said in previous post, DH does not like traveling around DC and will take any route to avoid it. Here is the route we used in October and we plan to use it again on June 3.
Travel to Breezewood (via your best route). From Breezewood take I-70 to 519 South toward Winchester go around Winchester and onto I-81 South to Rt 17 South to Rt 66 East. Exit Rt 66 at Exit 55, take Fairfax County Parkway(south or east - can't remember how it runs, but it will be one of those directions) to Ox Road(Rt 123 South) to Rt 611 North to Lorton Road. Straight thru Lorton, thru the underpass @ I-95 and the AutoTrain Terminal will be immediately on your left.
This route takes 3 to 3 1/2 hours depending on taffic. It is a nice drive and is
4 lane most of the way. It may sound complicated, but it really isn't. And it keeps you out of that 495 traffic.
Hope this all makes sense. If you use a Virgina Map, you can map it out without too much difficulty.

Kris

 

[cherylp3]

There is a great informational thread at
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=402667&page=1

 

[goofyforlife]

Kris, we are from kinda west central PA, about an hour from State College.

Hey I'm a Kris too... And I lived in PA up until four yrs ago. 1972-90 in NE Philly, 90-94 in State College, 94-2001 in Williamsport (proper & South Wmspt a couple yrs), My DM & DGP's are living outside Clarion now.

We originally moved to Gaithersburg, MD - six months later moved further up to Germantown, two yrs ago we bought a townhouse out here in Frederick. My biggest joke with my DH is that the next move is back to PA. (maybe Gettysburg area)

 

[princesspwrhr]

WOW,

She also said that usually vans and suvs are first off in Florida.

In Dec it didn't seem to matter. The vehicles are not loaded in any particular order, just first come first on, and then when the vehicle cars are unloaded they are not in any order. They do unload pretty quickly though. We saw a mix of sedans and SUVs, & vans and 2 motorcycles unload with no preference to size of vehicle and our van was one of the last vehicles off.

 

[PA Princess]

We also will be traveling by train this year...it is something our 10 year old son has always dreamed of doing. We are taking advantage of the kids travel free and free dining in Disney this September. We have 4 kids ages 11, 10, 5, and 1. We booked coach seats and we are traveling from PA to FL via auto train and driving home with a stop to visit relatives. I have read all of the info about the auto train including the links in this post.

I have a question about bringing a car seat on the train. I know they are not needed, but I think we stand a much better chance that our 1 year old will actually sleep if she could be in her car seat. We did book a seat for her to ensure adequate space. Having no experience with the train, I thought I would ask experienced train travelers if they knew a way to strap a carseat to a train seat?

Dh is very mechanically inclined, and we have tossed around a few ideas, but without first hand experience with the space it is hard to figure out how this would work best. I am not looking to lock the seat in place like you would in a car, but more something to keep the seat still and not rocking back and forth as we travel. We have considered using a large piece of elastic or velcro to make a fastener. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

 

[hollyb]

We also will be traveling by train this year...it is something our 10 year old son has always dreamed of doing. We are taking advantage of the kids travel free and free dining in Disney this September. We have 4 kids ages 11, 10, 5, and 1. We booked coach seats and we are traveling from PA to FL via auto train and driving home with a stop to visit relatives. I have read all of the info about the auto train including the links in this post.

I have a question about bringing a car seat on the train. I know they are not needed, but I think we stand a much better chance that our 1 year old will actually sleep if she could be in her car seat. We did book a seat for her to ensure adequate space. Having no experience with the train, I thought I would ask experienced train travelers if they knew a way to strap a carseat to a train seat?

Dh is very mechanically inclined, and we have tossed around a few ideas, but without first hand experience with the space it is hard to figure out how this would work best. I am not looking to lock the seat in place like you would in a car, but more something to keep the seat still and not rocking back and forth as we travel. We have considered using a large piece of elastic or velcro to make a fastener. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

You are so smart!!! Your DD will be happier I bet. I have no ideas, just wanted to say that.