Autotrain Experts - Packing Advice

[toystorymom]

After driving to the World several times, we have decided to try the Autotrain for our next trip. Anyone have any tips, lists, thoughts on what we should bring with us on the train? I don't want to be wishing we had brought certain things or that we hadn't left certain things in the car. Also, what is allowed on the train, is it one bag per person? We are 2 adults, 3 kids, coach seats. Thanks!

 

[Henlady]

Yes, they normally say 1 bag per person, but I've never seen them be really picky about this.
My normal packing list for on the train consists of:

Pillow with a flat sheet and a light blanket slid inside the pillowcase with the pillow. (use the flat sheet to cover the seat you are sleeping on, much more comfortable than trying to lay against a seat hundreds of people have been sitting in).
A gallon size baggie containing: small bar of soap, wash cloth and hand towel, small toothpaste, toothbrush and deodorant. Using those paper towels is no fun when trying to take a "sponge" bath to clean up in the morning.

A change of top/shirt and a change of underwear. (I can wear the same outside clothes, but NOT the same underwear )

A CD player and our portable DVD player. Maybe a book or magazine.
With kids, I'd definately take along some of their favorite "diversions".

Any necessary medications.

I pack all the stuff but the pillow/sheet etc in a carry on bag then just carry the pillow, etc.. in a lg plastic bag.

DH also takes along a small cooler containing a couple of sodas and maybe a few cans of beer. There are enough snacks, etc.... available on the train. There have also been times that DH has purchased a pizza at Wolfgang Puck Express before leaving DTD (always our last stop before leaving) and carried that onboard with him - no problem. ( Others looked on enviously as he enjoyed his cold pizza later in the evening).

They do provide very small pillows (about 10 in X 6 in) which are good to stuff in the space between the 2 adjoining seats, but that is about all they are good for. Also provided is a blanket, which may be useful for a small child, but definately not an adult.

Take along whatever you feel will keep you comfortable.

After many, many trips on the Auto train, this list is pared down as far as I can get it for my/DH's comfort. I have seen people board with only a very small carry on/backpack. It all depends on what you need to keep you comfortable.

Hope you have a great AutoTrain trip.

 

[NJRRK]

Since you have children there is one thing I disagree with the PP on. Bring Snacks for the kiddies, the first time we went we did not bring snacks and the kiddoes were restless. If you're a card-playing family bring the cards, something to keep the little ones busy, even though it's an overnight train, there is still plenty of time to have to keep occupied.

Enjoy, we're flying down this year, but we've done the Autotrain and plan on doing it again, maybe next year. I prefer it over flying so does DS, but DW, DD and my parents prefer flying so we're flying.

 

[RustManFan]

Henlady has provided a very good list ! I have taken the auto train about 6 times and the pillow is definitely the highest priority. I also agree about bringing some of your own snacks and maybe water bottles.

I'm betting you LOVE going to WDW this way.....

 

[toystorymom]

Thanks so much for the great ideas! We used to fly but it got so expensive for a family of 5 and we like to have a car while we're there. So, we decided to try driving and found that we didn't mind it at all. I never thought it would work - my kids argue when we drive to the store 10 minutes away but for some reason, the trip to Disney is always very pleasant - almost magical.

Considering the price of gas, I found a great deal on the Autotrain - the kids and DH are all very excited to try it. I will have to post a trip report when we return.

Thanks again for all your thoughts and I'd love to hear from anyone else. I'm printing out Henlady's list and will definitely remember the snacks and pillows. Loving the pizza idea too!

 

[JSweetman]

We took the AutoTrain in December and are booked again for August.

I agree with the lists provided, but can add a few things for those getting roomettes.

Storage space is very tight in roomettes -- you'll have less room for stuff than you do in the coaches when the beds are down, so pack lightly -- two smaller bags are better than a full carry-on sized bag.

That being said, we prefer the roomettes to the family bedroom (our DD refuses to sleep in the short bed), so we have two roomettes across from each other -- that way the hallway feels like your space when you're up, but you can have privacy when you're sleeping.

Also, keep in mind that there have been times when the train has experienced major delays. We always pack at least enough snacks to get us through lunch if anything like that happens.

Finally, give some thought to how you pack your car. They don't allow roof-top carriers so everything has to be stowed inside and remains unaccessible until you get your car back. The drive to the DIS is a good 40 minutes or so, and you don't want to be crammed in with stuff if you don't have to be.

 

[solfan68]

Just returned this weekend. May not be too much help to OP as our family of three used a bedroom for the second year running. We carried on a small duffle for change of clothes, a bag with snacks and diversions, and a laptop for whiling away the hours with a DVD or two.

DS and I also entertained ourselves with our handheld game consoles, which, no surprise, seemed to be very popular throughout the train - especially with the younger set.

On dining... If selecting between the chicken and steak, go with the steak. Had the chicken southbound and it was more bone than meat. The steak wasn't the best I'd ever had, but certainly the better of those two choices. The cheesecake, on the other hand was tasty both times. Enjoy your trip !