Autotrain Experts!!!!!!!

[kandb]

We are taking the autotrain to Orlando in September, originally we booked coach seats (husband, 2 year old twins and myself). Today, I booked a sleeper for the way down (extra $199). They said it was the family sleeper with two seats and a couch. I'm not sure how many beds it turns into but she did say something about bunk beds. Does anyone know anything about this sleeper? Will I feel like I'm sitting in a closet? I know we're on the lower level. Any info would be appreciated, Linda

 

[Henlady]

Linda,
Below is the official AMTRAK description of the Family bedroom.
I don't think you will feel as "though you are in a closet". Remember, you can leave your room and go to the lounge car if you need some "space" When are you traveling in September? We'll be on the AutoTrain heading south on 9/15 and northbound on 9/20.

Here is the AMTRAK sites description of the Family Bedroom:

"The Family Bedroom spans the entire width of the car and has two picture windows. The sofa and two reclining seats convert to beds and the two upper berths fold down from above. Located on the lower level of Superliner sleeping cars, these bedrooms include two adult-sized berths and two child-sized berths.

Meals included
Space for up to two adults and two children
Upper and lower berths
Sofa (converts to lower berth)
Two reclining seats (convert to a bed)
Electrical outlets
Climate control
Individual reading lights
Garment rack
Fold-down table
Fresh towels and bed linens
Soap and shower amenities
Toilet and shower available nearby in same train car
Personal service (turn-down, coffee, paper, make-up bed)
Bottled water
Daily newspaper

Dimensions

Room:
5'2" x 9'5"

2 Adult Berths with Ladder
Lower Berth: 3'4" x 6'3"
Upper Berth: 2'4" x 6'2"

2 Child Berths
Lower Berth: 2'3" x 4'9"
Upper Berth: 2'0" x 4'7"

Capacity for two to three suitcases

Hope this helps.

Kris

 

[kandb]

Hi Kris,
We are actually going down on 9/17 and returning on 9/26. I'm just concerned with putting one of my children on the upper bed since they are only two and might roll out of the bed. I'm wondering if I can put the mattress on the floor? Are you going coach or do you have a berth? We are going coach home. We'll compare the two and then see which we prefer for the return trip. We'll see if the berth is worth $199 for one way. Thanks for the info, Linda

 

[we3disneygo]

have fun!!

 

[J/T Gramdma]

The auto train is a great way to go to Florida.

kandb-- there is a netting that they put up on the top bunkto prevent rollouts. My grandson when he was 5 loved the top bunk and had no problems.

 

[pepperw23]

Hi Kris,
We are actually going down on 9/17 and returning on 9/26. I'm just concerned with putting one of my children on the upper bed since they are only two and might roll out of the bed. I'm wondering if I can put the mattress on the floor? Are you going coach or do you have a berth? We are going coach home. We'll compare the two and then see which we prefer for the return trip. We'll see if the berth is worth $199 for one way. Thanks for the info, Linda

I looked in to the auto train and decided against it for our family. Had the kids been younger I think I would have gone with it though. (I think with teens, one of which is 6'4, I would feel cramped lol)

I found pictures of all the sleepers at the Amtrack website. They are those 360 degree views. It looked to me like there was a rail to protect anyone from falling out of the top bunk. Of course if you are nervous (I totally know where you are coming from), why not have you and DH sleep in the bunks and put the kids in the lower bed?

 

[DC7800]

Of course if you are nervous (I totally know where you are coming from), why not have you and DH sleep in the bunks and put the kids in the lower bed?

Note the length of the smaller of the upper berths - 4'7", so most adults would be rather uncomfortable. The room is designed with two berths each for children (4'7"-4'9") and adults (6'2"-6'3"). When the beds are made up, they are in something of an "L" shape; the adult bunk is lengthwise across the room, the child bunk is at the foot of the adult. If you want two lower & upper berths which can accomodate anyone, you could book two bedrooms (sometimes still referred to as 'deluxe bedrooms'), but that gets very expensive.

 

[DC7800]

We are taking the autotrain to Orlando in September, originally we booked coach seats (husband, 2 year old twins and myself). Today, I booked a sleeper for the way down (extra $199). They said it was the family sleeper with two seats and a couch. I'm not sure how many beds it turns into but she did say something about bunk beds. Does anyone know anything about this sleeper? Will I feel like I'm sitting in a closet? I know we're on the lower level. Any info would be appreciated, Linda

Henlady gave you the room dimensions, including the fact that there are four beds (two intended for children). All sleeper rooms are necessairily small, but you shouldn't feel like its a closet. The room spans the width of the train car, with a window on each side. The only possible downside is that there are no restroom facilities within the family bedroom itself; however, they are just a few steps away on the Superliners lower level. You will have to go upstairs to reach the dining car or lounge.

 

[gillenkl]

We used the "family room" with 4 of us - me, hubby and 2 year old twins. It was a nice size room with 2 large windows. Hubby slept in the upper bunk and kids and I slept on the lower one - it was large enough for all 3 of us. They will come and turn down your beds and setup everything for you. I can't say enough good things about it.

 

[Henlady]

KandB
In September, we are traveling coach because we are trying to save some money. In June we are traveling southbound only and have a "roomette" since it is just DH & I. We always traveled coach when our children were small (they are now 22 & 24) and had no problems. When we travel coach in September, however, we are planning on reserving lower level seating. That way there is no "thru" traffic in the car. That is the one thing that seems to bother DH now. You can only walk from car to car in the upper level. I am sure you will like the room.

Kris

20 days till our Favorite Restaurant Tour - Auto Train to WDW>Cocoa Beach>St. Augustine>Myrtle Beach>Berkley Springs, WV>Home in PA

125 days till our September Free dining excursion

 

[AshAlytwins]

We get the sleeper cars and my husband is 6'4" and always sleeps well!!! My twins are 5'2' and I am 5'4" and we all are comfy!!!!

 

[Drake]

We slept/traveled in family rooms, deluxe rooms and the two person rooms on Amtrak. We love them all!

The family rooms are very roomy! Indeed, you can only fit children on the two smaller beds (unless there is an adult under 5 ft). When the beds are folded up there is plenty of room and windows on either side. The deluxe rooms are a little smaller,very nice, but rather expensive. Our last trip was in a 2 person room, me, my daughter and my grandson, 1 year old. Now, that was a bit close

The train is an adventurous way to travel Remember, meals are included with the price of the sleeper and it's so nice to take a walk to the dining car to eat!

 

[wifeofjack]

Drake, you stated that meals are included with the price of a sleeper, are they included if one does NOT book the sleeper? Hubby and I are researching all modes of transportation for our September trip. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Henlady]

Hi Wifeofjack: I'm not Drake, but I can answer your question. Meals are included in all fares (roomette, bedroom, coach, etc...) Supper is served at 2 or 3 seatings depending on how many people are on the train. Supper consists of salad, 3 or 4 entree selections with potato & veggie, and dessert. Wine is also served. Snacks of cookies, fruit and a chip type mix are served at various times in the lounge car, coffee and tea are complimentary throughout the trip. A continental breakfast of bagels & cream cheese, muffins, selection of cold cereal, fruit, milk, orange juice and coffee & tea is served starting at around 7am I believe. You won't go hungry on the AutoTrain. You are also free to take some of your own snack items and/or drinks along. Amtrak will tailor meals to meet certain medical or religious requirements if you notify them in advance.


Kris

 

[DC7800]

Drake, you stated that meals are included with the price of a sleeper, are they included if one does NOT book the sleeper? Hubby and I are researching all modes of transportation for our September trip

Meals are included for everyone - coach or sleeper - travelling on Auto-Train only. On any other long-distance train, only sleeper passengers have meals included in their ticket price.