Autotrain Questions

[LisaNJ25]

What is your opinion of the autotrain? I hate to fly and we are thinking about using it for our next trip. We drive out last trip to WDW but it was such a long drive.

We have a 2 1/2 yo and a 9 1/2 yo. Are the seats comfortable? Anyone have any pics of what the inside of the train looks? I just priced it and its a little over $900 for the 4 of us. That is without adding sleeping accomadations.

Are their even any discounts?

How long of a drive is it from Sandford, FL to Orlando?

Thanks,

Lisa

 

[Kim&Chris]

We took the Auto train last November and did not get a sleeping car either (WAY too expensive).

Here's the best piece of advice I can give you: When you board the train in Lorton, ask if you can be placed in a car that is relatively empty. Here's why......the seats, although they are roomy and comfortable, are tough to sleep in. When the train is done loading passengers, have each member of your family grab an empty, unclaimed pair of seats. When bedtime comes, these double seats can make a comfortable almost-twin sized bed.

My husband and I didn't realize this until we saw other people doing it. We wondered what the heck they were doing, until it was time to sleep. Then we realized.....two people, especially adults, cannot comfortably sleep in the assigned seats. On the way home from WDW, we each grabbed our own set of seats and had a comfortable ride home.

Also....bring your own pillows!!! The ones Amtrak gives you are a real joke. They are the smallest, flatest pillows known to man. Prior to our trip, I went to Wal-Mart and bought two travel pillows (the kind that support your neck). Boy, am I glad I did that! The poor souls who failed to bring a pillow looked like their necks were stiff as a board.

All in all, I would take the Auto Train again in a heartbeat. Keep checking Amtrak's website because they often offer 30% discounts on fares.

 

[CM Tinkerbell]

The drive from the Sanford station to WDW is not bad at all. Probably about 40 minutes total, although it never really seems that long. I guess becasue we're excited to get there. It's a very easy drive.

I love the AutoTrain. The coach seating is not bad. The seats are very roomy, and they recline and have a foot rest. If you hate flying (like I do) and want to avoid the long drive, AutoTrain is a nice altnernative.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

Hi,

I've taken the train MANY times to WDW - 10 times total in the last 6 years. We always had a sleeper since we splurged each time. We find the train is part of the adventure - not something to be "dreaded". I also will not fly, and I have driven to WDW, too - but the train is what we prefer to do. On the AutoTrain, the dinner is very good, and we always meet nice people - one time I met author who writes children's books. In 1999, we rode the AutoTrain with my 2 1/2 year old niece, and she managed fine on the trip. We had lots of coloring books and snacks to keep her occupied. She could walk around so that helped, too.

I have never ridden in coach, so I can't comment on that. My next trip on the train will probably be in January, and I may travel coach then. Even with the tragic accident the train had last week, I decided I will still take the train on future visits.

As for discounts, the only one I ever had was the AAA discount, which usually comes out to about 14 dollars when I travel solo. Pretty small, but I take it since I have AAA.

 

[RumpleMom]

We enjoyed the Auto Train. The food was very good and the kids loved it.


Since your children are small you could fit in the sleeper room that says it sleeps 3. We did it. If you have teenagers you will not fit. You do not need the family sleeping car. Remember the price includes your meals.

It was wonderful to have our own bathroom and not have to worry about the kids during the night.

We tried the coach seating one time, but did not like it.
I watched the kids most of the night because there was always someone up walking around in the car during the night. I just couldn't relax enough to sleep.