AutoTrain

[KingPennington10]

Has anyone taken the AutoTrain down? It seems kind of expensive (about the same as flying and renting a car,) but may be better than driving 14 hours with a 2 and 6 year old...
I guess I'm asking more about the experience.

 

[PandyPaws]

I took the Auto Train one way, from Orlando, to Lorton, VA in Dec of 2001 with my DS, who was 4 years old at the time.

Yes, it can be very expensive, depending on the time of year. They do often run specials. I guess not many folks were headed north in December...I reserved a basic cabin and was offered an upgrade for a deluxe cabin with a bath for an extra $25. I think the whole thing, inlcuding rail fares for myself and DS, the car and the cabin cost about $420. I've seen the same setup as high as $1350 at busier times of the year

The experience was cool and unique. The cabin attendants were fabulous...very nice and friendly, very attentive and accomodating. There is turn-down service for the beds...I think I remember the attendant asking what time I wanted that The dinner was pretty good...no complaints (I had Salmon, DS had chicken strips). They sat us with an elderly couple and we had some nice dinner conversation.

Did you have any more specific questions?

 

[kellymonaghan]

I did it once and enjoyed it, but as PandyPaws points out it IS expensive.

I was by myself and had a tiny little room with two comfortable seats facing each other that converted into beds at night. Very cramped but kinda cozy.

I think the way to approach it is as sort of an attraction in its own right. If you've never taken an overnight train trip then it's an experience worth having.

 

[CPM]

We love the auto train. We've traveled that way several times to go up north. It can be very expensive, look out for specials and AAA rates. For the four of us we found that getting two of the cramped cabins like Kelly had was the best way to go. The staff is great, they even remember us when we go on another trip. The whole thing is an experience in itself.
BTW, you get a great dinner included!

 

[KingPennington10]

Thanks for the info.

When we are going in June, I assume that there will be mostly familys traveling. (Not too many snowbirds at that time.) Is there room for a 2 year old to "stretch his legs" often. By that I mean run up and down the aisle. I understand that there are movies. Any other activities for toddlers? My 6 year old loves trains and will be satisfied by being on one for a long trip.

Will an active kid be frowned upon?

 

[CPM]

I think it's very kid friendly. My kids were very little when we started taking the AT. They don't have any planned activities if that is what you mean. But there is the scenic car which is very roomy and the lounge car. Make sure you bring things for him to do. There are usually lots of kids when I have traveled.

 

[Dznefreek]

We did it in '89 and loved it.

We paid 950.00 for 2 adults, 2 kids and the car, which was 200.00 alone. It was well worth it and the food was great!

At dinner all of the tables were set with everything including a carafe of wine. As dinner wrapped up my wife and I took all the unused carafes from other tables and drank them with the Auto-train blessing. IT WAS GREAT!

It is funny that people refer to it as "expensive " when you compare it to oh I don't know.........what WDW charges for some rooms!?!?!??!?!

 

[CPM]

Dznefreek,
'89 was a long time ago, the prices have increased quite a bit since then. I've paid up to $1,600.00 for the four of us at times. I think what most people compare it to is flights or driving the whole way. They still have to get a Disney room when they get there.
I like to take it if I'll be there for more then two weeks, the price of a rental car will get expensive after that. So factoring in the extra day and a rental car VS flights has to be considered, unless you consider it just an adventure.