Can anyone help with Auto Train questions?

[The Pluto People]

My DH really wants to use the Auto Train to get to WDW for our April trip. In addition to his aversion to flying he wants to have access to our car in case we have to drive home (we heard some horror stories about people trying to get home on/after Sept 11). I can understand his reasoning but I have some questions. To reserve a sleeper car would be too expensive for us so we would have to spend the night in our seats. Can you actually sleep on the train if you don't have a sleeper compartment? Can you really walk around on the train? How is the dining car? I know you can't reserve seats but will your seats still be available when you return from dinner or seeing a movie? Are the bathrooms clean? Any and all info on the Auto Train would be appreciated!!

 

[pepe of ohio]

We have taken the auto train once in 1980 and found out that the car is not necessary unless you are an impatience person with a pocket full of money. Since that trip we have driven and taken the train from Ohio many times and over the years since 1977 its the train for us. Its long, don't let anyone fool you but you make the best of it when you can. I've driven there at least 7 times and the drive is hectic, montomious and boring and really not a safe drive in my mind, cause stopping overnight is not an option with me. I've driven through in 19 hours and was a zombie each time. The train is relaxing, the restroom what you would expect, listen, there are 90 people to a car, sharing 2 restrooms and its not that bad. Its a place to relieve yourself, not to eat or party. Get your businees done and be respectful of others and theres no problem. You can walk from one end of the train to the other, the cafe is nice, prices are high but not that high, if they are then you should have stayed home. The dining car is very nice and the same goes for thr prices. This isn't a Mcdonalds train, you get a good meal for a high price, enjoy, look out the window and not at your wallet. After 27 hours, I feel relaxed and relieved that I'm in Kissimmee, ready to go like I've been reborn and not like the zombie from the tedious driving that I remember. We parallel I-95 some of the ways and we pass the cars and trucks like they are standing still. This could be us but we're on Amtrak enjoying the scenery and each other going to the best place in the world.

 

[DVC Chris]

Hi,

We've done the AutoTrain twice and enjoyed it each time. The most recent was a few weeks ago. To us, the trip is not too bad at all. Train leaves VA at around 4pm and arrives in FL at around 8:00am. In fact, we arrived at least 45 min early each way on our trip in early dec. We did the standard sleeper each trip, but I believe that ALL coach seats are reserved. So, your seat is guaranteed. In the sleeper compartments, I know that meals are included in the price and believe that they are also included in the coach price on the AutoTrain also. (Meals being included in the coach price is unique to the Auto Train) The AutoTrain is a great way to go to FL. You may want to look into the cost of the Standard Sleeper accommodations. You can sometimes get come pretty good prices. Also, you can ask about upgrading to them when you arrive at the terminal.

If you need any more info, please let me know....

Enjoy!

 

[lookingforward]

We took the auto train and booked a family sleeper. It had four beds on the lower level. We LOVED the train, it was a relaxing way to travel. You get a nice dinner in the dining car and a full breakfast in the morning. Out steward was really great and the kids had a blast! They have a lounge car that shows movies at night and you can buy drinks, etc. You arrive early in Sanford and the drive to Disney is not bad at all. I talked to several people who went coach and they loved it. The train seats are like airline first class seats and they recline, etc. I would bring a pillow and I think they provide blankets. Enjoy!

 

[DC7800]

Originally posted by The Pluto People
My DH really wants to use the Auto Train to get to WDW for our April trip. In addition to his aversion to flying he wants to have access to our car in case we have to drive home (we heard some horror stories about people trying to get home on/after Sept 11). I can understand his reasoning but I have some questions. To reserve a sleeper car would be too expensive for us so we would have to spend the night in our seats. Can you actually sleep on the train if you don't have a sleeper compartment?

Yes, you can sleep on the train in your seat. The seats recline and your car attendant provides a small pillow (many experienced rail travelers can be seen bringing a larger pillow and blanket from home). It's not as good as a real bed (or bunk) of course, but I've often fell asleep in the evenings on the train without really meaning to. The train is carded about 17 hours for the trip but is frequently early (and it has one of the best on-time ratings of any train nationwide). Don't worry about having to sleep in coach - for only one night, it's completely manageable.

I know you can't reserve seats but will your seats still be available when you return from dinner or seeing a movie?

Auto-Train is an all-reserved train, meaning you have to have reservations to travel onboard (although these can usually be snared (at full price!) even a few hours prior to departure). Thus, a seat is guaranteed. What is not reserved are the individual seats; you will be assigned a specific car, but where you sit in that car is up to you (and the attendants will help ensure large families can all sit together, etc). Amtrak tries to group families with young children in the same car(s), so the kids have somone to play with and the adults are otherwise not disturbed. You keep the same seats for the entire trip (unless you want to move - some parties spread out for sleeping if the car is only sparsely populated, but never in someone else's seats!)

Can you really walk around on the train? How is the dining car?

You may walk the length of the coach section of the train (diner, lounge, and coaches). Unlike an airplane, you are free to get up and stroll around at any time, whethor the train is moving or stopped. Indeed, such freedom to move about is one of the primary advantages of taking the train. You will quickly become accustomed to walking while the train is moving. The dining car is formal, though dress will be casual (most of us are central Florida tourists, after all). THe food is excellent, and is included in the price of your ticket. I don't mean the food is excellent for a train either - I mean it is excellent, period! Snacks and beverages in the lounge car are not included, however.

Are the bathrooms clean? Any and all info on the Auto Train would be appreciated!!

The bathrooms in coach are actually larger than those in the sleepers. Unless your fellow passengers really trash the place, they are very clean. Incidentally, if any sleeper space remains unsold at time of departure, it may be offered to coach passengers at a reduced price.

I hope this helps. Feel free to PM if you have any questions or conerns.

 

[The Pluto People]

Wow! thanks for all the great replies! We are still debating (plane or train) but it is wonderful to know the auto train is a good alternative to flying! Thanks again!