Few more questions re Autotrain

[kandb]

We are taking the autotrain down in Oct. It will be my dh, myself, our 7 year old twins and our son who is 1 year old. Can we all sit at the dining table? My 1 year old could sit inbetween my dh and I? We have a family bedroom going down. What time can we get dinner? I cannot feed my children too late. What time is breakfast served? Thanks for the help. Linda

 

[NJ&SSR]

We are also going down in Oct. It is a good way to travel. To answer your questions, they will allow your 1 year old to squeeze in with you for dinner. There are 3 reserved seating available for dinner, 5, 7, and 9. It is scheduled fisrt come, first to reserve. If you are late getting to the station and get a late seating, talk to the porter on the train, he may be able to get you an earlier seating time, they really try to help get an earlier seating if possible. Breakfast is from 6:30 till about 8 am. It is open seating, not reserved.

I hope this helps, please feel free to ask any other questions.

 

[kandb]

Thanks for the help. Wow, that breakfast time is real early. I guess they don't expect people to be sleeping? If I remember correctly, when you are staying in a sleeper the dinner menu is different? I think you can get steak? Do you remember the choices for dinner? Is there just one dining car? Do we have to walk far to get to it? (I'm sure it depends on where our sleeper is). Thanks, Linda

 

[NJ&SSR]

Breakfast is early, but the last few times we rode the train, it was in the station by about 8:30 (1 hour early). The menu is different, and normally seems to include a steak. I don't remember exactly what is on the menu it has been almost a year since my last trip. There is one dining car for Sleepers, with 1/2 the lounge car being used for dining if the train is very full. The walk is only at most 4 or 5 cars I think.

 

[POOHsie]

This link has a somewhat blurry picture of the menu. Click on the picture to enlarge it and you can just make it out. This site link was last updated February 2008, but should give you an idea of the menu.

http://www.on-track-on-line.com/autotrain-onboard.shtml

If you read around this site, you can learn other interesting things about your upcoming train trip. We are going on the autotrain in 2 weeks.

I don't know how far to the dining car. I guess it depends on where your bedroom is. I believe there is a welcome reception for first class passengers (those who have bedrooms) with wine & snacks, probably in the lounge car. Enjoy your trip!

 

[kandb]

Thank you both so much for all the great info. Linda

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

We just did a trip on the AT in Aug. Yes you can all squeeze in the booth for dinner. We have done it the last few trip. This trip DH and ODS sat across from us- which gave us more room.

Dinner time is 5/7/9pm. I hear you on feeding the kids late. We have ocassionally gotten the 9pm seating. The 1st time we showed up the staff was mad (well not really but upset) that we let the kids wait. Ours were falling asleep by the time dessert was served. DH is employeed by amtrak so we are suppose to get last seating time. We usually arrive at the station by 11 am and lately have gotten a 5pm serving but the train is not sold out (which makes a difference). Last yr trip we had the 7 pm seating. The cabin attendant was able to get us our food served in our room- on china too. we just explained that the time was pretty late for the kids and he was very accomadating in getting the food by 6pm. We do travel with snacks/juice packs for this purpose.

As for menu selections. If I remember correctly there was crab cakes (soo good we had them down and back) a steak, a chicken and I want to say there was a pasta too. The kids menu was cho cho chewy- chicken tenders with green beans and mac/chees. wine/soda/juice is available. Dessert was cheesecake w or w/o icecream, ice cream, jello and a to die for very chocolate cake. the food is very good.

Breakfast is very early but we usually tend to get up at 630 to see where the train is in terms of arrival. We do eat by 7am. They have the booths set up with muffins, bagels, banana, and cereal(frosted flakes, raisin bran and I want to say special K but I could be wrong on that). OJ is already on the table. Coffee/tea is also available. One yr Dh brought breakfast back to the room (we had 2) bc it was easier w/ ds1 at the time. He took everyone else w/ him. The train generally arrives in Sanford by 830 unless there was some type of delay. They do close the dining room by 8ish if they are arriving early. Also we were advised to arrive early so we could all sit together.

the sleeper cars do have a coffee/tea station in each. It is avail for the duration of your trip. They had hot chocolate too. Each room also has bottles of water available. They will give u more if u ask. There is a seperate dining car for sleepers and for coach.

We did bring our own pillows and blankets since we don't know if we are coach or sleepers until they are calling last call all aboard! They were handy this time in the sleepers. I shared the bed w/ dd7 and she hogged the blankets. The upper bunks may have a vent close to it so it might be chilly up there. I know there is a little deflection piece that can be pulled down to vent it away from the top bunks.

You will be on the lower level of the train. There are 3 different types of bathrooms. DD and I investigated it one year! 1st is your tradition one- very narrow- think airline bathroom, 2nd has a dressing room attached -basically has a seat to sit on to change and then the little bathroom off that. 3rd is more of a makeup area w/ stools and a big mirror and a little bathroom off that. We found the one with the dressing room attached the easiest bc it gave us more room plus a place to sit while waiting for dc to do their thing. the train is rocky so it is important to hold on or in this case you have an extra seat to sit on.

I also found for traveling w/ a 1yr old to wear him in a baby carrier. I have a pikkolo carrier (buckled structured carrier). The train does sway -sometimes alot. You really need to have your hands free to support yourself. With the carrier it made it easier to walk about the train w/o worry of dropping him or losing my balance. Moving btwn cars is very bumpy. DH and i have a long running joke that when the tracks were layed the workers must have been drinking too much!!

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more ?'s. We have traveled the last 6 yrs on the AT and absolutely love it. Currently my dc range in ages 20 - 3.

OH the best suggestion I could give about the AT is to remember it is part of the adventure. Be prepared for delays- it can happen. The tracks are owned by CSX and Amtrak has to grant CSX the right of way. Delays can and do happen. Our return train this year was delayed about an hr at the station due to issues with the brakes on some of the cars. Fine with us as long as it is fixed bf we get on board. in 08 our return train was cancelled due to tropical storm fay. We had the option to drive home (NOT) or stay at WDW till the next train that could accomadate us (5 days later). We dont' get upset if there is a delay- we just come prepared. For our DC the train is the best experience next to disney!

 

[kandb]

Thanks for all the great info. We did have round trip airplane flights but after hearing some things in the news lately, I decided I wouldn't go on a plane. We have at reservations on our return trip from WDW and we were going to plan to drive down (straight thru) but now I am rethinking that since our youngest son is 1 1/2 years old and he HATES the car seat. Sometimes he cries hysterically to get out and the trip will be long for him and I'm not sure if he will sleep the whole night thru. I am going to call amtrak today and book tickets for the train down as well. Coming home we got a good price on roommettes (got 2, accross from each other) but going down the prices for rooms are really high. We also have 7 year old twins and took the at 3 years ago with a family bedroom both ways and they loved it. We did fly last year to WDW and I asked them if they would like to fly or take the at and they said very loudly the autotrain!!!! I don't know how I will keep the baby entertained in coach seats. Should I suggest being towards the front of the car or towards the back or does it make any difference? I guess he will just sleep between my husband and I. We are going in October. Does the train tend to be cold or warm? Can we bring a dvd player? We have the adaptor that fits in a cigarette lighter, is that the same one we can use in coach? Will they assign seats when I make the ressies or when we get to the station? Is there any chance of getting a cheaper room when we get to the station? (wishful thinking, the family bedroom is around $700 right now, ouch!). Thanks for all your help. Can't wait for our adventure on the train, Linda

 

[bheyman]

We just did a trip on the AT in Aug. Yes you can all squeeze in the booth for dinner. We have done it the last few trip. This trip DH and ODS sat across from us- which gave us more room.

Dinner time is 5/7/9pm. I hear you on feeding the kids late. We have ocassionally gotten the 9pm seating. The 1st time we showed up the staff was mad (well not really but upset) that we let the kids wait. Ours were falling asleep by the time dessert was served. DH is employeed by amtrak so we are suppose to get last seating time. We usually arrive at the station by 11 am and lately have gotten a 5pm serving but the train is not sold out (which makes a difference). Last yr trip we had the 7 pm seating. The cabin attendant was able to get us our food served in our room- on china too. we just explained that the time was pretty late for the kids and he was very accomadating in getting the food by 6pm. We do travel with snacks/juice packs for this purpose.

As for menu selections. If I remember correctly there was crab cakes (soo good we had them down and back) a steak, a chicken and I want to say there was a pasta too. The kids menu was cho cho chewy- chicken tenders with green beans and mac/chees. wine/soda/juice is available. Dessert was cheesecake w or w/o icecream, ice cream, jello and a to die for very chocolate cake. the food is very good.

Breakfast is very early but we usually tend to get up at 630 to see where the train is in terms of arrival. We do eat by 7am. They have the booths set up with muffins, bagels, banana, and cereal(frosted flakes, raisin bran and I want to say special K but I could be wrong on that). OJ is already on the table. Coffee/tea is also available. One yr Dh brought breakfast back to the room (we had 2) bc it was easier w/ ds1 at the time. He took everyone else w/ him. The train generally arrives in Sanford by 830 unless there was some type of delay. They do close the dining room by 8ish if they are arriving early. Also we were advised to arrive early so we could all sit together.

the sleeper cars do have a coffee/tea station in each. It is avail for the duration of your trip. They had hot chocolate too. Each room also has bottles of water available. They will give u more if u ask. There is a seperate dining car for sleepers and for coach.

We did bring our own pillows and blankets since we don't know if we are coach or sleepers until they are calling last call all aboard! They were handy this time in the sleepers. I shared the bed w/ dd7 and she hogged the blankets. The upper bunks may have a vent close to it so it might be chilly up there. I know there is a little deflection piece that can be pulled down to vent it away from the top bunks.

You will be on the lower level of the train. There are 3 different types of bathrooms. DD and I investigated it one year! 1st is your tradition one- very narrow- think airline bathroom, 2nd has a dressing room attached -basically has a seat to sit on to change and then the little bathroom off that. 3rd is more of a makeup area w/ stools and a big mirror and a little bathroom off that. We found the one with the dressing room attached the easiest bc it gave us more room plus a place to sit while waiting for dc to do their thing. the train is rocky so it is important to hold on or in this case you have an extra seat to sit on.

I also found for traveling w/ a 1yr old to wear him in a baby carrier. I have a pikkolo carrier (buckled structured carrier). The train does sway -sometimes alot. You really need to have your hands free to support yourself. With the carrier it made it easier to walk about the train w/o worry of dropping him or losing my balance. Moving btwn cars is very bumpy. DH and i have a long running joke that when the tracks were layed the workers must have been drinking too much!!

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more ?'s. We have traveled the last 6 yrs on the AT and absolutely love it. Currently my dc range in ages 20 - 3.

OH the best suggestion I could give about the AT is to remember it is part of the adventure. Be prepared for delays- it can happen. The tracks are owned by CSX and Amtrak has to grant CSX the right of way. Delays can and do happen. Our return train this year was delayed about an hr at the station due to issues with the brakes on some of the cars. Fine with us as long as it is fixed bf we get on board. in 08 our return train was cancelled due to tropical storm fay. We had the option to drive home (NOT) or stay at WDW till the next train that could accomadate us (5 days later). We dont' get upset if there is a delay- we just come prepared. For our DC the train is the best experience next to disney!

I loved reading this! Thanks for posting it.

 

[chartle]

Can we bring a dvd player? We have the adaptor that fits in a cigarette lighter, is that the same one we can use in coach?

Lots of questions but the one I can answer quickly is that all the seats including coach have 110 outlets at every seat so you need an AC adapter not something that plugs into a cigarette lighter.

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

Thanks for all the great info. We did have round trip airplane flights but after hearing some things in the news lately, I decided I wouldn't go on a plane. We have at reservations on our return trip from WDW and we were going to plan to drive down (straight thru) but now I am rethinking that since our youngest son is 1 1/2 years old and he HATES the car seat. Sometimes he cries hysterically to get out and the trip will be long for him and I'm not sure if he will sleep the whole night thru. I am going to call amtrak today and book tickets for the train down as well. Coming home we got a good price on roommettes (got 2, accross from each other) but going down the prices for rooms are really high. We also have 7 year old twins and took the at 3 years ago with a family bedroom both ways and they loved it. We did fly last year to WDW and I asked them if they would like to fly or take the at and they said very loudly the autotrain!!!! I don't know how I will keep the baby entertained in coach seats. Should I suggest being towards the front of the car or towards the back or does it make any difference? I guess he will just sleep between my husband and I. We are going in October. Does the train tend to be cold or warm? Can we bring a dvd player? We have the adaptor that fits in a cigarette lighter, is that the same one we can use in coach? Will they assign seats when I make the ressies or when we get to the station? Is there any chance of getting a cheaper room when we get to the station? (wishful thinking, the family bedroom is around $700 right now, ouch!). Thanks for all your help. Can't wait for our adventure on the train, Linda

I don't think where you are in coach will make a difference with the baby. We did have the bulk head area but I didn't like it very much. You lack the storage from the seat infront of you. Definitely bring the dvd player all you need is the regular plug you use at home as op mentioned. Don't forget your headphones for the dvd player. We also bring along small toys to play with-- ie thomas/matchboxes/boardbooks. I have let ds sit on the floor to play too. Definitely bring a comfort item or 2 for him too. Did you buy a seat for your youngest?? We have gotten our youngest a seat for every trip. When ds was 1 - dh put the foot rest all the way up-- make it look like a wall. We put ds on a pillow and he slept on the seat. He couldn't fall off bc the foot rest acted like a bed railing. DH and I switched during the night sitting next to him. We do bring our own pillows and a small fleece blanket for everyone. Sometimes the train is hot sometimes cold. If the train is not filled you may be able to space out a bit too.

Have you checked for the rates for 2 deluxe bedrooms?? We had those on the way down and some of them have a wall that will open so it makes it one large room. It was nice to travel that way instead of dh and I splitting up the kids and being in different parts of the train

Seats are assigned at the station and I don't think you can get a cheaper room accomadations but it doesn't hurt to ask what they have available.

It does seem like a long time on the train but I like that it is broken up into parts. Boarding by 230. Depart by 4pm - earlier if everyone is onboard. Dinner hopefully from 5-7. We usually have the kids sleep by 9 pm = sometimes earlier bc we have been up since 2am. IF you are in coach lighting goes out at 9pm. There is floor lighting to find your way. I find the rocking of the train helps the younger ones go to bed easier. We sleep till 630ish am. You are able to get up and walk around. THere is a lounge car if you can grab a table and watch the scenery go by. Breakfast 7am. Arrive hopefully by 830am.

hope this helps. Let me know if you have anymore ?'s

 

[kandb]

Thanks for all the great info. The only other question, I forgot to ask is is there wifi in the train? Thanks, Linda

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

Thanks for all the great info. The only other question, I forgot to ask is is there wifi in the train? Thanks, Linda

no wi-fi on the autotrain. Maybe someday. that would be a great feature.