Fly, Drive or Autotrain?

[la79al]

I can't decide on how to get our family to DW in June. DH initially told me we were driving so I got used to that idea. Now he is saying that flying is not out of the question. So help me decide please. The cheapest I can find airfare for right now is $710 and that gets us there REALLY late the 23rd and leaves REALLY early the 1st. In addition, DH wants to go see the shuttle launch so we would have to either rent a car or take a taxi. Driving, we could leave here the 22nd in DHs large SUV, drive straight through and be in DW by lunchtime the 23rd. We would probably have to leave the afternoon of the 30th to return home. Gas would cost around $250 but we would be able to pack food from home. Autotrain would cost around $700 and we would take our compact car rather than the SUV. We would still leave the 22nd, arrive early the 23rd. Coming home we would probably leave the afternoon of the 30th. I think I am leaning more toward the autotrain because it will probably be cheaper than flying but more convenient than driving and I would be able to interact more with the kids on the trip down. What does everyone else think? Also, I know that if we drive, we run the risk of arriving exhausted. Does anyone know if the autotrain would allow us to arrive a little more refreshed?

 

[snowbunny]

If you are close enough to take the autotrain and the price is good for you, that's what I would do. The best of both worlds - avoid the stress of driving but have your car when you get down there.

 

[eagles]

we are taking the auto train. so that is my vote.

 

[cherylp3]

If you're sleeping in coach you may not be refreshed. Also just so you know the train may arrive late.

 

[kandb]

We are driving to WDW this Saturday from the NYC area. We went in October and went on the autotrain down and back. We had a family bedroom both ways which was neat and it cost us $1200. We are driving this time because of cost, figure the cost for driving will be around $400, which includes hotel 1 night each way. We have twins who are 3 1/2 years old. If you are getting coach seats on the autotrain I wouldn't plan on sleeping too much. If I was you I would take the money you would be saving by driving and buy souvenirs etc. We liked the autotrain but had the bedroom and were able to lay down to sleep and still didn't get that great of a nights sleep. It was more of an adventure but doing it once was enough and it was expensive. Linda

 

[hollyb]

We are driving to WDW this Saturday from the NYC area. We went in October and went on the autotrain down and back. We had a family bedroom both ways which was neat and it cost us $1200. We are driving this time because of cost, figure the cost for driving will be around $400, which includes hotel 1 night each way. We have twins who are 3 1/2 years old. If you are getting coach seats on the autotrain I wouldn't plan on sleeping too much. If I was you I would take the money you would be saving by driving and buy souvenirs etc. We liked the autotrain but had the bedroom and were able to lay down to sleep and still didn't get that great of a nights sleep. It was more of an adventure but doing it once was enough and it was expensive. Linda

We are taking the train in May. Did you find that your kids liked the food they had on the train? Can you tell me what they have? SHould I plan on bringing drinks and snacks for them? Do they charge for the snacks and drinks? I know that the dinner and breakfast is included in the tickets. They are 9 and 6. Thanks so much. As a mom you know how we were worry about food for our kids. Also any hints or tips that you can think of? I would really appriciate it.

 

[cherylp3]

Holly: Yes they charge for snacks and drinks that are not associated with dinner.