For those on East Coast who have taken Amtrak to Disney World

[ilovefh]

There is a new law, but it still happens. I wasn't referring to sitting in an airport for an hour, but just as frequently as what happened to you is the chance of getting stuck in an airport overnight due to weather, or even on the plane for several hours where the toilets don't work properly and they won't feed you and saying you'll never fly again. I just find it interesting that people react more strongly to being delayed on a train than they do to anything else.

I think because if I am stranded in an airport due to weather I am more comfortable than what happened on the train. Even if I can't find or afford a hotel room at least the airport is temperature regulated with bathrooms that work and food that can be purchased. I can charge my phone to call people to let them know of the delay and the lights are on.

It was also my first experience taking the auto train. I think if it was my first time flying and something equivalent to that happened on a plane and the customer service was as terrible as Amtrak was I might be inclined to say I wouldn't fly again. Or at least I wouldn't fly "that" airline again. But the difference with air travel is that if I don't like Southwest I can try Jet Blue and if I don't like them I can try US Airway and so on. With the train it is Amtrak or nothing.

To me it is not only about what happened, but how they handled it. That was the nail in the coffin for me.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Auto train and regular Amtrak make these runs daily along with CSX freights....anything can happen alone the way. Our trips involve roughly 1200 miles and it's a 2 train deal and we have had some episodes in our travels. We've been late alittle and alot. We've boarded late, bomb scare coming home for 7 hours, hit cars, pedestrians and have had on board problems like mentioned above. We still arrived safe, Amtrak personal tried their best to rectify the problems and provide necessities when feasible. They had no control over the problems, same as us but tried to make everyone comfortable. We still use Amtrak, problems can arise in every mode of transportation, even driving you own car that many miles, being stranded with a flat of engine trouble. Things happen, you can't guarantee anything, nowhere or no how. We just past it over, chalk it up to experience and continue with our lives....no reason to never try it again

 

[car55]

I have taken Amtrak from Connecticut to Orlando five times now and I love it. That said I have always had a sleeper. I have never taken coach. I have heard stories alot good some bad. I am thinking on my next trip of taking coach because of the cost savings. I have driven once and didn't care for it. Flying while also expensive, also now stresses me. I look at it this way compaired to driving. You sit in the car but cant walk around like you can on the train. As for the bathrooms. Some rest areas are also bad. I have met many people traveling coach and they are happy with their trip experiance. Traveling in a group will make this trip more enjoyable, and you can lean on each other when sleeping. I like the food on Amtrak too and you can sit comfortably when eating. As for delays. The New York to Miami route is one of Amtrak's busiest routes, and they strive to have good performance on that route. They share the tracks with CSX freight and sometime there are delays. You can check the on time performance history of Amtrak online. I have been delayed a few times and at its worst arrived in New York fourty five minutes late after binig delayed for two hours. They make up time when they can. My overall experiance with Amtrak has been good,and I will continue to take the train to WDW. Have fun.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Hi, I have not read all the post but thought I would do a quick share of our experience...

We took the Auto Train down on our first Disney trip (2005). My DS was at the time a HUGE THomas the Tank Engine fan!

It was awesome to be able to pack anything and everything (Expedition holds a lot).

It was a neat experience. Watching them load our Expedition into the Auto Cars. Watching them add those cars onto the train. They have a nice little playground for the children while they wait. Our train fares included a sleeper car, dinner and breakfast. On the lower level of our car there were to large rooms at each end. One end was a handicap room with its own bathroom/shower. We had the other end. The only other people on our level was a man and older woman (mother and son) and they each had an individual sleeper room. So we were only sharing the showers and bathroom with those two.

We had fun playing games, coloring, watching the world roll by...boom...time for dinner. We came back and watch something (probably Thomas) on the little DVD player. My kids were sleepy like an hour and a half before their normal bedtime. I guess it was the rocking of the train. Our attendant was great. He converted our room over. And the kids feel asleep quickly.

I wish I could say the same for myself! My DH took the top bunk so I could have what he thought we be the more comfortable bottom bunk. UGH...I could feel every rock, shimmy, shake, rattle...(I took the top going home)

We got up, showered, ate breakfast, and we were there. Ahead of schedule. Watch for our Expediton to roll of the car. Lots of fun. Hopped in. And off we went. We stayed at the Nick Suites. That was the year the opened and had a bazillion commercial on tv and so that is where my kiddos wanted to stay. We loved it. It was nice seeing all the Nick characters in addition to the Disney.

We were doing 3 nights WDW, 3 night DCL, 2 nights WDW, plus the night coming and going on the train 10 nights. It was nice having all our stuff packed in the Expedition. It was an awesome experience. Next trip we decided to stay on-site (3 night CBR, 3 DCL, 3 ASM) and flew. UGH...never want to go without own vehicle again. We had the WORSE luck with buses. Our last trip we flew, rented car, and stayed in a townhouse (10 nights) in Windsor Hills and skipped the DCL. We have loved every trip and looking forward to our next. Every trip has had a slight variation in design. Keeps things fresh!

If the Auto Train is in the budget I would go for it! It is a neat experience.

Oh, the return trip home was reverse of the first. Except I took the top bunk. Kids still went to bed early. And even though we had an emergency stop for a passenger that needed medical treatment in the middle of the night (we all slept through that) we arrive almost on schedule.

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

A lot of good suggestions on here. I am no longer as concerned about delays as delays can happen with any mode of transportation. I know for sure that with six of us we cannot afford the sleeper rooms, so my only major concern now is getting my children to be comfortable and sleep in coach seats through the night on such a long train ride. I think me and DH can get through it for one night, but for little ones that may be a little different.

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

To make the kids comfortable we bring a pillow and fleece blanket for each of us. It does get chilly at night on the trains. Go with the understanding that the train is part of the adventure. Go with the flow. Bring things to keep u busy. If bringing a DVD player make sure everyone has headphones to wear while in coach- esp at night it is required. There is an adaptor that can connect 2 headphones into 1 plug.

We are Auto train lovers- can't see going w/o our vehicle esp w/ 4 dc in tow! Totally agree w/ gerberdaisy1234 on their auto Train experience. We have traveled 7 times and love every minute! We have been delayed a few times- even had our return train cancelled due to weather. The next train out was 5 days later - we chose to stay at WDW then drive home (much more fun!) For the most part we arrive in FL by 830 and checking in our resort by 1030ish. If there is a delay they manage to make up the time. I have taken my dc to FL from CT on the reg train - it was soo long and soo difficult w/ all the luggage (wk at the beach). The car rental was a mess. Checking luggage home it was over weight. I had to dump stuff into the car seat bags. I will gladly drive the 6.5 hrs to VA and hop on board the AT.

The seat backs recline nice and the foot rest go all the way up. the only one that doesn't sleep well is ds10 who is a stomach sleeper.

I remember the trip down from DC- the train makes alot of stops at night - we had a runny joke it was to pick up ghost riders! It would be in a little 1 traffic light town. We would sit for a bit then a freight train would wiz by.

We use to pack everyone a back pack w/ stuff to do but now we are down to 2 duffel bags plus my backpack. Everyone has a change of clothes/toothbrush and paste. We don't bring alot of things any more. we have tweeked what works for our dc-- mainly video games and dvds. I do pack a few deck of cards and scrabble slam. for DS3 we will pack a few small toys ie-trains- action figures. when we took the reg train that once I did bring some playdoh and crayons/books to keep them amused. We also pack snacks and drinks - even on the AT- that is for delays if needed or if they get hungry. We always packed extra diapers/formula when we had a baby- and extra meds in the event there is a delay we are not stuck.

Our DC LOVE the train - it is a big part of our trip. I can't see flying with all of them-- too many restrictions plus the cost is too much.

Let me know if u have anymore ?'s be happy to help.

 

[juliebean]

Just wondering how expensive it is to go from the DC area to Orlando? If you don't mind? I've only taken the train from Seattle to Berkeley - and it was gorgeous, and about a day. Not bad by myself and as a teen - not sure about with kids...

We are flying from Philadelphia nonstop in April for $150 roundtrip. I'm very curious if it is close to the same cost, more or less? Thanks in advance for the info!

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

To make the kids comfortable we bring a pillow and fleece blanket for each of us. It does get chilly at night on the trains. Go with the understanding that the train is part of the adventure. Go with the flow. Bring things to keep u busy. If bringing a DVD player make sure everyone has headphones to wear while in coach- esp at night it is required. There is an adaptor that can connect 2 headphones into 1 plug.

We are Auto train lovers- can't see going w/o our vehicle esp w/ 4 dc in tow! Totally agree w/ gerberdaisy1234 on their auto Train experience. We have traveled 7 times and love every minute! We have been delayed a few times- even had our return train cancelled due to weather. The next train out was 5 days later - we chose to stay at WDW then drive home (much more fun!) For the most part we arrive in FL by 830 and checking in our resort by 1030ish. If there is a delay they manage to make up the time. I have taken my dc to FL from CT on the reg train - it was soo long and soo difficult w/ all the luggage (wk at the beach). The car rental was a mess. Checking luggage home it was over weight. I had to dump stuff into the car seat bags. I will gladly drive the 6.5 hrs to VA and hop on board the AT.

The seat backs recline nice and the foot rest go all the way up. the only one that doesn't sleep well is ds10 who is a stomach sleeper.

I remember the trip down from DC- the train makes alot of stops at night - we had a runny joke it was to pick up ghost riders! It would be in a little 1 traffic light town. We would sit for a bit then a freight train would wiz by.

We use to pack everyone a back pack w/ stuff to do but now we are down to 2 duffel bags plus my backpack. Everyone has a change of clothes/toothbrush and paste. We don't bring alot of things any more. we have tweeked what works for our dc-- mainly video games and dvds. I do pack a few deck of cards and scrabble slam. for DS3 we will pack a few small toys ie-trains- action figures. when we took the reg train that once I did bring some playdoh and crayons/books to keep them amused. We also pack snacks and drinks - even on the AT- that is for delays if needed or if they get hungry. We always packed extra diapers/formula when we had a baby- and extra meds in the event there is a delay we are not stuck.

Our DC LOVE the train - it is a big part of our trip. I can't see flying with all of them-- too many restrictions plus the cost is too much.

Let me know if u have anymore ?'s be happy to help.

? about auto train: If we purchase round trip tickets and take the auto train down to Sanford, but decide while we are in Orlando that we would rather just go ahead and drive back home ourselves, can we get a refund on those tickets? Thank you.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Just wondering how expensive it is to go from the DC area to Orlando? If you don't mind? I've only taken the train from Seattle to Berkeley - and it was gorgeous, and about a day. Not bad by myself and as a teen - not sure about with kids...

We are flying from Philadelphia nonstop in April for $150 roundtrip. I'm very curious if it is close to the same cost, more or less? Thanks in advance for the info!

I did a random pricing....August, one way from Washington DC to Orlando...without any discounts (AAA 10% ) $101.00.....coach.....

 

[juliebean]

Thanks for the info - so it's actually more to take the train than fly...assuming you can get good airfares.

My mother will not fly post 9/11 and we've been trying to find a way for us to vist us (we've lived in NJ for 8 years - she's never been here). Unfortunately, from Seattle to NJ takes three days and to get a sleeper car for a couple nights really pushes the cost past what we can afford... I don't think she could handle coach for that long.

But, glad I saw the post, it made me take a look to see if it would be as affordable from Seattle to the East Coast. Sadly, it isn't.

 

[seashoreCM]

Do they allow carryons, which in any event you should have packed with things you would need for the first 24 hours at Disney, such as toothbrush, swimsuit, etc.?

Was this an electric train suffering a power failure, or did they have to back a rescue engine or service train to it?

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

? about auto train: If we purchase round trip tickets and take the auto train down to Sanford, but decide while we are in Orlando that we would rather just go ahead and drive back home ourselves, can we get a refund on those tickets? Thank you.

I believe u can cancel but there is a fee if the ticket is already issued. DH just got in from a double shift so I will check w/ him when he is up (he works for Amtrak)

Last year Amtrak ran a promotion for the Autotrain- children for $19. They ususally offer it in April and it covers the summer months. Your food is also included on the AT too. I know when we did the reg train we spent quite a bit on food. Sometimes the reg train has discounted fares for children too. For us the big thing is having our van.

I will post back later when I ask DH.

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

Do they allow carryons, which in any event you should have packed with things you would need for the first 24 hours at Disney, such as toothbrush, swimsuit, etc.?

For the regular train - NY or DC to Orlando - they do offer checked baggage service. You can also bring a small bag/duffel on board w/ you too. Change of clothes/bathroom needs/things to keep u occupied. I don't think u would need to pack ur swimsuit in ur carryon. It would be w/ ur checked luggage when the train arrives in Orlando (or whatever ur destination is)

I think needing ur items for the first 24 hrs in Disney applies to using ME when u fly in.


Hope this helps

 

[ecmiller]

I was so glad to find this thread! We are planning a trip to The World in August and are trying to decide Amtrak from Wilmington DE or Auto Train. I am leaning toward Auto Train so we don't have to schlep luggage here and there. On the other hand, regular Amtrak is cheaper (although only by $100+- once you add in cost of meals, transport to/from WDW from station) and we would only have a 20 min drive to the station (vs 3 hours to AT). We are going to do coach-there are 3 of us (DD is 12, DH won't fly, which is why the train). In 2004, we drove, stopping overnight in Santee, SC. I liked having the car with us, even though we only used it once or twice while there. I look at he drive or train as part of the trip adventure (besides, DH is a BIG rail fan-loves all kinds of trains)

 

[ecmiller]

Now, a question---I thought I saw somewhere a link to sign up for a newsletter that promoted special discounts for amtrak and now I can't find it. Does anyone remember seeing that, or have a link? Thanks.

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

I believe u can cancel but there is a fee if the ticket is already issued. DH just got in from a double shift so I will check w/ him when he is up (he works for Amtrak)

Last year Amtrak ran a promotion for the Autotrain- children for $19. They ususally offer it in April and it covers the summer months. Your food is also included on the AT too. I know when we did the reg train we spent quite a bit on food. Sometimes the reg train has discounted fares for children too. For us the big thing is having our van.

I will post back later when I ask DH.

Thank you very much. I am leaning towards auto train because it would only cost us $53 more than doing the regular Amtrak from our home station and the auto train will make the trip a lot more expedient for us even though the train ride is still long. If we were to take the regular Amtrak from our home station, we would have an 8 hour train ride to D.C., then a 6 hour layover in D.C., then the 17.5 hour train ride from D.C. to Orlando. With auto train, we can just drive the 4.5 hours to the Lorton, VA station (we would leave early enough to account for any traffic issues in that area) then just have the 17.5 hour auto train ride, which is primarily an overnight ride. Also, we would not have a ride to our home train station anyway so it would cost us $85 to park our van for the week in the secured parking garage next to the Amtrak station. Auto train would give us the benefit of having our van with us at Disney which will be nice to have to pick up breakfast items, milk, juice, water, etc. for our resort room, drive around to the different Disney resorts for meals (we will be on the dining plan), and there may be a couple days where we would rather drive to the parks than use the Disney buses (since we will be staying onsite we would have free parking at all the parks). We are also considering a Sea World day, which would definitely be easier to do having our own vehicle (and the $$ we would save by not flying can go towards Sea World tickets). So this is all starting to look good to me even though our first choice was to fly. If Amtrak runs a summer special for auto train kids' fares again, that would be really great for us . Last week I was so discouraged by the high and increasing cost of airline tickets, now all the help I've gotten on this forum regarding my questions about taking the train has helped me to be optimistic again. Now all I have to do is make a plan for keeping my 2 and 4 year olds entertained and able to fall asleep for the night on the long train ride. Thank you again

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

Soo glad u are leaning towards the AT. U will enjoy it.

Here is info from their website about refunds
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Content_C&pagename=am/Layout&cid=1241267288550

I left for work as soon as DH got up from is 2 hr nap and by the time I got home and got the kids to bed he also went back to sleep- sorry I didn't get a chance to ask him-- poor guy was up 36 hrs!!

We usually arrive in Lorton around 11 am. We leave CT at 2 am to get there- we find that we miss all of the rush hr traffic. Take many reststop breaks - which can take a while just un/rebuckling. We also take an 1hr for breakfast in MD. Once in Lorton there is a plaza up the road that has a $ store and a McD's. The kids love to pick up some kind of treasure at $ store. There is also a post office too. We check into the station and get a seat in the waiting area. Try to look for the seats w/ the plug in the floor under the seats. There r not alot of them but come in handy to plug in a DVD player. Boarding is by 230. Dinner is 5,7 or 9. The train will leave by 430- sooner if all loaded. If you have dinner at 5 there is just a short wait once u board. Dinner is good. Seating is 4 to a booth. Usually ds12 and dh sit at a booth across from us. DS12 loves to chat w/ other travelers. After dinner we head back to our seat. Settle in for a bit. I usually try to get the youngest ds off to sleep by 730pm -- which isn't hard bc we got up at 1 am! Everyone else by830. I usually enjoy hanging out w/ a good book/movie once everyone goes to sleep. We sleep till 630am-- check to see where we are in arrival time. If it is on time - or earlier (which it has been for our last 3 trips). We get up change into fresh clothes and head for breakfast. Then back to our seats - maybe a short movie. Once in Lorton (brand new station this yr) we wait for our vehicle. There is no rhyme or reason on when ur vehicle will come off. We have been 5th and 3rd off and then almost last. WDW is about 35-40 mins away. Highway is easy to find from the station.

We have traveled both coach and sleepers. DH works for Amtrak so we have been going for the last 7 yrs. If there are sleepers available we usually get a few of them. We purchased DVC 4 yrs ago-- decided that AT was the best way for our family to travel w/ or w/o the free travel perk.

I usually run out for food after we are in our rooms. I stock up on breakfast items and a few snacks. It is great to have our van too. We do rely on WDW transport alot but it is nice to have the van too. I also love to check out the outlets while I am down there. The best part is that I can pack what I need and not worry about weight limits.

If u do a dis search u can see when last yrs AT child special was release.--want to say it was in April. AAA discount is also available too.

Again please let me know if u have any ?'s along the way. U are welcome to PM me too!

welcome aboard!

 

[ilovefh]

Do they allow carryons, which in any event you should have packed with things you would need for the first 24 hours at Disney, such as toothbrush, swimsuit, etc.?

Was this an electric train suffering a power failure, or did they have to back a rescue engine or service train to it?

If you're referring to my experience, yes we had the things with us we needed, but none of those things come in very handy when you're sitting in a sweltering tin can in the dark in the middle of the night...twice.

I don't remember what they did the first time the power went out. They told us they got a new whatever the train car is that supplies the electricity. The second time they had to come get us and bring us to a rail yard somewhere in NC and we waited there for people to come and change out the replacement car that had just been put on less than two hours before.