For train people

[gokenin]

I am thinking of taking the train down to Orlando from Boston. Just wondering is Orlando or the Kissemmee station closer to Disney ? I was also wondering is the Washington DC station a better place to have a delay between trains or is New York a better station for delay between trains? Just looking for opinions

 

[FCDub]

Not sure on the second question, but Google Maps will give you directions to determine the first question.

 

[jmenjes]

The station in Kissimmee is just a bit closer than downtown Orlando (13 miles to 19 miles).

Hopefully some others train travelers can help with the second part of your question (as I travel north from south Florida to get to Orlando, I can't help you there).

 

[writerguyfl]

Distance from Amtrak Orlando Station to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort (just to have an actual destination): 18.4 miles, 24 minutes without traffic
Link to Bing Maps: https://binged.it/2l1PrgR

Distance from Amtrak Kissimmee Station to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort: 14.3 miles, 24 minutes without traffic
Link to Bing Maps: https://binged.it/2l4Qb4K

The Orlando Station is a little further, but it's about the same time because most of the route is on Interstate 4. The Kissimmee Station is closer, but the route is closer because you'll hit traffic lights.

In the end, what's going to matter most is the arrival time. If you're planned arrival is anywhere near rush hour, go with Kissimmiee.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I would tell you I like Unoon Station better, but I haven't been to Penn Station since, well ever. You decide:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attract...nsylvania_Station-New_York_City_New_York.html
https://www.trolleytours.com/washington-dc/union-station-things-to-do

 

[rg35]

Penn Station kinda sucks. It's drab and dreary, although Amtrak does have its own waiting area.
I have never gotten off at Union Station, but my understanding is that it's much much nicer. They also seem to have much better dining options.
How long would the layover be?

 

[extreme8]

If you're asking which station is better then without a doubt it's Union Station. Amazing architecture, tons of shopping, restaurants, even a movie theater. Penn is like an underground bus station with the occasional problem of sewage pouring from the ceiling.
If you're going to have time to visit the surrounding area I'd say it's a toss up. Would you prefer midtown Manhattan or the Capitol Building and the National Mall?

 

[gokenin]

The stop will be to switch trains so depending on which train I take down would be between 2 and 3 hours just concerned if I should try to make the time between trains larger to build in time for possible delays?

 

[joelkfla]

The stop will be to switch trains so depending on which train I take down would be between 2 and 3 hours just concerned if I should try to make the time between trains larger to build in time for possible delays?

It largely depends on whether you'll be taking the Acela or the slow regional service.

This site lets you view delay history by train number.

Since the beginning of this year, the maximum arrival delay at Wash DC for the Acela leaving Boston at 9am has been 50 minutes.

OTOH, for the regional train leaving 20 minutes later, the maximum has been almost 4 hours!

You should decide which train you might be taking, and look up the train number on the site. Be sure to select AR Delay for the sort order.

 

[MrKnight]

Just wondering is Orlando or the Kissemmee station closer to Disney ?

As previously mentioned, the travel time from both stations to WDW property is about the same. With that said, I strongly recommend using the Orlando station as it is the better and larger station, there is a spacious indoor waiting area, an on-site Hertz car rental desk, and the exterior of the station was recently renovated. The area around the station is also relatively safe as it is next to a large regional medical complex.

The Kissimmee station is much smaller, has virtually no amenities, and is not in a very good area. I advise against the Kissimmee station.

I was also wondering is the Washington DC station a better place to have a delay between trains or is New York a better station for delay between trains? Just looking for opinions

Union Station in Washington, DC is one of the nicest stations in the country, the station itself is a historic attraction and there is a large mall inside with shops, restaurants, food courts, etc.. It is most definitely the better option of the two for a train delay situation, there is LOTS there to keep you entertained while you wait.

 

[cousinbb]

Ive ridden the Amtrak train from Philly-Orlando for almost 10years now.
I have been to both Penn and Union station and just based on environment alone I would recommend Washington DC .
I have only ended in Orlando, FL and never had a reason to go to Kissemmee. The few minute difference wasnt important to me. Plus... I am ready to get OFF that train by the time it gets to Orlando lol.
But if you are in a time crunch, totally understandable why someone would go to Kissemmee. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Pooh2]

We've done the train from Boston to Orlando, transferring at NY Penn. Have not been to Union Station but if the stops are the same time, I would go for Union Station.
If you have a sleeper car, you can use the First Class lounge in NY Penn. Someone walks your party down to the platform.

 

[NYCgrrl]

QUOTE="gokenin, post: 59341741, member: 65467"]I am thinking of taking the train down to Orlando from Boston. Just wondering is Orlando or the Kissemmee station closer to Disney ? I was also wondering is the Washington DC station a better place to have a delay between trains or is New York a better station for delay between trains? Just looking for opinions[/QUOTE]

We've taken the Silver Meteor from both Philly and NYC to WDW. It seemed the Kissimmee Station was closer to WDW via map but since the train is frequently held between Orlando and Kissimmee up to an hour we will be debarking at Orlando next trip. Not seeing a discernable cost or time difference between the two stations for Uber to WDW either.

For a delay choice between Penn and Union it would depend on how much time is alloted per stop and what you wanted to do in that time. The Star doesn't have a dining car and the Cafe offerings are pretty meager although the pre-packaged brownies on the counter are slamming.
If I had an hour stop @ Penn I'd grab some BBQ just outside the station @ Brother Jim's; same time allotment in DC I'd wander the in house restaurants possibly ordering some take out via an app on the train to lessen the wait. There really aren't any places near either stations to pique the interest of most short time tourists. Got more time? Visit Macy's in NYC but know exactly what departments you want to go to and where they are located.
More time in DC? There are a few places near by such as the Postal Museum, the start of the National Mall but I'd want at least 3 hours to do more than cursory outside views.