Grrr....Autotrain...DH is a stubborn arrrgh

[2Princes2Princesses]

I saw that there was a nice discount for the Autotrain. I do not fly, so we were going to drive down, as we do every year...me, DH, DS11, DD 2, and DS 1. Everyone else is flying.

I checked into the Autotrain. We would have to make the 7 hour trip to VA to catch it, but that is not a biggie, beats the 20+ hours to Orlando.

We have a Ford Expedition, so gas mileage bites for us.

For all 5 of us and the Expedition, it would be 398.00 for the Autotrain. We pay $90 for a hotel in SC if we drive the whole way, plus we have to pay gas for the whole trip. So $$-wise, it is not much more. Plus, we could leave Buffalo at about 5-6 a.m to get to VA to get the train, instead of leaving at 3 a.m. as usual. We would get the train at about 2 and get to Sanford at 8:30 a.m. on the 30th (driving, it would be more like 1 p.m.). Then just the short 40 miles or so to WDW. So we would arrive several hours earlier, DH would not be exhausted and sore from driving and the kids would not have spent 20+ hours in car seats.

So, you ask.....what is the problem?? DH flat out refused to do it!!! He said he likes to drive, it adds to the trip...blah blah blah. Mind you, we will probably just drive home, anyway.

So.....help me convince this doody head that he is better off arriving in WDW well rested and with time to check in and maybe take the kids for a swim before the rest of our party gets there at 4 p.m and we go to dinner and everything.

I told him I hear nothing but good things about the Autotrain and I have never traveled by train. My mom and Dad went across the country that way ages ago and she said it is the BEST way to travel.

I don't get men...UGH. WTH would you want to get there with a sore right leg and a backache, when you could nap through the trip on the Autotrain???

 

[Vivianne]

Personally, we've never done it. But I definitely would be open to it in the future. It sure beats being tired at the beginning of your vacation.

I would try to convince him to be open-minded about it. At least try it once. Even if he decides he doesn't like it, at least he can talk about the experience. Besides, I think your children will enjoy the ride. I hope you have success.

 

[AshAlytwins]

We drove 2 years in a row...then drove down and Autotrained back....nice...last year we autotrained both ways....WONDERFUL....we got 2 roomettes (did not like sleeping in the seats).....we were well rested....the kids loved it.....we were off the train and in Epcot by 10am!!!
Take the train, it so worth it!!!!

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

Thanks...I thought maybe I was not seeing something valid in his argument.

What really burns my butt is this: I am ABSOLUTELY terrified of flying. I have anxiety disorder and that is one of the things that sets me off. We are going to a hockey game in Boston on saturday night, DH won the trip up there, and I am flying for him. Been nauseous for a week thinking about it and had to get sedatives from my doctor, but I am doing it.

But the stubborn man I married still flat out refuses to take the dang Autotrain. Something about the excitement of driving. 20 hours, with 3 kids.....maybe he is just nuts.

I have a couple weeks. I'll just bring it up every day. AND as I am gripping his hand taking off on Saturday, I'll have to mention it.

I just thought it would be such a cool adventure. I know my 11-year-old would be all about taking the train.

 

[pepe of ohio]

being of the male ego, long ago we'ld drive, over 19 hours straight through and I wouldn't share the drive. Done that many many times, but after taking Amtrak, my male macho man days of driving are over. Half hour to our train stop and one switch in D.C. and we're in Kissimmee, relaxed,freshed and ready for a Disney vacation. We now do the roomette from D.C. to Kissimmee, it includes all meals, newspaper in the am and water, juice and coffee in the room, we use reward points for this up grade from all the train miles to Florida.

We have no use of a car in Disney so, hence Amtrak. Even in reserved coach, which we have used for the whole trip, is nice and comfy, we pack food and drink, novels, portable DVD player, gameboy and puzzlebooks. I like the audio book tapes and just day dreaming out the window. When we get on the train at 3 am I'm anxious but as soon as I sit down and get all our stuff situated, ahhhhhhh, relaxation like you can't believe. No traffic, no gas stops, no getting lost, no stress or fatigue.

Cost wise, I have flown long ago but no more, too stressing and nerve wracking for me, I think the train is cheaper, maybe not Autotrain, than driving and no wear and tear on the family auto. We've been late a few times but always arrived safe and sound.

 

[pplasky]

Tell him the kids are gonna love it. Last year we flew and my kids missed taking the train. We have done both the regular and auto train and my kids love it. They can get up and walk around. Take a nap, get a snack, play a game, etc... It beats driving. Many people on these boards seem to push for a roomette or bedroom, to us it is not cost effective to do this. The seats recline and are comfortable enough. While my husband and I don't sleep as soundly as our children, it is better than the aggravation of driving all the way to Florida. Keep trying, bring up all the pros, and cross your fingers he comes around.

 

[anabelle]

Steph,
I don't think we are ever going to fully understand men. My husband is the same way with driving. He really enjoys it. He loves to drive when it rains or snows. I usually have to take a sleeping pill because I get so nervous. He is an excellent driver, but I guess I am deathly afraid of driving in bad weather.

I would make sure that you mention the kids' comfort in your discussion. Twenty hours in a carseat is pure misery, if you ask me. If you know any other man that has taken the Autotrain, have him talk to DH about it. Men listen to other men before the hear their wives. But if he won't budge, you need to respect his opinion and just enjoy the trip. God bless

Ana

 

[FSUDisneyGirl]

I've only taken the Auto Train once, but absolutely loved it! We slept in the seats, but lucky for us it was not crowded, and we each had at least 2 seats to ourselves. With your younger kids you probably want a room to yourself, somewhere they can move around without you having to worry about stairs and stuff. Tell the husband that it would make the trip much more enjoyable for you and the kids....and if you end up not liking it, you can always drive next year! : )

 

[rrkman]

I pushed for the autotrain because DW doesn't like to fly and was worried about 3 hour flight with DS (2). I thought the 6 hour drive to DC wouldn't be too bad, then relax for the overnite train to Orlando. Our only concern was that it would cost about the same one-way on the train vs. round trip air...and we would still have a 16 hour drive home. Hopefully, as DS gets older, I can convince her to try it...maybe drive down and make a few stops and take the train back. I would think that it would be a nice experience for DS. So, this time, we are leaving all of our transportation up to Continental and Disney.

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

to 2princes2princesses: I too am afraid to fly however, I fly down to Florida every year. I bought the book "Flying without fear" by Duane Brown PHD after last years flight and it helped soooo much. It explains all the sites, smells, sensations, noises etc from taxi to landing. I hate when we take off so knowing that the sinking feeling is "Suppose to happen" really made a difference. Maybe you can read it before your trip Saturday. I read it the night before I left and it did calm me down. I'm even taking another trip to Florida this year!

About the Auto train-- We used to take it all the time (I've also traveled to south Florida by car numerous times too- 3 long days) Its definitely worth it, but as another poster suggested get the roomettes if you can, as you will get a better night sleep. (if you take the train). If you are driving straight through tell your husband that its safer to take the train and he will enjoy Disney so much better because he won't be exhausted. With the money your spending to go to Disney you don't want to waste days being tired.

I think since you are flying Saturday he owes you big time. Enjoy your trip!! Good luck with your flight !!

 

[iteachlit]

To the OP: Where did you get that great price on the Autotrain?

I just looked at the Amtrak site, and for the dates you are traveling, with an SUV, and the kids ride free promotion, I came up with a price of $928!!! In fact, the flate rate for a round-trip SUV is $574; that's more than your total price.

We researched the Autotrain for our June trip, but it was actually $200 more than flying.

How did you get this deal?

 

[kennancat]

Can you have hubby drop you and/or the kids off at the train? I say if he likes driving so much, let him! In the meanwhile, you can have your relaxing trip.

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

Sorry I was unclear. THe $398 is for 1 way to FL, we would drive home. I checked to come home on the train and that was over 600, since I am assuming a lot of the snowbirds are traveling north now. But the to FL price for 1 way was 170.00 for 5 passengers, and 228.00 for our SUV.

I did not check RT, but like I said 1 way from FL to VA on 5/9 was $600 or so, so what you came up with for R/T sounds about right.

$398 one way sounds like a lot, but even flying, with the small kids on laps, my mom and sister pd 200.00 each R/T for airline tickets, so for me, DH, and my son (11) one way (half R/T price) would be $300 to fly and we wouldn't have a vehicle. We hardly use it, but it is nice to have and we take cases of bottled water and stuff, since we stay in a DVC resort. The case of diapers we have to bring would fill our luggage quota for the airline. LOL Plus I would save a bundle on sedatives. hehehe

 

[jennypenny]

To the OP: Where did you get that great price on the Autotrain?

I just looked at the Amtrak site, and for the dates you are traveling, with an SUV, and the kids ride free promotion, I came up with a price of $928!!! In fact, the flate rate for a round-trip SUV is $574; that's more than your total price.

We researched the Autotrain for our June trip, but it was actually $200 more than flying.

How did you get this deal?

I'll jump in and answer. There's a *kids ride free* promotion for the summer. Put in promotion code H608 and you'll get the discounted rate. It's great!

Jenny

 

[bdcp]

I do not like to fly but will be doing it once this year for a trip to Las Vegas. My DH and I are taking the auto train rt with our van in Nov for our cruise and it's costing us $1070 for a roomette. We actually could fly free on frequent flyer miles, but my DH knows I'm more comfortable taking the train so he's doing this for me. We took the auto train last year rt to WDW and a cruise and had a great time. He found out he likes the train too. We had coach seats then and since we booked late it cost $1000 for that. Booking farther out gets you better prices. We'll have a lot of snowbirds on the trip south in Nov. There's a whole thread on the autotrain with FAQ and reviews. My DH and I both like to drive so we would take turns, but the train is so much less stressful.

Did you ask him to try the train just once for you? We met some great people and it's nice to be able to get up anytime and walk around which you cannot do while driving or on a plane.