have you ever taken the train to fl?

[stahshee]

It seems that I can save 800$ to take the train. Has anyone ever done this with kids? Am I nuts? I am going at such an expensive time I just do not know what to do. I hav edriven in the past but we do not want to drive due to the bad wheather. Please let me know if you have any experence with this.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Ok, I have never done this before, but we are doing it in June. We are mainly doing it because I HATE to fly, but the saving money part was great too. We are a family of six so airfare would have been pretty high. We are in RI, so not too far from you ( i noticied you were in NY)
I couldn't even get excited about our trip to Disney before we decided on the train, because I HATE planes. So we are just going to try to make it part of the vacation.
My ds10 will have his PSP
My dd7 is getting a nintendo ds for her birthday
and we are going to bring snacks, some food, and drinks- even though we plan to eat supper in the dining car, for a change of scenery.
we'll bring sticker books, cd walkmans, crayons, activity books, playdoh,and i'm sure i will pick up a million other things from now til then.
I'm thinking very positive, but at the same time know that we'll have a few rough patches. But knowing that you can get up and take a walk isn't too bad either. I would also have 1 stop from here to florida, so I plan to let the kids run around like animals for the entire stop(which I dont' think it is a long one though)
I am also going to look into a portable dvd player, I can imaging it would be a lifesaver. We rented a truck to drive to NJ over the summer and it had a dvd player in it. Oh my , my kids were wonderful. Good Luck

 

[Starr W.]

Went on a cruise years ago and our tablemates took the train down from NJ I think. It was the trainride from you know where. It broke down and Amtrack ended up bussing them from somewhere in SC. They were just glad they didn't miss the ship.

I'm sure that was a fluke.

 

[malibuconlee]

One thing to think about when taking the train is that they are often times late. I'm not sure about the East Coast specifically, but DH's aunt and uncle often take the train from Denver to SE Iowa. It' usually late by at least a couple of hours. Not a big deal in the scheme of things, but I wouldn't make plans you have your heart set on for soon after your scheduled arrival.

The Christmas trip for aunt and uncle was even later than normal because of the snow they got, but I believe the train was about 5 hours late getting in.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

We haven't taken the train to Disney, but we've taken it other places and really enjoyed it. The seats are large enough that you feel comfortable, and you can turn to each other and play cards etc . . . I feel like I can read to DS7 without worrying as much about disturbing the passengers nearby because they're just a little farther away.

DS also likes walking through the swaying train to go buy some snacks from the snack car -- we actually do this several times on each trip just because it's fun! (e.g. walk up, buy one pack of potato chips, walk back eat said chips, get thirsty, walk back up, buy one bottle of water)

I don't mind flying with DS, but I don't enjoy it -- it's purely a means to an end. The train on the other hand is actually fun! When we go to New York (about 3 hours away) it's a highlight of the trip.

I say go for it!

 

[Matt'sMom]

If you are asking about the Autotrain, which runs from VA to FL... then yes, we've done it and will be doing it again in May. Rode one direction (coach seating) when DS was 7, both directions when DS was 9. Much more pleasant than driving! You can get up and walk around, they show free movies and provide free snacks in the lounge car, and the included meals (dinner and breakfast) have always been very good IMHO.

The train can sometimes run behind schedule, however... so plan your arrival day accordingly. They had some troubles about a year or so ago with other (freight train) traffic on the line holding them up on certain days and that threw the schedules off quite a bit. The Autotrain was having to slow down or stop frequently, to wait for other trains to clear the line ahead. But from what I've heard, things have been much better lately--the Autotrain is being given priority over freight traffic. We personally have always lucked out and had the train we were on arrive early or very nearly on time (maybe a half hour to an hour behind schedule, at the very most). On our first trip, we made such good time that the train actually arrived in Sanford a full hour before the staff that unloads the cars was even suppossed to start work for the day.

The only warning I would add is to be very sure to remove all cash and other valuables from your car and carry them onto the train with you! We did have money stolen from out of our car by one of the people who load and unload vehicles onto the trains. And no, we hadn't left it out in plain view--it was our 'emergency fund' that was hidden away in a storage compartment, underneath a lot of maps and other items. The theif had to really be digging around and deliberately searching for something to steal in order to have found it.

There is a whole thread about the Autotrain over on the transportation board.

 

[Therinian]

If you are asking about the Autotrain, which runs from VA to FL... then yes, we've done it and will be doing it again in May. .....
There is a whole thread about the Autotrain over on the transportation board.

THANK YOU, Matt'sMom! We have talked about using the AutoTrain; your tips were helpful!

My question is has anyone ever actually taken the train into Orlando? There is almost nothing said in many of the guidebooks about this, except that it is possible, and that you can either get a rental car or take a taxi, but it's a bit out of the way. With many people opting not to fly, I wonder why more emphasis isn't being placed on this method of travel....?

I'll check out the Transportation board; thanks!

 

[stahshee]

THANK YOU, Matt'sMom! We have talked about using the AutoTrain; your tips were helpful!

My question is has anyone ever actually taken the train into Orlando? There is almost nothing said in many of the guidebooks about this, except that it is possible, and that you can either get a rental car or take a taxi, but it's a bit out of the way. With many people opting not to fly, I wonder why more emphasis isn't being placed on this method of travel....?

I'll check out the Transportation board; thanks!

I just want to make sure they have the proper safety like airports ex metal dectors. here is my other concern we are a family of 6 plus a friend=7 I want to make sure we all sit together how dose that happen?

 

[hollyb]

We are taking the Auto train in May!!!!!! we can"t wait. We are a family of 4, DH, me DS9 and DD6.

 

[coach's wife]

Hopping on!!!

Great idea. I never thought about taking the train. How long does it take to get to Disney (from VA)? Days? Hours? The saving money part sounds fantastic.

 

[WDWBoundAgain]

Just to let you know I have experience taking the train to Orlando and once I am home I will give you more details.

 

[WDWBoundAgain]

We have taken the train several times to Disney. We depart Columbia, SC as it is the closest place to our home on the route. Still it is only 2 hours away. Each time we paid around $230 for 2 adults and 1 elementary age child roundtrip. The train on this rount is the Silver Star and once I think the Cresent. Don't confuse those trains with the AutoTrain. If I am rigtht the AutoTrain is non-stop from VA to Sanford, FL. Depending on where you are departing from the AutoTrain may not be an option. I think I read right you will be departing from NY. For us this was a way for use to save close to $500 versus flying. If I am right kids travel half price always.

The travel time is closely the same as traveling by car. The only difference is you get to experience train traveling and you don't have the hassel of fighting the open road yourself.

The train will be making brief stops at train stations all along the route. The freight trains have the right of rail and sometimes you have to wait on them. I have been stopped for over an hour before in the middle of nowhere , middle of the night because we had to wait for a freight train to cross the tracks.

Someone mentioned large family being together. Each time it was only 3 of us and the families that I did speak to seem to all be sitting together. In fact each time we went it seemed as if the train became more empty the further south we went. Eventually the 3 of use had a section of seats all to ourselves to lay down and sleep. I would just put my son in the seats on the aisle across from me and my husband would take a seat behind me. For entertainment we took books, Nintendo and varies other forms of entertainment. For us we left so late so most of our time we just slept and early in the morning after the sun would rise we would sit and watch the scenery. Each time we travel in the regular coach seats. Nothing special. Each seat reclinded with a leg rest. It was ok but we got luckly and had the entire set of seats to ourselves to stretch out. I pack in a big bag a pillow for each of use and a small throw. I got travel pillows from Big Lots for $2 each or less. The throws were the small fleece that you could pack up easy. My intentions were to just leave them and repurchase before our ride back. It worked out that they were very easy to travel we used them for a trip back home. We still have those same pillows and throws in a small travel bag. It is possible that you would be ok to reserve coach seating and have a good trip. Just come prepaired. What I did observe the first time traveling was a family of small children with a cooler. As far as I know Amtrak still always this as long as it fits in front of your seat. The snacks on the train were just your normal snacks like chips, cookies, candy, soda, juices. We tried the food just so we could sit and enjoy the senery but the food was horrible. I would just pack my own and only eat the food there if needed. Not sure what the breakfast was like as it was not offered if I remember correctly.

As you travel I would depart in Kissimmee rather Orlando. It is further if you have to take a cab. If you need a rental car the Almo located at Old Towne will provide you with a courtsey pick and drop off. This can save a little money too. You just have to stay on top of the driver to make sure they come and get you. I would just call a couple days prior to make sure they know you still need a pick-up and let them know you will contact them once you are at the station. Pretty much impossible to make cell phone calls on the phone.

All in all our trips were positive. We have flown many times, took the train twice and drove once. I will never drive again as I am the only one who does the driving on trips.

Anything else youw would like to know just ask and I will do my best to answer it. Best wishes on your future trip.

 

[kangareaux]

I'm so JEALOUS! We wanted to take the train. (OK...I wanted to and everyone else would have put up with it. They love me. ) Anyway, we were PLANNING on taking the train until Hurricane Katrina hit. It took out the bridge in Mississippi. *Inside sources* (AKA The man who sells tickets) told me that they have no immediate plans to fix it. (His opinion was that they were not ever going to fix it. Just going to discontinue that portion of that line... )

So...unless I want to go from New Orleans to DC , THEN to Florida (can you say EXPENSIVE! LOL!)....the whole train idea is out of the question.

 

[WDWBoundAgain]

That is why we go to Columbia,SC. If we leave from Charlotte it is way more expense, much longer travel time, and if I remember correctly the train goes to Raleigh and Washington DC to connect with the Silver Star. It really was fun for me and I made lots of conversation especially with first time train travelers. Another thing I did find interesting was the wide variety of people. Young to old and by the looks of it all class types where there.

 

[ClaraBug]

My family will be taking the Auto Train from VA to FL this July. A co-worker just came back and she highly recommends it. She said they did have a six hour wait half way through the trip but it was in the middle of the night so they slept through most of it and they were moving by the time everyone woke up. She did reserve a family Sleeper and really enjoyed it. She has a two year old and wanted to keep him "contained" and on the way home, there were no hiccups and were actually early in arrival.

Something was mentioned about security, it is not as strict as flying, basic security, metal detectors and such.

Good Luck and enjoy your trip!!!

 

[WDWBoundAgain]

The security is absolutely nothing like the airports. I still felt safe.

 

[hollyb]

Anyone know what the dinner menu is like? Also how much to they charge for snacks and does the snack place close at night?

What time did you load your car and did you have to board the train once your car was on?

I really appriciate all your great tips and helpful answers.

 

[mommiepoppins]

I just want to let you know that I called amtrack to find out if they had power.
my dd has asthma and I just like to make sure that I can use a nebulizer if I need to. They told me that they will make sure that I sit near an out let so that is a thumbs up!

 

[My2BabiesLexis&Dill]

We took the train Sept. '06. Our first train ride and our first trip to WDW. Well needless to say we are heading back to both of them in Sept again.
We really enjoyed the AUTOTRAIN (where you take your car with you). Luckily we arrived early on the way down and back. It was an experience to remember. We have 2 kids ages 2 and 4 and they were great!!! They loved it and still talk about it daily. We only had reserved seats and that worked out great for us.
The car was nearly empty (maybe 20 peeps total) so we were able to spread out. We 2 chairs per person and we were able to lay down. The kids were able to stretch out also. When they went to sleep we pulled the foot rest all the way up so they wouldn't roll out or fall out of the seat.
My only suggestion would be to take your own drinks on. They do have FREE coffee and water and hot coco (all u want) but for soft drinks they charge 1.50 each (in a can). On the way down we spent allot of money on drinks but learned our lesson. Also when you first get on the train, they have free snacks available. They have party mix in bowls and fruit for free (but grab them early). Dinner was really good but breakfast was ok. Not much to it..just cereal and oj and i think fruit.
Also one last thing, you can rent a movie player there for around 25.00 and up and it will last for 8 hrs and it has all kinds of movies and shows on it. We saw allot of families/couples to have these.
If you have any other questions about the autotrain just pm...I would highly recommend it though

One last thing...add an additional 1-2 hrs after arrival to retrieve your car. They are not unloaded to any order. I had planned before hand, so it wasn't something that was sprung on us. Have a great trip!!!!!!

 

[My2BabiesLexis&Dill]

Sorry I posted before reading the second page.

HollyB...to answer your questions they have several things to choose from for dinner. You have a choice of meatloaf, veggie lasagna and chicken. It was a few other choices but not many but I can't remember what they are now. The only thing I remember from the kids menu is chicken tenders (which were really good) and macaroni-n-cheese and green beans. I got that one b/c I wasn't in the mood for anything else and it really filled me up. Then after dinner you get a dessert. You had a choice of pies and ice cream. That was really good too!!! Also they serve white wine for free with your dinner.

And with the boarding question....they will load your vehicle once you arrive and get checked in. And you have to be there by 2pm. You don't board til 2:30-3:00. The station in Va has a small playground but the one in FL does not.

Also..something else that wasn't mentioned...to get the cheapest price avail...you can book 11 mths in advance. And if a special comes out afterwards you can call and get it applied to your tickets.

If you have any other questions, just let me know.