Hello, Need Advice, traveling to disney via train for the first time

[SurpriseD]

Hey,
i have a surprise trip planned for my wife's birthday. We are traveling on Amtrak december 26th to the Orlando Amtrak station...here is the thing, we dont have transport from the station to our hotel (Coronodo Springs).

Whats the best (and/or most affordable!!) way to get there from Orlando Amtrak? I havent read great things about Mears, and it looks like the local bus service doesnt stop there (apart from the disney buses, which arent at the train station).

This isnt our first time to disney (in fact its our 4th time in 5 years), just our first time via train. My wife HATES flying so thats why i decided to book a train this time around! I cant wait to tell her about it!!!

Any suggestions would be great!

THANKS!

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Hey,
i have a surprise trip planned for my wife's birthday. We are traveling on Amtrak december 26th to the Orlando Amtrak station...here is the thing, we dont have transport from the station to our hotel (Coronodo Springs).

Whats the best (and/or most affordable!!) way to get there from Orlando Amtrak? I havent read great things about Mears, and it looks like the local bus service doesnt stop there (apart from the disney buses, which arent at the train station).

This isnt our first time to disney (in fact its our 4th time in 5 years), just our first time via train. My wife HATES flying so thats why i decided to book a train this time around! I cant wait to tell her about it!!!

Any suggestions would be great!

THANKS!

Mears has reliable transportation. I wouldn't even consider taking a bus. Why not contact Mears directly to talk with them about their service? And, there are many reliable car services that could meet you.

 

[pepe of ohio]

But we always get off in Kissimmee, the next stop. It's closer to WDW, there are cabs usually available, we've used them a long time ago but have been usin a car service for pick up and return because of cleanlyness and most offer a 30 minute grocery/alcohol stop on the way in ( money saver) we get luncheon meats, rolls, soda, wine and beer and other odds and ends. Cabs back a few years ran 38 dollars one way plus tip (5 years ago) and the price has gone us, a car service should run about 100-110 dollars round trip and considering the grocery stop, cheaper than grocery delivery, and you get to pick your own and most services monitor the trains arrival to be sure to meet you if you're running late.

Orlando station is huge chaos, everyone gets off and boards there making that stop a huge mess...we watch from the train window (we board first going home from Kissimmee) of the long line of people, standing out in the heat waiting to board, one by one. Long stop and dragging theor luggage is very irratating for most, glad we're already on board and seated for that. We once had to board in Orlando due to hurricane shutting down Kissimmee and the cab fare from WDW to Orlando station was 50 dollars so alittle more costly at Orlando and most chaotic but alot of people get off, maybe they don't know Kissimmee's 20 minutes down the line and maybe 10-15 people get off there.

Either way, have a great trip and nice surprise, I don't fly either and Amtrak
's the next best thing, quite relaxing and once you're on board, ask if any sleepers are still available, if there are, they discount the heck out of pre-trip ordering.

 

[SurpriseD]

But we always get off in Kissimmee, the next stop. It's closer to WDW, there are cabs usually available, we've used them a long time ago but have been usin a car service for pick up and return because of cleanlyness and most offer a 30 minute grocery/alcohol stop on the way in ( money saver) we get luncheon meats, rolls, soda, wine and beer and other odds and ends. Cabs back a few years ran 38 dollars one way plus tip (5 years ago) and the price has gone us, a car service should run about 100-110 dollars round trip and considering the grocery stop, cheaper than grocery delivery, and you get to pick your own and most services monitor the trains arrival to be sure to meet you if you're running late.

Orlando station is huge chaos, everyone gets off and boards there making that stop a huge mess...we watch from the train window (we board first going home from Kissimmee) of the long line of people, standing out in the heat waiting to board, one by one. Long stop and dragging theor luggage is very irratating for most, glad we're already on board and seated for that. We once had to board in Orlando due to hurricane shutting down Kissimmee and the cab fare from WDW to Orlando station was 50 dollars so alittle more costly at Orlando and most chaotic but alot of people get off, maybe they don't know Kissimmee's 20 minutes down the line and maybe 10-15 people get off there.

Either way, have a great trip and nice surprise, I don't fly either and Amtrak
's the next best thing, quite relaxing and once you're on board, ask if any sleepers are still available, if there are, they discount the heck out of pre-trip ordering.

is there an extra charge to go to kissimmee? the tickets say the stop is orlando, could that be changed?

thanks for the tip about sleepers! right now we just have standard tickets, we are actually renting a car for the trip back (cheaper than the auto train!)...the total travel package was HALF the price of flying.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Can't tell where you're coming from but here's some tips anyway. Larger stations have Red Caps, people to help with your luggage, use them, for the price of a tip (usually 2 bucks a bag) they will escort you to your train car ahead of general boarding, nice to get a pick of the seats and settled before everyone piles in.

Sleepers are quite expensive ordering pre-trip but include all meals incurred during your trip (food is very good) but pricey out of pocket. Our trips are from northeast Ohio which means one train from Ohio to DC and then a layover and another train south to Florida. We always travel coach on the first leg and when we board in DC, we ask around Richmond if any sleepers are available and usually we get a roomette ( small compartment that sleeps 2 and a toilet) for around 150.00 for the both of us. Not too bad to be able to sleep lying down while the train rumbles thru the night and getting a dinner, breakfast and lunch for 2 people makes this a convenience for the price. Don't get me wrong, coach all the way is doable and sleeping in coach is fine, just bring a small blanket because it gets cold on the train when the sun goes down.

We bring a small lunch with us when we leave home, sandwiches, snacks and drinks (available on the train but alittle pricey in the club car) and the pair of seats have pull down trays from the seats ahead back and it's fine to bring food and eat in the coach car. Tons of room around the pair of seats. They are high backed, recline quite a ways back, leg rest pulls up and a foot rest. It's like you're in your own world, some train cars have an electrical outlet at each pair of seats and some cars have one for the whole car...luck of the car but Amtrak is up-dating most cars. we pack along a small portable DVD player and some movies (electronic devices require headphones) and we use it in WDW since the stations are terrible in the resorts. Ipods, E-books, Gameboys are great ways to pass the time.

Lights out is usually 10pm, subdued lighting thru-out the car but there are 2 reading lights at each pair of seat for you pleasure. There are 2 restrooms per car, one handicapped equipped and another quite small toilet and sink, both usually at the rear of each car, first come first served, unisex.

Traveling by train is relaxing but time consuming, for us a 36 hour trip, but watching the states roll by, doing nothing but relaxing, having a sandwich and drink or just snoozing makes getting into WDW alot less atressing then flying or driving. No TSA, check points, bag inspection but a few restrictions on how many bags (2 per person) sizes (?) weights ( 50# max. each).

I hope this helps you along in your journey and you get to enjoy the travels of a train. If you need any other info....PM me and I'll be glad to help out.

Jim

 

[Metro West]

 

[pepe of ohio]

is there an extra charge to go to kissimmee? the tickets say the stop is orlando, could that be changed?

thanks for the tip about sleepers! right now we just have standard tickets, we are actually renting a car for the trip back (cheaper than the auto train!)...the total travel package was HALF the price of flying.

Not sure on the ticket change...I've seen people that have tickets for Kissimmee and got off in Orlando. Call Amtrak and I'm sure the fee can not be that much, Kissimmee is the next stop not more than 15-20 minutes more. I've never seen train agents check tickets when leaving the train, just upon boarding, you sit down and the conductor comes along and checks the tickets and punches it and that's the last of the ticket check. Couldn't see why you couldn't stay on and get off in Kissimmee but better to call and confirm.

On the sleepers, after the train gets moving, after you board, the conductor makes a check of his reservations vs. sleepers and you have to find him, usually in the club or dining car and he'll let you know if any up grades are available and give you a price but he has to check first and it's first come first serve so keep an eye out if you're interested.

 

[justakrazymom]

Going to "borrow" this thread if you don't mind as my mother and oldest are taking Amtrak in Aug ( we are driving)... We will be going to pick them up from Pop..is Orlando or Kissimmee closer?

 

[bobby523]

Going to "borrow" this thread if you don't mind as my mother and oldest are taking Amtrak in Aug ( we are driving)... We will be going to pick them up from Pop..is Orlando or Kissimmee closer?

Kissimmee is a closer option than orlando. Orlando will be in the downtown area (about 25-30 miles from WDW). Kissimmee is about 10-15 miles from WDW.

Hope this helps.