June 3/4 Auto Train Trip

[Henlady]

We traveled on the AutoTrain on June 3/4 from Lorton to Sanford. DH & I had a roomette. The train left the station about 3 minutes late. On departure, set up in the "first class" lounge car was a "wine tasting" session - 2 white wines, one sweet and one dry, a selection of cheese, veggies & dip and some crackers for your snacking pleasure - all complimentary of course. We settled into our roomette. DH is 6'1 and I am 6'. We were comfortable and did not find ourselves to be "crushed" for space. Supper was a selection of Twin beef medalions (very tasty), Chicken Marsala, Grilled Salmon, Vegetarian Lasagna and Roasted Chicken. (I looked at the coach menu and it included selections of Salisbury Steak, Chicken Pompadora, baked Cod, Vegetarian Lasagna) all accompanied by salad, green beans and either rice or potato. Dessert was a choice of cheesecake, key lime pie or ice cream with chocolate or strawberries. A choice of white or red wine was also available.
The movie shown in the lounge car was Chronicles of Narnia. While we were viewing the movie, our roomette was setup for sleeping. I took the bottom bed and DH took the top. I noticed that travel was a little rougher during the night than on our trip from Sanford to Lorton in October. We were jostled around a bit. DH said that when we went over some switches at one point, he was glad the netting was "up" or he may have fallen out of his bunk.
Breakfast was the normal fare - bagels, cereal, banana, juice, etc...
We arrived in Sanford at about 9:40 am. Unloading of the cars seemed to go slowly at first, there were only 3 "car jockeys" to start, then a few more showed up and things went a little quicker. We had our car by 11:00am and were on our way to Disney. We travel on Route 417 - Toll road. It is a much less congested and less hectic route than I-4. The tolls from Sanford to Lake Buena Vista totaled $5, and in our opinion is worth it.
If you have any questions - ask away.

 

[Cupmom]

Thanks so much for your report. We're taking the train home in Aug. You mentioned netting for the top bunk would that keep a child from rolling out. We booked to bedrooms for our trip. It was only 26 dollars more than the family bedroom and we'll have 2 bathrooms. I was hoping the DS 13 And DS5 could sleep on the to and DH and I could sleep on the bottom.

 

[Henlady]

Cupmom - The netting on the top bunk covers the center part of the bed. I would think your 13yo DS would definately be ok, your 5yo should be OK if he would sleep more toward the center of the length of the bed. DH and I had a bedroom on our Oct trip from Sanford to Lorton, and it is definately a plus to have the bathroom in your room. The bathroom is very small, but it serves the purpose. There is a door between the bedrooms that could be opened to connect the 2 rooms if they are side by side.

Have a great trip.