Newbie trying her first Pre-Trip Report

[dee4406]

Hi All,

Well, Im a long time looker and first time poster. I have to tell you, I just love this board!! When the stress of life gets you, I just come here and get lost in the wonderful world of Universal.

OK - This is a VERY early Pre-trip report as we don't leave until November 21 arriving in Orlando on the 23rd (I will share our travel plans) - but I am just so excited I figured I would give this a whirl to help keep me going for the 27 days until we leave

A little about the players:

Dee: That's me....40 yrs. old. Work for a school district - I fix the computers.

DH: Ray...43 yrs. old. The very best husband, father, best friend in the world.

DD: Heather...16 yrs. old. The greatest daughter parents could ask for.

DF(friend?): Lauren...16 yrs. old. A wonderful friend to Heather and a perfect travel partner for all of us.

Now for a background on our vacations to Orlando...

We are not big on flying, we are in PA - about 45 min. outside of Philly. We took our first trip to Orlando back in 2004. We hadn't been on vacation for about 10-12 years and boy did we need it. We did make one huge mistake and went during Spring Break - NEVER again The crowds were just unbearable. We did have a great time and fell in love with Orlando. Second trip in 2005 made us the Universal freaks we are now - wouldn't dream of going to any other parks when we are there!


So the first few years we traveled to Orlando, we drove. Not too bad for us, we enjoyed the scenery - but DH would get pretty cranky by the last three hours or so (understandably). We would drive to about NC or SC and spend the night at a hotel, then be on our way for another 8 or so hours. Then one year, we decided to see what the Auto Train was all about.

Best thing ever for us. Now you have to enjoy certain aspects of riding on a train to really enjoy this. My sister thinks we are nuts when we could get on a plane and be there in 2 /12 hrs. Hubby and I are actually train buffs - love train rides. We drive to VA (you have to get on the auto train in Lorton, VA) the night before our train ride and spend the night at a hotel close to the train station, get up and ready in the morning and off to the train. We take with us what Amtrak refers to as an oversized vehicle (full size pickup) so we need to be there by 2:00 p.m. We usually arrive by 12:30 - 1:00 and have never had trouble checking in. The train leaves around 3:30 - 4:00 and you arrive in Sanford, Fl around 8:30 a.m. For us, we find the trip relaxing - when we get to Orlando we feel refreshed, not frustrated with travel and ready to enjoy our vacation!!


We actually own a timeshare property in Orlando, but we only own every other year, so this year is an off year and we will stay offsite.

I know a lot of you will tell us we have just got to try staying onsite, and you are right, be we have found our own little happy hotel that we keep going back to. We stay at the Holiday Inn right across the street from Universal. They have two bedroom suites - so we get a king size bed for us, our own bathroom, living area, kitchenette, the girls get their own bedroom and each their own bed, they have a bathroom too - what more could we ask for and pretty reasonable rates too.

So this year, we leave on the 21st of Nov. to drive to VA and spend the night. We get on the train on Sat. 22nd and arrive in Orlando on the 23rd. We will leave on the 29th, getting home on the 30th. Lauren's bday is unfortunately on the 29th so she will spend it on the train (sorry Lauren)

I am just so excited I can't stop thinking about it. We generally do the parks a good 4 days - we all love the rides!! We do also usually take a trip mid week to Downtown Disney. We are definately seeing the Blue Man Group - we saw them last year and WOW - its a not to miss attraction!

We went last year for the first time during Thanksgiving - we thought it was great. Everything is already decorated for Christmas and the weather was just wonderful. It's not busy until Friday and we leave on Sat. so no biggie with the crowds.

Well....as you can see, I tend to ramble on....I hope someone will enjoy reading this report. Again, Im new at this so bear with me. We still have 27 days - so I guess I better leave something to write about...

More to come later if anyone is interested!!

P.S. First posting lesson...I had pics in there, but I am not allowed to post pics yet since this is my first post....

 

[teresared]

Hi Dee, I was wondering about the Blue Man Group. We will have a large group and the children's ages are 2, 4, 6 and 10. Is the show O.K. for all or should we just take the older kids? Thank you. Looking forward to more trip report.

 

[dee4406]

Blue Man Group show is great for all ages - but, I don't know if the 2 and 4 year olds will want to sit through the show. It really depends on them and how good they are at sitting for about and hour and a half. They wouldn't get most of the funnies but its not inappropriate for them. I know this is kinda a non-answer, and Im sorry for that. The 6 and 10 year olds will love it I think.

 

[EPRV We love Disney]

I'm also a long time lurker and have been enjoying posting recently.

Can't wait for more of your pre-trippie and hopefully your trip report.

We're also going in Nov. But.... not till '09 So, I've got a very long wait.

I'm going to live vicariously thru your report

Thanks, E

 

[mplsmom1]

Then one year, we decided to see what the Auto Train was all about.

Best thing ever for us. Now you have to enjoy certain aspects of riding on a train to really enjoy this. My sister thinks we are nuts when we could get on a plane and be there in 2 /12 hrs. Hubby and I are actually train buffs - love train rides. We drive to VA (you have to get on the auto train in Lorton, VA) the night before our train ride and spend the night at a hotel close to the train station, get up and ready in the morning and off to the train. We take with us what Amtrak refers to as an oversized vehicle (full size pickup) so we need to be there by 2:00 p.m. We usually arrive by 12:30 - 1:00 and have never had trouble checking in. The train leaves around 3:30 - 4:00 and you arrive in Sanford, Fl around 8:30 a.m. For us, we find the trip relaxing - when we get to Orlando we feel refreshed, not frustrated with travel and ready to enjoy our vacation!!


I know a lot of you will tell us we have just got to try staying onsite

Hi Dee! Your trip will come up fast. Although I don't live in your area of the US, my sister does, so I thought I'd ask some questions about the Auto Train. Your vehicle actually rides 'with' you? How does it compare to flying as far as price??

Also - do you buy the "fastpass" option when you go to Universal? Just wondering.....

 

[dee4406]

HI E!

Thanks for writing. I have been dying to post and just never took the time. Its so much fun sharing our experiences and excitment before going! I know that seems like a long wait, but it will come pretty quick!

I hope to keep writing both pre-trip and and full trip report!




HI mplsmom1...

We love the Auto Train...as for price, there are ALOT of variables...one, you really need to book a good 8 or so months out to get the best price. The closer you get to your trip the more the price goes up. The price of your vehicle depends on its size, there are three sizes - regular car, van/suv, or motorcycle. We have always taken a large vehicle so have had to pay more for that....but having our truck is part of what we like about the train....you pack as much as you want and have room to bring home whatever fits in your vehicle. The other big variable is what type of seating you chose...you can go coach or you can get a variety of sleeper rooms. We took coach the first time on the way down - with a large vehicle, booking 7 months out it was very comparable to flying......however, we booked a "roomette" on the way home - we really liked having our own bed - be it very small better than being in coach, but its really a matter of choice. When booking the rooms - the price goes up signifigantly.

You drop your vehicle off when you pull into the station, getting everything you want to take with you out (they have carts) and then you dont have access to your car again until it comes off the train in Florida. So the cars are in their own special carrier trains and they attach to the passenger cars.

We have only purchased the "fastpass" once...we did it last Nov. for only Friday after Thanksgiving...it was neat going to the front of the line, but when you buy it that way its only good for one time on each ride. We generally go when the crowds arent so bad...

 

[Metro West]

My boss recently took the auto train and loved it!

 

[dee4406]

Well, we are down to 20 days till we leave and I just can't wait. Im just like a little kid. We have had our hotel booked forever. We also have rooms booked for VA - we stay the night before close to the Auto Train so we dont have to worry about getting there on time - makes for a stress free trip We do love traveling by train - a random pic and another. We still need to purchase our park and BMG tickets but waiting for SIL to tell me when she is going Getting excited!!

 

[macraven]

you'll have like 2 vacations in all.
universal and the auto train trip.

i enjoy train rides.
my dad worked on the railroad and his free passes took us to many places growing up.

very smart getting the holiday inn.
with 2 teens..... .........they have their own area to enjoy.

don't you hate sharing a bathroom with the family?
i do, i have 3 sons.

we would stay on site and always drawing straws on who gets first dibbs on the bathroom.........

you do what is best for the family.
some stay on site and some don't.

i have done it both ways.


keep us posted on your pre trippie

 

[dee4406]

That's exactly one of the reasons we do the train - its like two vacations, I just love getting to vacation relaxed. Hubby was always a train buff and we have taken some train rides, especially when our daughter was young. I always liked it, but after taking the auto train, I love it. We can hear trains from our house in the distant quite often and it just takes me right to thoughts of Universal

You better believe them having their own area and own bathroom is a big part of the plan...we need our space and they have each other!

I would love to try onsite, but we have been lucky so far ...not real long lines ever.

We are so excited....10 days!!! It has been a trying week and another to come....I swear its Murphy's law....see how stressed we can get to be sure we need vacation....I need it

I can't wait to start our journey....and my very first report .....counting down......

 

[dee4406]

Ok everyone....Need some happy thoughts as we are set to drive to VA tonight - we will spend the night in a hotel hoping to get on the auto train on Saturday. Yesterday they stopped service to the auto train....upon inspection of a car carrier train that was not in service they found some kind of crack. They then inspected car carriers at both stations and found more....and cancelled service both yesterday and today. Amtrak tells us it will be back in service for our ride on Satuday.....cross your fingers everyone....or else I guess we are driving!!! No matter what....we will make it to US/IOA...always something.....

 

[macraven]

i'm so sorry you have been delayed.

hoping it will work out for you and you don't have to drive but can use the autotrain afterall.

 

[dee4406]

Good Morning everyone....well, I am excited to say that we are here in Virginia...we had a very nice and uneventful drive here last night...no traffic, one little accident that tied us up for only maybe 5 minutes. We called Amtrak yesterday and they said they would be running the auto train today. As I am sitting here drinking my coffee, happily typing....there is also a press release saying the train is running So today marks our real start in our trip to US/IOA. Hubby and the girls are still sleeping. We dont have to check out of the hotel till 12:00....plenty of time to get everyone up and showered and off to the train station. We will probably stop somewhere and get us some lunch....we HAVE to be to the station by 2:00. We are only less than 10 miles from the station. I am sooooo excited that we will be able to take the train. Thanks to everyone and their good thoughts....it wont be long now before we are in beautiful sunny Florida This will probably be my only time for posting until we get off the train....unless Im really bored and feel like typing via my iPhone on the train. More to come on our journey....Happy Saturday everyone

 

[pixeegrl]

Good morning, and I hope you have a wonderful trip down and a wonderful trip when you arrive! (Finally less than a month for us woohoo)

 

[dee4406]

thank you so much Yeah!! only a month for you....that will go very quick....Im hoping you can see the light at the end of the tunnel!!!

 

[ky07]

Have a great time Dee and like you our first trip was in 2005 and we too fell in love with orlando and universal and so far only missed one year and that was 2006 and we can't imagine not going to universal at least once a year

 

[dee4406]

YEAH!! We are in Orlando and it is beautiful!! Well, we had a very nice train ride. We did arrive at the train station a little later then we would of likes as we missed getting a seat at the 7:00 dinner....we chose 5:00 instead which was ok. The wait in the station was pleasant. We boarded the train about 2:30 and got comfy for our [URL="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f383/dee4406/s607390498_2146848_3793.jpg"]journey..[/URL] Our roomette. The train ride was nice, we didn't have any long delays and arrived at the station in Sanford at about 9:00 a.m. We were once again pretty lucky getting our truck off the train...didn't have to wait too long All the pics I have so far are from our daughter...she seemed to be the one taking the pics

Once we got our truck we were off to the hotel to let them know we were here....we were not scheduled to be able to check in till 3:00 and it was only a little after 10:00, but we headed over anyway. The ride from the station is a short one, taking less than a half hour. We arrived at the hotel and Ray and I ran in to let them know we were here and guess what? Our room was ready!!! This was very exciting for us....we parked the truck and started bringing in our stuff. Everything was in the room, we stocked what we had drink wise in the fridge, got stuff setup and we were done before noon.

Now it was time to head out to the store....we knew Heather (DD) had forgotten her comfy sneakers in her school gym locker and now that we were in the hotel for some reason we only had one hard wired connection to the internet....Well....that will never do for the family as they are totally addicted, even on vacation to the internet. With four of us, we needed a better option....I am sure we had wireless last year here, but ....hmmm...not this year. So off to Walmart we went. We got sneakers, some sunblock and a couple other things that just kinda fell in the cart but they didn't have an access point for wireless. We then started looking with our iPhones for places that may sell what we needed..... We ended up at an Office Depot and scored on the equipment .....now I dont have to listen to the girls complain Back to the hotel we went and setup wireless for everyone...

We all felt like we needed showers, we dont shower on train...its just not worth it.....so we got ourselves showered and were feeling much better. We dont really sleep well on the train....I think Lauren and Ray did, but Heather and I didn't really so the showers were refreshing

By this time it was getting later but we were happy to have all the extra stuff out of the way. The girls decided they wanted to just hang for the evening, get a good nights sleep and off to the parks tomorrow (today). There is a Cracker Barrel very close to the hotel (really walking distance) and they wanted Ray and I to go pick up food from there and bring it back to the hotel. I always welcome a chance to go shopping at Cracker Barrel...I love that place So Ray and I headed over, ordered food and shopped around while waiting. We got our food and stupidly didn't check it...headed back to the hotel only to find out when we got to the room that they totally messed it up. We called back over and told them what we needed to make it right and that we were heading back. They were very nice about it and had it ready for us when we got back there.

Once we were done eating, it was probably close to 9:00. We decided to just hang and watch some tv getting to bed early.

It's now morning, everyone but me is sleeping and I am happily drinking my coffe writing this report. We are never early birds getting to the parks. We like to get up, shower and head over at lunchtime .....we usually get something to eat first then enjoy the parks. Im so excited to be here!!! I cant wait to ride the Simpsons!!!

Well, there is the start of our trip....hoping to take lots of pics today. More to come.......

 

[jenny105]

I hope you're having a great time! I was just there last week! I hope you have better weather than we did though, it was a little cold, for Florida anyway!

The Simpsons ride is GREAT!
"I'm going to make an annoying noise until you all sit down...."

 

[stich626]

Subbing. the auto train sounds like a great idea! Excited to hear more!

 

[dee4406]

Thanks, we really are having a great time....Simpsons was all we hoped it would be, it was wonderful!!!!!

The train was great too....you gotta like riding the train, but we do, so we think its the best!!!!!