Opinion about trip, please

[AJKMOM]

I posted this in Transportation, but this might be a better place to post:

Traveling in December with autistic son and husband who has lupus and had a stroke in June. We are going anyway unless the place is closed! We have plane reservations on Southwest, but now I am wondering if taking the Auto Train would be better. I can't drive the whole way by myself. I would rent room-ettes so we wouldn't be sitting out in the open.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

 

[DisneyOma]

Depends on how your son will do on the train - how long does it take for you? Is he used to that kind of travel, etc?

 

[daisy2013]

I would research how often and for how long the train is usually delayed. We looked at it once when our daughters were younger and ended up thinking it was not worth it.

 

[crazy_for_the_dis]

I have always dreamed about taking a train trip like this, and looked at it, but the time it added onto the vacation was never possible. But I think it will be a great adventure!

 

[lanejudy]

Short answer - I'd stick with flying.

I have enjoyed taking train trips in the past. However, check the time -- for me to take the train to WDW it's a 2-day journey, as opposed to a 3 hour flight. My DD did "ok" on 10-hour train trips when she was little, but that was pushing the limit (and she was young enough to nap back then). And PP is right about delays - Amtrak is frequently delayed, making a long trip even longer.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Trains cost as much ( or more) than flying and take much longer to get from Point A to Point B. furthermore, AMTRAK has a worse record for being on time than any airline.

totally not worth it, IMNSHO

 

[fabfemmeboy]

Also the roomettes are tiny. I looked at doing that for a trip this year, to avoid planes, and the idea of being in there for 2 days with even just the two of us was really stressful - let alone with three people. It's also a lot more time of not really being able to be up and moving around if that's a concern for your family at all. As long as flying is not a risk for your husband (blood clot concerns for example), I think flights would be the way to go. If you're worried about being able to wrangle both your husband and son (as well as luggage!), you may want to look into services available at the airport like transportation to the gate via wheelchair or golfcart.

 

[Sadie22]

There is a long thread All About the AutoTrain in the Transportation folder.

 

[Jake]

If you are taking the Auto train You have to drive to Washington DC area to load the car. Then the train leaves around 3 pm and arrives around Orlando at 8 AM.
You will be spending the night on the train. Meals are included in Room ettes . dining car. Think they have internet. So you can pack the car. Just taking thing you need for the night with you on the train.