Planes, Trains, Automobiles, and one Big, Beautiful Boat (3/26-4/2/11) UPDATE 4/20!

[shwarren70]

Can't wait to read more... We are booked on the Eastern Caribbean for January 2012.

Which train station out of NC did you take? We live in Farmville (just outside of Greenville, NC). I've considered the train for one of our next trips... However, would want a different option than the closest one in Rocky Mount.

 

[luvndizny]

I could be almost 1/2 way to Disney by the time I got to Lorton. Lorton is about 5 hours away. I liveabout 45 minutes from Winston Salem and about 50 minutes from Greensboro. The auottrain sounds great but expensive. I can fly for what I can do auto train for.
When I go it will be with 2 18 year olds who have never traveled by train and a 77 year old that hasnt either. We are trying to get 4 of us to Orlando for less than 1000 and the train would accomplish that.

The teens will love that they can bring their gadgets with them, etc. on the train! Also, I am a tall-ish woman (5'8) and had plenty of room to stretch out. I definitely think you'd get to Orlando for the 4 of you for less than $1000. Even the cost of train tickets plus rental cars or transfer from Orlando train station to port shouldn't cost you near that. Heck, you can even add in hotel stay night before and after cruise and I still don't think you'd be near to $1,000! Be sure to check out Amtrak's website often for deals. Depending on the time of year you want to travel, it can be very inexpensive to ride the train (and no matter what time of year- most likely cheaper than flying by a long shot). And, to us at least and several others I've spoken with who did it- less stressful than driving or flying. I will give you one tip though- if you want to dine in the dining car, make reservations ahead of time...We got lucky for breakfast on the way down, but not for dinner on the way back. We didn't know they even took reservations for the dining car. However, there is a snack car that sells hamburgers, pizza, chips, candy bars, etc. You can also bring your own food on the train as well.

Which train station out of NC did you take? We live in Farmville (just outside of Greenville, NC). I've considered the train for one of our next trips... However, would want a different option than the closest one in Rocky Mount.

We rode out of the Southern Pines station. It is a very small station that doesn't provide checked luggage service, but everything still worked out well...even on a booked train (both ways). Didn't know if that's why you didn't want to use the Rocky Mount station (size, etc.) It was very easy to get on , get settled, etc. and we had 11 pieces of luggage total: 7 suitcases and 4 carry-ons! (Next time we're not taking as much stuff.)

 

[pepe of ohio]

We rode out of the Southern Pines station. It is a very small station that doesn't provide checked luggage service, but everything still worked out well...even on a booked train (both ways). Didn't know if that's why you didn't want to use the Rocky Mount station (size, etc.) It was very easy to get on , get settled, etc. and we had 11 pieces of luggage total: 7 suitcases and 4 carry-ons! (Next time we're not taking as much stuff.) [/QUOTE]

Less is better....after a few trips you will find alot of the stuff you took was not needed or used....wife and I have it down to 1 rolling duffle each and 1 carry on each plus our food cooler....and that's for a 9 night stay at WDW and no doing laundry.....years ago, I created a packing list, rhrough the years have added and subtracted from it....when I return home, I check what I didn't use, wear or need and adjust accordingly....now I can pack in 30 minutes...our mind set is, if you packed it, you haul it....our boarding station is unmanned so no baggage service offered...so we haul it on and stow it in the rear of the car...no fuss no muss....by the time we board, get to our seats they train is moving and we're away....

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Here is another vote that the Amtrak is wonderful. I didn't take it to WDW, but from Raleigh to Charlotte, and I just loved it. So much seat space, and the scenery was great. I have never thought about taking the train from Raleigh to Orlando, but I may have to check into it. Not sure hubby would go for it though.

Edited to add: I actually boarded in Cary, which is another location you carry on your own luggage, actually, you board in an outside area with no covering, and that could be a problem if it were raining.

 

[cherokeemamma]

Great report so far. We are going on the Magic in Feb 12. It will be our first time cruising so I am looking forward to reading about your experience.

I think traveling to Orlando via train would be awesome. I really do not think there is a train station near here but I will be looking into it.

TTFN
Darlene

 

[tessasmom]

Loving your TR!! You have the same sense of humor I do, love it!! Subbing!