Port of Miami to WDW by train?

[Iggipolka]

Hi When DCL says that pax can start disembarkation at 7:30am, how accurate is that? We have a train to catch at 8:30am & I'm nervous about making it on time. We'll take care of our own luggage & I'm going to hire a town car to take us from the port of Miami to the train. Think we'll have enough time?

Also, has anyone taken the train from the port to WDW? How was the ride? We have a 4 yr old & a 1.5 yr old, so we're thinking that the train would be easier on them then being stuck in their car seats for 3-5 hours.

How far is the Orlando train station from WDW?

Thanks!

 

[DVC California]

I have no idea where the train station in Miami is but unless it is right across the street, I don't think you will make the 8:30am train.

When DCL says 7:30am, that is IF the ship is cleared by US Customs Officials and refers to passengers disembarking with their own luggage in hand. And even if you could manage to get off right at 7:30am, there will be some line to personally clear customs, find your town car, then maneuver out of the port to the train station. (Just Googled it, 10 miles north, about 20 mins by car).

I would personally just rent a car and drive up to Orlando. It's only 3-4 hours and the little ones will most likely sleep the whole trip. There are also plenty of clean, safe rest stops along the Florida Turnpike (center median stops) if someone needs a potty break.

Good luck, Steve

BTW - I think that Amtrak in Kissimmee in Kissimmee is closer to WDW than the Orlando station. Also, Amtrak recommends that you arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart.
http://www.amtrak.com/getting-oriented-at-the-station

 

[Capt_BJ]

I have no idea where the train station in Miami is but unless it is right across the street, I don't think you will make the 8:30am train.

When DCL says 7:30am, that is IF the ship is cleared by US Customs Officials and refers to passengers disembarking with their own luggage in hand. And even if you could manage to get off right at 7:30am, there will be some line to personally clear customs, find your town car, then maneuver out of the port to the train station. (Just Googled it, 10 miles north, about 20 mins by car).

I would personally just rent a car and drive up to Orlando. It's only 3-4 hours and the little ones will most likely sleep the whole trip. There are also plenty of clean, safe rest stops along the Florida Turnpike (center median stops) if someone needs a potty break.

Good luck, Steve

BTW - I think that Amtrak in Kissimmee in Kissimmee is closer to WDW than the Orlando station. Also, Amtrak recommends that you arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart.
http://www.amtrak.com/getting-oriented-at-the-station

I lived in Miami for 10 years and worked in the port area ... and know where the Amtrak station is and agree: virtually NO WAY you'd make this train especially with a toddler ... and especially if it is week day. At 8 in the morning you'd be bucking rush hour traffic.

IF you made it, you'll be a nervous wreck because you'll make it by minutes . . . and you'll be fighting another 100 families that made similar scheduling 'errors' who also want to be off first . . .

I agree, rent a car and drive and I'll bet the lil ones sleep most of the way. No rushing involved. Odds are it costs less too.

OR

American has flights just about every hour from Miami to Orlando during business hours.

 

[Iggipolka]

Thanks for the info. I had a feeling that making the 8:30 train would be unrealistic. The only reason we're considering the train is because of our kids, 1.5 and 4 years old. The 4 year old would do ok, not great, but ok, in the car for 4 hours. The 1.5 year old screams her head off during a 30 minute car ride. I don't know why my kids hate the car, but they sure do.

I looked at flights, but at 150 pp, that just doesn't seem realistic.

So, we're either going to suck it up and have a miserable 4+ hour car ride or have a very, very long day on the train. Ugh..not good options either way.

Thanks again.

 

[DVC California]

...So, we're either going to suck it up and have a miserable 4+ hour car ride or have a very, very long day on the train. Ugh..not good options either way.

Thanks again.

Since you're DVC, this sound like a great excuse to plan a stay at Vero Beach along the trip north. It's about 2 1/2 hours from Miami and can be a very relaxing break after a cruise and before WDW.

The only other option I can offer is maybe a little Dimetapp to help the baby "adjust" to Florida highway system.

 

[Iggipolka]

Ooo..interesting idea about Vero Beach. Hadn't thought about that. Thanks!


Oh..and the thought of Benadryl has crossed my mind.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

The other thing to consider is that trains don't always run on time. Sometimes they are late other times they are early. Just looked at status of the train that you want to take and over the past few days and the train arrived anywhere from 1 hour 30 minutes late to almost 3 hours late! It has not arrived on time at all this week.
Trains are not like airlines as far as departure times. Train run into all kinds of issues along the way such as construction on the tracks, debris on the tracks that need to be cleared, engines that need repaired. they also use train tracks that other rail lines use and if one of those trains runs into a delay unload rail cars that will slow everyone down till that train gets moving.

At one point last week people were on the train for 8 hours to get from Miami to Orlando!

I would rent a car at least then you can make stops along the way if the kids need to stretch. Other wise count on being on the train longer than you think.

As for the 4 yr old. Why not buy some new toys to bring on the trip and introduce the new toys to her in the car. That might keep her occupied. Or a DVD player.

 

[Iggipolka]

Thanks for the info on the train. I've been wondering & worried about it running late. I think we are going to rent a car & hope for the best.

Our 4 yr old will be ok. She'll have her iPad & will play & watch movies. It's the 1.5 yr old who screams in the car, even on short rides. I'm going to try a new car seat & see if that helps.