Question for those who have taken the Auto Train

[Pixieduster]

We are heading down to Disney next Wednesday and I am driving to Lorton, VA from NJ and taking the Auto Train from there. We are leaving very early in the morning to allow for any delays we may encounter on the drive, but my question is.....what time will they allow you to board the train? If we do not hit much traffic and arrive very early, would we just wait at the station? Are there places to eat lunch near by?

How much time do you allow to get from Disney to Sanford for the return?

Thanks so much for your help.

 

[cherylp3]

Pixie - check out lady & the tramp's post in this thread

http://www.disboards.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=96498&highlight=autotrain

 

[CDavid]

You generally board the train about an hour before departure. Remember though,
you must be at the station two hours before departure (Amtrak is serious that no
vehicles will be accepted after cut-off times, which is two hours for oversized vehicles
and one hour for cars - but don't take any chances). I would plan to arrive a bit earlier
than two hours. For one thing, you will be ahead of the "rush", can get your choice of
dinner seatings, and not have to worry about being delayed by traffic (or anything)
a few miles away with the clock ticking down...

There is a convenience store in the station building, and a playground outside for kids.
I don't remember any restaurants at that I-95 exit, but they would be located just a
few miles north or south.

 

[Luv2Dream]

We took the Auto train this past May. There is a Burger King right up the road from the station, but you'd probably want to drive there first, although you definitely could walk, but it is up a hill and it's not "next door" but a small hike. When you get off the exit to go to the station, you would take a right to go to Burger King, a left to get to the station. Once you get to the station, they are going to take your car from you so you won't have the option of driving to Burger King later. There are other restaurants past the station but you definitely can't walk to them. If you get to VA very early, drive past the Autotrain station, stay on that road until you get to the end and then take a right. I believe there are other eating options available on that road. They do have some food in the station but it's not very good as I remember. Snacks are fine, you can buy the paper, some toys, stuff like that, but not anything really great to eat. I would recommend getting to the station early so you can get your preferred dining time. Have a great trip.