Question on Autotrain

[Patricia]

We are considering the Autotrain both to reduce anxieties and to have our car with us for a two week trip. I cannot get on the Amtrak website, it's down. I just phoned and got prices that are 1495 for a family of four in Family cabin with a Cherokee (that would be my sister's family). Our price for one Deluxe and one standard for 6 of us and a minivan was 2147! This sounds a bit high to me. Is it normal? Can I find discounts anywhere. THese are the AAA prices.. Thanks!

 

[caitycaity]

unfortunately, those are the normal prices. for two of us we are paying about $1050 (with AAA) and a standard bedroom. we also booked way back in march when the prices were cheaper.

 

[Dumbo]

It's the sleeping accomadations that is driveing your price up. You are traveling First Class. Think about going Coach Class. Coach on the Auto Train isn't that bad.

Dumbo

 

[caitycaity]

keep in mind, you have to pay extra for the minivan too b/c i am assuming it is taller than 5'.

 

[Patricia]

Do any of you think it's worth it? I am thinking of the coach seats. Has anyone used them. How were they. I am worrying that the car will be too loud to sleep in. Any help will be appreciated.

 

[DC7800]

Patricia,
Auto-Train is a wonderful way to travel. The coach seats are comfortable, and yes, it is most certainly worth it. I always consider the train trip to be an enjoyable part of the vacation - not just a way to get to the vacation. You save 900 miles of driving, and avoid having to spend the night in a motel along the way (thus you save that cost, and meals are included in the price of your ticket - this helps reduce the true price). I returned from WDW on this train back in July, so if you have any questions please ask. You may want to check the website listed below for Amtrak travel hints & tips.

http://communities.prodigy.net/trains/amthints.htm

The Amtrak website was working this evening, but it has seen a deluge of new passengers in the past few weeks, so it is sometimes S-L-O-W. Try to "play" with the dates and accomodations on the fare finder to get a better rate (always use the 30% sale). You might try accessing http://www.amtrak.com after midnight. If you want to save even more, try to make the trip in an automobile instead of a Cherokee or Minivan. These are considered oversize vehicles, and cost on the order of $300 extra.

The car will be quiet enough to sleep comfortably (though not as well as a sleeper). There are occasional noises as the train passes over a bridge, as the wheels interact with a turnout, etc., but nothing severe (and you get used to them).

Also, call Amtrak and have them send you two things: the Amtrak 2001 travel planner and a copy of the national timetable (train schedules). This will answer a ton of questions you might not think to ask until you get on board! It also will help you decide if you want to take Auto-Train, which, again, I highly recommend.

 

[Patricia]

DC7800,

Thanks so much. I will do as you suggest by working on the website late, if I can stay up! I would love to take our smaller car, but we wouldn't fit into it while in Fl. There will be 6 of us , my family of 5 plus my daughter's friend. Oh well. Next time, maybe. Thanks again.

 

[laurieny]

We had no trouble sleeping in the coach seats. Going south the train was quite full but no problems. Coming north, I asked to be seated downstairs ( there are 12 seats downstairs accross from the bathrooms). The 5 of us had the 12 seat section to ourselves. It was great. We all took 2 seats and the kids were able to hang out on the floor. There was a door which closed off the section from the hallway. We loved the autotrain. The kids had a great time hanging with the other kids.

 

[DisneyPoly]

We have traveled the Auto Train many times with our four children and have really enjoyed. Keeping in mind that I HATE to fly, I am willing to bend over backwards to be able to get to Disney without being on an airplane.

We have always traveled coach, since a family of 6 would need two sleeper rooms and that would put the price way out of range. We also travel with a minivan, so yes, the price is a little higher. We have always been lucky enough to travel on trips that were not crowded. We always have have the opportunity to spread out on two seats, so that the children can actually lay down on the seats.

We make the trip down part of the trip, as opposed to just transportation. It certainly beats driving as you are moving during the night, thus allowing to arrive in Orlando in the early a.m.

If you price out the cost of airline tickets and renting a van while down there, it usually comes to a less expensive trip to take the AutoTrain. However, with the price of airline tickets falling, I can't say that that will be the case.

Whatever way you decide to go, have a great time!!!