Quick auto train question

[mrsv98]

We are taking the Auto train from Va to Sanford (can't wait!) and just had a quick question.

We are leaving home on Fri and plan to sleep over and then get to the station fairly early on Sat (we have a van so have to be there early anyway). Is there anything to do at/around the station? I read a passing reference to a playground, is this in the station? Is there anywhere we can walk to around the area?

We will have a VERY excited 4 yo with us and the more we can do to wear her out the better!

TIA!

 

[J/T Gramdma]

There is a small metal train playset like monkey bars.
There is a small shop that sells gifts, sodas and coffee. There are T.V's usually on CNN. There is an area were they can run around by the play structure but nothing exciting. Best plan -have a few toys with easy access for the train station. hope this helps. Have a good trip the train is an awesome way to go travel to WDW.

 

[DisneyPoly]

We have four children and have traveled via auto train many times. We also have a van so need to arrive by 2:00 p.m.

In the past we have arrived at 1:00 p.m., checked in and then drove to the Burger King a block away to have lunch before boarding.

What time are you planning on arriving in the Lorton area?

 

[mrsv98]

Thanks for the help

DisneyPoly, we are planning to stop Fri night somewhere close to Lorton so we can have a leisurly morning before we board the train. Mainly, I am looking for somewhere for DD to run around after having been cooped up in her carseat all of Fri. We are sort of going the long way around to WDW, Chicago --> AutoTrain --> WDW. On the way home we decided to drive all the way so we can spend most of that day at WDW (postponing reality) and then drive into the night.

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[DisneyPoly]

I would spend as much time at your hotel on the morning of your train ride. There really isn't much to do at the station at all, especially with a little one.

There is a nice restaurant, Polo Grill, near the station -- it's actually just past the station. I believe it is advertised in the ticket booklet you receive from Amtrak.

You'll be fine if you arrive at the station at 2:00, as the car drivers have to arrive by 3:00 and boarding does not usually occur until 3:15 p.m. Then once on board, you will wait another 45 minutes (give or take 15 minutes) before departing.

I love the Auto Train, but it can be a little boring for a little one waiting to leave.

Any other questions, do not hesitate to ask.

Maureen

 

[PlutoPony]

OK, you didn't ask for advice on this aspect of your adventure but I"ll chime in anyway ...

Friday afternoon/evening traffic in DC metro area (i.e. Lorton VA) is AWFUL! Usually it's the worst day of the week! You might want to consider staying outside the area on Friday, even if you have a 2+ hour drive the next day. Just a suggestion....

Have fun! I took the Autotrain as a kid and have very good memories of the trip!

 

[mrsv98]

Thanks again All

I have picked a Sleep Inn about 30 miles from DC, is this far enough to avoid the traffic? Should we stop sooner? Opinions?

 

[PlutoPony]

Originally posted by mrsv98
I have picked a Sleep Inn about 30 miles from DC, is this far enough to avoid the traffic? Should we stop sooner? Opinions?

What town is it in and what route are you taking into the area??

 

[mrsv98]

We will be coming in on 270 south. I have been looking at the hotels in Gaithersburg and Rockville. Is this far enough? I suppose we could stop earlier if it was better. I am assuming the traffic will be a lot lighter on Sat morning. Thanks!

 

[PlutoPony]

I THINK you'll be OK but wouldn't go any further than Rockville - you don't want to hit the Beltway (I-495). Believe that 270 is mostly going outbound at that time so you'll be going against traffic, but in some places it doesn't matter which direction you're going - hopefully somone from the MD suburbs will have more first hand info.

Yes, Saturday a.m. should be easier but not traffic free. Give yourselves extra time if weather is bad.....

Have fun!

 

[J/T Gramdma]

Please leave at least 2-3 hrs to get to lorton from gaithersburg or
rockvile. one accident and you could be 3hrs waiting to move . granted this doesnot happen everyday but it could. I live in woodbridge and that is usually a 20 min drive I have seen it take 1 1/2 hr.even on saturday. I think vans must be ther by 1Pm and sometimes people pay for cars and come with vans or dont think their SUV is considered a van. good luck /be sure to leave plenty of time and stop at the polo grill or the mcdonalds on rt1.

 

[goofyforlife]

Did you get the Sleep Inn in Rockville?

It is nice..... We stayed there when we were moving to MD.

I live in the area....

PM if you need to know where anything is....

Frederick is also a nice town.
(about 30 minutes further north-west but right on 270)

Rates might be cheaper, it is a little more laid back, Gas is definately cheaper to get there, Lots of Restaurants, Nice mall right off 270 to let little one walk around.

 

[mrsv98]

Thanks to all for the GREAT information!

I have a list of hotels in Frederick and Rockville so we will stop in there somewhere. I am nuts about being somewhere early so we will leave in plenty of time to get to the station. I would much rather wait around there than get an ulcer sitting in traffic!

Thanks again!

 

[NjRon]

Am I wrong to assume that late night traffic in/around Lorton
is better than rush hour/evening traffic ? I plan to leave NJ
around 6 PM on a Friday in Dec with an ETA Lorton after 11 PM.
We have rooms booked at a hotel within a mile of the auto train.
and are mentally prepared (and expect traffic delays). I would
rather have the issues Friday not Saturday when time
could be a factor. Even if we hit the sack at 1 AM, sleep
late Saturday morning, and leave the hotel at check out (11 AM)
I'm still within walking distance of the train and have 3 hours
to get there. In reality this gives me over 18 hours to travel
the 188 miles (per map quest).

I respect your opinions, does anyone see a whole in the plan ?

 

[PlutoPony]

By 8-9 pm on a Friday, rush hour is mostly over and you're just left with normal heavy traffic - UNLESS there's an accident or heavy rain/snow/ice. Immediate Lorton area should be OK on Saturday a.m. - just watch for heavier than normal traffic around shopping areas (especially in December). The DC area seems particularly bad because there are just SO MANY people on SO FEW roads....... and they don't drive particularly well or defensively!

Good luck!

 

[lazarru]

When I was there a few months ago there was also alot of construction going on in that area. Not sure if they are doing any weekend construction there or not, but that can also back you up.

I'll second the fact that there's not really much to keep interest for long. It's tough because of the area you need to ensure that you give yourself extra timee just in case, but then when you get there on-time there's nothing to do. I wish somone would build something as simple as just a better playground, if not some other stores or something, but I guess there's just not enough call for it