Rental Mini-Van? Own SUV? Autotrain?

[scooffer]

Hi all! Need some advice on our POSSIBLE trip in April.

Two years ago we took the Autotrain round trip in a Family Room, and it was OK. A little cramped, was worried about keeping the kids quiet as there were retirees outside our door, and on the trip home we had a delay on the track for 2 hours, train had to make up time, so I swear he was going twice as fast as normal... we came in on time, but was seriously a bumpy ride.

Last year we braved coach no rooms with the two kids. Hated it and ended up driving our own SUV home to CT from Orlando. The drive home we broke into two days with a quick overnight in VA (I think). It was not bad, but we were a little cramped.

SO, if I can convince DH to take another trip this April, I am thinking about driving round trip, but renting a minivan to have a little extra room. How is the drive down vs the drive home? Is it torture since you have so much anticipation?

Cost wise, we could get Autotrain tickets with two Roomettes for about the same as a rental minivan and gas down... so what about Autotrain down and own SUV back again?

Or would you just drive it round trip in a rental mini-van?

 

[Shea&Van]

Hi there,

We have thought about the AutoTrain and renting a larger car to drive down. But, ultimately, we chose to fly. We are in the DC-area and there are three major airports nearby so there is plenty of opportunity for cheap flights. In fact, some of the flights we were pricing out -- just for fun -- since our dates aren't out yet, are very competitive.

I've seen flights out of DCA (Jet Blue) for $70 each way and that includes a bag. I've also seen flights out of BWI (Southwest) for $79 each way and that includes TWO bags!

This was much cheaper than the AutoTrain and then you have to pay the $300-400 to take your car. You can find mini-vans for $300 ish (thru National) if you stalk to sale/coupon sites and join the Flying Blue.

Granted, I don't know where the closest airport is for your family, but maybe it's worth a look to see if you can find some good flight deals and then just rent a car when you are down there.

If you are staying on-site...you don't really even need a car. We did that when we stayed at the WL and it was just fine. We rode the Magical Express and enjoyed it very much.

Best of luck with whatever you decide and have a great day!!

 

[scooffer]

I love to fly, the kids would love to fly... DH, not so much. It was almost a deal breaker last year when I pushed him on the flight issue. Just hates it in every way... The airport hassle, the luggage, not being able to bring home what we really want to, not to mention he is a real phobia of heights! Just does not work.

 

[pepe of ohio]

I love to fly, the kids would love to fly... DH, not so much. It was almost a deal breaker last year when I pushed him on the flight issue. Just hates it in every way... The airport hassle, the luggage, not being able to bring home what we really want to, not to mention he is a real phobia of heights! Just does not work.

Right there with him... I won't fly, period.... We use regular Amtrak, we stay on property and have no use for a car, whether rented or our own (hence no auto train)... As for the Auto Train, why pay the huge cost for putting your car on board when you can use regular Amtrak and rent a car in Florida....

Last couple of trips, for one reason or another, we have driven from northeast Ohio to WDW.... Not bad, still don't like the drive with the stress but time wise over the train, alot quicker but I still enjoy the relaxation being on board and moving while I doze off ( we also go coach, sleepers too expensive and negates the cost over driving) and one night in coach sleeping is not as bad as others make out . The drive for us is 20 hours vs the train at 36 hours but the train has a 6 hour layover in DC that's hard to get around.... But still we arrive in WDW about the same time being as we usually stop overnight driving, too old for that straight thru drive....

It's hard to travel is one partner or the other has some traveling issues but accommodating those issue will make the trip pleasanter and stress free... Time isn't everything, relaxation and peace of mind count more in our travels . Good luck!