seasoned amtrak travelers, pls help

[delia]

my family is taking amtrak from NJ to Orlando next month. I booked this 6 months
ago because one of my kids didn't want to fly at that time - she's since gotten over it
but everything is booked so I'm not changing.

When I mention that I'm traveling to orlando by train to anyone, I get warnings
about how awful & horrific the train ride & experience is going to be! we do have
sleeper cars & the kids are 18 & 21 so they'll have to form their own opinion.

I was told they run movies (like on airplanes) over & over that you can watch.
also does anyone know if there's a radio or if the food is as bad as I'm hearing.
Is the train ride that bad just because it's 24 hrs?

please tell pros & cons. thanks.

 

[travelin' tigger]

Welcome to DIS delia!!!

I travelled Amtrak last November from Boston to Sanford. It was a 26 hour trip (2 hr layover in DC) and I was in coach the whole way. I found it to be a very relaxing trip. Ate some snacks from the lounge car (standard travel food) but they were also offering sit-down type dinners in the dining car that I heard were good. Not sure how the movie was as I was buried in a good book. Didn't get an awful lot of sleep but that was due to travelling coach and being too excited. Other than that, I had no complaints!!! Good luck on your trip!!

 

[MdmMim]

I have taken Amtrak to WDW at least a dozen times. I think there are some people who just aren't "train people." When you get on the train, you must realize that it is not a jet--it is going to take hours, even a day, to get to WDW. Know this and just relax--go with the flow. (The sleepers are great-BTW.) They do show movies on little monitors in your room. There are 2 or 3 music channels available also. I usually take a book and read and relax... The food is much better than it used to be and is included in the price of the sleeper.

Just have fun! Once I step foot on the train--my adventure begins!

 

[erick10520]

I feel that the train is part of the vacation, not just a way of getting there. Took it twice from Newark to Kissimmee, and really have no complaints. Expect 24-28 hour trip, as delays do happen, but enjoy the view as you see the country. Depending on what sleeping accomodations you have: Standard are like 6' by 3' rooms, tight but manageable. Deluxe are much bigger and have shower/bathroom (size of about a phone booth). Food is a ok. If you have a good conductor working your train they'll let you know what stops you can get off the train for a break off of it.