Taking a train?

[EsmeraldaX]

Has anyone ever taken a train to WDW.

My BF has this idea that it would be fun to take a train down, maybe one where we could have our own compartment, like a sleeper car. Do they even still have those??

I told him from what I knew, taking a train from Boston to Orlando would cost more than flying but he really wants to try and go for it maybe for a quick 2005 trip.

What have been your experiences with trains?

 

[gw_lit]

My BF has this idea that it would be fun to take a train down, maybe one where we could have our own compartment, like a sleeper car. Do they even still have those??

Yes, Amtrak does still have sleeper compartments. Check out the accomodations on Amtrak website .

...but he really wants to try and go for it maybe for a quick 2005 trip.

What have been your experiences with trains?

I wouldn't plan a "quick trip" by train. I looks like around a 20 hour trip from Boston to Orlando. My experience (and I haven't done the Boston-Orlando trip) is that Amtrak is frequently delayed since they are at the mercy of the freight railroad's schedule. Timeliness is much better in the Northeast Corridor (Boston - DC) since those tracks are owned and operated by Amtrak. But once you are south of DC, I would think delays would/could be more likely. That being said, train travel can be very relaxing and a lot of fun.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Thanks. Maybe we'll do this next fall then, for our "big" trip.

I'll take a look at the website. I wonder if they ever offer lower fares.

Thanks!

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Yikes. I checked what fares are in sleeper rooms and it's about triple the cost of a flight.

I think we might have to put this off for a long time. I'd rather fly for $59 each way on Jet Blue than pay this much for a train.

You'd think a train would be cheaper.

 

[DC7800]

Originally posted by EsmeraldaX
Yikes. I checked what fares are in sleeper rooms and it's about triple the cost of a flight.
You'd think a train would be cheaper.

You really can't fairly compare airline coach to railroad first-class. Amtrak coach fares are much less expensive (and specials are routinely available) than first-class sleepers. Also, with the sleepers keep in mind that you are buying those "accomodations" for a longer period of time than you would spend on an airliner, and again it's a private room, not just a (cramped) seat. If you booked a twenty-hour trip by air, that too would cost more.

Also, in the sleeper you get six meals and two nights' accomodations (round-trip) as part of your transportation. Granted this "savings" depends somewhat on individual circumstances, but if you flew to Orlando and then spent your first night near the airport (as some persons do) and dined in full-service restaurants, then your total cost starts to catch up to train first-class.

My BF has this idea that it would be fun to take a train down, maybe one where we could have our own compartment, like a sleeper car. Do they even still have those??

Sleepers from New York to Orlando are Viewliners, with standard and deluxe rooms (or "roomettes" and deluxe bedrooms). Standard rooms include two facing seats by day and a lower and upper berth by night (seats fold down), and an unshielded toilet. Deluxe rooms have a couch and armchair, and private enclosed restroom with shower. If you have never travelled by train before, please realize just how small these rooms are, and plan accordingly.

Coaches seat 59 persons per car, usually four coaches per train. Each train has both a dining car (full meals) and lounge car (with snacks and beverages).

From Boston, you would have to change trains somewhere between New York and Richmond. You can take any of several Regional trains to New York, and then either the Silver Star or Silver Meteor to Orlando. Prices are (generally) lowest the earlier you make a reservstion, but can vary by day of week, season, or even from one train to another on the same day.