Taking train -questions

[skinut2234]

OK- We have to attend a wedding in OCt 2006 in WDW- My wife will not fly and driving is really not an option from NJ (with 3 kids)
I am looking into the train.

Couple of questions:
1. Can we take a regular train out of NY or Philly that has a sleeper car?- or do we have to drive to Virginia and get the auto train?
2. Can we take the auto train without an auto?
3. Can you leave your car in Virginia?

I do not mind trains but want to make sure this is the best way to go with the family...... how crowded is it? Is there some privacy?
how about cleanliness......
Any honest input or advice on how to go and which train car layouts to picks for a family of 5 is appreciated.

 

[pepe of ohio]

We used to get on at another stop that took us to Philly and transferes to the south bound train and yes, the train has sleeper cars, dining and a club car. We use a different stop to go to Florida, Ohio to Washington and then Washington to Kissimmee. We only get a "roomette" sleeper from Washington to Kissimmee, thats when its the night travel leg, first leg, Ohio to Washington is only 9 hours and in the daylight and the coach cars are quite comfortable, even for sleeping.

As far as I know, the auto train goes from Lorton Virginia and as far as Sanford Florida. Thats a good ways from Disney, I'ld say about a 2 hour drive or more. We just use Amrrak and the Orlando station is too congessed, in bad part of Orlando and about an hour from Disney. Had to use Orlando station last trip because of Wilma shutting down the railroad south of Orlando. Cab fare from Pop Century to Orlando station was 68.00. Normally we use Kissimmee, 30 minute trip to WDW, fare about 38.00 by cab and less congrestion.

Hope this helps !

 

[cherylp3]

1. Can we take a regular train out of NY or Philly that has a sleeper car?- or do we have to drive to Virginia and get the auto train?

I'm not sure check Ontrack online for answers http://on-track-on-line.com/amtrak-tips.shtml

2. Can we take the auto train without an auto?
I'm not sure on this. Check with Amtrak

3. Can you leave your car in Virginia?
No I don't think so.

Cheryl

 

[MdmMim]

1. Can we take a regular train out of NY or Philly that has a sleeper car?- or do we have to drive to Virginia and get the auto train?
You can get on the train in either location, as it leaves from NYC and Philly is one of the stops along the way. There is a sleeper.

2. Can we take the auto train without an auto?
You must have a vehicle to take the Autotrain--they do not book passengers only.

 

[beccasmom]

We took a train from Philly (30th Street Station) to MCO about 5 years ago. I believe it left 30th Street at 2:00 p.m. or so and arrived in Orlando at around noon the next day. We did not book a sleeper, but we could have. Keep in mind that they are rather pricey, but, of course, provide more privacy. There are a lot of stops between PHL and WDW.

I do not believe you can leave your car in Virginia, and, in any case, the Auto Train is only for those with cars they are taking with them.

Our ride south to Florida was very nice. The seats are very comfortable and provide ample room to spread out. The train was very clean and the restrooms were kept clean as well. We brought our snacks/food with us – 30th Street has a great Italian place with awesome sandwiches – but the conductor let everyone know when meals were being served in the club car. Orlando is not the most modern station in the world, but there were plenty of cabs available as well as Mears shuttles. Making a reservation ahead of time for transport to WDW would be a good idea as you have a larger group. I believe there are rental agencies there as well, but prior reservations are needed.

Our ride home was not as nice. The train was horrendously overcrowded and the conductor was rather curt and unpleasant. However, this was during spring break time and probably to be expected. Having a sleeper car at this point would have been a real advantage. Earplugs would have helped, too.

Also, keep in mind that Amtrak is at the mercy of the freight trains’ schedules and that they are often running behind schedule. We were very late arriving back in Philly. Don’t book your schedule too tightly – leave plenty of room for flexibility in your plans. You might be pleasantly surprised, but at least you’ll be prepared either way.

 

[ducklite]

OK- We have to attend a wedding in OCt 2006 in WDW- My wife will not fly and driving is really not an option from NJ (with 3 kids)
I am looking into the train.

Couple of questions:
1. Can we take a regular train out of NY or Philly that has a sleeper car?- or do we have to drive to Virginia and get the auto train?
2. Can we take the auto train without an auto?
3. Can you leave your car in Virginia?

I do not mind trains but want to make sure this is the best way to go with the family...... how crowded is it? Is there some privacy?
how about cleanliness......
Any honest input or advice on how to go and which train car layouts to picks for a family of 5 is appreciated.

You've gotten some good and some bad info from previous posters.

I'm assuming you are in Central NJ. You can get Amtrak from Metropark, which will probably save you a ton in parking and headaches if you can ge a ride. You'd change trains in Washington. You can book coach seats for the first leg, for the second you'll need at least two bedrooms with five people, which is going to get VERY pricey.

If you don't book the sleeper rooms, there is really no privacy, and it can be noisy. Also, coach seats are not guaranteed, and you could end up being split up and not even in the same car if the train is crowded--you're better to book buiness class where you get confirmed seating assignments in advance. It's also less crowded, roomier, and quieter.

You don't want to end up in Orlando station, it's not in a good part of town. Instead, get off in Kissimmee, much closer to WDW and safer. Sanford is NOT two hours from WDW, it's about an hour unless you hit bad rush hour traffic.

While they do provide food on the train, they do run out--it's happened to me a couple times. Be sure to bring your own snacks at least.

The poster who said the train is often late is right spot on. I've been delayed five hours just going NYC to Boston.

IMHO, you're better off driving. I'm not sure what the aversion is, but even if you need to rent a minivan to keep the peace, it's still faster and much less expensive. If you leave at around 3:00am from central NJ, you'll be through DC before it's gets out of control. And with five in the car you'll be able to use all HOV lanes.

It's about an 18 hour trip if you stop for about ten minutes every three hours or so, and can be done without stopping for the night if you leave very early in the morning. You'll be in FL before bedtime. Get a portable DVD player that will keep the kids occupied, and a couple travel games or quite toys--Etch a Sketch, I Spy, etc.

Anne

 

[NjRon]

Sanford is a little closer than a previous posted guessed. On two occasions, traveling the speed limit (+5mph), I've made it from the Sandford Amtrak station to WDW in about 45 to 50 minutes. About the same time on the WDW to Sanford trip also.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I second the mini-van idea. The cost of five people plus sleeper accomodations on the train would easily cover the cost of a mini-van rental for a week or so and an overnight stay each somewhere along the way.

At the same time I've re-read your post and you are talking about October and 3 kids. Minimizing time out of school might be a priority. And there is something to be said for not driving.

Your best bet would be to go the the Amtrak website and check out pricing and accomodations. For example maybe you don't need sleeping accomodations for all five people...maybe you could get one or two roomettes and business class for the remaining people. I checked out the website and it looks like there are two direct trains per day through Philly to Kissimmee. As mentioned Metropark would work too. All other combinations are hooking up with the direct trains anyway.

 

[DC7800]

OK- We have to attend a wedding in OCt 2006 in WDW- My wife will not fly and driving is really not an option from NJ (with 3 kids)
I am looking into the train.

Couple of questions:
1. Can we take a regular train out of NY or Philly that has a sleeper car?- or do we have to drive to Virginia and get the auto train?
2. Can we take the auto train without an auto?
3. Can you leave your car in Virginia?

I do not mind trains but want to make sure this is the best way to go with the family...... how crowded is it? Is there some privacy?
how about cleanliness......
Any honest input or advice on how to go and which train car layouts to picks for a family of 5 is appreciated.

You can catch a train (either the Silver Star or Silver Meteor) from New York, Newark, Trenton, or Philadelphia direct to Orlando or Kissimmee - you do not have to change trains anywhere. Both offer the same services - full dining car, coaches, and sleepers. For five persons in sleeper you would need either a bedroom suite (very, very expensive) or 2-3 Roomettes. The Roomette price is usually reasonable, especially when you consider it includes all your meals in the price. However, each Roomette has only two bunks and no spare space whatsoever (think of a room the size of a twin bed), so the only way you can fit three people in here is if two of them are small (ie., pre-school) children who can comfortably share one berth. If you value privacy, this is certainly the way to travel.

Auto-Train features a third option, the Family bedroom - which sleeps two adults and two children, not found in the other Florida trains. You could drive to Lorton, Virginia to catch this train and take your car with you to Florida. Passengers without automobiles are not permitted on Auto-Train, so your car cannot stay in Virginia without you.

Coach is comfortable enough for one night. You are assured five seats (on these all-reserved trains) and your party will not be split up in seperate cars (there is no business class). Boarding as early into the trip as you will be, even a sold-out train wouln't be crowded North of Philadelphia anyway. Meals are not included in coach, but the dining car fare is usually a pleasant surprise to first-time travellers (or those used to the "cafe" (snack) fare found on shorter-distance corridor trains). The lounge car also serves sandwhiches and snacks between meals.

As for Metropark, the Florida trains do not stop there. You can board a regional train there and change trains at Philadelphia or D.C. (or, really, anywhere - Trenton, Baltimore, or even New York for that matter). Depending on how you get to the station, it might or might not be easier to just board at a station the Florida trains service directly.

 

[DC7800]

double post -sorry.

 

[jamzots]

Just for thought...my cousin took the train once from Long Island with his 3 kids and he said it was a nightmare!! He ended up renting a car in Orlando to drive back home. Just for thought.. I have 3 kids and we drove down in October. Our baby was only 5 months old. It wasn't so bad, we made plenty of stops and stopped over night in Savannah to sleep. We always drive down at least once a year. The kids love it and we always stop at South of the Border, as tacky as it is, just for kicks!

 

[Poohbear123]

Takes the train from MD to Miami and has a sleeper car every trip! She LOVES the train and hates to fly!

 

[Indea88]

Were flying SWA to MCO for the Disney Cruise but taking Autotrain home after the cruise. We rented a car for two days.I joined Amtrak Quest rewards and use points for autotrain, so when we book the family bedroom its not quite as costly.Its nice to have a sleeper with a toddler but I would rather travel coach, as soon as I lie down on the train I get motion sick, in coach Im fine. The last time we took autotrain to Sanford it was on time.If were late this time coming home the superbowl is what we would miss

 

[NJBILL]

I have traveled from 30th st Phila to WDW twice with my wife and 4 kids. The kids loved it. It better than driving if you have kids...they can move about on the train. We had sleepers the first two trips, but this summer we are going again, and we are booking (5) coach seats. It is like sleeping in a recliner..its not that bad.... Food is a bit expensive on board, so packing your own is an option if a budget is a concern...

Bottom line for me is that it is slower than flying but better than driving.....