We've looked into it a few times... (trying to save money instead of flying but also not wanting to make the long drive to Florida ourselves) Hmm...it sounds like it may be a great alternative! It would be so wonderful knowing that when you woke up, you would already be in Florida!! 
That's how my boys are with their DS's! They never want to put them down...especially when we travel!
There are changing rooms that are relatively spacious. The bathrooms are similar to airplane bathrooms, except for the handicapped bathroom which was huge. We never had a wait to use the restrooms either. Plus the changing rooms and restroom were right outside our compartment doors which was nice. Those on the upper level had to walk downstairs to the restrooms.
I would definitely reserve a lower level coach seat (they are the same price.) I don't know if sleeping would have been as easy if people were walking through the cars during the night like they do on the upper level.This is the first review I've read of the auto train, and I'm so glad you posted it. I've always wondered what it was like, since we've considered it in the past. It sounds like doing without the sleeper car would be very do-able!
It was fun to wake up and be there. Not as quick as a plane, but definitely beats driving down!That is the first account I have read of the auto train. Interested to hear about the rest of your journey.
Kinda neat to fall asleep and wake up in Florida!
The train is a great alternative, but I'm not sure it's much cheaper than flying. At least not from Baltimore. Of course the big advantage is that you have your own car when you get there. I think the DS thing with boys is pretty universal. My boys make friends everywhere they go if they have their DS'sYour auto train experience sounds great!
Can't wait for more!!
The "apple juice" incident was pretty funny!What a fun start to your adventure! Had to LOL about the "apple juice" that wasn't!
I think the auto train from VA to FL is the only one in the country. All of the other Amtraks don't let you take your car with you. Which is too bad because that is a great convenience.
So happy you started!
It would save me some money if our closest Chick Fil A was an hour awayWhat a fun way to travel!
It's too bad they don't have more of them throughout the country. It really was pleasant.I'm here!
I am glad the auto train was a great way to travel. I would definitely be willing to try it if we lived closer to it.
Welcome! I'm looking forward to telling you about my adventures
A cooler would have been no problem. We brought waters and a few snacks. They also sold some food up in the lounge car, but I didn't really pay attention to what. We were good with the 2 meals that were included in the fare. Never really even ate any of the snacks.
The last thing I need is an enabler for my Chick Fil A problemYay, you started! LOL at the "apple juice."
Oh, and there is nothing wrong with a Chick-Fil-A problem...
How comparable is the price for all of you to fly and rent a vehicle? I'm assuming it's quite a bit cheaper to do the auto train? Or maybe it isn't but you were planning on driving back so it wouldn't be as expensive anyway.
It wasn't crowded at all. In fact I'd say only about 60% of the seats were full. That made it very nice and easy to spread out.
The train isn't really any cheaper than flying, but we did have our own car down there. Now if we rented a car down there the train would be cheaper. But if you stay on property you don't need a car though it is a nice conveience. Since we were planning on driving back it was cheaper than flying roundtrip. I think we figured overall thetrain was about $250 more than the total cost of driving. That is factoring in the cost of food, gas and a night in a hotel.Your auto train adventure sounds very fun!
The train leaves Northern VA at 4:00 and arrives in FL around 9:00. So that is 17 hours. A bit longer than driving, but you get to sleep through lots of it and it is much more relaxing.
Jumping aboard....no pun intended
Glad you're joining the adventure!
That is hilarious about the wine and the kids...and Wendy keeping a close eye on you. LOL!!!
I remember our trip aboard Amtrack from Iowa to Oregon when we moved (I was 8 yrs old) - I loved it!
What an absolutely fun way to travel! Plus you have your car at the end of the journey (no car rental fees) - plus sleeping to the sound of the train going over the tracks
You may have enticed me to try this since we live in Virginia. Do you know if there is a stop in Fredericksburg?
