To take Amtrak from PA?

[jondvl]

Has any one taken Amtrak from Southeast Pa? We live in Lancaster County and would most likely drive to Philly to get the train(I know we could leave from Lancaster but there is a 2 hour wait in Phill). It will be me,my DW,DD10,DS7andDD5. Has anyone done this with kids of this age? How have they done?
My DW is concerned about how her hair will look in the morning, are there places the wash up? I know she will not want to do much at WDW if her hair is a mess.

We are planning to get a car service to take us to/from thee station. Any suggestions?

 

[PA Princess]

Okay, not an expert on tha train and I am certain others will offer other suggestions, but I would recommend taking the autotrain.

The drive to Lorton Station in VA is about 2 1/2 hours from Lancaster (I am in Reading), so a bit longer than Philly. However, the auto train is non stop from VA to FL - a huge advantage. We did the auto train with kids similar in age to yours and they really enjoyed the experience. Oh, and my hair was fine the next day and there are bathrooms on the auto train for washing.

 

[erinch]

We'll be taking the autotrain from western PA for the 6th time this summer. IMO, autotrain is much nicer than the regular amtrak route from PA to Orlando. There is a nice ladies restroom with a little lounge area in coach, and a shower for use if you book bedrooms. I've been known to shave my legs and do a sponge bath in the coach restroom with acceptable effects.

 

[pepe of ohio]

I've answered many of your posts, we have no need for an auto in WDW so have no need to pay the extra expense of the Auto Train and it's a 9+ hour drive for us to get to Lordon. We board in Alliance Ohio, have a large layover in DC, rather a large station, alot to see and do and the time goes fast. We have used the AT, once 30 years ago, really no different than regular Amtrak coach wise, cars are the same. Regular Amtrak does make stops but they are traveling at night from DC to Kissimmee so you don't even notice. We try to keep our travel expenses low, so we go Amtrak and coach, some times we opt for a sleeper after DC south in route and get one for half price, a treat for us since it includes meals, which are quite good but out of pocket, expensive and we get the roomette, again, quite small, sleeps only 2, upper and lower. Personally, I'd board at the closest station, Philly has a huge station and we have done layovers there too, no problem and getting your auto at a small depot is easier than doing Philly.

 

[beccasmom]

Has any one taken Amtrak from Southeast Pa? We live in Lancaster County and would most likely drive to Philly to get the train(I know we could leave from Lancaster but there is a 2 hour wait in Phill). It will be me,my DW,DD10,DS7andDD5. Has anyone done this with kids of this age? How have they done?


The cars themselves are pretty comfortable; the seats are wide, have lots of leg room and they recline. It is possible to doze comfortably. Perhaps bring small blankets/pillows to increase comfort. There are a good many stops; sometimes the stop is a little longer so passengers can disembark, stretch their legs and maybe purchase a snack. It is a good idea to let the kids run around around a bit at the longer stops if possible to do this safely --- good for the adults too!

We have found it helpful to bring our own food and snacks, but there is a dining car that kids seem to enjoy. There is also a spot to purchase "adult" beverages.

I would suggest that you bring activities to keep the kids busy. The view from the train window is not that exciting IMHO and they'll probably need to be kept "entertained"! Wear comfortable clothes; you can change in the lavatories; they are a good size. We left Philly at 2:00 p.m. and arrived in Orlando at around noon the next day. Keep a bag at the ready that contains all you will need on your journey, including toiletries, activities for the kids, reading material, etc.

 

[chartle]

I would suggest that you bring activities to keep the kids busy. The view from the train window is not that exciting IMHO and they'll probably need to be kept "entertained"!

I agree, we took the Autotrain last Aug (down not up, thats another post) I thought I would just watch the world go by.

Well the first hour or so out you just see the trees that are cut back from the right away. You then get to see Ashland, VA where the train goes right down main street and a military base. Then I remember more trees. After dark you go through alot of old semiabandoned train towns and rail yards.

So yes bring stuff.