Train from Boston area to Orlando?

[MNT568]

I have read some good things and bad things about taking the train to Orlando from the Boston area. Is it really that bad? My DS wants to go by train, he doesn't like to fly. If you have gone by train, what type of seating did you have? Also, the viewliner sleeper car, what are they like? Could 2 adults and a child fit in one? If we took the train would we be so tired when we arrived in Orlando that we would need a day to rest?

I am really hestitant about taking the train but I don't want my DS scared on the plane and driving is not an option.

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[gallaj0]

I looked into the train for a trip from Boston to Orlando this August; I didn't book it though, but I can tell you what my research said:
The trip would start very early in the morning, and connect in New York or Washington D.C.; there was no direct train. The total travel time was over a day and a half; a very early start in Boston got you to Orlando by 4:00 the following day.
The price was much, MUCH higher than flying, more than double.
I guess if you have unlimited vacation time, unlimited budget, and unlimited patients, the train would be good if you absolutely can't get someone on a plane; but for the money and time, you could also drive down, overnight somewhere half way down, and save the expense of a car rental while your down there. It's too bad driving isn't an option.
Check with some of the airlines; most have some kind of program for flyers that get nervous, Logan used to have them, but not any more.

 

[Unofficial627]

We took the train from Philadelphia. I don't recall the particular name of the type of room we had, but, it was smaller than I expected. I'll make an attempt to describe it to you, it was narrow length wise and short height wise. There were two seats facing each other and on the right of one seat was a small sink with a mirror and little waste basket. On the train in Philly, there was a little TV playing three movies and if you wanted, you could turn it off. And of course, between the two seats was a large window. There is leg room, but not that much. We also discovered a small storage area overhead, but it didn't have a door to close over it. At night, the two seats are transformed into a bed and another is lowered from the ceiling. The only problem with that was that the speaker for the TV was right at the head of the overhead sleeper. Once in "bed mode" prepare for little or no space to move around, so you will most likely have to dress lying down. But then, while you're eating breakfast, your attendant will put everything back for you, and if he doesn't you can just ask and wait for about 5 minutes, not to bad. As for fitting in the room, you have to remember that there will be a lounge car to sit around in and you won't be spending ALL of your time in the room. At night time, I would say two adults in the lower bunk could be a tight squeeze, but the overhead bunk is out of the question, trying to fit two adults in that or one kid and an adult is just uncomfortable to think about.
We also had 19 stops during our trip down there, this is what I thought was going to be terrible, but in fact, it was barely noticable, and another bonus is that you could sit and take in as much as you could as you wait for the train to start up again.
You might want to check out the AutoTrain too, even though it departs in Lorton, VA, it's worth it because you have your car with you and can get bigger accomodations. It's just a matter of willingness to take that trek down there.
I know it's a lot, but I hope you helps you decide, have fun!

 

[sandyneck]

Hi, we took the train from Providence to Orlando because my husband hates to fly. Guess what, the train trip cured him!! I couldn't get him on a train again if his life depended on it! He HATED it!! We had a sleeper car and the above post explains it perfectly, but I think they were too nice to tell you that the toilet is right beside the bed with no enclosure at all, it was kinda gross. You could fit 1 adult with child on lower bunk, but it would be uncomfortable. My husband could not sleep at all because of the jerkiness of the train. It also cuts into your vacation time since it is a total of 4 days on the train roundtrip. I don't mean to be so negative, I am glad we did it just to say we had the experience, but it was not relaxing and I was worn out by the time we got there. Try and talk him into flying, but if its the only way you can get to Disney--GO FOR IT!!

 

[MNT568]

Thanks for all your info. It really helps. I think we will probably stick with flying. Maybe I can get my DS a new game cartridge for his gameboy and he won't even think about flying.

 

[vacationwoman]

The sleeper the above posts describe is the "standard" and is not big enough for 3 people (just barely big enough for 2) and the "open tiolet" is gross.

We always get the "deluxe sleeper" and love it. There is a couch on one side of the room and a chair seat on the other. A table is between the two that can be put up or down. At night the "couch" opens to a 3/4 size bed (big enough for two) and there is an overhead bed that comes down (for one.)

The bathroom is an enclosed private area.

We took my Mom with us once and there was plenty of room for the 3 of us. You also controll your own "air" in the room.

We love being able to watch the scenery and towns as we go by. At several stops you can get off the train for 10 or 15 minutes and stretch your legs.

The sleepers are considered first class and include all meals, drinks. If your in your compartment and thirsty just ring for the attendent and he will bring you water, coffee, soda, etc. Sometimes for fun we even ask for our meals to be served in the room.

I have had several "bad" experience on planes and stopped flying in 96. Time is not a problem for me as I always have plenty of vacation (believe it or not I currently have 12 weeks of vac. time left and already took 3 weeks this summer, lol)

The only bad thing about the sleepers IMHO is the cost. The deluxe sleeper runs about $1400. round trip for two (from Philly). When you add a 3rd person it's not much more, the largest expense is the room itself

It's an outrageous price but for me it's worth my peace of mind and I just consider it part of my vacation expenses.

Have a great trip however you go.

 

[CarolA]

Amtrack wants how much for the train? I am just shocked. I always figured the train would be equal to or less then the plane especially since it takes a day and a half (and that is assuming nothing happens, Amtrack has more delays then Delta!) WOW!

We don't have train service from here so I had never even thought about the price.

My advice would be if you can help DS get over his fear in the long term that would be great for him. I don't really have any suggestions, but being afraid to fly does limit your options in the future. (For example, my job would be out of the question)

 

[travelin' tigger]

The earlier you look into booking your trip by train, the cheaper it is. As the train fills up, the costs per ticket (or cabin) go up. I was looking about a month ago for prices for Dec. and it was about $87 each way (coach) to Deland.

I took the train from Rt. 128 to Deland 1.5 years ago. Yes, it was a long trip but I'd do it again in a pinch. The seats recline 3/4 way with foot rests and I managed a few hours sleep. The bathrooms did get dirty by the end of the trip!!!

My trip left at 6:30am, arriving in DC for a 2 hour layover (you switch from electric to diesel), then arrived in Deland at 10:30am the next day. We did stop just over the border in FL where you could stretch your legs and use a clean bathroom. I would guess the train would arrive in Orlando an hour later.

If I were you, I'd check out amtrak.com and plug in your dates using all 3 types of accomodations and see what you get.

Good luck with your decision!!!!

 

[padisneylover]

Amtrack has been running loads of specials lately and the deluxe sleeper mentioned above is just $540 round trip from Phila in Nov with a AAA rate. I couldn't beleive the rate since we paid almost the same as mentioned above last April (2002). Therefore we are once again taking the train to WDW. It is such a nice way to travel vs driving and the service is exceptional. I have also taken the standard sleeper mentioned above and it works fine for two people and is cheaper.
The 2004 rates on the Amtrack site still show the rates down so perhaps another trip next Nov will be in order to the mouse again!

 

[dsnycrzy]

I like the train . We do it every year. I disagree with the train being more then the train I paid $528 for 3 adults and 5 kids R/T. I do agree with the bathrooms being dirty but it a public bathroom plus it's a confined space (a train). I never tried the sleeper car but it on one of my life list of things to do. I like it, coloring books, crayons, gamebooks and Harry Potter books get me through with the kids and a CD Player and good book for myself.
Good Luck!!!!