Train from NY to Orlando? Please don't laugh!!

[DebIreland]

Is it a totally insane idea to get a train from NY to Orlando? Please forgive me if a) this is *never* done so I'm crazy just for asking the question or b) this is *always* done so I'm crazy for even questioning it!

This is the plan. I'm in Ireland. We're going to Orlando in June for our much longed for trip to WDW. Woohoo!!! There are 5 of us.... me, DH, 11 year old son, 8 year old son and baby girl who'll be 15 months by then.

The thing is, we've always wanted to see New York too but initially thought we'd stick with just Orlando this time. Then, we got thinking... hmmm, such a shame really as we're going to that general neck of the woods i.e. USA (!) and who knows when we'll ever have the chance to go to the US again. So we could do 3 days in NY and 12 in Orlando. I can a really good price on flights from here to NY whereas the decent-priced flights from here to Orlando are long gone so it's a good time budget-wise to go - difference of about 450 euro/600 dollars between flights to NY and flights to Orlando - so that would be a fair chunk of money right there towards our NY trip and travel costs from NY to Florida.

*But* I'm having second thoughts (or third or fourth thoughts) because I do not fancy the idea of putting the kids through another flight, another airport, another check-in, another hussle bussle environment, another cabin-pressure situation etc. all over again, just 3 days after a long haul flight from Ireland.

So how about a train from NY? I had a brief look at Amtrac and it seems it takes 21 hours (ouch!) but they have sleeping facilities by the looks of it (need to do a lot more research). Before I do any more research I thought I'd run the idea by the good people on this board.

Oh I thought I'd add that as we are new to America I was thinking the train ride might be a wonderful opportunity to see parts of America (even if it's just from a seat on a train) as opposed to travelling at 30,000 feet, you know? Might be fun. Yes? No? All advice and feedback welcome!

 

[PatMcDuck]

I HAVE done the train from Newark NJ to Orlando (it is the next stop after NyC). We went coach, with 4 kids ages 5-11. It was an "adventure", and we will never forget it (kids are all teens now). We took a train that left about 5pm, and got in to Orlando about 2pm? I forget exactly. The seats are roomy. The porters are friendly. We met interesting people.

The thing IS, you can get VERY good airfare from NYC to Orlando. Look at both Delta Song and JetBlue from JFK for example. Both are "fun" flights, with each seat having it's own tv to play with, etc.

 

[AnnaS]

I have taken Amtrak from NY to West Palm Beach (a few stops after Orlando). Yes, it is an adventure. If you hate flying and time is no problem, it's okay. However, I said at the time that if I ever do this again I would get sleepers. Last summer we drove down and took the Autotrain back with sleepers, much nicer, more $$ of course. I don't think the Autotrain is an option for you (you would need a rental and have to drive to VA).

I would compare rates from NYC to Orlando with Amtrak with sleepers and without sleepers. If you are set on sleepers, than look at the prices for flying down - probably about the same as getting sleepers. You really do not see much either on your trip down - of course if you price flying down add the price for getting to airport - I think after May, WDW is offering the Magical Express thingy if you are staying on property (also only with certain airlines) so one less expense to get to Resort. You can also spend the extra day in NYC.

It's fun exploring all the possibilites, decide and book early.
Good Luck.

 

[jel0511]

One thing I want to note here. The trains here in the US are NOTHING like the trains you'll find through Europe. They rarely run on schedule and are horrible compared to the European trains that run. Personally, even though you would have just gotten off a plane, I'd personally rather fly and extend your stay in NY by a day. Sometimes taking the train down to FL can cost more than flying......

 

[dbanzai]

My first two trips to Orlando were done on the train. I was 5 and then 6 for those trips and I was afraid of flying. It was time-consuming but I remember enjoying it somewhat... Then again, I love trains. We went coach, and it was comfortable enough. I don't know how it would have been if it was a longer trip though.

 

[goldcupmom]

If you want to see some more of the US and want some relaxing 'down' time, take the train. Yes, they are frequently late, they will likely cost a bit more than flying (if you get a sleeper), but a great experience. I take the train whenever I can as it forces us to have some sit and do nothing time - which doesn't happen on our 'theme park' vacations. I enjoy the opportunity to watch the world go by and just relax, read, etc.

I've done trains across the US, but the end of June will be the first time for the Washington DC - Orlando trip. We wanted to go thru NYC, but can't make connections there as we are going from New Mexico - Chicago - DC - Orlando. The train we are getting on does originate in NYC, tho.

If you decide to take the train, you need to book SOON! I bought ours about a month ago and the cost has gone up nearly $500 for the 2 of us. As the trains fill, the rates go up, and there are a limited number of sleeping rooms. Your sleeping choices on a viewliner from NYC - Orlando would be to get 2/2 person rooms " roomettes" (each has their own toilet/sink , but it is in the room) which would be the cheapest option since they have the most of this type of room; or get 2 'bedrooms' which can connect by opening a wall to make a large roomy room for the 5 of you. On my trip the "roomette' is about a third of the cost of the 'bedroom'. There is a shower you can use in the sleeper car.

I know there are a few discount codes out there that might help the cost. A good source for train info is a board on flyertalk. There seem to be a lot of train experts there. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=399
Also I've heard that the formums at www.trainweb.com have answers to a lot of questions. Children always are 1/2 price on Amtrak - 2 per adult. Infants under age 2 I believe are Free if sharing the seat with an adult.

If you get a sleeper, meals are included and generally good. In the evening they usually show 2 movies in the lounge car - usually a family/childrens film at around 6 p.m. and a bit more adult around 8 - I've never found an offensive one. Sometimes in the summer they also show children's shows during the daytime.

I have traveled coach before, and wouldn't recommend it. Although the seats are fairly roomy, I was never comfortable enough to sleep and when I needed to leave my seats I always wondered if my things were safe. I know of one trip I was on where there were things stolen in coach. The thief was caught, and items returned, but it caused a 6 hour delay in the train when they hauled the culprit off to jail.

Hope this helps! Good Luck planning!

 

[LakeAriel]

Welcome from Ireland! If I ever do get on a plane that's where I'm going. My Mom was from Youghal. I take the train every year from NY to Orlando and love it. The first time I went coach, never again. I like privacy. Strangers sleeping next to me doesn't work for me! The sleeper car is expensive! I reserve 11 months out. They get costlier by the day. I get lulled by the motion and sleep and sleep and sleep.It's a great way to unwind before the parks. It's also a great way to relax coming back! Of course I don't travel with little kids. Gazing out the window fascinates me also. Since it's along the tracks most of what you'll see will be the depressed areas of the Northeast but this too is America! It's not all Park Avenue, not by a long shot. I also enjoy some of the horse farms in Virginia, the Carolina's and Florida. By all means stay with us in NY for a few days and if you can swing it go Amtrak!
I'll be riding the rails in March!

 

[funcinderella]

I was wondering when someone was going to comment on the "sites" they will see. I live in NJ, and thought there are areas that are very nice and "green", the parts the train travels through are defiitely not among them!
Certainly not what I would hope visitors to the US would take home as their memories of our country! I've never taken the train all of the way to FL though, so maybe it gets nicer further south??

Anyway, I wouldn't do it for the scenery, or for saving money. Taking the train probably wouldn't accomplish either! Just my HO.

 

[LakeAriel]

Anyway, I wouldn't do it for the scenery, or for saving money. Taking the train probably wouldn't accomplish either! Just my HO.[/QUOTE]
You are 100% correct.
Howwever,

There is a town, I think it's Fredericksburg, Virginia that is quaint and victorian. Very beautiful. Also Winter Park looks very nice. Also the farms. Yes. most is shocking to see but America is not all Magic Kingdom. The true state of our economy is hidden on "the wrong side of the tracks".

 

[BabkaGal]

Hi!

If I were in your situation, I would not waste valuable time on a train to Orlando...the trains in the US are pretty horrible, and it is NOTHING like European trains. Also, the scenery is not so beautiful...the poorer parts of towns tend to be near the train tracks.

If you are flying from NY to Orlando, DEFINITELY check out Jetblue or Delta's Song. They are very easy to fly on, very clean, have TVs, and can be remarkably cheap (depending on the time of the year). Check flights from both Laguardia (the local NY airport) and JFK (the bigger NY airport). It is only about a 2 hour flight, as opposed to about a 24 hour ordeal on a train.

If you have time to spare by taking a flight, you could always rent a car for a day and go to Vero Beach in Florida...a little less "disney" and a fun beach place. Hope that helps...good luck with planning!

--Babka Gal

 

[DebIreland]

Thank you all so much for all the wonderful feedback and information. I really appreciate it. I've printed out the replies to show to DH. We need to give it some more thought before we make a definite decision. Thanks again

Welcome from Ireland! If I ever do get on a plane that's where I'm going. My Mom was from Youghal.

It's a small world! I live about 45 minutes from Youghal and we spent lots of time there as children... my aunt lives there! She's in her 70s and has lived there all her life. Your mom might even have known her!! It's a lovely coastal town. I hope you decide to hop on that plane some day and come and visit us here in Ireland.

 

[smoochie]

DONT DO IT. Just kidding. We did it last year because we are afraid to fly. Philadelphia to Orlando 26 hours with a 2.5 and 6 yr old. going down we did not have a sleeper. Big mistake. Coming back we had 2 sleepers and it was very cramped. This time we are flying and I have to tell you this. I DONT FLY . I just dont want to do the train again. Spend your extra day of vacation doing something else. A 2.5 hour flight verses a 26 hour train ride.

 

[canwegosoon]

I am not a fan of the Amtrak either...wanted to also offer that Southwest also flies out of ISlip/McG and has a few Non Stop flights, as an alternative to going back in to NYC. But don't know where you are staying in NY. Good Luck on your adventure!!

 

[Sandy22]

With a 15 month-old baby, I wouldn't do it. I took that train once and was delayed over 7 hours - they ran out of food, drinks, water, toilets didn't work, AC didn't work. Why risk it - it might ruin your vacation.

Since you're traveling in June - why not rent a car and drive it down to Orlando from NYC? That way you can pull over whenever you want and really get to see the country.

 

[LakeAriel]

I think the house at 7 South Abbey is still in the family! It was owned most recently by Tony Cronin and his wife Jo. You family probably does know the Cronin's and McClory's! My son was there and said it is beautiful. I have a picture of the lLghthouse in my loft. My Mom always talked about the clock tower, the convent and the lighthouse. There is a big Yougal reunion in NYC for St Patty's Day! Amazing what you can find out online! have a wonderful trip!