Train station in Orlando

[sueg]

Has anyone taken Amtrak to Orlando? DH & I are trying to save our anniversary trip to WDW in Oct. Since DSs are staying home, they were very upset about both parents flying w/o them. We don't want them stressed the whole time we are away. So we are thinking of biting the bullet on our plane tickets and taking the train. With a 30% discount, the 2 train tckts would be about $360. Then we would either rent a car or take Tiffany. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[tss2]

Our trip isn't till November and its with kids, but we are even considering driving!!! 22 hours of driving from Michigan isn't anything we would have even considered in the past......but this weeks events aren't anything we ever imagined would happen. My spouse and I were just talking about the train being an easier option. I would love to hear anyone's comments or information on the nearest train station to Orlando. Hopefully we can put our heads together and come up with some alternatives to flying!

Oops! this post was supposed to be a reponse to SUEG's train post. Sorry!

 

[singitalto]

We are leaving on Wed taking Amtrak to Orlando. There is a Kissimmee station, but from what I hear it is small(you can't check your baggage for the Kissimmee station).

There is even a Hertz rental station(you shuttle to the off airport location)

Hope I helped you.

 

[TinkerbellRules]

Unless I did something wrong when checking, it was going to take us far longer to get there from Indy by train then to drive! We'll drive if we don't fly!

 

[karensi]

We took Amtrak from Penn Station, New York, to Kissimmee, about 2 weeks ago. I still prefer the plane , but in light of the recent tragedy,can't blame anyone for opting to take the train. I was able to check my suitcase through from New York to Kissimmee without problem. The station is small and I don't believe there are any rental car companies there. It (Kissimmee ) is however closer to WDW than the Orlando station. My husband picked us, DD and grandson, up there and it only took about 20 minutes to get to WDW. I can't remember the exact time because I was so excited. We went coach, asked if there were any sleeper rooms available when we boarded but none were. The sleepers are very expensive but we were told to ask if any are available as soon as we boarded, as you can sometimes get a really good price on one if you get it at the last minute (when you board). The ride during the day isn't too bad as you can occupy yourself looking out the window or going to the club car or dining car. The night however, is long, as it is difficult to get comfortable enough to sleep and the train makes several stops during the night also. They say the trains are usually late and ours was too, about 1 hour. Hope you have a great time at WDW. Please feel free to ask any other questions, I will be glad to help , as so many were helpful to DD and I on this board before we went.

 

[singitalto]

I'm sorry, I didn't word my last post properly.

I meant that in Orlando they have the shuttle to Hertz. When your done with the rental, you can drop off at the Orlando Amtrak station and put keys in lock box. I haven't tried it yet, but this is what I have been told.

 

[porkchop]

We are leaving R.I. to Washington, then switching trains in Washington to Kissimee. Im worried about the train but not as worried about flying. Does the train cross any high bridges? Thats the only thing I worry about. Good thing I booked the trip early. We got two sleepers going down. Ill just close the shade going over bridges, and spend the rest in the dining room. Any good movies?

 

[tss2]

TinkerbellRules:

From Michigan it looks like it would take us longer by train than driving also..........was hoping for another alternative to flying. Not giving up on flying yet, just looking into our options. Good luck with your trips everyone!

 

[OKW91]

We did Amtrak several years ago from Philly to Kissimee, it took about 22 hours. The train is not a bad way to go if you have the time! A good thing about it is that there is room for the kids to walk around, snack bars and restaurants. If you do the train make sure you get a sleeper unit, we took the coach way and the seats are not good for sleeping. The station at Kissimee is very small, like something from the wild west! but we had no trouble getting a cab to WDW. The Orlando station is much bigger, but not as close as Kissimee.tss2

 

[lady & the tramp]

Have any of you who live on the east coast considered the Auto Train? My family and I love it.
It's not as good as flying and you have to accept being a little inconvenienced at times but all-in-all its not a bad option. It travels from Lorton, Va. to Sanford, Fla.and when you depart the train you will have your family car with you. When you board the train all you take with you is a overnight bag for every member in your party, they supply pillows, blankets etc. All the other luggage and belongings can stay in your car and you wont have to worry your luggage being lost.
They have sleepers if you wish. All your meals are included in the fare, plus they have a LOUNGE CAR where you can eat snack items(provided), play cards and games, or just enjoy the view. They have sandwiches and beverages available for purchase in the lounge car as well. After dinner they usually have two movies a night(the same movie just run at two different times)
Just a little suggestion.

 

[sueg]

Since the time that I posted this question, DH & I have been debating driving instead of train. Its 18 hours, but it is only the two of us. We would then eliminate renting a car or taking Tiffany, once we arrived in Orlando. I've never been this indecisive, I usually just decide on what seems best. I've talked to trusted friends and relatives and everyone has a different opinion. We live very close to NYC and I actually saw the entire attack out my office window. So trying to deal with what was our much anticipated trip in the face of all of this horror is difficult. So even though the trip is near the end of October, I'd like to try to decide now.

 

[Poohbear123]

I take the train ALL the time. Of course, its only 3.5 to drive, and 4.20 by train! I LOVE the train and am thinking of going ALL the way to NY on it maybe next year!