Train to wdw

[jondvl]

We are checking into traveling by train. My DW is not sure of flying and I really do not want to drive that distance because I have a seizure disorder.

Does WDW offer transportation to/from the resorts from the train station? I am not sure where the train station is in Florida.

 

[pepe of ohio]

We also do not like to drive any more and I will not fly, hence we use Amtrak. There are 2 stations available for getting off the train, Orlando and Kissimmee. Disney does not provide any shuttle service that I'm aware of from either station. We have detrained in Orlando a couple of times many years ago but all our recent trips, 10+, we detrain at Kissimmee station. Orlando is a mad house, most of the whole train gets off there and it's chaos looking for a service to WDW. Kissimmee is 20 minutes further down the line and very few people get off there, usually about 10+ people, very easy to get a cab and getting on to go home is alot easier with few guests boarding there. We have used a cab from Kissimmee many years ago, one way fare was 38.00, but our last 5+ trips we have used a car service that's waiting for us, and makes a grocery/liquor stop in route, used to run 80 plus bucks round trip but costs have gone up and it now runs 120.00 round trip. It's more expensive than a cab, but tons cleaner, grocery stop is a must for us and we feel worth the little extra in securing a car service. I believe there are car rental places at Orlando station but none at Kissimmee, we do not have a need for a rental while at Disney.

If you need any more train info, I'm your man, we train from northeast Ohio to Kissimmee Florida, a journey in itself and can answer most train related questions to make traveling easier.

 

[lisa-upnorth]

Welcome to the train club!!You can get off in Orlando or Kiss.-whichever you prefer.The orlando station has a hertz office for rentals made in advance.Where are you heading from?

 

[lillylynnb]

we took the train back in 2007 from Albany New York to Orlando and we had a blast so in 2008 when decided to go on a Disney cruise and then to Disney we traveled by car NEVER AGAIN that was one long drive . So this year when we are going in Aug we are drive to Va. the the Auto train and taking it down that way we have our own car. We cant wait it sounds like it going to be just as fun .

 

[jondvl]

we are traveling from Denver, PA.

I drove to Fl twice before and had car trouble at the rest stop. I would rather not have that happen again. LOL

 

[pepe of ohio]

we are traveling from Denver, PA.

I drove to Fl twice before and had car trouble at the rest stop. I would rather not have that happen again. LOL

We used to do the drive many many years ago, 1150 miles one way but those days are long gone. We have been using Amtrak for alot of trips and years. Train travel isn't for everyone,I've heard the gripe about the time span but we enjoy sitting back, relaxing, having a sandwiches and some drinks and someone else worrying about the route. I see you're close to Lancaster, that's where you board? We've tried the Autotrain back in the 80's but thats over a 8 hour drive for us and we found we didn't need a car in Disney, just a way to get from the station to WDW, again no problem. I hope the train trip is all you expect, take a blanket, gets mighty chilly on board and pack some snacks and drinks. We take books, Ipod and Gameboy to occupy ourselves. All aboard!

 

[Luckymommyx2]

Trying not to hijack the thread but...

I'm taking the train home (flying down) next month. I've never taken the train and wondering if there is anything a newbie like myself needs to know. For example, how early should we arrive at the station--we're getting on at KIS. We'll only be traveling with rolling carry-ons and lap top. Can we store those above us or under our seat? Is there screening like the airports for which we'll have to allow extra time? Please feel free to PM me...

TIA...again, sorry if I'm too OT in this thread.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Trying not to hijack the thread but...

I'm taking the train home (flying down) next month. I've never taken the train and wondering if there is anything a newbie like myself needs to know. For example, how early should we arrive at the station--we're getting on at KIS. We'll only be traveling with rolling carry-ons and lap top. Can we store those above us or under our seat? Is there screening like the airports for which we'll have to allow extra time? Please feel free to PM me...

TIA...again, sorry if I'm too OT in this thread.

You can check bags at Kissimmee, 50 pound limit, they do have luggage size limits, go to the Amtrak web site for correct info, 2 bag limit. The over head in coach is small height wise, lap top is no problem, if you're planning on using the laptop for movies, all electronics must have earphones. There are no people to help with your bags upon boarding, better to put most in the baggage car but if you only have one small carrying on and the laptop, you're good to go. There has not been any security screening at the depot, sometimes they look at your tickets before getting on board, they usually take your tickets after you're seated and moving and sometimes they ask for ID then and sometimes not. We always go to the station an hour before actual departing time, trains hardly early let alone on time. We usually call 1 800 872 7245 from our resort, and Julie, auto-robot voice will tell you how late or on time your train is running, need to give her the station, train number and date, they up date this call alot and is fairly reliable. If the train is running an hour or 2 late, no need to get there too too early but they will tell you that the train can make up some time so we get there an hour before scheduled arrival time. Hope I was a help, alot of info there.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

Thank you soooo much for all of the info. My family and I are excited about our first train trip next month but haven't really researched all the specifics about it. Your info was a great help. Thanks for taking the time to respond!

 

[lucas]

Wow - I just found this thread. Great info!

Dh and I are thinking of taking the train from South Florida (getting on at the Deerfield Beach station) to KIS and then on to WDW. In fact, we just drove back from WDW yesterday but stopped at the KIS station to check it out. It looked nice and there were cabs waiting. Yep, the train was late - wish I had gotten to see it.

About carry-on luggage: I saw the sizes listed on the Amtrak website and I am pretty sure our luggage is smaller than what is listed. It is a small rolling overnight type bag. Will it have to go overhead or is there also space at your feet?

If we go to the dining car, I assume we should take all carry-ons with us, right? Or, is it ok to bring your own snacks and canned soda? If we check luggage, how long does it take them to unload it?

Ok, now a REALLY dumb question. Are seats assigned or do you just find a seat when you board??

 

[pepe of ohio]

Wow - I just found this thread. Great info!

Dh and I are thinking of taking the train from South Florida (getting on at the Deerfield Beach station) to KIS and then on to WDW. In fact, we just drove back from WDW yesterday but stopped at the KIS station to check it out. It looked nice and there were cabs waiting. Yep, the train was late - wish I had gotten to see it.

About carry-on luggage: I saw the sizes listed on the Amtrak website and I am pretty sure our luggage is smaller than what is listed. It is a small rolling overnight type bag. Will it have to go overhead or is there also space at your feet?

If we go to the dining car, I assume we should take all carry-ons with us, right? Or, is it ok to bring your own snacks and canned soda? If we check luggage, how long does it take them to unload it?

Ok, now a REALLY dumb question. Are seats assigned or do you just find a seat when you board??

Amtrak travel is very easy, there is a ledge the whole length down both sides, top, of the car where you put you luggage, but you can put small stuff at your feet but to not clutter up your leg and foot space, the overhead does fine.

We've used Amtrak alot and just leave our stuff in our seats but I do take expensive electronics with us to dine, but we pack a lunch, small cooler, and freeze a couple of drinks, snacks and what not and dine in our seats. There is a flip down tray in each seat back for your use, plus there is a club car that has snacks, drinks, hand food like pizza, hamburgers and soups that's pretty reasonable. Dining car food is excellent but on the pricey side.

Checked luggage doesn't take long at all, we check at DC, arrival at Kissimmee and luggage is there in 15 minutes. Not all stations have checked luggage, check your arriving and departing stations closely to see if they do, other than that, you haul it all on with you and there are places for some luggage.

I've seen different modes of seating travelers, depends on the car stewards, some will give you a seat number when boarding, some let you board and find one on your own. Hit or miss either way, nothing is done before hand or before boarding. they try to keep families together and couples, seating is 2 x 2 aisle down the middle. Hope this helps.

You're free to travel between cars, might be 3 cars up to the club car for snacks and 2 cars back to the dining car, some trains have an observation car for your use and there is seating in the club car where alot of people seem hang out. A couple of hints, gets mighty cold in the cars, bring a coat or blanket for warmth, all electronics must use ear phones, 2 toilets per car and lights out usually at 10 pm, but you can use your overhead reading light all night.

 

[Poohbear5]

Just did our first autotrain trip and we're now hooked on the rails. Next time, we might just leave the car home and pick up the train in Boston.
We only used our car one day of our 10 day stay at SOG.

 

[lucas]

pepe, thanks so much for the great info. I'm excited about taking the train. I'm sure I'll be back to you with more questions.

We will be traveling from the south up to WDW so we won't be on the train very long. We will board at the Deerfield Beach station and it is approx 2-3 miles from our house. The train leaves at 9:38am and arrives in KIS at 1:16pm. On the return we leave KIS at 1:32pm and arrive back at Deerfield Beach at 5:30pm.

Thanks again!

 

[pwdebbie]

Just did our first autotrain trip and we're now hooked on the rails. Next time, we might just leave the car home and pick up the train in Boston.
We only used our car one day of our 10 day stay at SOG.

Did you use the coach seats or did you get a roomette? If so, which size, and was it worth the $$$? How were the bathrooms on board? Any details you'd like to share, I'd love to hear. I will not make the drive to WDW again, dh will not fly, so it looks like the train is our only other option. I just started looking into it today.

Also, are there ever special rates on the autotrain?

 

[lisa-upnorth]

Hi! I have done coach 3 times and roomette twice-and again in a few weeks.I strongly recommend the roomette-IF you can afford it!It is very expensive!For me with a 4 and 17 year old girls and my husband it is the only way to go.We love the journey as much as our disney vacation!!When you get the roomette all meals are included and we enjoy going to the 'restaurant' car.I got NO sleep when we were packed in the coach car with strangers.My husband had to sit 3 rows behind us since it was crowded then too.Kids want to lay down and sleep so I gave up my seat and sat on the floor in front of the little one as she slept.Not good!If you have no kids it is more doable.I enjoy the roomette

 

[NJBILL]

Also, are there ever special rates on the autotrain?

Kids ride for $19..

Reserve by June 5 to Save on Your Summer Vacation


Kids Ride
For $19
Travel on Auto Train only.
Valid for sale through June 5, 2009.
Valid for travel
June 1 - August 31, 2009.



For a limited time, ride the Auto Train with your family and bring the kids along for under $20 each. With the "Kids Ride for $19" promotion on the Auto Train, which carries passengers and their automobiles, two children between the ages of 2-15 may travel for $19 each when accompanied by a full-fare paying adult. The Auto Train offers one daily departure in each direction, with non-stop service between Lorton, Va., near Washington, DC, and Sanford, Fla., near Orlando. A great way for families to travel, the Auto Train will allow you to avoid the hassles of the highway, but still have your car when you arrive at your destination. Plus, you can bring a motorcycle, trailer or small boat.

Meals are included in the ticket price and you can choose between economical coach class seating, or upgrade to a sleeper car upon full payment of accommodation charges. Make your reservations before June 5, 2009 for travel between June 1 and August 31, 2009.



The special discounted fare will be automatically applied to qualifying travel and displayed on the 'View Fare' page.


Terms & Conditions

Valid for sale through June 5, 2009.
Valid for travel June 1 - August 31, 2009.
Seating is limited, seats may not be available on all trains at all times.
Special $19.00 child fare offer is valid for up to two children ages 2-15 when accompanied by a paid regular (full) fare adult. The adult and children must travel together at all times and have tickets issued at the same time.
Valid for travel on the Auto Train service only.
Upgrade to sleeper accommodations is allowed upon full payment of applicable accommodation charges.
Subject to any restrictions, blackouts and refund rules that apply to the type of fare purchased and upon which the discount is based. The children are subject to the same restrictions and conditions as the regular full fare adult.
Not combinable with any other discount offer.
Other restrictions may apply.

 

[lucas]

Amtrak travel is very easy, there is a ledge the whole length down both sides, top, of the car where you put you luggage, but you can put small stuff at your feet but to not clutter up your leg and foot space, the overhead does fine.

We've used Amtrak alot and just leave our stuff in our seats but I do take expensive electronics with us to dine, but we pack a lunch, small cooler, and freeze a couple of drinks, snacks and what not and dine in our seats. There is a flip down tray in each seat back for your use, plus there is a club car that has snacks, drinks, hand food like pizza, hamburgers and soups that's pretty reasonable. Dining car food is excellent but on the pricey side.

Checked luggage doesn't take long at all, we check at DC, arrival at Kissimmee and luggage is there in 15 minutes. Not all stations have checked luggage, check your arriving and departing stations closely to see if they do, other than that, you haul it all on with you and there are places for some luggage.

I've seen different modes of seating travelers, depends on the car stewards, some will give you a seat number when boarding, some let you board and find one on your own. Hit or miss either way, nothing is done before hand or before boarding. they try to keep families together and couples, seating is 2 x 2 aisle down the middle. Hope this helps.

You're free to travel between cars, might be 3 cars up to the club car for snacks and 2 cars back to the dining car, some trains have an observation car for your use and there is seating in the club car where alot of people seem hang out. A couple of hints, gets mighty cold in the cars, bring a coat or blanket for warmth, all electronics must use ear phones, 2 toilets per car and lights out usually at 10 pm, but you can use your overhead reading light all night.

Pepe,

Can checked luggage be locked (unlike airlines)?

P.S. We're really doing it!! We booked our train trip today!

 

[pepe of ohio]

Pepe,

Can checked luggage be locked (unlike airlines)?

P.S. We're really doing it!! We booked our train trip today!

Yes, checked baggage can be locked, no security checks at all, no scanners, nothing. Only security statement is in the larger terminals where they say that any unattended luggage will be picked up by security, so if you have a long layover, keep it with you or leave your luggage in the pick up area so you can roam. No big deal either way. Certain stops actually have baggage service, check the train schedules to see where, but for terminals that do, we use the Red Caps, they put our luggage on a cart, escort us to the correct train car at least 20 minutes before all the other passengers start boarding. No standing in line, get the pick of the seats usually and we're settled in our seats long before the others, all for a tip, which we do 2.00 a bag and we usually only have 2 rolling duffles so give the person a five. It's worth it to not have to drag your stuff or even if we check out stuff, we still use them and tip 5 bucks with our 2 carryons just to pre-board before the masses.

 

[lucas]

Yes, checked baggage can be locked, no security checks at all, no scanners, nothing. Only security statement is in the larger terminals where they say that any unattended luggage will be picked up by security, so if you have a long layover, keep it with you or leave your luggage in the pick up area so you can roam. No big deal either way. Certain stops actually have baggage service, check the train schedules to see where, but for terminals that do, we use the Red Caps, they put our luggage on a cart, escort us to the correct train car at least 20 minutes before all the other passengers start boarding. No standing in line, get the pick of the seats usually and we're settled in our seats long before the others, all for a tip, which we do 2.00 a bag and we usually only have 2 rolling duffles so give the person a five. It's worth it to not have to drag your stuff or even if we check out stuff, we still use them and tip 5 bucks with our 2 carryons just to pre-board before the masses.

Thanks for the info! I'm excited about our train trip!

 

[pepe of ohio]

Thanks for the info! I'm excited about our train trip!

It's unlike anything you've ever done. Some people are just plain miserable but we set up our pair of seats, cooler with drinks and sandwiches, Ipods, books and magazines and our blankets, plus a portable DVD player. It is so comfortable, winter time the heats just right and summer time the A/C can get a might cold at night but you're in your own coccoon like space, rocking and rolling with the motion of the train.

Be prepared to be late, Amtrak is notorous for that, CSX freights have the right away but you can get lucky sometimes, here's a web site to check past preformace and status, amtrakdelays.com/ Also calling the 800 number you can check to see how your train is running the day you leave, it's automated but very up to date, we use it before leaving home since we have an hours drive and if its running late we don't have to hurry but they say that they can make up time and one thing they don't do on little whistle stops, like where we board at home, is wait. We've gotten off at home and past a couple ambling towards the train and the train pulled out, they never made it, guess they had to car chase it to the next stop. We stand by the tracks at the small cubicle about 20 minutes before arrival time which up here in Ohio in the dead of winter, in the snow, gets quite cold.

I hope you have a great train experience and wonderful time.