Update: Thanks everyone but we're taking the train! UPDATED: I'm back!

[beattyfamily]

I know it's probably too late, but have you ever considered taking Amtrak? We are doing this for the first time in December! We usually drive too, but we have to stop halfway for us(hence Brunswick, GA) because I can't ride that far in one day-back issues!

Roundtrip for the 4 of us on the train is $302.00!
It's only a 9 1/2 hour trip so we will ride coach and not a two rooms-these get very expensive! Just a thought since you are driving by yourself!

Thank you. I never even thought of Amtrak. It is a possiblity.

For me it's $678 round trip. That's about $350 less than flying but then I also need to rent a car in Orlando so then there's that added expense. Something to think about.

Thank you!

 

[katybugsmom]

Thank you. I never even thought of Amtrak. It is a possiblity.

For me it's $678 round trip. That's about $350 less than flying but then I also need to rent a car in Orlando so then there's that added expense. Something to think about.

Thank you!

We will either let our TA get a Towncar for us(roundtrip for about $100) or get a taxi. We never leave the world so we really wouldn't have a use for a car-we have FD this year too so everything is taken care of.
Just a thought-could you drive down to Va and take the Autotrain? You would have your car with you then-never checked into it, so I'm not sure how much more expensive it is, but worth a try!

 

[nowellsl]

I don't know about a shop, but they do sell her cookbooks at Paula Deen's place. My parents brought me back an autographed copy a few years ago when they went. We always enjoy walking along the riverfront in Savannah!

 

[Judy from Boise]

Confusing to me since Disney is headquartered in Burbank CA?

 

[Octoberbride03]

Don't go ANYWHERE Near DC!

If you want to go all the way up 95 into VA then get off in Emporia and take 58East to 64 that will take you to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel in VA Beach and Rout 13 which you can drive all the way up the eastern shore and follow the signs back to 95 in DE then straight into Philly.


Alternately, after lumberton you could pick up 17north somewhere and follow that to up to 64 and the bay bridge tunnel.

Having done the drive from here to Port Canaveral you are better off staying away from Richmond and DC.

 

[jlmarr]

If anyone knows of a good place to stop about 4 hours North of Disney, pelase chime in, thanks!!

If you're coming in from the northeast I'd recommend Las Vegas. If coming in via northern California I'd say the Solvang/Santa Barbara area.

 

[beattyfamily]

So sorry that I didn't put "World" next to Disney in my original post. Didn't mean to confuse anyone.

Thanks to katybugsmom, I'm seriously considering taking the train now rather than driving all the way. I just have to weigh the pros and cons of each; driving vs. train. Train, I don't have to drive!! Driving, I'd have a car in Florida. Train, I'd have to switch trains in NYC (afraid I'd loose my luggage etc...), Train, I'd have to do carry ons only!! Drive, I can bring as much luggage as I can fit! Train, no gas or tolls or hotels to worry about. Decisions, decisions.

Octoberbride03, so I should avoid DC and Richmond areas as a half way stop and see VA beach area instead? Or is that an alternate route you are giving me? Or are you giving me that way to go so I can see/stop in the VA beach area?

Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[Octoberbride03]

So sorry that I didn't put "World" next to Disney in my original post. Didn't mean to confuse anyone.

Thanks to katybugsmom, I'm seriously considering taking the train now rather than driving all the way. I just have to weigh the pros and cons of each; driving vs. train. Train, I don't have to drive!! Driving, I'd have a car in Florida. Train, I'd have to switch trains in NYC (afraid I'd loose my luggage etc...), Train, I'd have to do carry ons only!! Drive, I can bring as much luggage as I can fit! Train, no gas or tolls or hotels to worry about. Decisions, decisions.

Octoberbride03, so I should avoid DC and Richmond areas as a half way stop and see VA beach area instead? Or is that an alternate route you are giving me? Or are you giving me that way to go so I can see/stop in the VA beach area?

Thanks for everyone's help.

My thinking is to avoid DC and Richmond as halfway stops entirely. Because once you add in traffic it will take you longer than getting off 95 and heading to VA Beach. Only drawback is the $12.00 toll for the bridge tunnel, But it is nearly 18 miles long and a beautiful sight in and of itself with a restaurant/gift shop where you can stop and grab a bite if you like, newly remodeled.

The thing about DC is once you stop there you may find it hard to get out, unless you know the area very very well. But once you are on the Eastern Shore, it is a nice easy drive and the MD signs will get you back on 95 easy. I'm not plugging for tourism, cause I may live here but VA beach doesn't seem that interesting to me. You also have the choice of heading to Ocean City MD or Rehoboth Beach, DE. Both of which are very nice. From VA Beach to Philly is about 5-6hrs depending on traffic up north. We go to Rehoboth all the time and that typically takes us 3.5-4hrs depending on traffic in OC.

When were first dating my Dh drove the DC/Richmond route suggested by mapquest, It was a mistake he didn't make again.

 

[Octoberbride03]

I went back and re-read your first post. If you go my route you will need to cancel the Fredricksburg hotel. I'm half asleep but thinking way better than i was last night. But there are plenty of hotels of hotels in the VA beach area or even on the Eastern shore Cape Charles is very pretty, small and relaxing kind of place.

 

[beattyfamily]

Just wanted to update you.

This trip has evolved over the past few weeks.

I usually fly but it's just too expensive from when I last flew in 2006.
We weren't even going to go to Disney due to expenses.
Then hubby found a great rental deal to drive from Providence to Florida, thus this thread with questions about driving down.

Then a nice DISer here in this thread (katybugsmom) suggested taking the train to Disney. I had never thought of doing that before. So I looked into it.

The price was right and I no longer have to worry about driving or getting hotels.

We are now taking the train to Disney for $498 for me and my 2 daughters.

Renting a car there for a week at $241. Not sure if that's good or not but only Hertz is at the train station.

Thanks for all of your help, everyone!

 

[katybugsmom]

Just wanted to update you.

This trip has evolved over the past few weeks.

I usually fly but it's just too expensive from when I last flew in 2006.
We weren't even going to go to Disney due to expenses.
Then hubby found a great rental deal to drive from Providence to Florida, thus this thread with questions about driving down.

Then a nice DISer here in this thread (katybugsmom) suggested taking the train to Disney. I had never thought of doing that before. So I looked into it.

The price was right and I no longer have to worry about driving or getting hotels.

We are now taking the train to Disney for $498 for me and my 2 daughters.

Renting a car there for a week at $241. Not sure if that's good or not but only Hertz is at the train station.

Thanks for all of your help, everyone!

I am so glad the train worked out for you guys!!!! I just got our tickets online for our trip in December last night! Please let us know how things go-I'd like to know your thoughts about Amtrak and how the trip down and back went! Have a great trip! Always happy to help a fellow DISer!!!! Take care!

 

[dejr_8]

We have used the train 4 times to go from NC to Disney.

Remember that the train will run late. For us, the train was supposed to arrive in Raleigh between 8 - 9 pm (schedule changes throughout the year). In every case, the train did not arrive until midnight.

The trip from Raleigh to Orlando then took 1 to 2 hours longer than the scheduled time so we arrive about 5 hours later than expected.

At the price you listed I assume you have three coach seats which are not reserved. One of you (probably you) will share a seat with another adult. That is very interesting when both of you are trying to sleep.

Pillows and blankets are at a premium so I would bring your own. Bring a small cooler for drinks. Bring snacks. Bring TP (theirs is worse than Disney).

You have to remember that taking the train is part adventure. You will meet some interesting, unusual and friendly people.

We did coach seating twice and roomettes twice.

If you have any questions please feel free to send me a PM.

 

[JDX4]

I think that you are going to be happy with your decision to take the train. We have taken it from Connnecticut twice now, and it was so nice not to have to worry about driving.

Luckily for us, the train was on time for us both times, but I have heard about delays from others. Just in case you didn't know, there's a AAA discount for Amtrak that can save you even more money.

Be sure to bring blankets- it gets chilly. Drinks and snacks are a good idea too, and chargers for your electronics because there were outlets next to all the seats.

Have fun!!

 

[dejr_8]

I think that you are going to be happy with your decision to take the train. We have taken it from Connnecticut twice now, and it was so nice not to have to worry about driving.

Luckily for us, the train was on time for us both times, but I have heard about delays from others. Just in case you didn't know, there's a AAA discount for Amtrak that can save you even more money.

Be sure to bring blankets- it gets chilly. Drinks and snacks are a good idea too, and chargers for your electronics because there were outlets next to all the seats.

Have fun!!

Amtrak doesn't own the track and thus freight trains have priority over passenger trains. On one trip, our train hit a boat! We sat for about 2 hour until the investigators cleared the train to move.

 

[dejr_8]

I think that you are going to be happy with your decision to take the train. We have taken it from Connnecticut twice now, and it was so nice not to have to worry about driving.

Luckily for us, the train was on time for us both times, but I have heard about delays from others. Just in case you didn't know, there's a AAA discount for Amtrak that can save you even more money.

Be sure to bring blankets- it gets chilly. Drinks and snacks are a good idea too, and chargers for your electronics because there were outlets next to all the seats.

Have fun!!

And that is just it. Taking the train is fun - when you are prepared for it.

 

[katybugsmom]

Here is a website I found that gives a lot of useful tips when taking Amtrak or any other train! There is also a forum you can join. This is where I found the link that shows the arrival/departure times for the train you are taking to Orlando for the previous four weeks. The train we are taking has only had one major delay in the past four weeks!

http://www.on-track-on-line.com/index.shtml

You can also call Amtrak's 800 number to find out if the train is on schedule or has been delayed the day you leave. We leave out of Florence, SC at 3:38 AM and we live in a neighboring town about 40 minutes north of Florence, so I will definitely call before we wake the kids and leave for the station.

If you have a K-Mart close by check the clearance items in their luggage section-inflatable travel pillows for $5.00 and travel blankets that are very compact for $6.00!

 

[quentina]

Just wanted to update you.

This trip has evolved over the past few weeks.

I usually fly but it's just too expensive from when I last flew in 2006.
We weren't even going to go to Disney due to expenses.
Then hubby found a great rental deal to drive from Providence to Florida, thus this thread with questions about driving down.

Then a nice DISer here in this thread (katybugsmom) suggested taking the train to Disney. I had never thought of doing that before. So I looked into it.

The price was right and I no longer have to worry about driving or getting hotels.

We are now taking the train to Disney for $498 for me and my 2 daughters.

Renting a car there for a week at $241. Not sure if that's good or not but only Hertz is at the train station.

Thanks for all of your help, everyone!

Look into Priceline or Hotwire for the car. I just got a full size car,
days from Hotwire for $221.00 total!!! This is at Orlando International.
I am sure that they have the train station rentals available or the car rental places will have a shuttle available.

 

[beattyfamily]

Thanks everyone!

I'm feeling really good about this. It all came together and worked out for the best I think. I also think that's a pretty good price for the train. Three people from NYC to Florida round trip for $498. Got the kid discount and then the Magiccard discount too.

I think the car price isn't too bad either $241 for a Full size for 8 days. As far as I could see it was the only rental company at the train station.

It sure will be an adventure. That's how we're looking at it.

I didn't even think of bringing a pillow or blanket. I also wasn't sure if I could bring a cooler or snacks. I was also wondering about an elelctric outlet for our phones and a DVD player.

I'm hoping that by us getting on in NYC, we'll get first dibs on seats. I will be the one sitting with a stranger. I'll put my girls together.

Again, thanks for all the tips and advice everyone.

 

[beattyfamily]

Good Morning!

Ok, can someone tell me the boarding procedure? How early do they begin? I will be boarding in NYC.

Do you just walk on and pick seats? Are carry ons put overhead like on a plane?

If I bring drinks and sandwiches, I can bring a small cooler on as one of my carry ons?

I 'should' have a plug for electronics? Or is that the luck of the draw?

Is there any entertainment?

How would you pack a pillow/blanket? Should I purchase travel ones instead?

Do my kids need photo IDs?

Whew, I think that's it.....for now!

 

[JDX4]

Check your PM.