Wanted: Amtrak Info

[Jewelsy]

My daughter and I are planning a trip to WDW next year. She does not want to fly, it is too scary for her. We flew when she was younger and she did not enjoy and does not want to do it again. I was thinking we could take the Amtrak from the Albany/Rensselaer station. I know it would definitely be a long trip but that won't bother us and she is really interesting in taking the train.
This way I finally get back to Disney and on a mother/daughter trip. It may be the last for awhile as she'll be off to college.
There doesn't seem to be too much info on people taking Amtrak as the majority of people fly.
Any info you have regarding the Amtrak trains, accomodations, food, best travel months would be greatly appreciated. I was thinking of possibly getting the sleeper car.
Please provide any and all information you have so we will have a better idea of what to expect.

 

[Densgirl]

My daughter and I are planning a trip to WDW next year. She does not want to fly, it is too scary for her. We flew when she was younger and she did not enjoy and does not want to do it again. I was thinking we could take the Amtrak from the Albany/Rensselaer station. I know it would definitely be a long trip but that won't bother us and she is really interesting in taking the train.
This way I finally get back to Disney and on a mother/daughter trip. It may be the last for awhile as she'll be off to college.
There doesn't seem to be too much info on people taking Amtrak as the majority of people fly.
Any info you have regarding the Amtrak trains, accomodations, food, best travel months would be greatly appreciated. I was thinking of possibly getting the sleeper car.
Please provide any and all information you have so we will have a better idea of what to expect.

I love Amtrak and have gone to Disney by Amtrak three times now. First time we did coach from Boston to Orlando. It can be done but on the way home that trip we did a sleeper and have ever since. The bonus of the sleeper cars is that your food is included too. Plus only sleeping car passengers are allowed in these cars reducing foot traffic and noise. The best advice I have about price is to book as soon as you decide you will go this way. Amtrak pricing is fare structured so that as the train fills the accomodations go up in price. I LOVE going this way to Disney as you arrive relaxed, well rested and it's an adventure in and of itself.

We have also done the autotrain which was really fun. It was so nice to only need to drive half the way there and still wake up in FL with my own car.

Please ask anything I didn't cover. I love train travel and I'm only too happy to answer questions about it.

 

[Jewelsy]

Thanks Densgirl. Could you give me some details on the sleeper? I think I'd rather do that than coach. Are the seats/beds comfortable, do you feel cramped? Can you go anywhere else on the train? As you can tell I don't know that much about the train and this will be my first train trip. I had friends take it to NYC and they said it was comfortable. Of course, upstate NY to Florida is a bit more lengthy. Also, how is the food? Can you also buy snacks or should we bring our own? How are they with luggage or did you just have carryon? In your opinion, is it better or easier to arrive in Orlando or Kissimmee? Sorry for all the questions. I just want to get as much info as I can.