Who has ridden on Train?? _ Need Advice

[eedisney]

We are leaving on next Saturday from Raleigh, NC on the Silver Star to Orlando. Family of 4 - This is our 1st trip to Disney and 1st Train Trip Also!! Need to know what to expect and what to take on the train to make the best of it!!!! Two daughters 4 & 8. We did not get sleepers, was told the coach seats were just as good..... Anyone ever been on this train? What was it like? Can I take a small cooler with snacks, etc..?? Is it loud. Will we wake up everytime the train stops during the night??? There are several stops along the way, Savannah, Ga, etc... Do you know if we have time to get off the train at all??? We have a Tiffany Towncar to pick us up. Have heard good things about them..... My oldest daughter is fearful of flying so we thought the Train, and we also got killer fares, would be a good choice.... Any advice is wonderful.... What is the food like? Does everyone quiten down later at night??? Planning to bring computer game boards, cd player for the kids, etc... Is it dark all night on the train or will there be much light? As you see I have actually no idea what to expect, all info is greatful!!!

 

[DNBois]

My husband and I took the train (Silver Star) down to Disney for the first time this past month. We actually booked a sleeper car going both ways and we will tell you that we are glad that we did it. To be honest - the business and coach seats are not too comfortable but we were going from RI so it shouldn't be that bad. We had both dinner and breakfast included with our sleeper car fare and I will say that the food wasn't that bad - and I thought (since I am somewhat susceptible to motion sickness) that I wouldn't be able to eat on a moving train but I did it with no problem. And the food was actually pretty good - not great - but the white linen and dinner and the friendly service you receive are well worth it. Definitely remember to bring pillows and blankets and the at night, the lights usually stay off (except for some dimmers above) except when the train makes a stop. There are only a few stops on the way down that stop for more than five minutes - cannot remember put you should be able to find that info on the train schedule. We brought some video games, books and scrabble and we did end up using them at some point along the trip. Hopefully, this info is good for now - let me know if you have any other questions

 

[Gillian]

Bring foam ear plugs. Get the kids used to them first. They really help shut out the little noises that can keep people from relaxing or sleeping. It can be hard to sleep on the train, but don't worry about it.

When I've travelled in coach it was dark-ish at night. The light doesn't bother me as much as the noise of people talking, the train stopping, kids, etc. The noise was more variable.

Have a fun trip!

 

[Dopey's twin Dippy]

As i said in my other post we have taken Amtrak around 4 - 5 times from Dedham, MA. to Disney. I do not like to fly. I have been packing snacks in the small roll. suitcase the last 2 years. The food is ok, but im a fussy eater. My daughter is 14 now they usually get the pizza, or snacks. You can bring a cooler, but dont forget it does get awkward having to carry other things. I have packed like crackers,wheat thins, the squeezy bottle of jelly,peanut butter,popcorn,and some juice . WE stay at all stars, so if i need to i buy a few things in their store for the way home. The train delay for us in Wash, lets us walk around and eat at the food courts.Plus just to get off the train for a while is nice. I have found that we all wear long jersey pants,bring sweat shirt, and we have brought the light cotton blanket to keep warm. Even though we go in summer, it gets pretty cold from the ac. You can also buy Amtrak blanket on board, its like 9-10.00 dollars. I also bring the hand WIPES, and the bottle of liquid hand cleanser.lol.The kids bring cd cassette, headphones (of course) books to read, you could bring color. books and crayons, puzzles to keep them busy .My daughter also takes dramimine (?) because she gets a little dizzy sometimes after a long ride. Sorry this is so long, but I figured with little ones you have to be prepared. lol. Ita a LONG ride, but just think of the fun once your there. Have a great trip.

 

[eedisney]

Thanks for all the info!!!!!

 

[La2kw]

I recommend booking a sleeper. It costs more, but it's worth the privacy.