Would this be a good start to a trip or not

[GrumpyGoofy]

So we are scheduled to leave on the day Toy Story 3 comes out. I would really like my kids to see the movie before we leave...get them(me) in the mood. We have to be at the check for the autotrain by 2 (no exceptions). I found 2 theaters within 10 minutes of the station. Anyone think it is feasiable to catch an early movie at 11 or 12 before heading out or is that just pushing it? My sons are Toy Story nuts. I can't imagine a better way to start the trip. I am just wondering if it will be too much for one day. Thoughts?

 

[MSSANDRA]

We LOVE toy story and can not wait for the opening day to introduce DGS to it. However, I know I could not enjoy the movie in that time crunch and in the excitment of leaving. I would also want my kids a little more active rather than confined for a few hours before starting a trip where they will be somewhat confined. I would save it till after the trip of go see it in DD on the trip.

 

[ms_missy66]

Lovely thought! But I know how I am on departure day...rush rush rush even if I pretty much have everything together. I can't imagine trying to fit in an activity - one that makes me sit and focus for two hours - before we leave. I wonder if seeing the movie might be a really great end to your trip after you get home?

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Personally, I would not go prior to the departure, but depending on what time you get in, after checking into the hotel, how about a trip to DTD to see the movie?

 

[candielips]

I was just about to suggest the same thing Tinker'n'fun. I would take them to see it at DTD, maybe on your arrival night?

 

[Hannathy]

Yes it is too much, especially if I'm seeing the ages of your kids correctly.
Why push it? Why not save it to fill in that let down feeling the weekend AFTER you return from a trip. When you are sad it is over.

Ever hear the expression - Too much of a good thing?

 

[TLCdisneyfan]

I wouldn't try it. Even if I pack up the night before, I'm always running around throwing extra stuff in the car or cleaning the day I leave, so it's hectic. Also, you have to figure in time after the moving for diapers and potty breaks and whatnot. And I agree that seeing the movie at WDW will make it extra special. Keep the ticket stubs as souvenirs.

 

[GrumpyGoofy]

Thanks for the tips. I like th Downtown idea. Maybe we will do that on an off day.

 

[Pumbaa_]

too many variables right before departure for me, i would be stressed and thinking about what did i forget the whole time

I was going to suggest DTD too, nice thing to do during downtime

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

We are returning for our 6th trip on the Autotrain in Aug. I would not see the movie before u leave. I recommend being at the station as soon as possible. Knowing you are all checked in is better than watching the clock during the movie.

An alternative idea- bring a portable DVD player and watch Toy Story 1 and 2 on the way down. You can even watch one in the station. There are plugs in the floor under the seats. And then like OPs stated - surprise the kids at DTD w/ Toy story 3.

We have been on the train where it has departed 30 mins earlier bc they were all loaded. No reason to wait around.

We generally arrive by 11. DH stops in and puts our name on the sleeper list. Then we drive over to the little strip mall - shop the $1 store (big hit w/ the kids) and grab McDonald's. We usually eat at the station.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

We're leaving that day, too. And yes...I actually had the same thought, just knowing that my ds4 asks every day when TS3 comes out! But I let reality set in. I know that I'll be up late the night before getting everything ready, and that we're always rushed as it is. Maybe we'll take a break to go see it in DTD. We'll be too busy with the events in WDW to remember that we didn't get to see it on opening day.

 

[es45]

So we are scheduled to leave on the day Toy Story 3 comes out. I would really like my kids to see the movie before we leave...get them(me) in the mood. We have to be at the check for the autotrain by 2 (no exceptions). I found 2 theaters within 10 minutes of the station. Anyone think it is feasiable to catch an early movie at 11 or 12 before heading out or is that just pushing it? My sons are Toy Story nuts. I can't imagine a better way to start the trip. I am just wondering if it will be too much for one day. Thoughts?

I agree with PPs: too much that day. And really, a movie needed to "get them(you) in the mood?" Just reading about taking the autotrain to WDW is exciting me! Enjoy your trip.

 

[pixeegrl]

We are returning for our 6th trip on the Autotrain in Aug. I would not see the movie before u leave. I recommend being at the station as soon as possible. Knowing you are all checked in is better than watching the clock during the movie.

An alternative idea- bring a portable DVD player and watch Toy Story 1 and 2 on the way down. You can even watch one in the station. There are plugs in the floor under the seats. And then like OPs stated - surprise the kids at DTD w/ Toy story 3.

We have been on the train where it has departed 30 mins earlier bc they were all loaded. No reason to wait around.

We generally arrive by 11. DH stops in and puts our name on the sleeper list. Then we drive over to the little strip mall - shop the $1 store (big hit w/ the kids) and grab McDonald's. We usually eat at the station.

Enjoy your trip!

What do you mean puts your name on the sleeper list? Can you be put on a waiting list? Is it cheaper to check for unused rooms then? Sorry to OP for hijacking, it's just our first Auto train trip!

 

[My2BabiesLexis&Dill]

I wouldn't do it. I'm always afraid that I'm going to miss the train..LOL. So I try to get there earlier. They do have a small playground at the VA station (not much of one BUT it will keep them busy) Were going on our 3rd trip on the Autotrain, so if you have any questions, please ask away.

 

[My2BabiesLexis&Dill]

Also, if you go to WM they have some cheap games that you can take on the train. We picked up a Spongebob 3-in-1 game set. It came with checkers, a puzzle and a card game for 2.00!!! They had some disney sets too with the Princesses and Cars. I'm not for sure what games they had in theirs though but it was 3 games in one.

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

What do you mean puts your name on the sleeper list? Can you be put on a waiting list? Is it cheaper to check for unused rooms then? Sorry to OP for hijacking, it's just our first Auto train trip!

DH is employed by Amtrak- we travel for free. IF there are sleepers available we get to have them. The earlier we are for the train the better chance of getting 2 sleepers. I believe you can upgrade at the station for a sleeper too but I don't know if there is a discount by waiting till you get there. Last Aug we were able to get sleepers for the ride down but not for the ride home. We literally are still in the station waiting to see if we have sleepers when they are calling - last call - all aboard!! It flips me out bc I keep thinking they will leave w/o out us - but they won't.

Sorry for the confusion