Traveling via Amtrak

Avatar for preludejf
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Registered: 03-27-2003
Traveling via Amtrak
6
Wed, 04-25-2007 - 10:06am

After reading the current newsletter from allears, it got me thinking about traveling via Amtrak. Anyone ever travel to WDW via Amtrak?

We live in Louisiana and had priced it online several years back. The problem was that the train made too many stops before it got there and would take about 20+ hours. Flying takes 1.5 hours and driving approximately 10.

This may give others something to think about. I suspect it is cheaper than flying.

Josette

Avatar for cl_ktbugsmom
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 04-25-2007 - 10:25am

We took the Autotrain from Lorton to Sanford in 2005. Because that's the only route the Autotrain takes and the majority of travel is at night it didn't take the train any longer than it would have driving. Actually it was probably quicker because it's a 15 hour drive from here and we probably would have stopped overnight.

Avatar for preludejf
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Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 04-25-2007 - 10:42am

Thanks Sonya!

Amtrak is a subject that we never discuss here. You never know what your options are. I am glad they discussed it in the newsletter.

I think it would be a nice adventure for kids. Of course, I have never done it, so wanted some input. Thanks!

Josette

Avatar for cl_ktbugsmom
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 04-25-2007 - 10:46am

I agree. I think traveling by rail has almost been forgotten, but it's a great adventure!


Please - more opinions from anyone who's traveled by train!!


FW Cabins- Dec 2006, POFQ- August 2006, FW Cabins- Dec 2005, Contemporary-Sept 2004, offsite July 2002, FW

Avatar for preludejf
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Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 04-25-2007 - 10:58am

Well, I could not help myself... I went on amtrak's website and priced it. We would have to go from New Orleans to Washington DC to get to Orlando!!! Maybe this is why not many people do it!

I guess if I played around with it long enough I could find a better route.

Josette

Avatar for kathy_s14255
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Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 04-25-2007 - 12:17pm

We did it! It was an adventure although I don't think we will do it again any time soon. ;-) We traveled in 2003, caught the train in Charlotte (I think) with a 9pm departure, so the kids(ages 4&6)slept all night. We were in coach but the seats were comfy. We arrived in FL the next morning so it was a very nice trip and a fun adventure., relaxing not having to drive too.

But the trip home was a different story. Our departure was earlier so we ate supper in the dining car which was fun. We enjoyed seeing all the towns and watching the terrain change. We were supposed to arrive in Charlotte at 6 am but we were stuck for 6 hours on the train while they fixed the rails somewhere in GA. Since we were stuck, they weren't able to empty the potties and the smell was horrid. And there was a very sick little girl on the train who was coughing all night sooo my asthmatic son developed pneumonia when we got back home.

Don't think we will be taking Amtrak back to Florida any time soon. The sleeper cars would have been fun but they are so expensive and I would rather spend my money in Disney. ;-)

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2007
Tue, 05-01-2007 - 7:10pm
We took the Amtrak from Washington D.C. down. We did this when I was a kid and were able to load our mini-van to go down on the train with us. No rentals! It took a long time, overnight, but the four of us girls were able to get up and walk around, play games and whatnot. Was better than being confined to the car. Not a trip for everyone, but it was fun.