Auto Train

[hope2survive]

I've booked the Amtrak Auto Train for our upcoming trip in June. Wise or unwise decision, that's they way we're going at this point. I'm looking forward to the relaxing ride on the train and watching the world go by and reading. My kids (21, 19, 14) are not as thrilled with the idea.

Anyone taken the Auto Train and have any tips about time to get to station, making ride enjoyable, anything I should know?

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

Wise decision! We love the Autotrain and can't imagine getting to Disney any other way. Even DD (15, almost 16) quite enjoys it!

We like to get to the station fairly early. We stop for subway on the way, and after we check in we eat lunch and before you know it, it is time to board. Boarding usually starts earlier than announced, around 2:30pm. DO NOT BE LATE!! They will close the gates at 3:00pm sharp and if you're not there, you're out of luck. On our first trip, we didn't realize how bad the traffic could be and we barely made it to the station.

When you check in you can pick your meal time, the "middle" times tend to get full and sell out, but there is always a time for everyone. One advantage to being early is that you will be able to pick your choice of meal times.

Once on board (are you in sleepers or coach), you'll get all settled and the train staff will walk you through everything you need to know. There is a lounge car you can visit, a movie plays a couple of times in the evening and time really does pass more quickly than you'd expect. One time, DD spent HOURS in the lounge car hanging out with people ... she loved it. For the sleepers you can pick when your room gets "transformed" into a bedroom, for coach there is a time when the lights go "down", but you still have your personal light over your seat.

My biggest tip is to take as little on the train as possible. There isn't a lot of room. Take what you need, but don't overpack.

I'm sure you'll have more questions, just let me know! The train is great ... I hope you have a super trip!

[yjgirl32]

We are thinking of taking the train. Are we allowed to take food on with us? When you said take as little as possible- should we not take small games/electronics for my ds11 to keep busy with?

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

Yes, you can bring food. They do serve dinner and a light breakfast, but we often bring snacks too.

No, games, electronics are totally fine. (and will be well used!) I was more thinking about bulky clothes, etc. I've seen people try and manage with multiple bags ... it looks like they are moving in for a week, instead of just one night. There just isn't a lot of extra space, even in the sleeper rooms.

[yjgirl32]

Should we bring pillows or blankets? You help is so much appreciated.

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

Are you thinking of traveling in coach or the sleepers? Either way, bring your own pillow! They don't hand them out in coach anymore (they used to) and they are pretty flat and small in the sleepers. I always bring my own pillow, but DD and DH do fine with the ones they get in the sleepers. (but then, they tease me that I like to sleep sitting up with a high pillow).

If you're in coach and want a blanket, again bring your own or you'll be purchasing one for $8. In the sleepers, sheets and blankets are provided.

[yjgirl32]

I think we will be going coach- going to use the neck pillows- they worked good in the car.

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

Awesome! Those are easy to pack!

The "comfort pack" you can purchase has a thin blanket, an inflatable neck pillow, ear plugs and an eye mask.

I'd vote for just bringing what you need.

Enjoy the train!

[yjgirl32]

On the autotrain do we get a meal included in the price of a ticket? I keep seeing where I will have to pick a meal time? Thanks again for any help.

[CanadianWDWFan]

Yup, you get the dinner included and a continental breakfast as well. You pick your dinner time at check in, there are up to three times depending on how full the train is.

We got the early meal on our trip. In retrospect, We would do the later meal next time. Just we found that our room was turned down after our meal, and we had no where to go but onto the beds. I know you said you are going coach but I thought I would mention the bed turn down issue we had.

[yjgirl32]

ok great thanks. I didn't realize that. That is great news.

[yjgirl32]

Does anyone know what kind of food you get for your meal?

[CanadianWDWFan]

There are two menus, one for each class of travel, coach and sleeper. You get a choice of the entrees.
This is taken right from Amtrak's website, the menus are as follows:
Coach Meals:

• Braised Beef Sirloin
• BBQ Half Chicken
• Lemon Pepper Cod
• Vegetarian Lasagna
• Chicken Tenders
• Dessert

Sleeper Meals:

• Salad
• Black Angus Flat Iron Steak
• Grilled Chicken Picatta
• Grilled Fillet of Salmon
• Rigatoni with Pesto Alfredo Sauce
• Chicken tenders
• Dessert

Here is the link to my DW's trip report on our Auto Train experience.

[yjgirl32]

Thank you. Im sorry, I looked but must have missed it.