decided to train it instead of drive it...but how do we get from the station? About This Page:

[Lorelei528]

for trip next year..

For reasons beyond my control, my bf cannot fly. At first I was going to drive, but we would actually get there faster with the train, so have decided to go with Amtrak. (This way we can sleep while getting closer to WDW rather than stopping to sleep, you know?)

Anyway, just also wanted to check with people who take Amtrak from NYC...

And how DO we get from train station in Orlando to WDW resort etc?

Thanks all-have been absent from boards for a long time, but am happy to be back as I am in the very baby stages of planning trip for next year...

[meisha623]

That's a great question! Two of the ladies going with us are taking the train and we're driving. Since the girls are going to get there WAY before us, how should I tell them how to get to the hotel? They're leaving the planning to me - oh goody. :-|

I'm still trying to get my hubby to take the train, too, especially since it leaves our area at 1:00 AM (which would be the reason why he doesn't want to take the train). However, my thinking is that instead of leaving at 8 AM on Sunday to arrive at 5:00 PM on Sunday night, let's leave at 1:00 AM Sunday (technically) and arrive in Orlando at 10:30 AM. *sigh*

[RobDVC]

Welcome back to the boards!
Have fun planning your trip!

As for getting from the train station to WDW, you can take a cab, or better yet, hire a towncar service like Quicksilver or Tiffany.

[DyanKJ130]

Originally Posted by RobDVC

As for getting from the train station to WDW, you can take a cab, or better yet, hire a towncar service like Quicksilver or Tiffany.

[snoozin]

We'd love to take the train. But it's 89 travelling hours (including layovers)... gosh, that's almost 4 days each way! In a 'reserved seat' (not even a bed). And WAY more expensive to boot!

[CinderAbby]

Since you were planning on driving originally, why not combine driving and the train? All you have to do is instead of taking the train from NY, drive to Lorton VA (just outside of DC) and take Amtrak's Auto Train. The train departs at 4pm, you spend the night on the train (dinner and breakfast are included in the price) and you arrive in Florida about 9 or 9:30am (I think our train last year was only 15 minutes late). One huge advantage (at least to me) is the Auto Train is a direct train and makes no stops except for fuel, unlike the passenger trains. Another advantage is when you get to the train station, you have you're own vehicle with you. That's how we went last year and it was great. We're planning on repeating it next year. If you have any question, go to Amtrak's website or PM me.

[Tinc]

Took the auto train this past May LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NJMama]

We've taken the Auto Train a few times (and will again this September). Check it out - we love it.

[IdahoDisneyMom]

I would check out having a towncar meet you once you get off the train. DH and I once took the train from Wash DC to Williamsburg, VA, and there wasn NO ONE at the station where they let us off. I can't even remember a station, just a dirt parking lot. Some cabs showed up eventually, but we were wondering if we were going to have to hoof it into town. It would have been really nice to have an air conditioned car waiting for US!!

[Lorelei528]

ok, thanks everyone!! I will have to check out the Auto Train!

Sounds like if we don't do that, we should get some sort of car service to pick us up at train station...what is your suggestion? I know most of you go with Tiffany, right?

Also, does anyone know about sleeper cars? When I go on the Amtrak website, all it lists is regular like reserved seating type car....

All the info from you all has been great! Great to see the boards are as wonderful and friendly as always!!!
Can't wait to start reading everyone's posts and posting again!

[applejenn]

I didnt realize the train was faster, we checked last year for our trip and it was a day later. Unless its a different route, we are in NY. We ended up driving. It was a beautiful ride and didnt cost as much as the train

[CinderAbby]

Also, does anyone know about sleeper cars? When I go on the Amtrak website, all it lists is regular like reserved seating type car....

I just checked because I couldn't remember what I did, but go in and act like you're going to buy the tickets online. Once you put in you're info and click for the next screen, there will be a box that says view upgrade options. This will give you the sleeper options on the train.

[Lorelei528]

Thanks! I found it finally! D'oh!

Unfortunately, it would be like $950 dollars RT for the sleeper thingy, so looks like we'll just have to suffer through the regular seats..

I really hope this goes OK, 23 hours on a train...ugh...I've never been on a train that long (or any other mode of transportation either actually)

I checked out the Auto Train, but I don't see it as really being that much of a difference for me. I would have to drive like 4 1/2 hours at least to DC and then the train ride is not that much shorter (like 4 or 5 hours)...we would still be getting to Orlando the next morning, only an hour before we would get there with the regular train..

Now, my new worry is how far is it/how much would it cost to get from train station to resorts on property?

[CinderAbby]

Unfortunately, it would be like $950 dollars RT for the sleeper thingy, so looks like we'll just have to suffer through the regular seats..

Do you know what dates you put for travel? I ask only because last year when I booked my dates, I did it in January and the rates were real cheap. When I went back in to the website in July just to check something, the same exact booking that I made for 775 (round trip on the Auto Train for 3 of us and our van) in January was now up to like 2000 plus because it was so close to the actual date. I was even told by Amtrak on the phone to book out as far as possible as the rates will be cheaper. The closer it gets, the higher the rates go.

[Twirlygirl]

You might want to check into geting off at the Kissimmee station instead of the Orlando station. I hear it is nicer than the Orlando station and the Kissimmee station is closer to WDW (14 mi. vs. 18 mi.).

DD and I have our tickets booked on Amtrak for our Dec. 15-22nd trip - leaving Cary, NC station. Our combined fare, round-trip was $130, coach. We checked into a sleepette, but it would have been $200 more.

It pays to check the fares for all the stations in your vicinity to see which has the better rate and departure time.

Have a great trip!