Amtrak gets high ratings from me, too. I haven't taken the train to WDW (yet), but a few years ago, I took the train from Minneapolis to upstate New York, with a stop in Chicago. Loved it, loved it, loved it.
A few things to know:
* The Kissimmee station is actually closer to WDW than the Orlando station. Tiffany Towncar will pick up at either station.
* The train is always, always, always late. If you know that -- and accept it -- before you go, you'll be much happier. Don't plan anything your first night; you will *not* get there in time. My trip had a total of 6 segments, and all 6 were late ... with an average of about 1.5 hours late per segment. Amtrak often holds trains at its hub (Chicago) to wait for passengers on incoming (late) trains. It's just the nature of train travel in America.
* Take your own pillow, light blanket, food, and drinks on the train. (Yes, you're allowed to bring food -- seasoned train travelers I met on my trip had small coolers with them.) Pillows and blankets are available if you're lucky, and a limited counter service menu is available (depending on the route), but very expensive. I remember feeling more shocked about food prices on the train than I ever did at Disney World or a ballpark. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] Take simple-to-pack things like chips, crackers, bottled water, peanuts, fruit, etc. (Don't forget wipes.)
* It's much harder to walk on a train than it is on an airplane. Look out for bumps in the rails, and be sure to hang on to whatever you can! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
* Go with the attitude that the train trip is part of your vacation, not just a way to get there. Enjoy the view! There isn't a better way to see the country. Check out the club car, which often has seats that face the windows instead of facing forward. Sometimes the club car also has a movie playing, places to play cards, etc.
* The "coach" seats on a train are equivalent in size, legroom, comfort, etc. to "first-class" seats on an airplane. Each seat has both a pull-down tray AND a footrest. Lots of seat- and legroom. Very comfy! (I didn't pay the extra expense for a cabin, so I can't comment on those.)
Be sure to check out Amtrak's website --
www.amtrak.com -- for all sorts of good information (pricing, route info, train info, etc.).
Go for it! If you enjoy car trips, you'll probably enjoy traveling by train.
Sandy
About This Page: This is a discussion on Amtrak? within the Planning Your Adventure: Your Plans for Walt Disney World, part of the PassPorter Community - Boards & Forums on Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel; Has anyone ever traveled Amtrak, especially from quite a distance? We are planning on driving from Michigan in November, but ...
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