[Dana]

I know I asked about train travel on here before, but I can't seem to find the thread. I was wondering if anyone has experience with trains travel to Orlando from the NorthEast areas.. My DBF's son is not going to fly down....he's petrified Him and his Dad are going to either drive or take the train and meet me and my DD in WDW. I think driving will take less time and be more economical, but was wondering what you all thought. I only fly down so I have no expertise to offer them. Thanks for the help in advance.

[BDavis932]

Dana~

I just went to www.amtrak.com and looked up prices in January...I don't know your specific date so I just did departing philly on Jan 10 and coming back from Orlando on Jan 15 the rate for 1 adult and 1 child was $282!!! That seems really affordable and can't be beat...let amtrak do the driving.

[BDavis932]

What about a Greyhound bus??? My Dad just went from Illinois to Reno for $130 RT (advance purchase)...just another thought!!

[karliebug]

I know my folks take the train from Phila. to Miami or Tampa when they go on cruises. It takes them 22 hours. I think a bus would take much longer because they tend to stop in every little town along the way and of course can't go as fast as an amtrak. My parents hate to fly,also.

[cahogbin]

Dana -
We haven't taken the auto train yet but we will be on our trip to WDW in Sept. The perks are you don't have to drive that long distance, no worries about an accident holding you up for 2 hours or more on the interstate. You can sleep on the train and take a straight shot to Orlando. So you're not exhausted from driving when you get there. Don't forget to figure the price of GAS which is still very high and staying a night in a hotel.

This just worked out to be the easiest way for us and when I figured gas and meals and a hotel it broke even. So less stress by taking the train. With the Auto Train we have our own car when we get there so no need for a rental plus we would still need to rent car seats which are very expensive OR buy new ones when we get there. So we don't have that expense since ours will be in our car. We'll be packing the car full of breakfast items and things to help cut costs on food. We won't need to stop for potty breaks or stretch your leg breaks because we can just get up on walk on the train. Plus on the Auto Train you get dinner after you board and breakfast before you arrive in Orlando so no meals to buy. It will actually take us less time to get there on the train than if we drive ourselves.

Definitely check out Amtrack. It was cheapest way for us to go. If they take just a regular train and not the Auto Train it's a lot cheaper. It was actually more for our car (SUV) than our 4 tickets. But SUVs are more expensive than regular cars.

[karliebug]

I don't think they have the autotrain in Phila. so they'd have to drive to I think, VA to get on it.

[Dana]

Thanks for the links and the information guys. I am flying down with my DD and they (DBF and DBF's DS) are going to either drive or train. I wi show him the infomation when he gets here today. Again thanks all!!

[disneydana]

I also like the train idea. Sorry, Dana, I have no information for you just my $.02. If the train is affordable, it would be like a little adventure in itself before you even get to WDW. Plus, like Chris said, you can nap and take breaks without stopping.

BTW, is there a reason his son is so terrified of flying. Maybe if you take him to the airport so he can watch the planes take off and land several times, he can get used to the thought of flying. I'm not big on drugging kids, but maybe the pediatrician could also offer some solutions or something to calm his nerves.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by disneydana

BTW, is there a reason his son is so terrified of flying. Maybe if you take him to the airport so he can watch the planes take off and land several times, he can get used to the thought of flying. I'm not big on drugging kids, but maybe the pediatrician could also offer some solutions or something to calm his nerves.

His son has never flown and the whole 9/11 thing isn't helping his fears. I don't think he understands how many flights actually happen in a day. He actaully decided today to just drive with his son. They are going to just meet us there. I am flying. I cannot sit still that long...lol

[disneyguy]

Originally Posted by Dana

His son has never flown and the whole 9/11 thing isn't helping his fears. I don't think he understands how many flights actually happen in a day. He actaully decided today to just drive with his son. They are going to just meet us there. I am flying. I cannot sit still that long...lol

I know the feeling Dana, I don't do well on long drives. From here to Kentucky is too long for me!

I would say DRIVE! I think $282 is outrageous for a 22 hour train ride, when fying is $220! It would take you like 18 hours to drive, but you will be tired I guess. I think I would investigate the AutoTrain a little more.

[cahogbin]

Originally Posted by karliebug

I don't think they have the autotrain in Phila. so they'd have to drive to I think, VA to get on it.

Yes, the Auto Train only goes from Lorton, VA (just outside of Washington, DC) down to Sanford, FL with no stops. I know I've read on here other people from the North driving as far as Lorton then taking the train the rest of the way.

[15 mins to wdw]

one other thing to keep in mind is both the Orlando amtrak station and the kissimmee trains station are about 45 mins away from disney so you would also need to figure that part out of getting to disney.

as for driving thats what I would do, I see your from NJ, what route do you plan on taking down here, I-95 the whole way or take I-78 to I-81 to I-77 to to I-20 to I-26 to I-95? the second route takes you around washington and doesn't add a ton of time to the whole trip.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by 15 mins to wdw

one other thing to keep in mind is both the Orlando amtrak station and the kissimmee trains station are about 45 mins away from disney so you would also need to figure that part out of getting to disney.

as for driving thats what I would do, I see your from NJ, what route do you plan on taking down here, I-95 the whole way or take I-78 to I-81 to I-77 to to I-20 to I-26 to I-95? the second route takes you around washington and doesn't add a ton of time to the whole trip.

I think he intended to take I95 the entire way, but I will tell him about the other option. Thanks for the suggestion. I wish he could just convince his son to fly and not bother, but you can't make the poor kid fly right? I am flying and just meeting them there. No way they are getting me to sit in a car that long..lol not without a seadtive. (kidding)

[EmpressJenny]

Take 95 to 4. I usually drive because I am a big chicken, but I'm only going for 4 days this time and it doesn't make sense to drive. I got some Xanax from my doc, so that should help, I don't agree w/drugging kids either, but the drive is long and tiring and the train is longer. Give the kid some dramamine and get it over with.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by EmpressJenny

Take 95 to 4. I usually drive because I am a big chicken, but I'm only going for 4 days this time and it doesn't make sense to drive. I got some Xanax from my doc, so that should help, I don't agree w/drugging kids either, but the drive is long and tiring and the train is longer. Give the kid some dramamine and get it over with.

I know what you mean, but my DBF won't go for it. The kid is really scared and worrying about it now and the trip isn't till January. Let them drivew the 17 hours or whatever. My DD and I will be flying and landing in Orlando in 2 hours and 20 some minutes. I will be fresh and let him sleep off the drive and take the kids out for some fun. He will deserve a nap after that trip. His son, who can fall asleep anywhere (at a baseball game once..lol) can sleep during the trip.