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Amtrack
- Thread starter NCState
- Start date
Pioneer Hall
Well-Known Member
Hertz rents cars from the station in Orlando most of the time. If they don't...they will shuttle you to their local pick up spot. However, if you are in the area of the auto train I would consider that over the regular amtrak route. It might save you some money and it is a much nicer ride.
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TTATraveler
Active Member
Not sure about the rental car availability but the Amtrak station for Orlando is just a bit south of Downtown Orlando. The AutoTrain station is in Sanford. When I moved down here in September, I took the AutoTrain and don't remember any rental car places near the station. Then again, with the 1 hour of sleep I got, I could have missed it.
I am not sure of your reasoning for not flying or driving, but the AutoTrain was an experience I care not to repeat. I can't imagine regular coach seats on Amtrak to be any better.
I am not sure of your reasoning for not flying or driving, but the AutoTrain was an experience I care not to repeat. I can't imagine regular coach seats on Amtrak to be any better.
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ljl14
New Member
Amtrack was the single worst experience my family and I had! We took the train (coach seats) from Trenton, NJ (24 loooooooooooooooong hours) to Orlando 3 years ago. Dirty, disgusting, lousy food, bathrooms we didn't even want to walk pass, let alone use.
Drive, fly, swim, do anything but take the train!!
Drive, fly, swim, do anything but take the train!!
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Auto Train is backtracking from my home. I would have to trip to VA/DC area to catch that, so that's out of the question. The high price of gas and 9 hours straight driving, we're tried before we start our vacation. We just thought it might be better in price and some relaxing travel.
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TTATraveler
Active Member
I personally would fly. Not sure how long the train ride would be from NC to Florida, but I was dead tired when I got down here. Then I had an hour to drive to get to my new home. Flying is going to be faster, potentially cheaper, and a lot more relaxing then the train.
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DivineMadness7
New Member
A 9 hour drive is really nothing, but I digress.
I've done the autotrain 3 times (all against my will) and I would suggest avoiding it if at all possible. I dunno how long the journey would be just from NC though, since my main complaint was sleeping on the train. I would at least explore flying and seeing if you can find a good deal before resorting to amtrak. If you have to do it, I guess it isn't horrible but it isn't exactly what I would call ideal. Maybe to try it once may not be so bad. It was really the 2nd time that I loathed it. You may save some money, but arrive still pretty frazzled as a result. I think a google search/look on the amtrak site will answer your questions about rental cars.
I've done the autotrain 3 times (all against my will) and I would suggest avoiding it if at all possible. I dunno how long the journey would be just from NC though, since my main complaint was sleeping on the train. I would at least explore flying and seeing if you can find a good deal before resorting to amtrak. If you have to do it, I guess it isn't horrible but it isn't exactly what I would call ideal. Maybe to try it once may not be so bad. It was really the 2nd time that I loathed it. You may save some money, but arrive still pretty frazzled as a result. I think a google search/look on the amtrak site will answer your questions about rental cars.
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elizs77
Active Member
As close as you are to I-95, I would just drive. I've gone many, many, many times to Florida via car, and even from the Triad to the gates of WDW it's about 12 hours. It shouldn't be that long for you.
We had friends who recently took Amtrack from here to DC. It took 12 hours to get there, and it's only 5 hours from here by car.
Or, fly from RDU on Southwest. We got tickets for $65 each way for our May trip. When we went in 2006, we got tickets for $49 each way, but I'm sure with the cost of fuel they won't be that low any time soon.
Oh, and in the interest of full disclosure, I am a Carolina grad! But I grew up in a Wolfpack house.
We had friends who recently took Amtrack from here to DC. It took 12 hours to get there, and it's only 5 hours from here by car.
Or, fly from RDU on Southwest. We got tickets for $65 each way for our May trip. When we went in 2006, we got tickets for $49 each way, but I'm sure with the cost of fuel they won't be that low any time soon.
Oh, and in the interest of full disclosure, I am a Carolina grad! But I grew up in a Wolfpack house.
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Thanks to everyone for the helpful tips. My husband has driven the 9 hour trip (on ways) each time and was wanting to have a relaxing trip this time around. We have never taken the train and thought, "hey, it's our 25th Anniversary, let do something we will always remember". I guess it could be bad or good.
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ItsFigmentFan
Well-Known Member
I've taken Amtrak for each of the past 3 years, and, save for one time where we got into Orlando 4 hours late, my trips on the train have all been very good ones. Looking forward to my next train trip north in a week and a half.
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Pioneer Hall
Well-Known Member
Your amtrak trip will be on the shorter side compared to my normal ones from the north. But it isn't a great experience...it isn't the cleanest and the train is nearly always delayed. Since the auto train is out...I would really consider the drive. It would save you time I think.
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eagles
Active Member
i have taken the train from richmond va the last 2 times to disney. the only complaint i have is the seats. i have a bad back and it was just hard for me to get comfortable. my hubby had no problems at all, nor did my 2 yr old granddaughter or my 8 yr old son.
we take coach seats down, and the way back i get a room.
we enjoy the train and will take it again if and when we go back to disney.
yes it is a long time on the train, but i alot for that in my plans. the delay issue has been 50% for me. 2 trips was delayed and 2 times ahead of schedule.
not sure about coach seat dinning, as we bring our own food going down. on the return portion with rooms, dinning is included. i have had no problems with the food. i get the special, whatever that is.
just relax and enjoy it, don't expect 5 star accomadations and you won't be disappointed.
we take coach seats down, and the way back i get a room.
we enjoy the train and will take it again if and when we go back to disney.
yes it is a long time on the train, but i alot for that in my plans. the delay issue has been 50% for me. 2 trips was delayed and 2 times ahead of schedule.
not sure about coach seat dinning, as we bring our own food going down. on the return portion with rooms, dinning is included. i have had no problems with the food. i get the special, whatever that is.
just relax and enjoy it, don't expect 5 star accomadations and you won't be disappointed.
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