Amtrak from Boston

[disney doodah]

I am going to be traveling to WDW in November with my 2 oldest daughters (6 and 9). We live about 1 hour west of Boston and travel to WDW annually (usually flying out of Boston, Providence or Hartford) and we have also driven a few times. My daughters have been asking about doing something different by taking the train this year. Has anyone taken the train for this long a trip? Looks like we would leave Boston around 6:30am on a Saturday and arrive in Kissimmee around 10:30am the following day. Price isn't bad (about $436 RT for the 3 of us) plus cab fare from Kissimmee to Animal Kingdom Lodge. If I can get a decent airfare then I might simply fly again...but if it's between driving and the train....I would definately consider Amtrak unless folks really warn me against this. I figure this would allow me some quality time with my daughters. I appreciate any feedback folks could give me.

Thanks,
Disney Doodah

 

[Rob562]

We took the train back in 1995. It was OK.

Once you get onto the long-distance overnight train in NYC, the coach seats were pretty comfortable. About comparable to a seat in First Class on an airplane. (Between Boston and NYC it's your usual commuter train seats) You could look into a private room, but it would boost the price considerably. The full-service meals in the dining car were much better than I was expecting.

Consider getting off in Orlando rather than Kissimmee. I've heard stories about the questionable location of the Kissimmee station.

If the choice is flying vs train, I'd fly. If it were train vs car, I'd go train.

-Rob

 

[Number_6]

I've never taken the train for that trip, but it actually sounds like it would be a lot of fun. If you don't mind the idea of being confined to the train for that length of time and view it as you are, a great chance at some quality time with your daughters, then I think you'd have fun. Plus, it'll give you a chance to see some of the country from a vantage other than up above everything. I've often said that there are a few trains out there I would love to take cross-country, not all of which are in the United States, so the idea of going from the Boston area to Orlando(which I've done by car) really appeals to me. I hope if you do happen to choose taking the train, that you'll let us all know how you liked it.

 

[eagles]

i don't fly, and i really hate driving anymore. so i would recommend the train. we take it from richmond va to orlando fl. i would prefer getting the rooms, but it does rack up the total cost. i have been lucky to get a room 50% of my travels though.

good luck and just take the tain as part of your vacation/adventure.

 

[Shadowdawn]

I have a friend that just recently did this. He left from Providence and arrived in Orlando I believe. He said it was the worst. No room to move, crowded for most of the trip, nosy, etc.

Oh and the worst part, very very long. Said it was cool for the first hour or two but after that he wanted to jump out the window.