PA to WDW...train versus plane?

[copcarguyp71]

Just curious if anyone in the middle atlantic states has ever done a cost comparison of plane versus train travel to the world? Obviously the extra time it takes is a drawback but I thought it might be a different fun way to travel and was not sure if anyone had input into having done this. We may even take a train down and then fly home just for a different experience.

 

[Britt]

Oh heck no!

We priced it out and it was as much as flying, took way longer, and we had to do several change of train. Was so not worth it to me! LOL

 

[Britt]

WHA??????

Never had two hours for TSA. At Phila they even have an express line for families with kids to help you get through security screening double quick. If you had two hours at TSA I think it must have been just post 911...they have streamlined the process quite a bit since then. I am always the poor slob that gets nailed for random laptop check and it takes an extra five minutes or so but even with that it is like 15-20 minutes max.

Same here! It's only ever taken us 15-20 minutes max!!

 

[Figgy1]

WHA??????

Never had two hours for TSA. At Phila they even have an express line for families with kids to help you get through security screening double quick. If you had two hours at TSA I think it must have been just post 911...they have streamlined the process quite a bit since then. I am always the poor slob that gets nailed for random laptop check and it takes an extra five minutes or so but even with that it is like 15-20 minutes max.

Sorry never boarded a commercial plane in less than 1 hour parking to gate even pre 9/11. PHL is over a 3 hour drive. driving isn't so bad I take what I want any only loose 1/2 day of time best part I have my car for shopping and a side trip to Kennendy either up or down.

 

[copcarguyp71]

Parking to gate is not what I thought you meant...sorry. From your post it sounded like it took you two hours to get through security TSA alone. If that was the case I would not go either!

For my part I may not mind the drive down but the drive back would be excruciatingly boring and mind numbing wishing it was just over already! I would rather spend more time in WDW and less on the road but everyone has their own version of vacation and I can respect that.

 

[Kristia]

We took Amtrak from Philly to Kissimmee about 10 years ago. I don't think I would do it again unless I got a sleeper. For me, the seats were not that comfortable and the car was quite noisy at night. They have a smokers car and people were getting up all night and going between the cars to get to the smoking car. Maybe earplugs would help drown out the noise. As said before, the bathrooms were really nasty towards the end and the smell was starting to come into the car anytime the door would open. I think between my husband and I, we may have had 2 hours sleep.

 

[Figgy1]

Parking to gate is not what I thought you meant...sorry. From your post it sounded like it took you two hours to get through security TSA alone. If that was the case I would not go either!

For my part I may not mind the drive down but the drive back would be excruciatingly boring and mind numbing wishing it was just over already! I would rather spend more time in WDW and less on the road but everyone has their own version of vacation and I can respect that.

Thnx I guess we just like the drive. Last trip we took a van DH says smart car or mincooper next trip but not for gas milage. I don't have a shopping problem. No problem doing it at all!!!

 

[Figment_Dreamer]

One thing to consider: is anyone in your party prone to motion sickness? I know you could just pop some Dramamine or wear those specialty bracelets, but 18 hrs on a train with a queasy stomach could prove troublesome.

I actually get pretty bad motion sickness (can't ride SM, can't read/play games/watch movies in cars), and I've also ridden the auto-train a good 6 times without ever once getting motion sickness. I was able to eat, read, and play on my computer with no nausea at all.

I'm sure someone out there has gotten motion sick before on the autotrain, but I had no problem!