The Ins & Outs of Travel: Train

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Train

• Relax with Amtrak
• Take the Car Along Too
• Tips for Getting the Best Amtrak Fares
• JUMP to Current Train Discounts
• Tips from TheMouseForLess Readers

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Updated 11/8/09

While TheMouseForLess.com tries to keep all information on this page current, information does change often. Please reference Disney's Official web site or the web sites of vendors for the most up-to-date rates and information. If you have tips to share or notice outdated links or information, you may contact us at moneysavingtips@themouseforless.com.

Relax with Amtrak

Amtrak can be a good option for those living in the eastern portion of the US who don't enjoy flying. Typical amenities include a Dining car and Lounge car. While Amtrak transverses the country, travel time increases significantly outside of the east coast corridor. Travel from the west will require connecting routes, and the cost of sleeping compartments over coach fares can be pricey. Travel from California can take half of a week each way. Travel from New York City to Orlando takes slightly less than one full day.

The price for a single adult passenger coming from New York City's Penn Station (NYP) to Orlando (ORL) with no discounts runs $234 round trip coach (seat only) during the 3rd week of May, making it an economical choice. Travel time is about 23 hours. Upgrading to a Viewliner Roomette (sleeps 2 adults) can increase the fare by $542 roundtrip to a total of $776 for a single adult, but includes meals and beverages, a sink and toilet in room, turndown service and use of a nearby shower. Coach class passengers may dine for an additional charge. The fare for a child (2 - 15 years of age) to accompany the adult coming from NYP to Orlando is $117 round trip or 50% less than the adult fare. Whether the child reserves a coach seat or shares the roomette, the fare remains the same. The total round trip fare for the adult and child sleeping in a roomette would be $893 and only $351 purchasing coach seats. Coach reservations carry no cancellation fees or change restrictions as long as you don't choose to have the ticket shipped or printed before arriving at the station, otherwise, a 10% service charge applies. Also, there are no additional fees for baggage and each passenger can bring two carry-on items and check 3 bags. The above examples were priced for the 3rd weekend in May 2009 with no discounts applied.

Fares can be reduced further with discounts for AAA members (10%), Seniors (15%), military (10% on most fares), NARP (10% on many fares), Veterans Advantage (15% discount), Student Advantage (15% discount) and ISIC (15% with International Student ID card). Children 2 through 15 years old ride half-price. Disabled passengers, plus one companion receive a 15% discount. Click here to see a complete map of Amtrak departure cities and routes.

The East Coast Palmetto and Silver Service trains (Silver Meteor and the Silver Star) serve Orlando (ORL) and Kissimmee (KIS) daily, originating in New York from the north and Miami from the south (except for the Palmetto). Both stations are less than a half hour drive from Walt Disney World. Taxi stands and Hertz Rental Car (accessible by shuttle pickup) are located at the Orlando station. While the Kissimmee station is located closer to WDW, it has no on-site transportation options. Be sure to bring along the number for Yellow Cab (407-422-2222) or make other pick up arrangements.

An estimated taxi fare from the Amtrak Orlando or Kissimmee Amtrak stations to most Walt Disney World resorts can be calculated using Yellow Cab's fare calculator. Just pick the nearest landmark to your hotel (Epcot, Magic Kindom, Blizzard Beach for All Star Resorts, and Disney Institute for Port Orleans) from the drop-down menu. A typical fare from the Kissimmee station to an an Epcot Resort will run about $33 plus tip; a fare from the Orlando Amtrak station will run about $46 plus tip for a similar trip.

Amtrak Station Information

• Kissimmee (KIS)
  Address: 111 East Dakin Ave.; Kissimmee, FL 34741
  Phone: 1-800-872-7245
  Hours: Monday-Sunday: 9:30 am- 7:30 pm
  Distance from Walt Disney World's Epcot Resort Area: 13.7 miles
  Approximate Driving Time: 26 minutes
  
  
• Orlando (ORL)
  Address: 1400 Sligh Blvd.; Orlando, FL 32806
  Phone: 1-800-872-7245
  Hours: Monday-Sunday: 7:30 am - 8:30 pm
  Distance from Walt Disney World's Epcot Resort Area: 19.3 miles
  Approximate Driving Time: 27 minutes

Information For Hertz Orlando Amtrak Location
Address: 1400 Sligh Blvd.; Orlando, FL 32806
Phone: 407-872-0112
Hours of Operation: 8:00 am - 6 pm, 7 Days per week
Additional Info: This location is for Amtrak customers only. After hours, delayed Amtrak trains are met up to 8:00 pm. If a delayed train arrives after 8:00 pm, reserve car at the Orlando International Airport location. Cab fare will be reimbursed with receipt.

Driving Directions From Hertz Car Rental to Epcot Resort Area
1. Start out going north on Sligh Blvd toward W Underwood St. - 0.1 mi
2. Turn left onto W Columbia St. - 0.0 mi
3. Turn right onto Sligh Blvd. - 0.2 mi
4. Turn left onto W Gore St. - 0.4 mi
5. Merge onto I-4 W via the ramp on the Left. - 15 mi
6. Take the SR-536 E exit, Exit 67, toward SR-417-Toll/ Epcot/ Downtown Disney - 0.2 mi
7. Take the ramp toward Epcot/ Downtown Disney - 1.0 mi
8. Merge onto Epcot Center Dr. - 0.7 mi
9. Take the ramp toward Disney/ MGM Studios/ Epcot Resort Area/ Wide World of Sports - 0.3 mi
10. Merge onto E Buena Vista Dr. - 1.5 mi
11. Turn right onto Epcot Resort Blvd. - 0.5 mi

With the rising cost of fuel and more companies transporting goods by train, the rails have become more congested as of late. Delays are particularly notable in the summer months when heat restrictions require trains to travel at a slower rate, and time tables are not always maintained. Amtrak is notorious for arriving off schedule. Other cons concerning train travel are lack of leg room in coach, difficulties sleeping in partially upright seats, and disturbances caused by passengers moving in and out of train cars at odd hours.

While the Orlando Amtrak station offers onsite taxi and rental car options, it is reported to be located in an Industrial park bordering on a less safe neighborhood than the Kissimmee station. Here are a few practical tips to consider when taking the train:

• Never leave luggage unguarded on the train or in the station.
• A bicycle lock can be a great way to secure bags to luggage racks on overnight trains.
• Purchase a money belt for valuables if you will be sleeping on the train.
• Trains can be noisy. Bring along earplugs to get a good night's sleep.

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Take the Car Along Too

The Auto Train is Amtrak's nonstop train service between Lorton, Virginia (near Washington, DC) and Sanford, Florida (near Orlando, Florida) for travelers who want to take their vehicle with them. The Auto Train is the only route in the Amtrak system that transports vehicles. If you don't mind sacrificing day on either side of your trip, the Auto Train can often be a better deal than combination airfare and rental car. Fare from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford for one person traveling with a car is approximately $429 for the week after Labor Day 2008, and a little less if you qualify for any of the Amtrak discounts.

Meals are included in the price of all Auto Train tickets, no matter which class you travel in. Meals are in the Dining Car, and include special meals for the kids. Passengers can also take in a movie or mingle with fellow travelers in the Lounge Car. In the morning, a continental breakfast is served. The entire trip from Lorton to Sanford takes 17 hours 29 minutes.

There are several levels of fares offered on the Auto Train which are similar to those offered on regular Amtrak trains, including coach, roomier superliner lower level coach seats, roomette, one bedroom, family bedroom and suites.

Auto Train does not offer checked baggage service. You may pack baggage inside your automobile; however, you may not access your vehicle in route. Amtrak allows two carry-on bags per passenger. To travel on the Auto Train you must reserve space for a vehicle, and vehicle check-in must occur at least one hour prior to travel. There are additional charges for oversized vehicles such as SUVs and trucks. Only those transporting a vehicle can book fares on the Auto Train.

Amtrak Sanford Station (SFA) Information
Address: 600 South Persimmon Avenue.; Sanford, FL 32771
Phone: 1-800-872-7245
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8:00 am- 4:00 pm
Distance from Walt Disney World's Epcot Resort Area: 42.7 miles
Approximate Driving Time: 52 minutes

Driving Directions From Sanford Amtrak Station to Epcot Resort Area
1. Head north on S Persimmon Ave toward W 4th St - 0.3 mi
2. Turn left at SR-46 W - 3.0 mi
3. Turn left to merge onto I-4 W toward Orlando - 35.3 mi
4. Take exit 67 toward Epcot/Downtown Disney - 1.2 mi
5. Merge onto Epcot Center Dr - 0.7 mi
6. Take the ramp to Epcot Resort Area/Wide World of Sports/Disney/MGM Studios - 0.3 mi
7. Merge onto E Buena Vista Dr - 1.1 mi
8. Turn right at Epcot Resort Blvd

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Tips for Getting the Best Amtrak Fares

• Reserve Seats Early
  Amtrak uses four levels of pricing and initiates sales approximately eleven months prior to travel dates on a percentage of coach seats and sleeper accommodations. As the seats set aside for sale are reserved, Amtrak's automated management system moves the remaining seats to the next highest fare. Unless you are traveling during peak travel times or holidays, the sooner you purchase a ticket, the better chance you have of getting a good sale price.
  
  
• Share Sleeping Accommodations
  Amtrak sells fares and sleeping accommodations separately, meaning each person will pay one price for a fare plus a fee for the use of the sleeper. The room cost however is only charged once just like hotel rooms, whether it is occupied to maximum capacity or not. If you're traveling together and don't mind sharing sleeping quarters, reserving one roomette which sleeps two passengers will come out cheaper than two fares with roomettes included. To see all of Amtrak's sleep accommodations, click here.
  
  
• Take Meals Into Account
  When deciding on what type of fare to purchase, take into consideration that meals are included in the fare with sleeping accommodations while coach passengers are charged to dine (except for the Auto Train). While riding first class does get your meals comped, you will still need to leave a tip. The difference between paying for meals and not may make upgraded fares more attractive.
  
  
• Use Amtrak's Refund Policy For Maximum Flexibility
  Amtrak has a 100% refundable policy of coach seats and a seven day refund policy on sleeper accommodations, as long as no ticket has been printed. Although tickets can be picked up in advance at manned stations and at Amtrak's Quik-Trak ticketing machines, a 10% service charge can be avoided by having the ticket physically issued closer to departure dates. Waiting to have tickets printed will give you maximum flexibility to change if cheaper fares are located after reserving. To see Amtrak's refund policy, click here.
  
  
• Keep Trying For Sold-out Dates and Upgrades
  If the fare and train you are interested in is sold out, and other dates won't work, there are a few things you can try. Try reserving the ticket again the following day as close to 4:00 am ET as possible. Amtrak updates its system overnight with cancellation information. The same advice goes for upgrades. If sleeper accommodations weren't available when reserving and you settled for coach, keep calling. It may also be possible to upgrade even after you've boarded. It never hurts to ask.
  

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Current Train Discounts

Generally, most Amtrak codes require a 3-day advance purchase, apply to adult, child and senior fares only, and may not be combined with other discounts. Discounts are also subject blackouts during peak travel. 2009 black out dates are Sept. 4 & 7, Nov. 24, 25, & 28-30. Most promotion codes an be used online, by phone (1-800-USA-RAIL), at staffed stations or with Quik-Trak machines.

20% Off Fare for Silver Service to Orlando Area
20% off on Amtrak adult fares are available with The Magicard. For 2009 travel, use discount code V145 which is only valid on the Silver Service to Orlando area station on adult non-discount fares. Expires December 16, 2009 and is available only by phone (800) 872-7245. Ask for discount code V436 if traveling from January 1 to March 31, 2010. Print Coupon.

The Thomas & Friends: Holiday Express DVD, which was released 11/3/09, includes an Amtrak coupon for one free child's fare (ages 2 to 15) on all Amtrak routes except the Northeast Regional, Acela Express, Auto Train, Carolinian, Downeaster, and Piedmont. Tickets must be purchased by 2/28/10 and for travel between 1/1/10 and 4/30/10. Blackout dates are Jan. 3-4; Feb. 12, Apr. 2, and Apr 4-5.

High School Students Save 50% off Companion Fares
Valid for junior or senior high school students visiting a Florida college campus with a parent or guardian companion reserving a full price fare. Register at CampusVisit.com and book by 12/13/09. Valid for Silver Service (Silver Meteor and the Silver Star). Not valid for Auto Train. Requires a 3-day advance purchase. Travel must occur by 12/16/09.

Earn Guest Reward Points
Amtrak Rewards gives points for every fare purchased, even popular regional and Metro routes. Points can be redeemed for special discounts on future train fares, rental cars, airline miles, or hotel points such as Hilton HHonor points and Starwood rewards. The Swan and Dolphin hotels at Walt Disney World are both Starwood hotels and a "level 4" free night is redeemable with Amtrak points.

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Tips From TheMouseForLess Readers

Getting Upgrades: The price of the sleeper upgrade goes up... and DOWN... :) I am not talking the price going down a dollar or two, but maybe $150 or so. The price flucuates depending on supply and demand. While I never seen this myself, if there are available rooms, one might be able to get a sleeper room upgrade on the train itself. I would watch the price daily and be ready to book it. Yyou should also leave a tip for the sleeping cars attentendant. I am very low maintenance, I setup my own bed and such, so I give about $10 each way. Using a AAA card only gets you a discount on the basic coach fare, not for the room upgrade if you do get it. f you do get the room upgrade, that means you ride first class, which if you wait at NY Penn or Washington Union Station, you can take advantage of the Acela waiting lounge. Inside the lounge, they have internet access, complimentary beverage and snacks.

Coming from the North, the stops are Deland-Winterpark-Orlando-Kissimmee. Its 45 minutes between Deland to Winterpark, and another 1/2 hr from Winterpark to Orlando. The longest 1/2 hr of the trip :) Between Winterpark and Orlando, you pass Church St Station where a preserved old steam type passenger train. When disembarking, they give you a 10 minute warning and line you up to exit the train quickly.

Another thing worth mentioning, don't drink the tap water, just like your not supposed to drink the tap water on the plane. In the sleeper cars, they also have complimentary bottled water, coffee, and juice.

If just using the rental car to go to and from the Orlando station, I would hire a car service rather than renting a car. Sunray is a official sponsor of TheMouseForLess.com and if you mention them when filling out the reservation on their website, you get a discount.

The dinning car table sit 4 (two on each side) They start serving about 6 or 6:30. If eating in the dining car, and you are one or two people, expect to be seated with other people, this is normal practice and one of the things people enjoy about train travel. for lunch and dinner, you will make a reservation with your car attendant at what time you will be eating. I think the train is setup like this. Locomotive-baggage car- sleeper car-sleeper car- dining car- coach-coach. You may have to walk through another coach car to get to the dining car. Never leave any valuables when going to eat, even if in a sleeper, you can only lock them from the inside. The first time I booked Amtrak over the phone, the agent highly suggested not to leave anything of value as she had a credit card stolen once. You may want to bring entertainment, like portable DVD player or laptop, There are electrical outlets available, but you should take a surge protector.

If you want to read my trip reports over the years and view photos, here are my trip report websites:
2005 Trip
2006 Trip
2007 Trip
2008 Trip
2009 Trip
~ Thank you to Bruce for the info

We will be boarding Amtrak at an unmanned station in SC. I call Amtrak and was advised that when the train arrives, someone gets off the train to greet and assist us, (show us which car to board) but that it will be up to us to get our luggage ON the train. From there, someone will show us where to stow it. I was also told to bring any blankets/pillows Ill want if we're in coach seats. ~ Thank you to Danielle B. for the info

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