Amtrak?

[foreverducky]

I was wondering if anyone has taken Amtrak to get to WDW? I know that it would be easier and much, much quicker with a plane ride, but I'm not huge into flying (not fear of flying, just don't like care for it). So I was thinking about taking Amtrak. It would be a super long ride, but heck, I'm not driving.

Is it considered safe? Is it clean? Thanks for any input anyone can offer.

[Johnie]

I have not taken the train to FL but I used to ride the train all the time with my grandma. I think it is still considered safe. However, as you know, it's going to take forever and I don't think it's much cheaper than airfare. However, make sure you get a sleeper bed so you can rest.

[foreverducky]

It's definitely not cheaper, but then again, I wouldn't have to fly. Right now it's just a thought. From Chicago, I believe the train goes to DC then to FL. Not sure if I'm into that much of a detour.

[Dawn]

I loved Amtrak when I was a student. Always clean trains, friendly staff, never short of a passenger to chat to either. I went everywhere on them. I never used a sleeper car - I'd wait till the lounge car cleared for the night then stretch out in there. :D

[foreverducky]

I couldn't afford a sleeper anyway. Good to hear positive experiences.

[uscwest]

A few years ago we took the Auto Train from Florida back to Northern Virginia. The tracks themselves need a lot of work as there seemed to be as lot of bumpiness, that I certainly did not experience when traveling in Europe on the trains. We had a sleeper but neither of us slept well.

From Chicago you would most likely have to go through either DC or NY, although there is an option in which you to to Charlottesville, VA, bus from there over to Richmond and then catch a train in Richmond on to Orlando. It is about 35 hours on the train, but depending on the season could be about as cheap/expensive as flying.

[Dawn]

I think you can go via Pittsburgh too. :unsure:

[uscwest]

I think you can go via Pittsburgh too. :unsure:
Yes she can. Chicago - Pittsburgh (change); Pittsburgh - Philadelphia (change); Philadelphia - Orlando (train comes from NY and stops in DC)

[foreverducky]

It will likely be just me and I would like to make the least amount of stops. I was thinking also that it would be nice to see some of the country again, especially if I go during a time when there is snow on the ground.

I'm an only child, so I learned early on to entertain myself. While it is a long drive I can think of plenty to do.

Thanks guys!

[uscwest]

This will show you the stations that are served on the Silver Meteor and Silver Star (Service between NY and Miami)Amtrak (http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Route/Vertical_Route_Page&c=am2Route&cid=1081442674074&ssid=134)

[Johnie]

oh if you stop in Richmond, i could come see you!

[foreverducky]

That is true. :D Looks like there are several options. I think that the Amtrak sounds like a good plan for me.