The Auto Train
- Thread starter SamSpade
- Start date
Are you friends with 2A on Facebook? I think he and Sharon used it a few years ago.
Grumpy
Well-Known Member
I used it a few years ago. Didn't really notice much difference between air/car rental and using the autotrain, moneywise. If traveling with kids, they try to group all the families in 'family' cars. Adults traveling alone/groups are in another car. The kid cars were noisy and stunk. I didn't sleep, wife was able to. Interesting experience and liked the fact that I had my own car instead of a rental. I would not do it again, would rather drive or fly.
A naval architect from Annapolis that we work with would put his Harley on the train and meet us at the shipyard in Key West (Stock Island actually) where one of his projects was under construction. He'd fetch his bike off (or put it back on) the train when it arrived Miami. Said it was a great deal....but the "added value" was of course that he wanted his Harley in the keys with him.
One of my co-workers did "half" of that ...shipped his Indian down to Miami but rode it all the way back home again from Key West, with wife on the back. She...and he...said they'd never do that again. LOL.
One of my co-workers did "half" of that ...shipped his Indian down to Miami but rode it all the way back home again from Key West, with wife on the back. She...and he...said they'd never do that again. LOL.
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We're thinking about doing Disney off-season in about a year or so, and trying to plan ahead. The auto train has come up and I'm getting to the point where everyone's hooked on it as an inevitability.
But the more I see, unless we get really good timing, a rental and flights is looking as good as the auto train, especially to Orlando.
But the more I see, unless we get really good timing, a rental and flights is looking as good as the auto train, especially to Orlando.
Rommey
Well-Known Member
Are you planning on staying at a Disney hotel and not going to venture to other Orlando attractions? If so, you can fly to Orlando and Disney has buses that run to/from airport at no additional charge. We've been doing this for the past few years and it takes most of the hassle out of transportation. There are some downsides...you are on their schedules, but they make sure you get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. The pros are that it is very convenient (pick up/drop off at your hotel and airport) and you don't need to worry about picking up or dropping off a rental nor have the rental cost.
PeoplesElbow
Well-Known Member
To Orlando much easier to just drive, it really isnt that far.
I've done that before - with adults and/or teenagers - who can drive. I'm going with grade schoolers.
Actually, I'm unsure taking an old car far from home is a good idea at all.
THIS *is* Orlando, one of the cheapest flight and car destinations on the east coast. I'm finding solutions much cheaper than the auto train.
We're planning to go to a time share near Disney, so we will probably need at least SOME local driving, since we're not spending every meal eating out.
Flight and a rental so far looks like the best deal.