[skyguy79]

Originally Posted by MLBellis

Auto train IS the way to go!!! Now that the gas prices are up!! No pets like they said, but you can if it is a service dog...met people with them..... Food is great, if you are handicap, you can stay on the lower level (what we do) they bring your food to you....there are plugs if you you have an O2 unit.... bring your own blanket & pillow!

Just a couple of notes to add to or repeat from my earlier post. If you need a handicapped room, make sure to plan as far in advance as you can. You can reserve up to 11 months in advance. The handicapped room, and the family room are the smallest number of room types available on any train. The availability can run out early and you will also pay more for the room as less rooms become available.

When we came down and purchased in January '11, we had reservations for an H Room to return north in one month. We wanted to make a change so we could stay longer. When I went to make the change the agent had to search about 17 different dates before he could find an opening. Also be ready to pay in full if there's the availability you want. On more than one occasion I had checked for availability (on other Amtrak routes) and hung up with them to discuss it with my spouse, then called back 10 minutes later and yikes... the price went up presumably because a room of the same category got reserved during the 10 minutes. I guess I was lucky because it could have also been the last room available! So as I said, plan and reserve early when possible.

Also, you don't necessarily need to be in the handicapped room to have your meals brought to you. If you're in a non handicapped room but feel that moving about the train to get to the dinning car can be difficult for you, you do have the option of also requesting that the attendant take your meal order and bring it back to you. Keep in mind though that the attendants first priority if they get too many requests is the occupants of the handicapped room! All'board!!!