Talk of The Villages Florida - Rentals, Entertainment & More
Talk of The Villages Florida - Rentals, Entertainment & More
#1
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Amtrack AutoTrain
I would like to hear from anyone that has taken the autotrain in the last year or so. We used it several times between 10 and 12 years ago, and as I understand some things have changed.
Specifically: Do they still supply pillows and blankets? Do they still have a breakfast? What is the procedure for getting seats, are they assigned when you arrive at the station? Any other items we should know about? Thank you, VT
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Pennsylvania, for 60+ years, most recently, Allentown, now TV. |
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#2
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I would never take the AutoTrain, without getting a room. The service was very good, the food was ok and the trip was uneventful and even arrived ahead of schedule, which is a crap shoot at best. |
#3
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We took the autotrain down in summer of 2020 when we moved to Florida. Packed the two cars full. We paid extra for a bedroom which comes with meals. They provided the bedding. It was costly but worth it - we considered it a splurge. We paid extra for priority unloading our autos. The meals served to us were delicious. If you just get a seat, then you can buy a meal on board or bring your own food and bring your own pillow - the seats don't fully recline.
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#4
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https://youtu.be/C16UYeOj62E |
#5
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I just took it.
If you have a room, you get meals, if just a seat, you have to go the dining car and buy food. If getting a seat only, your seat is assigned when you get there. No pillows or blankets. Not sure about rooms since I booked too late and could not get a room. |
#6
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I've taken Autotrain at least four times, coming and going. Getting just a seat means a public bathroom that will get more foul as the trip proceeds. A room is okay, unless you're elderly and/or physically limited. Getting on and off the top bunk is a risky challenge. Last trip up, wife and I booked a so-called Family Room. Two beds (cots, essentially) are on the small level and are fine, if you're under six foot and weigh less than 200 pounds. I will say, the porter service is helpful and the food is more than satisfactory. However, the ride overall is noisy and shaky. You won't get much sleep.
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#7
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What is the attraction of the auto train? I just checked prices and it costsvabout $115 for the ticket plus $225 for the car. That is for coach seats. If you want a roomette it is about $480 for 1 and $625 for 2 plus $225 for the car. It is 840 miles to DC. That is a long day or two short days so if you broke it up, you would need one night in a hotel. I checked Florence SC which is about halfway there. Hotel rooms are from $75 to $175. Plus you have the freedom of controlling your own schedule - stopping when you want and eating where you want to. Gas would be about $150 more.
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#8
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No one believes the truth when the lie is more interesting Berks County Pennsylvania |
#9
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https://youtu.be/C16UYeOj62E I took an overnight Amtrak train years ago. It was one of the longest nights of my life. I like the freedom of driving and controlling my own schedule and itinerary. |
#10
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As others have told you, not everything is about "money". Some folks considered their quality of life and their time, more important than a few bucks. Last edited by BrianL99; 05-19-2023 at 06:18 PM. |
#11
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And as to quality of life, watch the video that I posted. According to the Amtrak website, the dimensions of each roomette are 3’6’ X 6’6. Pigs in California are supposed to have 24 square feet. People may differ on their definition of quality of life but I would rather have the freedom of driving and staying in a hotel rather than staying in a room that small. |
#12
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The OP asked for opinions from folks "who have taken the AutoTrain". I read his post again and I can't find where he said he was interested in opinions from folks who watched a YouTube Video, who have absolutely no experience with the subject at hand. Some folks just can't help themselves and have to inject themselves into any subject that comes up, despite their lack of knowledge and/or experience with the subject. |
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#14
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Even the semi drivers are aggressive and rude now days making that drive more than miserable. Pick your poison... |
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Closed Thread |
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