Amtrak from Washington DC to Orlando

The Auto Train! I've never done it, my aunt did once because she wanted her car at Disney but was hesitant to drive the whole way. It's basically just like taking the train except you have to wait for them to load and unload the vehicles. And I don't know if she had a discount or if this is normal, but she got some meals included in the ticket price.

I have done the auto train to Florida many times, including my honeymoon. We absolutely loved it. We're just outside of Philadelphia and the drive to Lorton, VA is only about 3 hours. We drove to the station, put our car in line and went in to the terminal to check in. It was really easy. We packed our car full of stuff, and took a small cooler (with beer and snacks) and a carry on bag onto the train with us. That's one of the awesome things about it. You can pack as much as you want into your car. No limits like the airlines. Plus, we took a case of bottle water down so we didn't have to buy it in the parks. Anyway, once you board the train and find your seats, there is a wine tasting in the lounge car which is included with your ticket. We usually find our room (we book a roomette: two seats facing each other during the day that convert to bunk beds at night), put down our stuff and head to the wine tasting. When the wine tasting is over, we head back to our room and hang out until our dinner seating. Dinner is also included, and I must say, its quite good. Linen table clothes real silverware and glassware and more wine. We enjoy a nice dinner (we usually get the late seating) and head back to our room to settle in for the night. We go to sleep and wake up in Florida. Its cool. We head to the dining car for breakfast and after that we usually only have about 45 minutes until we arrive in Sanford, FL. Once we arrive, we deboard the train and wait for our car to come off. It usually only takes about 30 minutes, then we head for Orlando. The drive is about 45 minutes. I think the auto train is a great way to travel, plus you have your car when you get there! Can't beat that!

When we moved from PA to FL 15 yrs ago we drove to VA and took the auto train down to FL. It was perfect for us as we had 2 cars and 2 kiddos, 3 yrs and 18 months. Like Kris said, the best part was that you can stuff the cars (and we did) with as much as you can. The movers didn't bring our stuff for almost a week, so we packed wisely. It was definitely the best option for us. The trip itself is not bad, just make sure you pack a small bag with toothbrush, wash cloth etc. to freshen up in the am. The kids enjoyed the train ride and as I recall, lights were out and it was quiet by 10 or so, people started going to sleep - we did not pay for the sleeping cars, the seats reclined and I did get some rest all things considered. The food was good and it was fun eating in the dining car. They had a car that played movies, and a car that you could play games as I recall. It was a good option for us in our situation and I would do it again if need be. (and no, we will NEVER move back up north so it would have to be a different situation))

I love the Auto Train! Unfortunately, hubby does not, so this time we flew, but I would much rather have taken the train.

Dinner and breakfast are included, and there are free munchies in the lounge car (snack mix; if you want something more you'll have to pay) and free coffee and tea as well. The lounge car also shows a movie twice each evening. So, you show up in Lorton before 2:00 p.m., relax in the station while they load the cars, then you board the train, sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery while someone else takes you and your car to Florida.

I highly recommend booking a roomette or bedroom; we took our first trip in coach and I didn't care at all for trying to sleep sitting up. We upgraded as soon as we arrived in Florida. The food's better in the sleeper section also.

A couple things to think about:

It's not cheap. You pay for the car, ticket per person & room upgrades. But it is more economical the more people you have in the room.

If you're traveling with folks who need to move around or go to the bathroom frequently, the autotrain is ideal since the train keeps traveling. No need for those pesky refueling stops.

Now if you have one of the downstairs family rooms with it's own bathroom this isn't an issue, but if you're in a roomette or coach you'll be using the shared facilities... which are tiny like airplane toilets. Not an ideal situation for Pooh-Sized folks.

Remember you will be on a rocking, moving vehicle. This can keep some people awake. Also it makes walking the halls interesting. For those with mobility issues you can have your meals brought to you.

On the plus side, I was surprised how comfortable the roomette beds were. Also the rooms & roomettes have electrical outlets. (But there was no Wifi on the train when I took it 2010.)

If you have a seat on the east-side of the train you can see the Fredericksburg pyramid.

Now for Harry Potter fans there is one great big plus - you can say you took an Express train to Hogwarts! (Which is why I did it for my first trip to WWoHP. )

We looked into the Auto Train for our honeymoon, but it just didn't make sense to drive from upstate NY to VA and then take the time on the train when we could just fly.

That being said, my family took the Auto Train when I was a kid. I loved it! It was so much fun! And I still have very vivid memories of that ride. The movie they showed was Annie. I remember reclining back in the seat and listening to the sound of the train. I don't however, remember the end of the movie because I fell asleep. I was only 4, so I guess I get a gimme on that!

From an adult perspective, my parents always say that was one of their most favorite WDW trips because the train made the traveling so much easier.

Best wishes!

It does seem to be the kind of thing that is only convenient if you happen to be in that area to begin with. My aunt who took it wasn't going to at first because she too is from upstate New York so it didn't make much sense, but she needed to drive to DC for business a few days before her vacation so it turned out to be a good idea.

That would be a great combo vacation! Maybe a couple days in DC to see the cherry blossoms and then on to WDW. Hmmm, now you've got me thinking!

Do it, you'll love it!