Originally Posted By DisneyDays dzy76, it all depends on what time a year you go....We have gotten the family room for $780 round trip, and sometimes $1800 round trip. I have to pay $347 for my part this time. So it includes round trip, all meals, and a bed to sleep on in a private room. Remember that we split it 5 ways! the room has two sets of bunk beds. one side has a double bed on the bottom, and twin on top. One side has a small twin on bottom, and small twin on top (whoever sleeps in these will need to be okay with curling up a bit!). In the day, the beds turn into couches. Yep! They do have movies! And a play room for little ones with toys, and usually a Disney movie on - Jenn
Originally Posted By DisneyDays Don't forget to tell them if you have AAA or if your handicapped or if your an AARP member. That will get you a discount. Also for seniors, and kids under 15 years.
Originally Posted By dzy76 Wow. That does sound neat. I'm going end of July the 27th through Aug 9. I just didn't get why it was double coming home? Who knows? I think I'll keep checking. I did see they have a AAA rate (10% off I think). I have always wanted to take the train (did it as a child to DL) and have found memories. My boys would probably love it. My only thing is then I'd need to rent a car because we want to spend a day at Magic Mountain.
Originally Posted By dzy76 It would be 1700 with AAA rates to take it with family bedroom. Can't imagine sleeping in just seats. Will keep an eye on it anyway.
Originally Posted By HRM What is the luggage allowance on Amtrak - as compared to flying? Also what is the protocol (courtesy and others) when riding Amtrak: i.e. kids wandering around, sleeping/ snoring, bringing food, bathroom usage, etc)? How safe is it for kids, say around 6 or 7 years of age? ºoº
Originally Posted By dzy76 Great questions HRM. Hopefully someone will answer. My son is on Amtrak right now heading to San Diego with a friend who has family there. I'm interested in what his thoughts are on the train trip when he gets home.
Originally Posted By DisneyDays You will have to call on the luggage thing....I think its 2 pretty big carry ons plus a purse. You can also check bags. Amtrak is safe for kids, but they should be with an adult if they enter another car because you have to press a pretty big button to get through, and sometimes they can get stuck in a seperate car.....not a big deal, but could be a little scary for the kids. They have a play room down below with toys, and usually a Disney movie going on. Sleeping can be rough if you go coach. I suggest bringing ear plugs if you go coach, and your own blanket. Wear comfy clothes because chances are you will not feel like changing (trust me). Bathrooms are good, easy to access. Kids 6 or 7 will LOVE it! Just explain to them that the train gets bumpy sometimes, so when you are standing or walking, its a good idea to hold onto something. They can keep track of the stops with the train schedule, so they will know how close they are to "getting there". Hope this helps! - Jenn
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<What is the luggage allowance on Amtrak - as compared to flying?>> From Amtrak's website (I'd have provided a link except the address was way too long): Guidelines for Carry-On Baggage The following guidelines apply to baggage you bring onboard with you as carry-on baggage: Two-Piece Limit: Each passenger may bring aboard no more than two pieces of carry-on baggage. Not included in this limit are personal items such as briefcases, purses, laptops, and infant paraphernalia such as strollers, diaper bags and car seats. 50-Pound Limit: Each carry-on bag may weigh no more than 50 lbs. Size Limit: Each carry-on bag may not exceed 28 x 22 x 14 inches in size. Visible Tag Required: Each carry-on bag must be visibly tagged with the name and address of the passenger. Passengers may use their own personal identification tags, or may obtain Amtrak baggage identification tags at station ticket offices, or onboard trains from a member of the train crew. Special Items: Ski equipment, snowboards, golf clubs and bicycles may generally only be handled as checked baggage on Amtrak trains, and not as carry-ons. Items are permitted onboard when they can be safely stowed in the exterior lockers of Superliner equipment, or onboard equipment that is specifically designed to safely and securely accommodate the storage of the items. Guidelines for Checked Baggage The following guidelines apply to baggage you check, and which is stored in separate baggage storage areas on a train: Three-Piece Limit: Each ticketed passenger may check up to three pieces of luggage at no charge. Up to three additional pieces may be checked upon payment of $10.00 per piece. 50-Pound Limit: Each checked bag may weigh no more than 50 lbs. We will not accept heavier pieces. Size Limit: Each checked bag may not exceed 36 x 36 x 36 inches in size. Suitable Bags: Please be sure to pack your baggage using sturdy luggage or containers that are capable of withstanding expected handling. Please note that we do not accept plastic storage containers, lightweight suit bags, and other similar items as checked baggage. Baggage Tags: Attach your name and address to each item. Free identification tags are available at stations or from crew members, or you may use your own. Where Available: Checked baggage service is available at many stations and on many trains and Amtrak Thruway buses throughout the country. See individual station pages on this site, available from the 'Stations' section, for more information. Check-In Time: Please check all baggage at least 30 minutes prior to departure, and longer for special items. Baggage checked less than 30 minutes prior to departure may be delayed. Claiming Checked Baggage: Checked Baggage will be available for claiming generally within 30 minutes of arrival. However, some items may require additional handling and therefore may take up to 60 minutes. Be prepared to identify your baggage by the claim check numbers. Storage charges apply to baggage not claimed within two days of arrival. ID Required: To check baggage, you must have a valid photo ID. For more information about ID requirements, please see our Passenger Security and ID page. Special Items: Amtrak accepts a number of special items such as baby strollers, bicycles, golf bags, musical instruments, and skis. In most cases there is a handling charge of $5.00 per special item.
Originally Posted By berol The prob with Coast Starlight is it's generally late. The latest I've heard is 23 hours. If possible, stick with in-state trains and bus transfers. For instance, you can take Amtrak buses to San Luis or Santa Barbara, then the Surfliner train to Fullerton. The fullerton-to-disneyland county bus also goes near the disney warehouse store.
Originally Posted By HRM ^^^^^ >>The fullerton-to-disneyland county bus also goes near the disney warehouse store.<< .........pls explain ) Thanx DisneyDays and RoadTrip for the Posts; Helps alot! Dzy76, indeed - pls post your Son's Amtrak experience!! ºoº
Originally Posted By mhartman47 Differing question some idea. I am taking the train to DLR in April and planning to get a taxi. Having taken Amtrak for a local commuter route, I know it is usually late. Would it be cheaper to a taxi in Fullerton or in Anaheim? My thought is Anaheim. But would like confirmation.
Originally Posted By Darkbeer ^ The price is about the same, Anaheim is a bit shorter, so maybe a $1 difference, but if coming from Union Station, the fare to Fullerton is cheaper than to Anaheim, so you should save more money on the train fare than the extra taxi cost.
Originally Posted By berol >>.........pls explain )<< <a href="http://www.ams-liquidation.com/stores.htm" target="_blank">http://www.ams-liquidation.com /stores.htm</a> Get off at Orangethorpe and keep walking east. You'll see the outlet store on your right. I've walked there from the train station if you want exercise.
Originally Posted By Darkbeer OCTA public bus Route 43 goes up and down Harbor Blvd. Just get on the bus going North on Harbor from in front of the DLR, or your hotel. Get off at the corner of Harbor and Orangethorpe. The Outlet Center is in the shopping center on the South east corner. To go back, just take route 43 south. Route 43 is very popular, and usually there is no more than a 15 minute wait for a bus.
Originally Posted By HRM >>Get off at Orangethorpe and keep walking east. You'll see the outlet store on your right. I've walked there from the train station if you want exercise.<< Do you mean from the walk,... or the bags you'll be holding after shopping? ;o)
Originally Posted By HRM >>I live in Sonoma County and take the Amtrak bus to Martinez where I catch the San Joaquin. Yes, it's a bus from Bakersfield to LA, but in taking this route I get to DL 3-4 hours sooner than taking the Coast Starlight.<< Please explain further, thanx! )
