RAILforum: Sunset Limited question

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Posted by hookedup (Member # 1691) on :

I'm going to be traveling for the first time by train, from LAX to Orlando next month. I'm traveling with my husband and my 22 month old son - we have booked a deluxe sleeper for the three of us. Anyone have any advice/tips for us? Anything specific about this train or route that is important to know?
After reading some of the posts and negative comments on here I am starting to wonder if this is a good idea. I also posted in the travel forum but noticed it doesnt get a lot of action so I re-posted here.
Thanks!

Posted by Eric (Member # 674) on :

"After reading some of the posts and negative comments on here I am starting to wonder if this is a good idea."

I think you'll have a great trip. A few things will probably go wrong, but the worst will most-likely be delayed trains.
The food, scenery, and people are great. Have fun!

Posted by Ken V (Member # 1466) on :

I can't offer any advice regarding your 22 month old, but will provide some general comments. Whether or not your choice is a good one depends on what you are looking for. In your situation that's the choice I would make, but I'm heavily biased.

Train travel offers the following:
- a relaxed, comfortable environment
- no guarantee that the train will be on (or close to) the scheduled times
- the opportunity to meet interesting new people
- generally good food and good service - sometimes bad food and bad service
- something different from your car/van/SUV or airplanes.

Since you've read a number of other items on this forum, you've already seen some examples of the worst cases, which, unfortunatley, could happen to you too.

Chances are that you'll have a great experience.

[This message has been edited by Ken V (edited 05-31-2002).]

Posted by reggierail (Member # 26) on :

I replied to your post at the travel section. I also noticed you had 2 posts there, maybe you could delete one of them.

Reggie

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Posted by hookedup (Member # 1691) on :

I tried to delete the double post but it said only forum leaders can delete posts. If you're one of the leaders go ahead and delete the second one, sorry!

Posted by freckly (Member # 1694) on :

If you are over 4 hours late out of Jacksonville, Florida you will be bussed from Sanford to Orlando.The train terminates at Sanford if over 4 hours late.

Posted by BTrain (Member # 1687) on :

The Southwest Cheif has a pretty good track record. I've even witnessed it pulling into LAX as much as an hour early or more. It's rarely more than a couple hour late into Los Angeles. Train travel gives you a little more of a relaxed environment. The Sleepers are nice-clean for the most part. I've only been on the Southwest Chief once and it was so long ago, I can't remember. If the onboard service is anything like the Coast Starlight though, you'll find any moderate delay as tollerable.

Now, I don't remember if you mentioned whether or not your a first time train rider or not. The motion of a train is something that for some takes some getting used to. It's no worse than a car or airplane, but VERY DIFFERENT. It's more of a side to side motion rather than up and down. I've had some uncomfortable nights in sleepers with this motion. Everybody's different though. I actually choose to sleep sitting up in coach. I actually think it's easier on your body. The Superliners' long distance seat arrangement is unrivaled by plane of bus. It has plenty of leg room and reclines back a surprising distance-and they usually have a retractable anke/foot rest that pulls out from under the seat.

Please somebody tell me I'm not too strange for preferring to sleep in couch than in sleeper. You will find though that sleeper passengers are offered certain ammentities not offered to coach passengers.

Sometimes, within reason, a good train trip is in the eyes of the beholder/traveler. Expect moderate delays (2-3 hours) and just enjoy yourself as though this is a cruise on rails (except there's no swimming pool).

Keys to a pleasurable train trip:

1. Arrive at the station early.
2. Once your settled in familiarize yourself with the train. Walk around and explore the train. The wonderful thing about train travel (especially long-distance) is that you have the freedom to move around and mingle.
3. Get plenty of rest the night before the Big Trip. Mood affects your outlook and especially your stress levels-yes I know easier said than done with a 22 month old.

4. During the day time, find out about some of the scenery or interesting sites you'll be going by en-route. About five minutes or so before you're do to pass by it, stake out a spot in the sightseer lounge, if your train has one. Most Southwest Chiefs do. The train offers some spectacular views that you cannot get from 30,000 feet above the earth's surface or from a speeding vehicle.
5. Take advantage of what is usually good food onboard and good service from what I understand.
6. Expect delays-make good of that extra time onboard.
7. Relax!
8. Bring your whole medicine cabinet in case-they sell some stuff on board but usually at a heafty price (this is from personal experience)

Posted by BTrain (Member # 1687) on :

Opps. For some reason I have the SWC stuck in my mind. Sorry. Yes, unfortunately the Sunset leaves much to be desired as far as on time percentage, but it does offer some nice scenery and pretty much everything else in my prior post aplies.