They called today and confirmed our trip for next week and then offered to upgrade the trip to Orlando to a standard bedroom for only $100!! I was sure to jump on that offer! They offered an upgrade for $150 for the return trip, but i passed on that one.
Posted by dilly (Member # 1427) on :
Another trip to Orlando? That's twice in two months. Maybe I should invest in more Disney stock.
You did the right thing by taking the sleeper offer. If you've never traveled in a standard room, you'll be surprised by how tiny it is. But that's part of the fun.
Just wrap a foot or two of duct tape around a pencil and take it along. At night, it'll come in handy for stretching and fastening Amtrak's famous "shrunken curtains" so they completely cover the windows. You can also use the tape to silence any squeaks that might arise from loose fittings and panels.
Have a great trip.
Posted by Mike Smith (Member # 447) on :
Wait a minute, Dilly....
If you don't occasionally "flash" the nosy people walking down the isle or the people watching the train go by, where's the fun in riding in a sleeper? (Yes, I always look straight ahead when walking the isles at night....)
Posted by jmarch (Member # 2953) on :
yep- this will be the first time in a sleeper for us. My son and I are both very excited for this trip! Great tips Dilly! Thanks. I'm still laughing at mikesmith's post- i guess it's hard to stay decent in small rooms where the windows tend to want to stay uncovered- LOL.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
On my upcoming itinerary of CHI-30(18FEB)-WAS-91(19)-ORL-1(24FEB)-NOL-58(25)-CHI, I'm hoping the phone will ring regarding upgrades to Deluxe from Standard for CHI-WAS and ORL-NOL segments at roundly $50 each. I cannot reasonably expect any offers on the other two.
In short, if they come a callin', bite!!!
[This message has been edited by Gilbert B Norman (edited 02-08-2004).]
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
quote:Originally posted by dilly: If you've never traveled in a standard room, you'll be surprised by how tiny it is. But that's part of the fun.
It's not tiny, it's cozy. Except the upper bunk ceiling clearance. That's tiny.
Posted by paulr (Member # 2761) on :
What a deal! Are you sure you want to pass up the $150 return trip offer. If the trip lasts at least 1 night I think the price is a bargain, especially when you factor in the meals for you and your son are included. Enjoy your trip.
Posted by jmarch (Member # 2953) on :
Gosh- i know paulr- I'm really debating that one hard- even at $150, it's still a good deal. i've already gotten so much $$ into this trip already- train tickets there and back, in a sleeper on the way there, 3 nights in a hotel in Orlando, and a day at Disney. LOL it's adding up fast! And actually, it's the return leg of the trip that I'd really rather go in the sleeper.
Posted by norse62 (Member # 2490) on :
Do they call when you win an Ebay bid?
I am assuming not, due to the non-upgrade policy.
Anyone?
Posted by coachclass (Member # 2382) on :
No, I haven't ever been offered a cheap upgrade when I travel on a ebay ticket. I do suspect though, that even though the ticket says "no upgrades" that once you get on the train and there is still empty sleeper space, the conductor would be willing to sell you an upgrade to fill the space and make extra money.
Posted by Sheriff (Member # 2521) on :
jmarch, Just like coachclass suggested. If you do not get the $150 sleeper for the trip back (which is a real good deal) it is possible to purchase a sleeper onboard from the Conductor at a discount. We often have cancelations and room do pop up and become available. Also if the first Conductor does not have any rooms check with the next relieving Conductor down the rail. Remember we change crews frequently during a long trip and the new Conductor will have an updated manifest. If you do get a room at night and are getting off early in the morning remind the Conductor that you are not going to be in the room long enough to receive your free meals and he should take that into concideration with the price of the room.
Posted by jmarch (Member # 2953) on :
oh thanks Sheriff- that's great advice!! We'll be boarding in Winter Park around 2 pm and scheduled to arrive around 9:30 am in New Orleans, so really that would just be one night's sleep and maybe just dinner and breakfast meals. I'll be sure to ask when we board.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
I've twice had Amtrak call me when I had segments booked in coach and offer to upgrade me to a sleeper for that magic "Just $100.00 more" figure.
Once was on the California Zephyr between Sacramento and Salt Lake City. The other was on the Southwest Chief between Los Angeles and Albuquerque. I imagine that in both cases they were rooms that were booked from say Albuquerque or Denver east and Amtrak wanted to capitalize on space that would otherwise have been vacant.
------------------ David Pressley
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
As previously reported here, I'm leaving for Orlando today on #30. As of a few moments ago, Deluxes are open on CHI-30(18)-WAS and ORL-1(24)-NOL segments.
Like the teenie rock songs from "my day" went, "Sittin' by the phone...hopin' for the call" and if the Std to Deluxe upgrade is in the $50-75 range per segment, I'll bite.
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
Has anyone ever been called with an offer to upgrade from a Standard room to a Deluxe?
[This message has been edited by Mr. Toy (edited 02-18-2004).]
Except the upper bunk ceiling clearance. That's tiny.