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Early next year I want to travel from Wisconsin to Orlando to take a cruise. I would like to travel in first class, in a family bedroom when available, as I will be accompanied by my 2 small daughters. I have discovered that if, on the return trip, I travel from Orlando to New Orleans on the Sunset Limited and then on to Chicago on the City of New Orleans, I can have a family bedroom all the way, a much shorter layover in New Orleans than I would have in Washington, and best of all, a much cheaper fare.
However, I have seen numerous negative comments here about the Sunset Limited as regards scheduling reliability, and I've also heard the New Orleans station is a lot less friendly than Washinton's Union Station. Would anyone here care to advise me? I would like to purchase my tickets soon, as I fear the cost will only get higher.
Vicki Member # 3410
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We're making this same trip in Feb. I chose it primarily because we have never been to NOL before. I am planning on the Sunset Limited being late and that's ok. The price difference is a nice bonus.
I have been to Washington DC's Union Station and it is lovely.
CG96 Member # 1408
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No problem. I've made the trip from Minnesota to Florida on a couple of occasions, and the D.C. layover has enabled me to do such things as explore parts of the Smithsonian, and get off and just plain walk around. Either way should be fine for you. If you were to call Amtrak's 800 number, I think the default itinerary sends you via the Capitol Ltd. and D.C.
notelvis Member # 3071
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I've used New Orleans Union Station six or seven times in the last 20 years......most recently in 2002 when I made the change from the westbound Sunset to the northbound City of New Orleans. We arrived in NOL about two hours late after sitting at a red signal on the outskirts of town for 90 minutes. That still left about three hours to make the connection. It is likely that you would be late to New Orleans. It is unlikely that you would be so late as to miss the connection.
The station itself is nowhere near as nice as DC Union Station BUT it is not bad. In 2002 there was a cheesy little gift shop and a Subway sandwich shop in the station. The Magnolia Lounge for sleeping car passengers is small but pleasant if you need some separation from the crowd. The neighborhood isn't great and I would not wander far from the station......but then the same is true at DC where I have been approached by panhandlers.
Given the financial advantages, I be inclined to book via NOL.
David Pressley
clwood Member # 3297
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How dependable is the Sunset Limited from Orlando to New Orleans? This particular train seems to figure prominently in horror stories about extreme lateness, bustitution, and runnng out of food. These are things I am not eager to experience in the company of a 6 year old. She is a seasoned traveller, but I don't want to press my luck.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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As a "veteran" of two rides ORL-1-NOL during 2002 and ;04, on both trips the connection with #59 City was comfortably made.
I think the greatest concern, Ms. Wood, would be that the inbound #2 had been annulled at New Orleans. If this be the case, you are "open" for a bustitution. However, if you are traveling Sleeper, and are tactful yet persistent, you could end up with air transport and Hotel as your substitute transportation. Account potential liability issues, Amtrak would not allow you to rent an auto at their expense.
clwood Member # 3297
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quote:Originally posted by notelvis: The Magnolia Lounge for sleeping car passengers is small but pleasant if you need some separation from the crowd. David Pressley
David, can you or others describe the Magnolia Lounge for me? Is there a restroom? Baggage storage? Drinks or snacks?
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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The Magnolia Room at New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal was recently "madeover". It contains easy chairs, TV, coffee and soda bar.
It certainly beats the "oh so fifties" motiff of the main waiting room. Last trip through during Feb 04, I never left it from Sunset#1 arrival to City #58 departure.
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