PLANES, TRAINS,AUTOMOBILES
 

My husband and I are planning trip to Orland on July of 08. Still working out the best way to travel. Any of you ever use Amtrak???? We really prefer not to drive but airfare can be so expensive.
We live in Virginia (near Richmond,Roanoke,Baltimore MD, DC) so these would be possible starting points for us.
We know that we will be staying at the Govesnor Resort (pre-arranged by the reunion commitee.) Any tips???? We are really not interested in Disney World.

If you are not interested in Orlando, why in the world would you go to Orlando in July?

It will be very crowded, extremely hot, extremely humid every day.

One of the beach areas of Florida would be so much more pleasant.

Check out the price of Amtrak - sometimes it's just as expensive as flying.

<If you are not interested in Orlando, why in the world would you go to Orlando in July?>

OP said she's not interested in Disney World, not that she's not interested in Orlando. Also, she mentioned that they'll be staying at a resort pre-arranged by the reunion committee, so that would lead me to believe they're going for a reunion. I hope that answers your question. :)

And as karens said, Amtrak can be just as expensive as flying, sometimes more expensive. Living where you do, you should be able to find some cheap airfare deals, especially since you have almost 1.5 years to work on it.

I think it's because they're going to a reunion and probably didn't have a say as to where and when. We haven't taken Amtrak (assume you mean AutoTrain), but have had friends in the northeast use it to get to Orlando (Sanford) and very much enjoyed it - used the overnight getting there and didn't have to drive, stay in a hotel, etc..

How is the scenery on that Amtrak line?

AutoTrain leaves Lorton VA late in afternoon and arrives Sanford FL the next morning, so scenery is dark most of the way.

I think it will be far cheaper to fly. If you can get to BWI, Delta and AirTran fly non-stop for under $200/person.

Kayak.com is a good website to check. You can pick searching nearby airports.

I've taken Amtrak on numerous occasions, and on this route several times. My experiences have run the entire spectrum of travel experiences. In all fairness, aircraft can be delayed, too, and cars can get stuck in traffic jams (sometimes for hours on end), but I have found Amtrak to be the travel experience with the least hassle. Well, a lot depends upon what your expectations are of train travel. Amtrak ( the service provider, not the train) can have different experiences depending upon the crew, the route, and the host (or landlord) freight railroad is. In the case of all the tracks from the NE to Florida, the landlord is CSX, and they are highly indifferent to Amtrak's circumstance while on their tracks. CSX, in the recent past, has scrimped a biut in their track maintenance, resulting in mediocre timekeeping and a (depending upon the location) bumpy ride. Those who expect a deluxe rail tour would be best to travel via Grand Luxe rail tours - but be prepared to pay a price that would make Amtrak look like a bargain. Those who board with the expectation that their vacation begins the moment they are aboard, intent upon spending time with the significant people in their lives, can have a more pleasant experience.

To answer Swaying Palm's question, the more scenic part of the route is in North Carolina and Virginia.

The one most important thing to do is to relax. Take out a deck of cards and play with your spouse or family. Catch up on the reading. Look out the windows and see what there is to see. Also, I'd look into booking the sleeper for the overnight portions, because sleepeing in a supine position is more comfortable than a reclining position - the meals are included with the sleeper price.

Here's a good account of what it's like to travel on Amtrak from NY to Florida: http://www.newsday.com/travel/destin...0,630652.story
Good luck!