INTRODUCTION

As seasoned travel content creators, we’ve cruised on over 35 ships. We’ve hit up Disney World way more times than we can count. We thought we knew all the ways to get to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Turns out, we were totally mistaken. Our 14 hour ride on Amtrak’s Floridian train from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Orlando, Florida, showed us an important lesson. Sometimes the journey can be even more epic than the destination. Still, it’s not always for the reasons you’d want!

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

We are the Parkers. We are travel enthusiasts and content creators. We manage “Parkers On The Go,” which is our cruise-focused channel with almost 10,000 subscribers. We also manage “2 Parkers 1 World,” which is our new land-based travel channel. Together, we have over 7 years of experience in travel content creation. We have documented everything from budget cruise cabins to luxury hotel stays. Our skill lies in honest, practical travel advice that helps real families make informed decisions about their vacations.

THE AMTRAK FLORIDIAN: ROUTE OVERVIEW

The Amtrak Floridian is a relatively new service. It launched in November 2024. The train connects Chicago to Miami with stops in Raleigh and Orlando. For Disney-bound travelers, this is an interesting alternative to flying. It is especially appealing to those who live along the route. It also suits those who prefer ground transportation.

Route Details:

• Departure: Raleigh Union Station at 7:49 PM
• Arrival: Orlando Station at 10:07 AM (next day)
• Total Journey Time: 14 hours 18 minutes
• Distance: Approximately 700 miles
• Key Stops: Cary, Southern Pines, Hamlet, Columbia, SC, Savannah, GA, Jacksonville, FL

BOOKING PROCESS & COSTS

Screenshot of Amtrak.com

How We Booked We booked our tickets approximately 6 weeks in advance through Amtrak.com. The process was straightforward. We were surprised to discover that coach tickets don’t include seat assignments. Seat assignments are given by attendants at the platform.

Cost Breakdown (March 2025 prices):

• Coach seats: $74 per person ($158 total)
• Café car coffee: $3 per person ($3 total)
• Transportation to Disney: $30 Uber
• Total trip cost: $191 for two people

Comparison with Flying: A similar flight would have cost approximately $1007.10 in total. This price covers both passengers. Thus, the train is about $816 cheaper. Nonetheless, this doesn’t account for the significant time difference (14 hours vs. 4 hours total travel time).

COACH CLASS EXPERIENCE: THE REALITY

Photos Credit Amtrak.com

Seating & Comfort Coach seats on the Floridian offer significantly more space than airline seats:

• Legroom: 39 inches (vs. 30 – 32 inches on most airlines)
• Seat Width: 23 inches
• Recline: Significant recline with footrests
• Amenities: Power outlets, large tray tables, oversize windows

Our Experience: We were assigned seats with limited window views (approximately 1/4 window due to wall placement). While disappointing for scenic viewing, the extra space and comfort compared to flying were instantly noticeable.

OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE: SLEEPING IN COACH

The Setup Coach passengers get no bedding or sleeping amenities. Success depends entirely on what you bring and your ability to sleep upright in a reclining seat.

Our Sleep Quality:

• Total sleep: Approximately 4-5 hours
• Comfort level: 6/10 (significantly better than airline seats)
• Noise issues: Woken at 5:55 AM by loud conversations during “quiet hours”
• Motion: Gentle side-to-side rocking, generally pleasant

Essential Items for Coach Sleeping:

• Travel pillow (neck support crucial)
• Light blanket
• Eye mask
• Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs
• Comfortable, layered clothing

DINING & AMENITIES

Café Car Options The café car offers basic food service:

• Hours: Approximately 6:00 AM to midnight
• Food Quality: Adequate for train food, better than airline meals
• Prices: $12-15 for hot entrees, $2-5 for snacks
• Payment: Credit cards accepted

Station Stops

• Savannah, GA: Extended stop (~1 hour) around 3:00 AM
• Jacksonville, FL: “Fresh air stop” lasting 30 minutes (scheduled for 15)

ARRIVING IN ORLANDO

The train arrived precisely on schedule at 10:07 AM at Orlando’s Amtrak station. The station is basic but functional, with:

• Restrooms and basic amenities
• Taxi and RIDESHARE pickup areas
• Limited food options nearby

Getting to Disney World:

• Distance: 18 miles from the station to the Disney property
• Uber/Lyft: $25-35, 30 – 40 minutes, depending on traffic
• Other options: Rental cars, Mears Connect shuttle service

HONEST ASSESSMENT: PROS & CONS

PROS:

• Cost savings: $142 less than flying
• Comfort: Much more space than airlines
• No airport hassles: No TSA, liquid restrictions, or boarding chaos
• Scenic route: Views of small-town America and Florida landscapes
• Environmental impact: Lower carbon footprint than flying
• Unique experience: The journey becomes part of your vacation

CONS:

• Time commitment: 14+ hours vs. 4 hours total travel time
• Sleep quality: Difficult to get quality rest in coach seats
• Limited amenities: No meals included, basic food options
• Unpredictability: Potential delays, no seat assignments until boarding
• Noise issues: Quiet hours are not always respected by passengers

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER TRAIN TRAVEL TO DISNEY

Great for:

• Budget-conscious travelers are comfortable with longer journey times
• Train enthusiasts who enjoy the travel experience itself
• Families with flexible schedules
• Those who hate flying or airport experiences
• Travelers along the route who can board at convenient locations

Not ideal for:

• Time-sensitive travelers
• Those requiring guaranteed comfort/sleep
• Travelers with mobility issues
• Anyone expecting luxury amenities
• Large families with extensive luggage

FINAL VERDICT

Taking the train to Disney World is an adventure in itself – emphasis on adventure. We saved money and avoided airport stress. Nonetheless, the 14-hour journey with minimal sleep challenged us. This happened before our vacation even began.

Would we do it again? We will, but only under specific circumstances. These include having more flexible time. We choose it if we want the train experience itself or if flight prices are significantly higher.

Our recommendation: If you’re curious about train travel, enjoy the journey as much as the destination. If you don’t mind trading time for money, the Floridian is perfect for you. If you value efficiency and comfort, stick with flying.

Rating: 6.5/10 for the experience, 8/10 for the value

About This Review This review is based on our personal experience in March 2025. Train schedules, prices, and services might change. We have no affiliation with Amtrak and purchased our tickets with our own funds. Our goal is to offer honest, practical travel advice based on real experiences.