BethChicago
Train Attendant
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2011
- Messages
- 21
I am SO glad I found this board...all the information has been sooooo helpful!
A couple of questions to all you helpful train veterans.
My husband & I are planning on taking the Amtrak (CA Zephyr) out from Chicago to Grand Junction, CO. We have two boys, ages 4 & 5.5. We want the experience of the train, but unfortunately, don't have the budget to do the full "family bedroom" ($900+). But we also are wondering what 27 hours in coach seats with two small children will be like!!
One question - I was considering purchasing a "roomette" so at least one parent and one kid could sleep in "shifts." At $200, that might be worth it... Thoughts? But if we purchase one roomette, does that mean we give up our seats and the possibility of us all four of us sitting together at some points?
I've seen mentions of possible onboard upgrades, but not sure if there are "deals" to be had or not. I did see a "Sleeper Upgrade" area on AU where people can post their stories, but it seems that the last update was from Fall of 2009. Does anyone have any more recent thoughts or experiences on if onboard upgrades are possible or if they are any cheaper than getting them in advance?
Of course, also working against us is that we plan to travel on Good Friday, right as many others are likely heading out for Easter week vacation.
At the very least, I'm sure we'll be giving our boys an amazing first time experience on the train, with the hope of having the time and money to be back to do it fully "right" next time!
Thank you very much!
A couple of questions to all you helpful train veterans.
My husband & I are planning on taking the Amtrak (CA Zephyr) out from Chicago to Grand Junction, CO. We have two boys, ages 4 & 5.5. We want the experience of the train, but unfortunately, don't have the budget to do the full "family bedroom" ($900+). But we also are wondering what 27 hours in coach seats with two small children will be like!!
One question - I was considering purchasing a "roomette" so at least one parent and one kid could sleep in "shifts." At $200, that might be worth it... Thoughts? But if we purchase one roomette, does that mean we give up our seats and the possibility of us all four of us sitting together at some points?
I've seen mentions of possible onboard upgrades, but not sure if there are "deals" to be had or not. I did see a "Sleeper Upgrade" area on AU where people can post their stories, but it seems that the last update was from Fall of 2009. Does anyone have any more recent thoughts or experiences on if onboard upgrades are possible or if they are any cheaper than getting them in advance?
Of course, also working against us is that we plan to travel on Good Friday, right as many others are likely heading out for Easter week vacation.
At the very least, I'm sure we'll be giving our boys an amazing first time experience on the train, with the hope of having the time and money to be back to do it fully "right" next time!
Thank you very much!