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Chilliepepper

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Hi all. Our family (DH, me, sons ages 9, 8 and 4) is planning a cross country trip on Amtrak, from Washington D.C. to Portland, OR. We have booked a family bedroom for all three nights.

What are your best trips for ensuring this trip goes smoothly and that everyone enjoys it? Without overpacking, what should we bring for entertainment and comfort? Are there better cars to get assigned to, such as the ones closer to the dining/lounge cars, and if so, is there any way to increase our chances of getting on those cars?

I'm thinking that with the days broken up with mealtimes in the dining cars, no one should get too bored. Still...I don't know what I don't know, so would love to hear your advice.

And because someone will probably ask: my kids aren't in the habit of crying for hours on end or running around screaming.

Thanks!
 
Hi, and welcome to the Forum!

I'm sure you will enjoy this foray into a modernized version of an old transport mode. I do like to set realistic expectations - maybe even lower than realistic - so that perhaps you will be prepared for the worst, hope for the best and be ready for an adventure that can almost always be spun into a positive experience.

Your choice for the family bedroom is excellent. The child bunks are small - but it sounds like you will all fit. It will be snug, but the room is pretty large. The best thing about the Family Bedroom is that you have the full width of the train car to enjoy BOTH sides of scenery from. The down side is that it's on the bottom level of the Superliner trainset, so you won't have the advantage of a higher-elevation view point. In fact, the lower level of a double decker like you'll be in sits slightly lower than most single level trains. But, don't fret. You'll be near a Sightseeing Lounge where you will have access to panoramic views of your journey. The other advantage of being on the lower level is that you'll be close to your baggage racks, located near the entry door to the train. You'll also be close to restrooms and showers that fewer folks will bother walking all the way downstairs to use.

As for packing, I think travel size everything will be appropriate. Even though you'll have pillows and blankets, a supplementary set from home can always be helpful. Amtrak sells a "comfort kit" that includes an airline-style blanket, air pillow, eye shades, and ear plugs for around $8 per kit. It's a nice little kit, but you don't need it in a sleeper. You will need to bring your own toiletries.

Folks also suggest bringing a little duct tape. It may come in handy to stop things from clanking or squeaking in the room.

As far as which car to be in, you may want to be in the car closest to the diner, just for convenience sake. Personally, I like taking a walk through all the cars, but with kids in tow, may not be as much fun for you as it is for them.

So, now, my low expectations. Expect to miss a connection, though you only have one in Chicago. Expect it so you aren't critically late to your destination (like by a day). They will take care of you, but patience is a must. The Empire Builder has also been chronically late in itself with all the oil boom in the Dakotas taking up so much rail space. Believe it or not, the companies that own the tracks want to run their own trains on them. There is also the prospects of mudslides from the Spring Thaw that can slow you down. In all this, it is much better that you are traveling West rather than East. :)

If there is such a diversion, be prepared for a bustitution. Again, they will help you with every step, but communication may be poor, so be vigilant.

Now that I have scared you into wondering if you should even go or not, I KNOW that it SHOULD be better than that and you will have an incredible journey. It's the unexpected that makes the rail journey memorable. It's the people you'll meet that will make it fun. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!
 
As far as missed connections go, I probably wouldn't fret too much on this trip.

The Empire Builder leaves Chicago at 2:15 in the afternoon, and the connecting trains from DC arrive in the morning:

Capitol Limited at 8:45, and the Lake Shore Limited at 9:45.

That should be plenty of time even if the LSL and CL are hours late.
 
Bring a DVD player, CD player and maybe a laptop with games to play. You may have the time to go outside Chicago Union station for lunch in the city and maybe even the elevator ride up the Willis (Sears) tower. If you find that you have forgotten some essential, there are several Walgreen's within walking distance of the station. There is a big variety of things to eat inside the station as well

Since you are in sleepers the whole way, you can leave your luggage in the lounge or you can check some of it to PDX if you don't need it on the train.
 
We made a trip around the country on Amtrak when our kids were 9 and 11. We had the family room on the Coast Starlight but used a bedroom and roomette on the other legs. While the family bedroom does have views on both sides of the train, the angle of the view is a bit narrow. We spent quite a bit of time in the sightseer cars to get a more panoramic view. Walking between the cars will be adventurous for the kids with the train swaying from side to side. They might find transitioning from one car to another a little scary at first, but they should get used to it.

For our trip each of us had one carry-on bag (backpack) and we allowed our kids to bring one stuffed animal each. That way there was less to keep track of and easy to see if everything was accounted for when we de-trained.

Dave
 
The family room animations on the Amtrak website are small. Here are actual photos of the family room in daytime configuration. Looking straight into the room, left side and right side.
 
Entertaining the kids will be determined by the kid. Bring some movies or computer games if that's what they like. Use earphones to avoid bothering other passengers, especially in public spaces such as the lounge car. Magnetic chess or checkers will work. Maybe books, possibly including puzzle books, or coloring books for the youngest. Have at least one camera available for use.

Dining car tables are set up for four people. It can be a bit crowded to get five at a table, especially if the kids are big boys; but it can be done. You may decide to split up into 3 at one table and two at another, or maybe four and one if one of the parents needs a break and feels the need to sit with some other adults. :giggle: (I know. I'm a parent too.)

As mentioned, walking through the train is an acquired skill, but it's not difficult once you get used to it. I used to tell my passengers "Think like a dancer: The motion of the train is your music." A wide stance, with your feet as far apart as your shoulder width, works best. When walking through the train, keep one hand free in case you need to steady yourself. Always wear shoes when walking through the train, even if it's just to go a short distance to the bathroom. Running (including all children's variations such as hopping, skipping, jumping, etc.) is inappropriate and potentially dangerous. The crew will really appreciate it if you are sure to have at least one parent with the kids at all times.

Is this a one-way trip? Permanent move? Flying back?
 
Welcome to the sensible form of travel,,,,,

The advice above is seasoned a few things I might add

Roll two feet or so of duct tape around a pencil. A loose latch or air vent can be easily controlled and you will save packing space

An extension cord with four outlets will expand the playing and charging capabilities for your electronics

We often use the H room - at the other end of the car - and the lower level has a lot less foot traffic,,,,,, and until you get to East Glacier there isn't that much to see,,, other than the expansive vista of our lovely country,,,,

Make sure you have enough buds and headphones for all your electronics,,, Others don't need to hear your tunes

Enjoy the meals,, take your time over them

Tip your SCA's , and don't hesitate to ask them for help, they can bring meals and other wonderful things

Bring snacks the kids like,, and consider a collapsible cooler,,, with five bodies you can check a lot of luggage, and don't forget to use the redcaps in Chicago, they will be a life saver for you,,,,,,

I have enjoyed fifty five years riding they rails, may you share in the pleasure
 
The others have given you good advice, I'll just mention a few tips;

Both trains are Superliner equipment( bi-level), as was said the Family room is downstairs.

On the Cap Ltd from WAS-CHI, your Sleeper will be in located behind the Crew Sleeper ( known as the Transdorm)next to the Diner with the Sightseer Lounge behind to the Diner, then the Coaches on the back of the train. The most you'll have to walk to the Diner and Lounge is 2-3 Cars but you are welcome to "walk the train" clear to the end to look out the rail fan window on the end car.

On the Empire Builder there are two trains hooked together with the Portland Section, #27, on the rear with the Portland Coaches (2) in front of your Sleeper, then the Seattle Section,#8, Coaches ( 2-3), then the Sightseer Lounge, then the Diner and the Seattle Sleepers on the front of the train! You'll get plenty of exercise on this route!!

When the train gets to Spokane early in the morning, the train is split with your train heading SW to Portland and the Seattle Section heading off NW.

Your section will have the Sightseer Lounge, the Portland Coaches and your Sleeper. Since the Diner goes to Seattle y'all will receive a boxed breakfast from your SCA in the Sightseer Lounge. Its OK, but nothing special.

You'll be rolling along the Columbia River in daylight which is very nice scenery.

Remember you can use the Club Acela in Washington and the Metro Lounges in Chicago and Portland while waiting for your trains. Nice place to rest and refresh, leave your luggage while you sightsee or go eat etc.

I highly recommend using Red Caps in WAS and CHI to get to/ from the train.

They'll board you from the Lounge (Union Station in WAS and CHI can be hectic and confusing), its a great service! Tips are appreciated!

Lastly, remember to take snacks and drinks, the stuff served in the cafes is basically unhealthy,overpriced crap, and you can replinish your supplies in CHI,there are Walgreen's and CVS close to Union Station and Whole Foods isn't that far if you want healthier fare!

Nice trip, the family that rides the train together usually have fun and make lasting memories!!
 
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tomfuller said:
Forgot to mention - Join Amtrak Guest Rewards ASAP. You earn 2 points per dollar spent on Amtrak travel and you can also earn points on rental cars and a large number of retailers for online purchases.
Click to expand...
Actually, one of the adults should join. Then that adult should "invite" the others via the link on earning points. Thus the first adult picks up extra bonus points. Must be done less than 90 days before the trip.
 
Echo what others have said here. I travel often with my now 11 year old son. Here is my list of must haves:

  • Lots of snacks. I usually bring some drinks also. Amtrak will provide coffee and juice.
  • Portable DVD, laptop, or Ipad. Kids will like train travel but some of the farm states do get a little boring. Have one for each if possible.
  • Camera or camera on phone
  • Power strip and cords to recharge DVD, Laptop, Ipad and phones. I use this one
  • I like to bring my car GPS with window mount and a power cord. I like to know where I am. Phone GPS works also
  • Shampoo (Amtrak will supply soap and towels)
  • Duct Tape
  • Little bills to tip in dining car ($1's and $5's) keep in mind this in three meals per day, so you need lots. The dining attendant can make change though.
  • Bigger bills to tip sleeping car attendant (around $10 per day is pretty standard, more for good services less for bad).

A few other tips

  • Amtrak Dining cars are built to seat parties of 4. You will be a little squeezed as a group of 5, but you will probably manage.
  • Dining can take a while, don't plan on eating as soon as you sit down. We have had to wait 30 minutes or more for food. This isn't good if you have a hungry kid. Breakfast is usually fast but lunch and dinner can take a while.
  • You will have a pretty large shared luggage storage area just down the hall from your room. That make is convenient to grab clothes, pajama's, etc. Make sure to bring locks though (In general, Amtrak sleepers are pretty safe for theft, but you don't want to be stupid)
  • There are also several bathrooms and a shower just down the hall.
  • Take advantage of longer stops to get off of the train for a few minutes, even with the short stops it is nice to step off the train just stay near your car attendant.
  • Agree with using the redcaps and taking advantages of the lounges
  • Don't expect to have cell coverage or data coverage your whole trip.
 
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Jim Hudson alluded to this but just to clarify -

On the Empire Builder there is one sleeping car that goes to Portland and it will be the very last car on the train. It will probably be about a 6-car walk up to the diner on this train but I think you'll ultimately welcome the opportunity to venture so far from your room on such a long ride.
 
All good advice so far. I just can't believe the one most overlooked recommendation hasn't been made yet:

Shoes. Wear shoes, not flip flops or strapless sandals. Or Crocs. <- Those simply because I think they're ugly and weird, but definitely wear real shoes for when you are passing between the cars or any time you're not reclined in bed or just kicked-back.

When our son was younger and we traveled long distances, I always had him keep up with our position on a road map. Granted, it is more of a challenge on a train (not having intersecting roads to pinpoint with), but it is doable. We would challenge him to tell us the capital city for the state we are in. Books about the region you are traveling through could also be useful. Growing up I was always interested in seeing how the other folks along the tracks lived. I can't imagine ever being drawn to a video game or other distraction while traveling. Even if others find the terrain "uninteresting", you can always find some small and interesting tidbit if you are looking for one. An old car model you haven't seen in years, farm machinery newer and better than yours, or even the subtle changes in the plant life as you pass through differing elevations.
 
Another possibility to get to or from Portland (PDX) is to take the Capitol Limited to Chicago (CHI) then take the California Zephyr (CZ) to Sacramento (SAC) and connect to the Coast Starlight (CS) to PDX.

If you do this, I would recommend taking the CZ westbound for the best scenery in Colorado. (The CZ is probably the most scenic Amtrak route!) You could return on the Empire Builder (EB) for a variation if you wish.
 
Empire Builder Westbound is probably a nicer trip if you want to see Glacier National Park in sunlight. However, you'll miss the Colombia River Gorge - which for me, was the most spectacular part of the trip.
 
As far as entertainment for the kids go, are there any hobbies you could get them hooked on right before the trip? ;) When I was a kid I used to get really addicted to making hemp bracelets on vacation. Just pin them to the seat in front of you and knot away. Not sure if boys would be as into these but I used to make hemp bracelets and sing loudly along with N*Sync in my headphones (yes, I was *that* sister.)

But I digress. It hurts my soul to see kids ignore the view in lieu of an iPad for the entire trip, but a craft like hemp bracelets (apparently boys like to make these out of paracord, useful in a "survival" situation :p ) or loom bands or some other non-messy craft could keep 'em quiet and contained for a few hours.
 
Wow, thanks everybody. I've been following these posts all day and it's all great. I might come back with one or two more questions later. Some of you have brought up video games, etc...I'm a bit torn. I feel like if we have them with us, everybody will want to gravitate to them when they really should be looking out the window. On the other hand, they could be handy for the bits where the scenery just isn't all that great. Hmmmm...might just have to be the parent, as usual, and set some limits. :rolleyes:
 
Chilliepepper said:
Wow, thanks everybody. I've been following these posts all day and it's all great. I might come back with one or two more questions later. Some of you have brought up video games, etc...I'm a bit torn. I feel like if we have them with us, everybody will want to gravitate to them when they really should be looking out the window. On the other hand, they could be handy for the bits where the scenery just isn't all that great. Hmmmm...might just have to be the parent, as usual, and set some limits. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
They're good for the boring parts (think endless, nonstop fields with no houses or terrain) and at night when you really can't see anything until you go through a town.

I bring books for those periods of time.

The kids might like having disposable cameras. They could create scrapbooks when they get home.
 
But seriously, I bring a kindle and watch movies or play games. No one can look out the window ALL the time (not that I haven't tried), so don't feel bad about bringing devices. I bet they'll end up glued to the window more than they think they will :)
 
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I hate it when my kids don't look out the window because they're too busy having arguments about tipping in the wrong thread on AU.
 
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