Is this train a Superliner? Since people keep talking about upstairs and downstairs, maybe it is. My comments only apply if it is.
In Superliners, you move between cars on the upper level. So if you are going to go to the lounge or diner, you'll have to get upstairs. You could take meals in the roomette, but your children are pretty young to be allowed to go to lounge and diner by themselves, and old enough they are not going to like being stuck in the roomette the whole time. So, do you want to climb the stairs once at the beginning of the trip and once at the end (upstairs roomette)? Or for every outing (downstairs roomette)? Either way, others will appreciate your letting them go ahead on steps since they'll probably be faster.
The Superliner coach restrooms are downstairs, same for lounge restrooms. Sleeper shower is downstairs. Sleeper restrooms are mostly downstairs but there is one commode and sink upstairs. So if you are downstairs, showering will be easier; upstairs you might want to forgo showers (Your kids probably won't mind, and you can sponge bath or baby-wipe critical areas if you want).
One thing is carrying things up and down those stairs is difficult. Many people put their luggage in the downstairs rack and get a change of clothes out from there every day. If you sleep upstairs, you won't want to do that. But you could give each child a small backpack and make them carry their own change of clothes, snacks, toys, and whatever else they need. I'd also recommend a small (emphasize small) backpack for you, something so you can use both hands on the banisters on those stairs. You are on a train, it is OK to wear the same thing every day and just change underwear! This is a situation where packing light can really make a difference in your enjoyment of the trip.
Your car attendant may be a really huge help to you, in which case he or she deserves a better than usual tip, and maybe even a complimentary letter to corporate.
In Superliners, you move between cars on the upper level. So if you are going to go to the lounge or diner, you'll have to get upstairs. You could take meals in the roomette, but your children are pretty young to be allowed to go to lounge and diner by themselves, and old enough they are not going to like being stuck in the roomette the whole time. So, do you want to climb the stairs once at the beginning of the trip and once at the end (upstairs roomette)? Or for every outing (downstairs roomette)? Either way, others will appreciate your letting them go ahead on steps since they'll probably be faster.
The Superliner coach restrooms are downstairs, same for lounge restrooms. Sleeper shower is downstairs. Sleeper restrooms are mostly downstairs but there is one commode and sink upstairs. So if you are downstairs, showering will be easier; upstairs you might want to forgo showers (Your kids probably won't mind, and you can sponge bath or baby-wipe critical areas if you want).
One thing is carrying things up and down those stairs is difficult. Many people put their luggage in the downstairs rack and get a change of clothes out from there every day. If you sleep upstairs, you won't want to do that. But you could give each child a small backpack and make them carry their own change of clothes, snacks, toys, and whatever else they need. I'd also recommend a small (emphasize small) backpack for you, something so you can use both hands on the banisters on those stairs. You are on a train, it is OK to wear the same thing every day and just change underwear! This is a situation where packing light can really make a difference in your enjoyment of the trip.
Your car attendant may be a really huge help to you, in which case he or she deserves a better than usual tip, and maybe even a complimentary letter to corporate.
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