Connie,
Welcome to the forum
, traveling by train can be a fun and interesting experience for those of all ages. Since you will be going from Miami to El Paso you will first be taking the Silver Meteor #98 to Orlando then switch to the Sunset Limited #1 for the remainder of the journey. The Silver Meteor offers reserved Coach Class and First Class Viewliner Sleeping Car service. Coaches have two comfortable reclining seats on each side of the aisle, with plenty of legroom, foldout tray tables and adjustable footrests. All seats feature individual reading lights and overhead luggage racks. All coaches have two restrooms at one end of the car. Coach Class passengers have access to the Lounge Car were a selection on drinks, snacks, and light meals are available from a snack bar. You can relax at one of the tables or take the food back to your seat. Also if you are traveling in Coach you are welcome to enjoy a gourmet meal in the Dining Car. Prices range from $5-7 for breakfast, $7-10 for lunch, and $10-$20 for dinner. It operates just like a restaurant and trained chefs in the kitchen freshly prepare meals.
On the Silver Meteor you also have the option of booking a room in the Sleeping Car, however for the short ride up to Orlando this is not necessary. The Viewliner Sleeping Car consists of 12 Standard Bedrooms, 2 Deluxe Bedrooms, and 1 Accessible Bedroom. Standard Bedrooms offer two chairs located on either side of a big picture window. The chairs convert to the lower berth and the upper berth folds down from above. This room also has a vanity and toilet. The shower and changing room is located at the end of the car. The Deluxe Bedroom offers a sofa and armchair. At night, the sofa converts to the lower berth and the upper berth folds down from above. This room also includes an enclosed shower, sink and toilet. Two deluxe rooms can be combined into a suite that accommodates up to four adults. Every bedroom includes enclosed private bathroom facilities and a sliding partition that allows two adjoining rooms to become a suite. The Accessible Bedroom is a Viewliner Deluxe Bedroom that has been equipped for passengers with special mobility requirements. The sofa converts to the lower berth and the upper berth folds down from above. This room also includes an enclosed shower, sink, and toilet accessible by a wheelchair. Food service to the room is available to passengers upon request. One special feature about the Viewliner is the extra set of windows. Not only is there a wide window for viewing at eye level, but a second window above to allow extra light. An attendant is on-call through out the trip and will help you with your luggage and provide complimentary soft drinks and juice and sometimes a light snack or fruit. Sleeping Car passengers can also enjoy complementary meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) in the Dining Car.
Now moving on to the Sunset Limited. This train is equipped with bi-level Superliner cars, the largest passenger cars in the world! Many of the amenities are the same as on the Silver Meteor, but the interior layout of the train is somewhat different. Coach Class cars offer 60 seats on the upper-level in a 2-2 fashion and restroom and more seating for handicapped passengers can be found on the lower level. As before each seat has lots of legroom, foot rests, calf/leg rests, fold out tray table, reading light, and storage for any luggage you may have with you. The views from the upper-level really enhance the scenery. As a Coach Class passenger you will have access to the Sightseer Lounge. On the upper-level of the lounge there is floor to ceiling windows that even wrap around the roof and there is plenty of casual seating. On the lower level you will find an arrangement of tables and a snack bar where you can purchase drinks, snacks, and light meals. While traveling in Coach you can again make a visit to the dinner for all meals, but reservations for dinner are required and the lead Dining Car Attendant will come around in the afternoon to make them.
The Sleeping Cars have 14 Standard Bedrooms, 5 Deluxe Rooms, 1 Accessible Bedrooms, and a Family Bedroom. The Standard Bedrooms are located on both upper and lower levels of this bi-level car, and are designed for up to two adults. Next to a big picture window, the two reclining seats convert to a bed and the upper berth folds down from above. Standard rooms have upper and lower reading lights, heat and air controls, fold down table and standard American electrical outlets for shavers, hairdryers, etc. The shower and toilet facilities are located nearby. Deluxe first class accommodations are located on the upper level of this bi-level car. These private rooms offer a sofa and armchair that convert to a wide lower berth and comfortable upper berth. They also include a private sink and vanity accompanied by a fully enclosed shower and toilet. Two deluxe rooms can be combined into a suite that accommodates up to four adults. Deluxe rooms have upper and lower reading lights, heat and air controls, and standard American electrical outlets for shavers, hairdryers, etc. The Family Bedroom is in the lower level of this bi-level car and spans the entire width of the car. It has two picture windows and ample room for two adults and two small children. The sofa and two reclining seats convert to beds and the two upper berths fold down from above. Family rooms have upper and lower reading lights, heat and air controls, fold down table and standard American electrical outlets for shavers, hairdryers, etc. The shower and restrooms are located a few steps away. The Accessible Bedroom is in the lower level of this bi-level car and designed for passengers with special mobility requirements. This room occupies the entire width of the car, with space for wheelchair maneuverability. The lavatory area is located in the room and is separated by a privacy curtain. Food service in the room is available to passengers upon request. First-class Sleeping Car service includes all meals in the Dining Car. An attendant is available and on call 24-hours a day to help with luggage, sleeping room preparations, wake up calls and other needs that you may have during your trip. In the morning, the attendant can serve you a choice of tea, coffee, or juice along with a morning newspaper. Entertainment activities are open to all passengers. On most trains movies are shown every evening in the lounge car. During the summer month’s cartoons are shown daily.
As for traveling with children be sure have plenty of reading materials, games, stuffed animals, music (walkman, etc.), special snacks, and other items that you will need. Be sure to spend time in the Lounge and the first run of movies in the evening are usually G or PG and suitable for children. Expect the unexpected as trains are bound to get delayed, but the best thing to do is keep your cool and just enjoy the ride. I’m sure some other members will have some photos and other tips.
