Advice requested for Florida trip

[Mn Mother Mary]

I/we have been able to travel frequently on the Empire Builder from Mpls to Seattle because our son-in -law was stationed in the Navy out there. They have recently moved back home with our granddaughter We have always previously driven to Florida. We have decided to try the train to go South this next time.

We know that our vacation starts the minute we get on the train and want to know everything before I get on so we can be prepared in advance for anything. I have already purchased our tickets for travel (booked early, used Amsnag & signed up for Mastercard for AGR points)) in mid March 2014.

Here is our itinerary

-Empire Builder #28 Depart Mpls 7:50am-arrive Chicago 3:55pm coach

Capitol Limited #30 Depart Chicago 6:40pm-arrive DC 1:10 pm bedroom E

Silver Meteor #97 Depart DC 7:30-arrive Miami 6:55pm Roomette 1 or 2

We plan to check out Miami and then go spend some time in Key West. Have never been to either of these places same return trip. Questions-I understand this is viewliner equipment. I don't want to use the bathroom in the roomette. Is there another one in our car or will we have to use the one in coach or the lounge car? Is there a place to keep a bigger suitcase like on the Empire Builder? What else will be different about this trip compared to our previous one stop trip on the Empire Builder?

Where should we eat/tour in DC? We like old architecture and basic fresh home cooked meals. No seafood.

Any other tips/advice and what to expect about this trip would be welcome.

 

[jebr]

A few tips:

1. The Minneapolis station will likely be located at St. Paul Union Depot by the end of the year. As such, you may be paying for parking at the station. I'd recommend taking a bus or cab to the station to save on parking.

2. While mid-March should be before construction season, I'd forewarn that there's a greater than zero chance that you'll miss your connection. Assuming it's booked on one itinerary, the connection is "guaranteed", which would likely mean having an overnight hotel stay on Amtrak's dime and getting seating on the next train at the best accommodation possible (since you're in a bedroom, they may drop you down to a roomette or coach if the train is sold out.)

I'll leave the Viewliner questions to someone else, though.

 

[amtkstn]

On my last trip in a view liner, I walked up to the one of the coaches and use the restrooms there. They have either one or two rooms depending what kind of car it is.

 

[AlanB]

Questions-I understand this is viewliner equipment. I don't want to use the bathroom in the roomette. Is there another one in our car or will we have to use the one in coach or the lounge car?

No. At present there is no other alternative in your sleeping car. Your only choices are, use the one in your room or trek through the sleepers and dining car to reach the cafe car or go further to the coaches.

Is there a place to keep a bigger suitcase like on the Empire Builder?

No. There is no common area luggage rack, only a cubbyhole above the hallway that is accessed from inside your room. The rolling suitcase that I normally travel with is 14 inches wide, stands 23 inches tall, and is 7 inches thick. If I had two of those bags, I could just barely fit both of them side by side in the cubbyhole above the hall.

If you have anything more than that, you should seriously consider checking it. The attendant has no place to store it either, so they either have to put it in the vestibule of the car or the shower.

 

[pennyk]

I am in a viewliner roomette at this very minute on my way to Florida. The closest public toilet is in coach. There are no toilets in the cafe/lounge car. There is no public area to store luggage in viewliners. It must be stored in your room or checked. However, there is more storage space in a viewliner roomette than a superliner roomette.

I enjoy traveling in roomettes on the silvers, however, I am not wild about listening to the baby in one of the bedrooms crying.

I cannot give you Miami advice. I moved from there in 1970 and a lot has changed since then.

 

[PRR 60]

One thing you will enjoy about the Viewliner compared to the Superliner is the greater headroom for the upper bunk of the roomette. Plus, the upper bunk also has a window. The toilet situation? Lets just say it is not ideal for two in the room.

 

[FriskyFL]

I can't imagine why anyone would trade the convenience and relatively well maintained Viewliner toilet facility for the fetid, thoroughly wretched coach restroom, especially at the end of the journey when 100s of your fellow travelers have soiled every possible surface.

 

[Guest]

I can't imagine why anyone would trade the convenience and relatively well maintained Viewliner toilet facility for the fetid, thoroughly wretched coach restroom, especially at the end of the journey when 100s of your fellow travelers have soiled every possible surface.

That, unfortunately, are my feelings and experiences too.

 

[jld]

Enjoy the view near Harpers Ferry on the CL! As for DC layover, if you have the time jump a taxi from Union Station DC to see the Lincoln Memorial if you haven't done so before, which will bring you past the stately federal buildings (incl. Mall, Capitol Hill, the WH, etc) as you cruise down Constitution Ave. As you survey the area, one of the closest decent dining options near those buildings is Founding Farmers (farm-to-table fare) http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/washington-dc/

From there, or alternatively, head west to Georgetown where you will enjoy its quaintness and numerous food options along M street, or also you can head NW from Dupont Circle to see the great architecture of Embassy Row. Some may be open to the public for cultural events.

 

[Ryan]

I may have missed someone saying this, but you'll be in Superliner equipment all the way to Washington. The only Viewliner on your trip is on 97/98.

It'll be possible for you to have lunch on the Capitol Limited and Dinner on the Meteor if you so choose. If you want to partake in a dinner in DC, there are countless options.

 

[blueman271]

Will somebody be picking you up at the Miami train station or do you plan on renting a car and driving to Key West? If you plan on doing the latter your best bet will be to take a taxi to the airport and rent a car there. It is possible to get to the airport using public transportation however as the Meteor arrives in the evening, and after dark if it is even just a little late, I do not recommend it. I lived in Miami for the first 17 years of my life and I was just there in September to see old friends and watch my Dolphins beat the Falcons. If you have any Miami/Key West/South Florida feel free to ask and either I or any of the other members familiar with the area will answer.

 

[Mn Mother Mary]

Thanks for all the great advice. I am writing down the suitcase dimensions. The food recommendation in DC is a perfect break from the train food. Still hoping for more suggestions....

Since someone asked about our destination.........Here are my thoughts so far-Stay at the Country Inn & Suites Miami, FL for 2 nights.(someplace inexpensive that will let me change the reservation in case of train delay) Take a cab to the hotel depending on how late we might be or it might be Saturday if there are any problems. Pick up the car rental on Saturday(from where?) Check out old houses(estates) in Miami. Travel Sunday to Key West and stay at the Parrott Key resort returning Wednesday to stay somewhere? close to Amtrak for departure on Thursday AM.

 

[Dovecote]

I travel MSP to Jacksonville at least one round-trip a year. Let me add that traveling out of MSP it is not unusual for the eastbound EB to be late to the point you will be bussed from the station to CHI. Make sure you keep track of the train status by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. If the train is running late by all means ask for an agent and inquire if a bustitution will be in affect. If so, be at the station on time. The bus will leave on the scheduled train departure time.

As far as dining choices in DC there are a number of eating establishments in the station including the downstairs food court which has a an unlimited selection. You might consider a side trip to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. This a easy walk from the station. With an on time arrival you will have the chance to take a tour of the Capitol (with advanced reservations). There is also cafeteria type food options there, which although a little pricey, is sufficient enough for a good meal. http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/

 

[blueman271]

Thanks for all the great advice. I am writing down the suitcase dimensions. The food recommendation in DC is a perfect break from the train food. Still hoping for more suggestions....

Since someone asked about our destination.........Here are my thoughts so far-Stay at the Country Inn & Suites Miami, FL for 2 nights.(someplace inexpensive that will let me change the reservation in case of train delay) Take a cab to the hotel depending on how late we might be or it might be Saturday if there are any problems. Pick up the car rental on Saturday(from where?) Check out old houses(estates) in Miami. Travel Sunday to Key West and stay at the Parrott Key resort returning Wednesday to stay somewhere? close to Amtrak for departure on Thursday AM.

If your hotel is near the airport then the logical place to pick up your rental car would be the airport. They have every major rental car company and a number of off-brand companies under one roof at the rental car center. If your staying somewhere away from the airport (Coral Gables, South Beach, the Omni District, Doral etc) then you may want to find a local office and avoid having to pay the surcharges to rent at the airport.

On another note you mentioned that your son is in the Navy, which makes him (and possibly you) eligible for USAA membership. If any of you are USAA members I highly recommend going through them for your rental car and hotel. They offer discounts in the 20-25% percent range as well as excellent customer service and the ability to cancel with no penalties. I used them to book my rental through Hertz in September and got 25% off and a free upgrade.

 

[Ryan]

With an on time arrival you will have the chance to take a tour of the Capitol (with advanced reservations). There is also cafeteria type food options there, which although a little pricey, is sufficient enough for a good meal. http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/

Mid-March is usually pretty safe for walk ups. Later on in the month as the Cherry blossoms get started things pick up a little bit and reservations are a good idea.

 

[afigg]

Where should we eat/tour in DC? We like old architecture and basic fresh home cooked meals. No seafood.

There are many options for what you can do in DC, but my advice would be not to try to do too much given the limited time. Mid-March is a couple of weeks before the normal range for the Cherry Blossom peak. The tourist sites will be busy, but not the huge crowds that show up at the Tidal Basin, the Mall, and the museums for the peak.
Since you will be sleeper/First Class passengers, you can leave your bags at the Acela Lounge while you go on a quick sightseeing tour. DC Union Station is in walking distance of Capitol Hill, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and the Mall for that matter (longish walk though). My suggestion would be to walk south from the station, across Columbia Plaza to First Street and up to Capitol Hill. You could do the Visitors Center at the Hill, but you may not have time to do a proper tour. Another option would be to go into the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson building. Its free, has multiple exhibits, and impressive architecture. If you are up to it, you can walk around Capitol Hill & see down the Mall on the way back to Union Station, but you have to stay outside the security perimeter around the building.

 

[caravanman]

Hi,

In Washington, I have used the DC Circulator bus right from Union station, just $1 a ride, no pre-booking required: http://www.dccirculator.com/.

Although the washrooms in coach do get a lot of use, and probably should be cleaned more frequently, I cannot say that my experiences have ever been that "every surface becomes soiled"...

Ed

 

[Mn Mother Mary]

Thank you all, I love reading all the posts on this site!! Is there a new Miami station opening? I thought I read something somewhere about the trains having trouble at the station. We will be arriving in March 2014.