Pre-Amtrak July 21st-30th, 2018
Originated in Austin, TX. Flew into Orlando, FL via JetBlue with my Mom. Our original plane was an Embraer ERJ-190, but there were mechanical problems, so they ended up sending us an Airbus 320 and throwing together a flight crew instead of cancelling the flight. So a smaller plane's worth of people filling a larger plane meant people had more room to spread out! Since it was their fault, we were awarded $75 a piece. Since I used a bunch of points for my bags-included ticket, they paid me to fly which was nice. The plane was a little over 3 hours late. Ironically, this was the longest transportation delay we experienced on this trip!
Headed to Disney on Mickey's Magical Express (the whole process took about two hours to get from the airport to the Caribbean Beach Resort). Used Bell Services to take us to our room (highly recommend this at this huge resort). We used buses to get to and from the park, but often it took sometimes 45-50 minutes to catch buses that run "every 20 minutes." We utilized Lyft a few times after a while (especially when leaving the parks). We did the Disney After Hours event and rode 12 different rides (some multiple times- no waits!), which was an adventure. On our last night, we rode the monorail just for fun.
We were at Disney until the 25th. After that, my Mom headed out and I had a private car service (Tuxedo) drive me to Zumba Instructor Convention. The day after Convention ended, it was time for the train! My car service showed up on time and drove me straight to Orlando Station.
July 30-31st, 2018
Silver Meteor #98 - ORL to WAS
17 minutes late Arriving in Orlando, FL.
2 hours late Arriving in Washington, DC.
Viewliner Roomette (Room 2)
My SCA was A.C. (I think that was his name- I only caught it once). The roomette was my first experience in a roomette- and a Viewliner to boot. Thankfully, at this point I was travelling alone. I thought the in-room toilet was an interesting novelty, but talk about self-consciousness wondering if the curtain would open at an inopportune moment. I didn't sleep very well at all, but had some good food in the diner. I met a woman who was travelling alone after her husband passed away six weeks back. A mother and daughter from Czech Republic sat with us for lunch out of Orlando. We had some pleasant conversation together. Tried to get the Mussels, but they did not have them in stock. Ordered the burger instead. Dinner and breakfast they sat me at a wheelchair accessible table with no one else next to me or across from me, so those felt a bit lonely. Had the Land & Sea combo (not a big fan of the "sea" cake). For breakfast, the omelet with a side of chicken sausage. So good! I mentioned how much I appreciated the meals since I was about to board the Capitol Limited and the gal in the dining car was like, "I'm so sorry."
July 31st-August 1st, 2018
Capitol Limited #29 - WAS to CHI
Left WAS on time.
1 hour, 56 minutes late into CHI
Superliner Roomette (Room 2)
I utilized Red Cap service for the first time ever (we don't have those in Texas, LOL!). It was a great experience and I was transported to the 29 in style. My SCA was Gerald. Before our train departed WAS, he came to my roomette to ask about my dinner order/time and turndown time. I ordered the short ribs with Orange Juice and took the small bottle of vodka for my friends for later (I don't drink alcohol, so this wasn't a benefit). I liked that there was a hot option, but it was pretty much a sad microwave meal. I got my fancy amenities kit- which I didn't use. I slept slightly more comfortable in this roomette, but not by much. My fellow roometters had trouble using the trash can, but I made sure to leave it better than I found it each time.
At breakfast, there was a line to get the breakfast boxes. They were out of all juice and milk (the excuse was because there were a lot of kids on the train). A group of very vocal experienced gentlemen voiced displeasure with the Contemporary Dining Car "options" and I joined in the chorus. We educated the others to write/call not only Amtrak, but their Representatives as well. Lots of folks were upset, explaining how they arrived later in the dinner hours and things to eat were gone. Some talked about how due to allergies or stomach conditions that they couldn't partake in any of the meals that were left. Of course, the hot option was the first to go.
The atmosphere on the train felt a lot like a funeral. I only saw three staff people on the train itself (SCA, Dining Car Attendant, Conductor). It was really odd and seemed out of place.
August 1st, 2018
Texas Eagle #321 - CHI to STL
Left CHI on time.
11 minutes late Arriving into STL
Superliner Coach
Upon arrival in CHI, I took a Red Cap to the Metropolitan Lounge. He was super funny and was really cool, making a little boy riding with us feel on top of the world. I walked around a bit in the station- of course we were late on the Capitol Limited due to track work around Gary, Indiana. I didn't have a whole lot of time to go to far, but I did see a snippet of the outside world in Chicago. I tried to upgrade, but none were available (the last three roomettes had been booked in the 45 minutes between me checking on the app and then talking with a ticketing agent). It wasn't long before I was back in the lounge and the announcements were being made. Needing a few more steps, I took a stroll to the 21. Thankfully, the 321 car (last in the consist) was the first car at the platform. I hopped on before anyone else and found myself a perfect seat to sit in for the next 6+ hours. My seatmate was courteous and respectful and it was a full car. Interestingly enough, some of my "Contemporary Dining" vocalizers were in the car with me. They were sad to hear that the Texas Eagle was next on the boxed food list. I plugged in my computer and played around with some music and playlists from Zumba Convention- it was nice and relaxing, even in a car full of people. We arrived fairly "on time" in my book.
August 1st-5th, 2018
Had a blast in St. Louis. Took in a Cardinals game in a party suite with a bunch of friends. We had a big BBQ at someone's house, which was a total blast. Our last day, we explored the Delmar Loop and paid a visit to Ted Drewe's on the old Route 66.
August 5th, 2018
Texas Eagle #421 - STL to AUS
28 minutes late Arriving in St. Louis, MO
1 hour, 16 minutes late Arriving in Austin, TX
Superliner Bedroom (Room E)
Picked up a travel companion. By far, the most comfortable ride and best train sleep (might have to do with sway and bed orientation vs. the roomette). We utilized the first class lounge at Gateway station and met some future dining companions from both Austin and Los Angeles. They were a fun crowd! Our SCA was Sharlene and you could tell she took a great pride in running her car. Instead of a trash bin at the top of the stairs, she had a makeshift table with a small flower/vase display. In the evening, she had a bowl of snacks. In the morning, it was the rail magazine. Each room had the party's last name next to the door along with the on/off points (which helped us know there was another party getting on in Austin, so we could help her get the room ready before we left). We had steak for dinner Sunday night, slept through breakfast, had a burger for lunch, and another steak for dinner. They were out of several lunch items (only salad, kid's items, and angus & veggie burgers). Dinner Monday night was a bit slow (had a 5:30 reservation, food delivered at 6:45 just leaving Taylor). I also noticed some of the dining car staff seemed new and unseasoned as to what is included with sleeper meals (she kept saying the garden salads would be an extra charge, for instance- which I've never come across). They also would not honor to-go orders unless the order was brought by the SCA because, "The lids are too hard to put on." (???) One of our dining companions wanted to get her husband an order (she showed their ticket with both of their names) and my travel companion tried to go to the dining car to get something "to go" when our attendant was at a longer station stop. Both times were denied.
I confirmed with our SCA that the "Contemporary Dining" options are coming to the Texas Eagle in September. I didn't get a chance to ask if that included the Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle combination as well- or if it was just the 21/22 CHI-SAS route. I let her know about my experience aboard the Capitol Limited and that I'll be writing both Amtrak and my Legislators. She appreciates all of us who do this for them.
Our next rail trip might not be Amtrak (just short novelty steam train routes), but we do plan on riding the Texas Eagle again next summer (AUS-STL-AUS). Crossing my fingers things get better in time for that trip! I'll be writing in with my post-trip follow-ups, but I wanted to bring y'all the first glance while it is fresh in my memory.
Originated in Austin, TX. Flew into Orlando, FL via JetBlue with my Mom. Our original plane was an Embraer ERJ-190, but there were mechanical problems, so they ended up sending us an Airbus 320 and throwing together a flight crew instead of cancelling the flight. So a smaller plane's worth of people filling a larger plane meant people had more room to spread out! Since it was their fault, we were awarded $75 a piece. Since I used a bunch of points for my bags-included ticket, they paid me to fly which was nice. The plane was a little over 3 hours late. Ironically, this was the longest transportation delay we experienced on this trip!
Headed to Disney on Mickey's Magical Express (the whole process took about two hours to get from the airport to the Caribbean Beach Resort). Used Bell Services to take us to our room (highly recommend this at this huge resort). We used buses to get to and from the park, but often it took sometimes 45-50 minutes to catch buses that run "every 20 minutes." We utilized Lyft a few times after a while (especially when leaving the parks). We did the Disney After Hours event and rode 12 different rides (some multiple times- no waits!), which was an adventure. On our last night, we rode the monorail just for fun.
We were at Disney until the 25th. After that, my Mom headed out and I had a private car service (Tuxedo) drive me to Zumba Instructor Convention. The day after Convention ended, it was time for the train! My car service showed up on time and drove me straight to Orlando Station.
July 30-31st, 2018
Silver Meteor #98 - ORL to WAS
17 minutes late Arriving in Orlando, FL.
2 hours late Arriving in Washington, DC.
Viewliner Roomette (Room 2)
My SCA was A.C. (I think that was his name- I only caught it once). The roomette was my first experience in a roomette- and a Viewliner to boot. Thankfully, at this point I was travelling alone. I thought the in-room toilet was an interesting novelty, but talk about self-consciousness wondering if the curtain would open at an inopportune moment. I didn't sleep very well at all, but had some good food in the diner. I met a woman who was travelling alone after her husband passed away six weeks back. A mother and daughter from Czech Republic sat with us for lunch out of Orlando. We had some pleasant conversation together. Tried to get the Mussels, but they did not have them in stock. Ordered the burger instead. Dinner and breakfast they sat me at a wheelchair accessible table with no one else next to me or across from me, so those felt a bit lonely. Had the Land & Sea combo (not a big fan of the "sea" cake). For breakfast, the omelet with a side of chicken sausage. So good! I mentioned how much I appreciated the meals since I was about to board the Capitol Limited and the gal in the dining car was like, "I'm so sorry."
July 31st-August 1st, 2018
Capitol Limited #29 - WAS to CHI
Left WAS on time.
1 hour, 56 minutes late into CHI
Superliner Roomette (Room 2)
I utilized Red Cap service for the first time ever (we don't have those in Texas, LOL!). It was a great experience and I was transported to the 29 in style. My SCA was Gerald. Before our train departed WAS, he came to my roomette to ask about my dinner order/time and turndown time. I ordered the short ribs with Orange Juice and took the small bottle of vodka for my friends for later (I don't drink alcohol, so this wasn't a benefit). I liked that there was a hot option, but it was pretty much a sad microwave meal. I got my fancy amenities kit- which I didn't use. I slept slightly more comfortable in this roomette, but not by much. My fellow roometters had trouble using the trash can, but I made sure to leave it better than I found it each time.
At breakfast, there was a line to get the breakfast boxes. They were out of all juice and milk (the excuse was because there were a lot of kids on the train). A group of very vocal experienced gentlemen voiced displeasure with the Contemporary Dining Car "options" and I joined in the chorus. We educated the others to write/call not only Amtrak, but their Representatives as well. Lots of folks were upset, explaining how they arrived later in the dinner hours and things to eat were gone. Some talked about how due to allergies or stomach conditions that they couldn't partake in any of the meals that were left. Of course, the hot option was the first to go.
The atmosphere on the train felt a lot like a funeral. I only saw three staff people on the train itself (SCA, Dining Car Attendant, Conductor). It was really odd and seemed out of place.
August 1st, 2018
Texas Eagle #321 - CHI to STL
Left CHI on time.
11 minutes late Arriving into STL
Superliner Coach
Upon arrival in CHI, I took a Red Cap to the Metropolitan Lounge. He was super funny and was really cool, making a little boy riding with us feel on top of the world. I walked around a bit in the station- of course we were late on the Capitol Limited due to track work around Gary, Indiana. I didn't have a whole lot of time to go to far, but I did see a snippet of the outside world in Chicago. I tried to upgrade, but none were available (the last three roomettes had been booked in the 45 minutes between me checking on the app and then talking with a ticketing agent). It wasn't long before I was back in the lounge and the announcements were being made. Needing a few more steps, I took a stroll to the 21. Thankfully, the 321 car (last in the consist) was the first car at the platform. I hopped on before anyone else and found myself a perfect seat to sit in for the next 6+ hours. My seatmate was courteous and respectful and it was a full car. Interestingly enough, some of my "Contemporary Dining" vocalizers were in the car with me. They were sad to hear that the Texas Eagle was next on the boxed food list. I plugged in my computer and played around with some music and playlists from Zumba Convention- it was nice and relaxing, even in a car full of people. We arrived fairly "on time" in my book.
August 1st-5th, 2018
Had a blast in St. Louis. Took in a Cardinals game in a party suite with a bunch of friends. We had a big BBQ at someone's house, which was a total blast. Our last day, we explored the Delmar Loop and paid a visit to Ted Drewe's on the old Route 66.
August 5th, 2018
Texas Eagle #421 - STL to AUS
28 minutes late Arriving in St. Louis, MO
1 hour, 16 minutes late Arriving in Austin, TX
Superliner Bedroom (Room E)
Picked up a travel companion. By far, the most comfortable ride and best train sleep (might have to do with sway and bed orientation vs. the roomette). We utilized the first class lounge at Gateway station and met some future dining companions from both Austin and Los Angeles. They were a fun crowd! Our SCA was Sharlene and you could tell she took a great pride in running her car. Instead of a trash bin at the top of the stairs, she had a makeshift table with a small flower/vase display. In the evening, she had a bowl of snacks. In the morning, it was the rail magazine. Each room had the party's last name next to the door along with the on/off points (which helped us know there was another party getting on in Austin, so we could help her get the room ready before we left). We had steak for dinner Sunday night, slept through breakfast, had a burger for lunch, and another steak for dinner. They were out of several lunch items (only salad, kid's items, and angus & veggie burgers). Dinner Monday night was a bit slow (had a 5:30 reservation, food delivered at 6:45 just leaving Taylor). I also noticed some of the dining car staff seemed new and unseasoned as to what is included with sleeper meals (she kept saying the garden salads would be an extra charge, for instance- which I've never come across). They also would not honor to-go orders unless the order was brought by the SCA because, "The lids are too hard to put on." (???) One of our dining companions wanted to get her husband an order (she showed their ticket with both of their names) and my travel companion tried to go to the dining car to get something "to go" when our attendant was at a longer station stop. Both times were denied.
I confirmed with our SCA that the "Contemporary Dining" options are coming to the Texas Eagle in September. I didn't get a chance to ask if that included the Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle combination as well- or if it was just the 21/22 CHI-SAS route. I let her know about my experience aboard the Capitol Limited and that I'll be writing both Amtrak and my Legislators. She appreciates all of us who do this for them.
Our next rail trip might not be Amtrak (just short novelty steam train routes), but we do plan on riding the Texas Eagle again next summer (AUS-STL-AUS). Crossing my fingers things get better in time for that trip! I'll be writing in with my post-trip follow-ups, but I wanted to bring y'all the first glance while it is fresh in my memory.
