Disney World by Amtrak (Charleston, SC to Kissimmee, FL)
Disney World by Amtrak is at the bottom of the story (feel free to skip the rest if that is what you are looking for)
For now, I am going to skip the post of my visit with Abby in Charleston, SC, but jump to the next phase of the trip, traveling to Disney World by Amtrak. Mainly Abby and I went to the dog park, she got brushed, fed, and repeat, but I may come back to it though if you want.
Charleston, S.C. to Disney via Kissimmee, FL
The new North Charleston SC Amtrak Station.
On Sunday, March 31, my brother-in-law drove me to the new North Charleston Amtrak Station.
When I arrived last week, it was a quick walk through because my little niece was not happy that she and her mom had to pick me up at 5:30 am. So I was not able to see much of the station, but with this visit, I was able to enjoy the new station and take a few photos. They are still working finishing things up, such as parking, landscaping, and interior decorating.
Inside the new Charleston (SC) Amtrak Station
While waiting, I heard my name announced over the PA system to come to the ticket office, the first time this ever happened. As I walked up, I thought something happened or who died?
Long story short, the agent noticed my ticket and said that she could save me time and money on my trip, and that was the reason she called me up. It was very kind of her. This station has the best agents I have ever dealt with years of Amtrak travel. To get Kissimmee I had three trains routes to choose from, and I decided on the most extended way because I could, and it fit everyone’s schedule the best.
If the agent only knew I rode Amtrak for fun as well as transportation.
Amtrak’s Palmetto pulling into the new Charleston Station
The first train: Charleston, SC to Wilson, NC
The Palmetto was the first train of this adventure; from Charleston, S.C. to Wilson N.C., Yes I went north to go south. You might remember last year rode the Palmetto from Philadelphia, PA, to Charleston, SC., and like then I used business class.
The ride was pleasant but for a gaggle of gals who also boarded in Charleston. There were a little louder than I would appreciate, but it worked out.
I don’t mind others having a good time, but people should remember they didn’t invite everyone else in the car to their party, so it can be a little annoying when they do get a little too loud — this why I pack over the ear headphones to block the noise out, and we are all happy.
Moral of the story is, be respectful of your fellow passengers.
The mural inside the Wilson, NC Amtrak station
At Wilson, N.C.
One of two waiting areas at the Wilson NC Amtrak Station
The Wilson, (NC) Station, an old 1924 Atlantic Coastline Railroad Station, has a nostalgic charm. To celebrate the 100 plus years of railroad history in Wilson, the NCDOT commissioned a mural for the station.
The station has two waiting rooms, a larger waiting room, where the mural is the focal point and a smaller place off on the side that works well if you need work or want less traffic.
If you need a snack or beverage, there are vending machines in the hallway between the two waiting areas.
This staffed station offers check bag service, (if applicable to your trip). Because this is a small station, the agents may not be available for ticket sales or other in station assistance right before a train comes or while the train is in the station because they are working on getting passengers on and off the train. The station also has Amtrak Connecting Bus services.
Miss Rail Rose
On your next visit to Wilson, say hello to Miss Rail Rose, a mosaic lady who greets and bidding farewell to all passengers. I am not for sure if she is waiting for a train, but when it does arrive, she is ready.
While in Wilson, I forgot that most southern cities close on Sundays, so nothing was open around the station.
The City of Wilson does offer free Wifi, but it is spotty in the stations. When you have free Wifi, you can’t complain. The station owned by the City of Wilson offers a parking lot for passengers.
To Raleigh, NC
Amtrak’s Carolinian at Raleigh Union Station
The short trip to Raleigh happened aboard the Carolinian in business class. I sat next to a lady on her way to stay with her daughter who had an upcoming surgery. We started chatting while waiting for the train and then quickly became seatmates.
One enjoyable feature of business class on the Carolinian is the car attendant. The attendant help passengers on and off the train, assist with ticket collection and offers hot and cold complimentary beverages. I experienced a similar service on the Pacific Surfliner in CA.
The train came in on time at the Raleigh Union Station. After de-training I walked from the platform to the station through a tunnel.
Raleigh Union Station
At the Raleigh station
Gayle and I at Raleigh Union Station
During the layover, I met with a Facebook friend and TWK follower, Gayle McCurry. Gayle was a wealth of knowledge of the Amtrak in NC and my guide to the city.
Gayle is an active member and the contact person for the North Carolina’s Train Host Association. The Hosts serve as “Goodwill Ambassadors” to for the North Carolina Department of Transportation sponsored Amtrak trains, the Piedmont and Carolinian. According to the NCDOT brochure, “volunteers assist passengers with travel questions and information; assist train crew in duties as required by them, and promote rail safety.”
Cow Bar Burger, Fries, and Brew
After Gayle a quick look at the station, we walked to The Food Hall to get something to eat. The Morgan Street Food Hall offers a variety of food and beverage vendors. After scouting around the Food Hall we, found the Cow Bar, a burger and fries joint. To wash it down, I walked over to the bar located near the center of the building for a brew.
The food was excellent and filling! The burger was enough, but the fries were too tempting, so I ordered those in addition to the burger.
After the delicious meal, we walked back and Gayle showed me the grounds and interior of the station. What an impressive station with room for growth.
After this short visit to Raliegh, N.C. it is now on my list of cities I want to return to and explore.
Trains to Disney-Amtrak’s Silver Service Trains
Amtrak’s Silver Star in Orlando, FL
I took the Silver Star down to the Kissimmee Amtrak Stations; the other option being the Silver Meteor. From Charleston, the Meteor is a more direct route. Both trains run from New York Penn to Miami, FL; the differences between the two train are:
- The Star does not have a dining car
- Different schedules
- The Star is an earlier train
- The Meteor runs later
- The routes split between Selma-Smithfield, NC and Savana, GA
- The Meteor stays closer to the coast
- The Star travels more inland
The Auto Train will take you to Stanford, FL from Lorton, VA, and then you have a car to drive the rest of the way.
My experience with the Silver Star was pleasant, I did miss the dining car, but I only had missed one meal on this train because of when I got on and off of the train,
The only regret I had for this part of the trip was I didn’t get in line at hot dog stand line early enough at the Orlando Station. We were at the station longer than I thought, so when I did get inline they started calling All Aboard, I missed out on that.
From the Amtrak’s Kissimmee Station to the Disney Transportation and Ticket Center
Getting from the Kissimmee Amtrak Station to Walt Disney World is relatively easy, especially with a basic knowledge of public transportation. Look for a bus stop sign with the number you are looking for and your destination. Apps like Google Maps will tell you what bus or train you need to ride. Remember that buses go in two directions, so pay attention to the destination signs on the bus to ensure it’s going to the right location.
If you want to take the bus to Disney
Aboard the 56 Lynx Bus headed to Disney
From the Kissimmee Station, the closest #56 Lynx Bus Stop is on West Neptune Rd; just a short walk from the Amtrak station (about .2 of a mile). #56 travels to Disney every 20 minutes and terminates at the Transportation and Ticket Center at Disney, so you will never miss your destination.
Once on board, insert two dollars in the machine, and you are off! Remember to have the exact amount because drivers do not give change. Then sit back for the roughly hour-long ride to the park.
From Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center, you can find a ride to wherever you need to go on the Disney complex via bus or monorail. There is a security check before you get on the Monorail at the Ticket and Transportation Center. Disney Security checks all bags brought into the parks including luggage. It is easier than getting through them than the TSA.
There is public transportation from Orlando, but then there are transfers while Kissimmee was one bus.
Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are also available that works better for you.
Disney World Monorail entrance at the Ticket and Transportation Center
I hope you have been enjoying this part of the trip!
Safe travels!
Kev
