We just rode Oct 29 and Nov 9. I was one of those who was very upset by the changes, so I admit I was a bit jaded going into this trip since we loved the wine and cheese lounge car, etc.
On the train 10/29, we went south. We were practically the only family with kids...all else were snow birds.
When we boarded, my DH and one daughter went to the family bedroom. My other DD and I went straight to the lounge car to secure seats. We were the first one and didn't need to rush. It was empty for a while.
We had brought our own snacks and wine but found out we can't enjoy these in the lounge car ... But of course you can buy theirs!
Train was crowded, 475-490 (I forget) people.
I ordered the chicken and was very pleasantly surprised. I was expecting a downgraded meal, but except for the cheap, plastic placeware, it was really good. Not overcooked and was tasty. The special Dessert was a salted caramel cookie from Sweet Street bakery with vanilla ice cream that was delicious.
We ended up being car #6, after the priority offloading...woo Hoo!! Less than 10 minutes.
On our return, 11/9, we had a sleeper family bedroom again. The ride was definitely rougher at night. We had friends in coach, so it was actually nice to meet up with them in the lounge car. However, the lounge car was attached to the sleepers only in the beginning. So we had the lounge car mostly to ourselves until the trains joined and then those from coach were able to access the lounge car. This is a nice advantage of the sleeper cars -- we got a jump on everyone in coach for seats. I don't remember if this was the same in Lorton. I'm know we could access it right away from our sleeper...not sure about coach.
So if you really like the lounge car, being in a sleeper gives you a head start.
My meal this time was the steak and again, I loved the food. In fact, I ate everything on my plate which is a first. I guess not filling up on snacks from the lounge car helped me enjoy our meal more!
I did miss the wine at dinner and was told I can only have one soda, no refills. We did have water bottles in our room.
The train had only 200-300 people, I believe, going back to VA. There were many empty rooms.
Oh, forgot to mention that both trains had multiple dinner servings and the 7pm one filled up quickly both ways (about 1-1:30pm ish). We went with the first dinner and I'm glad we did. All seatings afterwards got delayed so with kids, it was the right decision to get the first.
Our southbound trip was free with credit card points and Amtrak miles. We just had to pay for our vehicle. I'm glad they allow this now.
We are a family of 4, tall people, with girls ages 9 and 5. We realized that this is the last time we will get the family bedroom bc with four bigger people, we have run out of room...esp with 1/2 bunks for the kids. We drove this summer to FL and although not our favorite, we would do it again if we can't get a good price on two roomettes or at least get one room free with our points.
Oh, playgrounds on both ends are not accessible. Bathrooms in Lorton are now outside in a trailer. Also the sidewalk outside the train station in Lorton is under repairs.
Hope this helps!
also I think I'll bring a few small throws to use as blankets?
