Ok so im offically reg'd, hotel set, and train reservations set for heading to MFF.

 I'm posting this to see if ppl may wanna ride with me down to MFF via Amtrak Empire Builder #8 or #28 on Thursday, it was kinda dull and lonely last year being the only one who rode the train down, I was definitely the ONLY furry heading to MFF so it sucked not having anyone to chat with sit by.

(Leaving Thursday, Departing Monday from Chiago)

 The price isnt too bad, only 200 dollars (less than flying) to travel to MFF and back out of Minneapolis and its about 1 1/2 to 2 hours faster than driving (8 hours, 5 minutes each way), beautiful scenery and you can just sit back and relax the whole time.

 The train leaves around 7:50 AM, and arrives at Union Station 3:50 , from there its about 1 hour to the hotel via Public transit.

 Anyone wanna come with so theres ppl to chat with, etc on the ride down and back?

Cybergarou said:

Very few people take the train to MFF because it's sole advantage is that you don't have to drive. It takes 1-2 hours longer depending on where you live in the metro. (The average speed of the Empire Builder route between here and Chicago is only 52 mph, making the interstate more direct and faster.)

If you drive, you have more freedom in packing, have more options for eating, and assuming you carpool it's cheaper. The train is there for the experience.

not really, for most of the trip its going 70-80 MPH, once you hit western Wisconsin it slows down to 40-50 and 30 when you enter Chicago itself.

 I look at the train as being more versatile as well, you dont need to stop for food or bathroom, and you can walk around and hang out in the scenic cars while your going.

 I dont like flying, I hate getting my ears plugged and they stay plugged for days, and driving I would be srunched.

 Also about the packing.. theres quite a bit you can bring, you can check baggage or carry on, I bring 2 suitcases to MFF, 1 for my fursuit, 1 for clothes and tolietries and I fit that all in the overhead (which is ALOT bigger than the airplane overhead)

 but meh, its just my personal preference I guess, I love riding it and its a nice and laid back way to get from here to Chicago.

Cybergarou said:

It's basic math. The route is 418 miles long, and the schedule says it'll take 8 hours. 418/8 is 52. It's called the average speed because it includes both the time it is traveling 79 mph and the time when it is traveling 0 mph at a station. That doesn't including the 1 hour public transit.

As for the rest, that is what I mean by the train is there for the experience. It is a different way of traveling.

fair enough, but bear in mind the stations are usually only 2 or 3 minutes each, they actually load and unload folks pretty fast and efficiently at each stop, its almost scary how efficient they are.