Entertainment to Ride Florida Rails

Reservations opened this month for a new train service between Florida’s Fort Lauderdale and Orlando areas, scheduled to begin Oct. 2.

The Florida Fun-Train promises more on-board entertainment than the usual rail ride: strolling magicians, clowns and other entertainers; video games; a dance floor; a wine bar and pub; and restaurants ranging from the 50s Diner to the Tropical Bar & Grill.

At $69.95 per adult ($49.95, children ages 2 to 12) one-way, the regular fare is higher than Amtrak ($55 per adult) or flying (about $29 to $44, with 14-day or 21-day advance reservations). But there is a two-for-one deal being offered for rides reserved and prepaid by Sept. 15, subject to availability. The fare does not include food.

The nonstop train, running daily, will take about four hours to cover 200 miles. The operator, First American Railways Inc., based in Hollywood, Fla., said it’s still taking bids on rail platforms, so the exact start and end points have not been set. The company also runs the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado. Reservations; tel. (888) 386-8722.