Originally Posted by
TheBOSman
Well aware. I've wanted to take this train ride for a
long time

. Paid for first class (GoldStar service), unlike airlines, on a train the upgraded class is usually both reasonably priced and well worth it.
The GoldStar Service is well worth the small premium IMHO. Did it last year at the views were spectacular. Also, you have the run of the train, so you are not confined there. They gave us a small metal badge to wear which granted entrance to GSS.