FrensicPic, RogerD408, KBMIFlyer -
Thanks very much. I'm glad to hear that, one way or another, we likely won't have to worry about getting seats together.
Since the trip lasts about 0800 to 1900, I'm not too worried about breakfast and lunch - I can't recall what Amtrak calls the "snack" car, but I'm sure that would be fine for a light breakfast and early lunch.
I would like to enjoy a nice dinner in Dining Car towards the end of the day. Since our trip ends at 1900 (and my dad tends to be an early eater anyway), I'll talk to someone about hopefully getting an earlier dinner seating.
I wasn't aware of the PPC issue, but I doubt it would be a concern. A bar isn't a big deal one way or another to my dad or I, and I suspect a movie on a train would lead to him being "motion sick"
Again - thanks to all who helped - I'm sure this'll be a great little weekend.