I am new to this site and found it interesting but somewhat frustrating in that I am NEW -

trying to find the best way to get from Chicago to Orlando leaving 12/18 and coming back 12/27 (preferably via New Orleans due to the layover time) and I'm taking my 2-year-old daughter with me so NEED a sleeper!!

1st: how to get cheapest fares (don't have AAA, or student advantage)

2nd: every time I go online, the available options (i.e. sleeper cars) are sold out

3rd: the prices keep getting higher each time I go online for the accommodations

4th: based on one comment about how horrible the train was, do I even WANT to take my daughter on such a trip???

any advice??