How much for Gas?

[tracycd2]

Hi All,
I know this has been discussed a thousand times BUT....

How much did it cost you to drive to WDW?
I live about 3+1/2 hours north of the GTA.
I drive a 2004 hyundai accent so i get about 31 mpg.

Anyway for those of you who drive can you tell me
roughly what it cost you.
Thanks
P.S. we plan on going down I75

[brivers222]

We drove I75 from Detroit to Florida two years ago... One way it was 1162 miles costing us $75 in gas ($150 round trip)... This year we are planning on about $190 for gas... which is still less even with a hotel for the night, than buying 3 round trip airline tickets

we have a 2004 KIA Spectra LS (about 27-30 Hiway MPG)

[Jo-Anne]

In case this helps with your calculations, we just got back from WDW yesterday and I recall the price of gas was around $2.23/gallon.

[CharlesTD]

In May it cost us 175.00Us return for gas we drive an 05 Montana we were getting over 600K out of half a tank of gas. We look at this as a huge savings over flying a family of 5 to WDW even with discounted fares out of Buffalo on SWA.

[son3disfan]

Wow... I think maybe I need a tune up...
We've drove three times now from Detroit to Florida and it has always cost at least $400.00 canadian (at least ) round trip... although I did use the car alot in Orlando park to park and a couple of shopping trips. I drive a Jeep Grand Cherekee-96. I agree it is still a huge savings for our Family of 5 as apposed to flying... even on a deal.

[CharlesTD]

Wow... I think maybe I need a tune up...
We've drove three times now from Detroit to Florida and it has always cost at least $400.00 canadian (at least ) round trip... although I did use the car alot in Orlando park to park and a couple of shopping trips. I drive a Jeep Grand Cherekee-96. I agree it is still a huge savings for our Family of 5 as apposed to flying... even on a deal.


We never drive to the parks but we do go offsite for side trips for the day and to go shopping and we still didn't use that much gas holy cow I hink it is time to be getting some work done on that monster if it is costing you 400CDN.

[tracycd2]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I went on the fuel consumtion guide site and it said
it would roughly cost me $1.95 for every 25 miles i drive.
so by using this as a guide for 2000 miles it would cost
me roughly $156.00.
So I will plan on $300.00 USD and have a pretty good buffer.

Does this sound resonable?
Thanks again

[son3disfan]

In May it cost us 175.00Us return for gas we drive an 05 Montana we were getting over 600K out of half a tank of gas. We look at this as a huge savings over flying a family of 5 to WDW even with discounted fares out of Buffalo on SWA.
Not to be rude, but it is IMPOSSIBLE to get 600 km on a half tank...

[son3disfan]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I went on the fuel consumtion guide site and it said
it would roughly cost me $1.95 for every 25 miles i drive.
so by using this as a guide for 2000 miles it would cost
me roughly $156.00.
So I will plan on $300.00 USD and have a pretty good buffer.

Does this sound resonable?
Thanks again
That sounds resonable! Have a great time ! Do you have the Dave Hunter " Driving the I75? Awesome book!

[digskat]

we have driven twice in the last 14 months, with two different vehicles. 1st trip was in an older Windstar, in November 2004. From mid-Lake Huron, to Disney, and quite a bit of driving around Orlando, was about $275. 2nd trip, (4 months ago) was in a new Escape, again with driving around Disney and Kissimee, was $300. Gas prices are down again, so a fair estimate would be $250, considerably less than flying.

[son3disfan]

Wow... I think maybe I need a tune up...
We've drove three times now from Detroit to Florida and it has always cost at least $400.00 canadian (at least ) round trip... although I did use the car alot in Orlando park to park and a couple of shopping trips. I drive a Jeep Grand Cherekee-96. I agree it is still a huge savings for our Family of 5 as apposed to flying... even on a deal.
I'm correcting myself here... My DH has just informed me the $400 Can. included the 3 hours (Each way )to the Detroit border. Hope that helps.

[CharlesTD]

Not to be rude, but it is IMPOSSIBLE to get 600 km on a half tank...


90 litre tank and we were getting 625K out of half of it believe me I was the one filling it up so no it isn't IMPOSSIBLE to do it as we did do it.

[Mickey&JoshNut]

90 litre tank and we were getting 625K out of half of it believe me I was the one filling it up so no it isn't IMPOSSIBLE to do it as we did do it.

Wow...a 90 litre tank....now I understand the commercials that used to air on tv with the Montana van that they claimed you could drive 1200 km on a tank of gas....but it must cost a fortune to fill up!!!

I have a Pontiac Sunfire and in December 2004 it cost us $145 US for gas....that included driving down & back and all around WDW (total km 4,860)

[CharlesTD]

Wow...a 90 litre tank....now I understand the commercials that used to air on tv with the Montana van that they claimed you could drive 1200 km on a tank of gas....but it must cost a fortune to fill up!!!

I have a Pontiac Sunfire and in December 2004 it cost us $145 US for gas....that included driving down & back and all around WDW (total km 4,860)


Under 100 bucks from empty so not to bad really we only ever let it get to half a tank then fill it up. Our next vehicle after the lease is up is a new Envoy XL with the 5.3 litre V8 in it.

[TreesyB]

Do you take into consideration the oil change that is required (either before or after the trip) or the wear and tear on the vehicle or added mileage on the vehicle? How much would you add to the cost of the trip if you factored that in?

[CharlesTD]

Do you take into consideration the oil change that is required (either before or after the trip) or the wear and tear on the vehicle or added mileage on the vehicle? How much would you add to the cost of the trip if you factored that in?


I don't add anything to it the van is a lease and will be returned so the warranty is still covering everythingas for the oilchange we changed it before the trip it needed changing anyhow so it wasn't anything to do with teh trip and when we returned the oil system showed the oil wear was only at 48% so we had 52% of the life of the oil left mind you we only run synthetic oil in the van. Even with the trip to Florida we were still a few thousand k under our yearly allowance so again no issue. I even took teh van in when we returned and the service department checked it and told me not to bother changing the oil till it was necessary and that wasn't for another 2 months.

[SnowWhite]

We just added up our gas for our last trip in Oct-Nov from Peterborough to Disney and over to St. George's Island and then back to Peterborough and it was $235.00 Total round trip (5100 kms) We drive a 2003 Grand Prix GT with four passengers and a very packed car of Halloween candy and Disney collectables. We still have about 30lbs of candy left and it is Feb now.... :rotfl:


Rob (Snowwhite's DH)

[pkitty]

we drive down in our jetta diesle, we top the tank up in Windsor and then in south georgia. We may only pay about 75 Dollars each way.

The good thing about the diesle is that we get close to 1000. Km on a tank.

happy travelling. :cool1:

[wee-haggis]

Do you take into consideration the oil change that is required (either before or after the trip) or the wear and tear on the vehicle or added mileage on the vehicle? How much would you add to the cost of the trip if you factored that in?
To be honest...Thats always been one of my concerns.
From previous posts,many Disers would recognize the fact that I am not a big fan of driving to WDW.
For many reasons.
1)The costs are indeed more than just gas (the incalculable wear and tear on the engine.The cost of accomodation assuming you are not doing it in a "oner".)
2)The problems that could potentially come up during a Winter trip (weather and delays).Sure,flights could be delayed too but I think during most winter storms down south,the planes can fly over it.
3)Another "incalculable" factor is the wear and tear on your head !If you drive down straight,your zonked for the next day (same coming back)
4)The kids (especially young ones) are bored to tears (and so am I quite frankly).
5)And finally....VALUABLE TIME..I try to make use of every vacation day as much as possible.If I was to choose between 4-1/2 days in WDW or 7 days. There would be no competition.
There is no doubt that the costs associated with driving is indeed less than flying....but,IMHO the extra cost is well worth it to jump in a plane and then in 2hrs-45mins be picking up my shiney new car from MCO.
Its more than just a money decision.

[CharlesTD]

To be honest...Thats always been one of my concerns.
From previous posts,many Disers would recognize the fact that I am not a big fan of driving to WDW.
For many reasons.
1)The costs are indeed more than just gas (the incalculable wear and tear on the engine.The cost of accomodation assuming you are not doing it in a "oner".)
2)The problems that could potentially come up during a Winter trip (weather and delays).Sure,flights could be delayed too but I think during most winter storms down south,the planes can fly over it.
3)Another "incalculable" factor is the wear and tear on your head !If you drive down straight,your zonked for the next day (same coming back)
4)The kids (especially young ones) are bored to tears (and so am I quite frankly).
5)And finally....VALUABLE TIME..I try to make use of every vacation day as much as possible.If I was to choose between 4-1/2 days in WDW or 7 days. There would be no competition.
There is no doubt that the costs associated with driving is indeed less than flying....but,IMHO the extra cost is well worth it to jump in a plane and then in 2hrs-45mins be picking up my shiney new car from MCO.
Its more than just a money decision.

You are then adding to your cost with flying by getting a rental car as for the driving part the kids travel very well they like to colour and play games and they tend to sleep for a large part of the trip especially since we leave at night so tehy only wake up once we get them up in the AM in Georgia for breakfast which we have an electric cooler so we don't have to pay for meals while driving. I love driving it is part of the excitement and charm of the trip. We bought the van well leased it and made sure it had the DVD system in it to our suprise the kids don't even care to use it I believe we have maybe watched 5 movies on it in the year we have had it and only 1 during our drive to WDW in May they just don't care to watch movies in the car. Our family is good that way in that we love to travel in teh car and no matter the distance or time in the vehicle we have only heard how much further about a dozen times in all out trips wether it be to Disney or Niagara falls or Algonquin park and most times it is because tehy have to go to the washroom LOL. Also as for the wear and tear on the vehicle well that isn't a worry as it will all be covered by teh factory warranty while I have it and if something happens after I turn it back in well then I have no problem as I don't have it anymore.

[son3disfan]

We have done both, and I absolutely love to drive. When we flew out of Buffalo , we were delayed at the border over an hour, had to park and fly ( and with 3 small children and 6 pieces of luggage including a car seat... not fun! ) then it took hours to get through check in , security (shoes off ,open bags etc.) and finally to our gate, only to find that our plane was being de-iced... (It's Buffalo... It happens all the time!). Delayed again in the airport. Then to be shuttled to get our car.. very stressful.. .So it did take less time to fly but definately not less stressful. I think it really depends on each Family and what you can tolerate. My kids watch movies , play game boys, colour and draw and enjoy the ride. We do drive right through and my DH and I take 3 hour shifts through the night. The kids sleep so well in the car. We have picnic lunches and stop for breakfast. I think it great quality time with all of us together. Not for everyone but it woks for us.

[CharlesTD]

We have done both, and I absolutely love to drive. When we flew out of Buffalo , we were delayed at the border over an hour, had to park and fly ( and with 3 small children and 6 pieces of luggage including a car seat... not fun! ) then it took hours to get through check in , security (shoes off ,open bags etc.) and finally to our gate, only to find that our plane was being de-iced... (It's Buffalo... It happens all the time!). Delayed again in the airport. Then to be shuttled to get our car.. very stressful.. .So it did take less time to fly but definately not less stressful. I think it really depends on each Family and what you can tolerate. My kids watch movies , play game boys, colour and draw and enjoy the ride. We do drive right through and my DH and I take 3 hour shifts through the night. The kids sleep so well in the car. We have picnic lunches and stop for breakfast. I think it great quality time with all of us together. Not for everyone but it woks for us.

Sounds like our family minus the movies though. But I agree it is great mind you I do the entire night drive as DW doesn't like to drive at night especially in the US. We love the drive and so do the kids and just can't justify the price of flying when we have so much fun and save so much money by driving.

[son3disfan]

Do you have the Dave Hunter book...( I was a little nervous to drive through the states at night too )... It really helped to know where the cops like to hang out, where the coffee stops and "not so scary" gas stations are, and mile per mile pages to show what's next including constuction. It's a wealth of info... so much to actually go through ... .It's so much better then the Trip tic maps from CAA.I know if you don't want to buy one you can rent them from the Library. It's great to have! CAA sells them as well as any book store.

[digskat]

Sounds like our family minus the movies though. But I agree it is great mind you I do the entire night drive as DW doesn't like to drive at night especially in the US. We love the drive and so do the kids and just can't justify the price of flying when we have so much fun and save so much money by driving.

Totally agree Charles re cost of flying vs cost of driving. We find the drive half the fun. Dave does all the driving, I am nervous about driving on busier roads, and he doesn,t mind driving at all. I may try speling him off this year, through the quieter states. We don't drive all night though, we found this too tuff the first year. We found getting up real earlier and getting on the road worked out better. You can get at least 4 trips driving in what you'd pay for one trip flying.

[CharlesTD]

Totally agree Charles re cost of flying vs cost of driving. We find the drive half the fun. Dave does all the driving, I am nervous about driving on busier roads, and he doesn,t mind driving at all. I may try speling him off this year, through the quieter states. We don't drive all night though, we found this too tuff the first year. We found getting up real earlier and getting on the road worked out better. You can get at least 4 trips driving in what you'd pay for one trip flying.


So true on the driving over flying and the number of trips driving as per flying. If you fly from Canada driving down you can make about 8 trips in comparison to the flying. We like to leave after dinner on the Friday night and I drive straight through till the Georgia welcome centre the kids have slept all night and we wake them up for breakfast the electric cooler is priceless for things like milk and juiceboxes etc for the drive down and back. We love the drive and it makes the entire trip more enjoyable for our family.

[WDW1st-timers]

We went last September when they just finished having the hurricane and there was a shortage of gas in the States and everyone jumped up their prices big time. Anyways we drove from the Windsor area down to Disney and then left disney and drove to Tampa Bay and Treasure Island and then home. It cost us $290.00 US and that was driving a 2000 mini van with it fully loaded with stuff ( 3 cases of water, 5 suit cases, 2 cases of pop, etc...all that full stuff) and 4 people in it. I consider that to be an excellent pirce to pay rather than flying for $800.00 to a $1000.00 for the four of us.

[son3disfan]

We went last September when they just finished having the hurricane and there was a shortage of gas in the States and everyone jumped up their prices big time. Anyways we drove from the Windsor area down to Disney and then left disney and drove to Tampa Bay and Treasure Island and then home. It cost us $290.00 US and that was driving a 2000 mini van with it fully loaded with stuff ( 3 cases of water, 5 suit cases, 2 cases of pop, etc...all that full stuff) and 4 people in it. I consider that to be an excellent pirce to pay rather than flying for $800.00 to a $1000.00 for the four of us.
That sounds just like us... A week in Disney , a week in Tampa area.. about $400 Canadian -all driving included ( we are 3 hours from the Detroit border), What is that -about $325 American? We drove to Clearwater beach every day of our second week.

[digskat]

So true on the driving over flying and the number of trips driving as per flying. If you fly from Canada driving down you can make about 8 trips in comparison to the flying. We like to leave after dinner on the Friday night and I drive straight through till the Georgia welcome centre the kids have slept all night and we wake them up for breakfast the electric cooler is priceless for things like milk and juiceboxes etc for the drive down and back. We love the drive and it makes the entire trip more enjoyable for our family.
We have an electric cooler, but it takes up so much room in the SVU now to be beneficial, I wish though. We love te drive also. So if you leave after dinner on the Friday what time do you arrive in Orlando? We stopped in Dalton GA this past October, which I did not think was too bad.Take care Kathy

[pkitty]

We love to drive and incorporate the drive (down anyways) into our vacation, where else can I get a trip for three return for under 500.00 dollars, canadian, thats wear and tear, food and gas, and hotels there and back. WOW.

We love the drive down but as always the trip back in sobering, but I guess its great to know I didn't have to pay alot to fly the three of us down, My DW and I also are fortunate to have alot of vacation days each year to burn and still we end up carring some days over.
To fly down I would say in our case it takes 1.5 hours to the airport the flying still takes 3 hours sitting at the airport,the flight is 3 hours and one hour picking up and dropping off your rental and 1/2 hour to hour to your resort.

total = 8 hours each way. return 16 hours and about $ 2200.00 cnd. taxes and snacks included.

[CharlesTD]

We have an electric cooler, but it takes up so much room in the SVU now to be beneficial, I wish though. We love te drive also. So if you leave after dinner on the Friday what time do you arrive in Orlando? We stopped in Dalton GA this past October, which I did not think was too bad.Take care Kathy


The cooler goes in teh back of the van and we bought a rooftop cargo box for when DW takes the kids camping and when we drive to WDW that way we don't have the inside of the vehicle cluttered with luggage etc. What we usually do is drive it in 2 days we will stop at the bottom of Georgia we try to make it to Valdosta by 3 PM or so and we will stop down in that area. We are planning to drive into Florida this time around as it just makes it even closer for the second day LOL. We arrive teh next day around noon or so depending on how long we stop at the Florida welcome centre for. We used to wander around there for a good hour or more but now they have renovated it and it just isn't as interesting as it used to be. Don't get me wrong we love the new look but teh old one had so may memories and so much charm for our family. We used to get a family pic at the small Welcome to Florida sign that was around the back on the left side of the building now it is a huge sign out front. Oh well new memories to be made in the furute but yes to answer the question we try to arrive at WDW by lunch time or there abouts we always leave the hotel by 8:30 AM we always try to choose a hotel that has a free breaky in the AM just easier that way. We also go to roomsavers.com and print off a coupon for all the hotels in the area and have never paid more than 40 bucks for a room. We have also done the straight through drive on the way down and we arrive shortly after 4 or 5 PM usually that way we get checked in at teh resort go for a swim have a meal DVC is great we just cook it in the room then everyone gets a good night sleep and we are all ready to go the next day.