Driving down, need advice from the pros!

[issa]

Well, we have decided that we will be driving down from MA to the world next may instead of flying.


We will be renting a car and plan to make a stop over ( not sure where yet)

So my question is - what advice do you have to make this road trip, economical, fun and generally a good experiance?

It will be 2 adults and 1 - 6 yr old child


I almost feel guilty by driving and giving into the fears of terrorism on flights but I just cant help being nervous about flying.
I have heard many times that it is safer to fly than drive but I am sure those people in the planes heading for the tower were repeating that same logic before they stepped on the plane. It simply does not ease my fears of flying at the moment. I will wait to fly until they can ensure the food is checked and the mechanical / maintiance peoples backgrounds are checked.

[wdisneyaholic]

Issa,

I have only driven to Disney once. We drove thru the night with a 1 year old and slep until morning. It was great, there was no one on the road. It was about a 16hour drive for us and I was pregnant with twins. We will be driving down this July with all three kids and am looking forward to it. I prefer to drive thru the night so that the majority of the time the kids are sleeping. I will not be flying anywhere anytime soom.

[DiznEeyore]

We drove this past September, 3 days after the attacks. We are driving again in 19 (yay!) days. We were a family of 3 (ds is 8) in a little bitty Saturn on our first trip -- for this next one, we've bought a conversion van! ;)

Some sanity savers for us were:

A VCR-TV combo for the back seat. It was great for our ds, and kind of like books-on-tape for dh & me!

Stops every couple of hours whether you think you need them or not. It feels wonderful just to stretch!

Something to snack on in the car. For us, it was Starburst candies and (one the way home) WDW cotton candy. I admit something healthy would probably be better! :D

A good map. It was fun for all 3 of us to track our progress. I also relied quite a bit on our AAA TripTik. I used it to record gas fill-ups, mileage, etc.

We stopped overnight both ways. It's roughly 19 hours for us, so breaking it up was good. In December, we plan to stop in Macon, GA after our first day (this will be about 13 hours) and then make it to WDW the next day in about 6 hours. On our way home, we will stop in Knoxville, TN. We got great rates on our hotel using AAA or the Entertainment Card, and made sure both have free breakfast.

Driving is great -- you get uninterrupted family time, and you have more flexibility in what to bring. This will work out well for us, as we have bought DVC and will bring some favorite foods/groceries from home.

Hope this helps! I'm sure others will have great tips for you as well!

[BillPA]

Here is a link to a good site for info on I95 or other highways.

I would try to avoid NYC, Philly and Baltimore/Washington at rush hour(s)

I have made the trip many times, from just out side Philly. It's a good 16 hours of driving time from here.

Have a great trip.

http://www.usastar.com/i95/homepage.htm

[TinkerbellRules]

WE've driven to FL 3x this year alone! Twice to the panhandle area (12 hrs) and WDW in Oct.(16hrs). We've driven to WDW 3-4 times once with a camper (talk about one long trip!). Anyway, I second the TV/VCR combo, but make sure you secure it down. Also, try www.freetrip.com for actual drive times. It's very accurate. It will allow you to avoid areas if needed.

HAve fun. Wish I were going again.

[BarbOKW]

We used to always fly, but with 4 kids and 2 adults even with good air fares it was getting a little too expensive. Anyway we drove last March for the first time and thought it was great. It actually seemed like a lot less of a hassel. We left at 3:30 in the afternoon right after the kids got home from school. We stopped for dinner at about 7:00 them put the kids in their p.j.'s they were very excited about sleeping in the car. They didn't wake up until about 9:00 the next morning. We stopped for breakfast and were at WDW at about 1:00. Then we spent the afternoon at the pool went to bed early and were set for the next day. It worked so well that we changed our plans for the return trip, we were going to stay over night halfway through but decided to spend an extra day at Typhoon Lagoon. In stead of leaving in the morning for the drive home left Typhoon Lagoon at 4:00 and drove straight through to home.

We also had a TV/VCR combo in the car. We thought that worked so well that now we're in the process of buying either a Suburban or Yukon XL with a TV/VCR built in for the next drive.

[annemariec]

My family rented a van this past Sept.. About 2 weeks after the tragedy. We almost cancelled, but went for my neice. It was DH, myself (7 months preggers), my mom, dad, sister, and her 4 year old. (Sis's DH couldn't make the trip.) It was a good sized van. We (mom, dad, DH) stopped in SC, about middle of the state for a stay over night and to pick up sis and her little girl. Headed back out on the road for Dis about midmorning the next day and got there around 6ish that evening. Didn't hurry. Made lots of RR stops.

Brought all kinds of snacks and a cooler of drinks. P-nuts, chips, candy, pop tarts, fruit, soda, water. Something for everyone!

We also went by AAA and got a trip-tick. They plotted out the best route for us. It's a free service if you are a member. And we got free books on the states we were going through so we could catch some sights along the way.

We really enjoyed the drive. We got a chance to catch up on each other. Nap when we wanted. It was really nice. The best part of all was not worrying about flying. I never was an enthusiastic flyer anyway. So it was right up my alley to drive there. :)

You are driving at a good time economically! Gas prices keep falling! The prediction around here is .89 in the near future. We found some good prices along the way even when we went.

Have a safe and fun trip,
Annemarie



:)

[8caliace]

We made 2 driving trips to WDW when we lived in NC. It was about 9 hrs from NC to WDW. What worked well for us was leaving early (4am). Leaving that early pretty much guaranteed that our DS (4) would be asleep for at least the first couple hours of the trip. We also got a TripTik from AAA, and planned our stops along the route. We generally made stops about every 1.5-2hrs, if for nothing else than just to get out of the car and stretch. We also packed a backpack full of activity books and travel games for him, which really helped when he got bored.

[annemariec]

If you do get a trip-tick from AAA, make sure you put your order in at least a week in advance!


Annemarie

[Mom-to-3]

Holiday Inn's website has a nice function once you have a general idea where you want to stop for the night. They will show you all the Holiday Inns along the highway. I prefer Holiday Inn Express because the morning breakfast is great and quick. Don't forget to join the Priority Club.

[kinlaw6450]

We drive to disney every year (except this december yay) oops a little to much enthusiam for the flight huh? In my defense though I have been driving to Disney from Delaware since I was 3 months old (ok lets change that to riding) and when I moved to Virginia its not much difference.

Anyway, I second, third, whatever the night time drive. It is about 13 hours from here and my H and I go straight through. The kids sleep and wake up happy in the morning. They think the car ride only lasts a short time.

We too bring lots of snacks and drinks. I bring a lot of books and things for the kids in case they get a little to woke up at a rest stop. It happens.

Enjoy the drive I always have!

Kami

[bethie]

We have driving to WDW several times. Actually, we would not do it any other way. We enjoy it. It is roughly 12 hours or so for us. We stop and spend the night, usually in Savannah GA. Last year out daughter was just two. I brought her favorite music tapes, books and we stopped often. On the way back, for me, I usually save some money to shop at the outlets along I95. We also favor the Hampton Inn chain of hotels for their clean rooms and complimentary breakfasts.

[4disneyfans]

We have about a 14 hour drive and the TV/VCR is wonderful. We also stop every couple of hours and try to make it a place w/ a playground. This seems to satisfy them for a couple more hours. Driving from 3pm to about 11pm then stay overnight we are refreshed and ready to go when we arrive at Disneyworld.We have a 6 and 8 yr. ols and have been doing this since the 6 yr. old was 1 yr. old.:jester:

[Jon99]

Am I the only one thats insane about the drive????? See everyone talking about going down casually, stopping for the night and quite a bit for breaks.... When I get into the car, I have ONE thing on my mind, getting there as soon as possible!!!! From here its about a 18 hour drive, we always leave after work and will be there around lunch time the next morning.. Its always been myself and my girlfriend/fiance/wife and she just looks at me like I am an idiot and I look at her the same way... Looks like she might be right.. :)

[annemariec]

We just look at it like, "We're on vacation! No worries!!". And it starts when the time clock for work ends! We factor the drive in and enjoy it. No fun any other way for us. Heck there are too many other things in life that will stress you out!

Annemarie

:)

[cindala]

We have driven down several times, and have always found books on tape to be invaluable. We had Jurassic Park on tape, but they now have Harry Potter on tape which might interest your 6 year old! Also comedy tapes were always fun to listen too, and kept us awake! Havefun!!;)




:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[cottontail]

Hey Jon and others that drive thru the night.

Are you guys not biffed (tired) by the time you get to wdw. How do you catch up on your sleep when you drive thru the night. We have 22 to 24 hour drive and usually stop after about 14 hours and spend the night leaving early the second morning (6 or 7a.m.) The first day we usually leave at 4.a.m.

I am toying with the idea driving thru the night but I don't want to be exhausted during my holiday at wdw.

Deb.

[Partridge4ever]

We also drive through the night (12 hours, plus we lose an hour). If we're leaving on a Friday, DH stays up really late Thursday night, then sleeps most of Friday. I get him up in time to load the car. The kids wear comfy sweatsuits. We stop at a McD's w/a play area for dinner. The kids and I sleep most of the way. If I drove, I'd insist on going the speed limit and we'd probably end up in the wrong state, so I let him do the work. We arrive at MK in time for EE (guess we can leave an hour later this year, lol). We stay at MK til after the parade, then check-in at the hotel around 4 pm and DH sleeps. It does make for a tiring day for DH, but the peace and quiet on the road is worth it to him. I also try not to schedule anything too early on day 2 so he can sleep in a little if he wants.

For entertainment, he listens to books on tape. I got DD a cheap tape player w/headphones and some books on tape. Fresh box of crayons and a new coloring book. Magnadoodle. One of those little clip-on reading lights for when she wakes up during the night.

On the way home, it's usually in the daytime and we're reminded of why we prefer to drive through the night.

[Thrillrider]

Don't forget to stop at South of the Border - it can't be missed!! *snicker*

Speaking of South of the Border - does anyone know where the first billboard appears for this place on I-95 South ????

-Alan

[mickey'sbud]

I'm from the Atlanta, GA area. If you plan to come thru here, AVOID RUSH HOUR! We have one of the worst in the country. Avoid 6-9am and 3-7 pm. From Atlanta you can count on it taking approx. 8 hours to get to WDW. From Macon, GA it's about 6 hours and from Tifton, GA it's about 4 hours (I think). If you don't spend the night in Atlanta, IMO, Macon it not a great sleep over stop on the interstate. Tifton, on the other hand, has numerous choices of food and lodging and would be a better choice (IMO and experience). Don't get to WDW and be tired. Spend the arrival day eating and at the resort pool...relax! Start going to the parks the day after arrival.

[patman]

I have drove down 5 times from RI. I rent a mini van and leave at 2 AM. I do this to cut out the traffic around NY. We stop in NC about 5 in the afternnon so that the kids can use the pool, and I can hit the sack early, it takes 22 hours of driving from Ma. I stop about every 2 1/2 to 3 hours one a 15 min gas and the other about 45 min for food. If you have kids bring a frisbee to toss so that they can stretch. I also use a tripkit. My wife won't fly and it saves a lot of money.

[Dream]

Another family that truly enjoys the drive! "Forced togetherness" is what my DH and I laughingly call it!! We have never travelled with the TV/VCR (until this upcoming trip in 18 days:bounce: We have always enjoyed books ontape. Harry Potter is just long enough to get us there and back and we have also enjoyed the Narnia series. There are soo many good ones out there and I undrstand you can rent them at Cracker Barrell restaurants and return them at any Cracker Barrell down the road. There is an awesome book called "Travelling with Kids" that is like our trip "bible". Lots of great car games and fun suggestions for getting there with your sanity intact. Even good suggestions for toddlers!
Stopping every couple of hours is a must but we usually keep the stops short. An absolute MUST is stopping at the Florida welcome center and getting a free glass of orange juice! Yummm....I can taste it already!
Snacks and drinks are another must...a small cooler in the car is all it takes. Saves money too. One "kid rule" we have....only water to drink in the car! After one too many sticky/stinky drink accidents it is now the only way to go!:D Also no chocolate or anything tha will melt onto the car upholstery. We do cheat on the chocolate from time to time but you get the picture.
Another point to remember if you drive...anything you leave in the car will MELT!!! Learned that the hard way. Crayons liquified and now look very interesting on the leather seats of my in-laws car we borrowed for that trip! CDs melted as did a plastic game we left inside the car. When we park at WDW at the resort, we do not take even a small peek at the car until the sad day we leave. Imagine our surprise on that trip! Yuck!
For those of you travelling with young boys...I know when my DS says "I gotta go", he means NOW! Sometimes there is no safe place to stop on the interstate. Sooo....we always travel with a LARGE disposable cup with a strong lid. You fill in the blanks!:D
So enjoy your drive to WDW!!! The memories will last a lifetime.

[Jon99]

When we drive, its just the two of us so its pretty easy... We usually have dinner at home and then hit the road by about 6... I will drive thru the night and Betsy will sleep a quite a bit and we will stop for breakfest once we get thru Atlanta, allowing us to drive thru the Atlanta area around 4 AM, before the traffic hits... After we eat, she will drive for as long as I can sleep... She will get in about 6 hours of sleep, I will get in a couple... Since we don't get to WDW until after lunch, we make it a relaxing day, hang around the pool, perhaps buy some gifts and have a nice dinner... I think even if I am tired, that doesn't last long because of the excitement...

[BarbOKW]

We have a 21 hour drive. We get in the car as soon as the kids get home from school and drive straight through with as few stops as possible. The kids sleep for quite a bit of the drive, which makes the drive more relaxing for me. With 4 kids it always seems that one of them is bored and then they start entertaining themselves by bothering one of their siblings. Maybe this is just a problem with my kids, but the more time they spend sleeping the better. Don't get me wrong I'm a driving convert (we used to always fly). But the drive is more relaxing, even with the get there as fast as you can approach.

[BarbOKW]

I forgot to mention in my last post. We've only driven once so far, but what we did was go to the pool, the kids can then play at the pool and the parents can rest. My kids can all swim (they are all swim on teams) so I'm not too worried about them at the pool. Then we went to an early dinner at the Hard Rock (we started our last trip at Universal). After dinner we went back to room got everyone ready for bed and watched a movie in bed. Everyone fell asleep early and we were completely ready for the parks the next morning. And the day at the pool was not wasted we all had a lot of fun.

Also if you split the overnight drive with your DH and make a point of sleeping when you're not driving you really get a reasonable amount of sleep. In our family this works better for me then my DH. I can sleep anywhere at almost anytime. He has trouble falling and staying asleep. So I when he was sleeping I didn't wake him even if it was the "planned time" to change drivers. Your drive is a little farther than mine, but it's worth a try at least once.

[Minnie's Mate]

One piece of advise...stop for gas BEFORE you cross the Florida State line. Gas taxes in Georgia are way below Fla's and therefore the gass cost less. One good place to stop on I-75 is Exit #18. There are tons of restaurants and motels (Holiday Inn Express, etc.) and a mall. The cheapest gas is at the Super Kmart about 3 or 4 blocks east of the interstate.

Have a safe trip!