Out of our 4 Disney trips, we flew 3 times and drove once. Weve also been to Orlando for 2 non-Disney trips and flew for both of those. The time we drove was mainly because I only decided on Disney 3 months ahead of time instead of 6-9 months and just didnt have the time to budget in plane tickets. I figured wed do the beach that summer; but when I brought up summer vacation late February, the children were passionate about returning to Disney. I looked at the numbers and figured I could do it; but would have to drive. Even with the hotel overnight each way and gas, it was $300 less.
That is not what I prefer though. We were back in the air the following year. Its only my 2 children and me. Theres so much less to worry about for me when we fly. And Southwest always has a direct flight for us; so, were there 5 hours after we leave home. 0.5 hours from home to the airport, 2 hours at the airport, 1.5 in the air, then time on DME. Driving meant 5 hours the first day, hotel stay, then 5 hours the next. Im the only adult so I didn't want to wear myself out. Plus, I just didnt want to subject my son to any more time harnessed in his seat than I had to so I split the drive. And now that my vehicle is getting older driving would mean renting a vehicle, which would wipe out any financial savings since there are just 3 of us. If I had a larger family Id likely feel differently.