Am I crazy to think of Driving from RI with at 3 year old?

[Kevin&Becky]

I am considering driving from Rhode Island to WDW this weekend. I have called and there are rooms available. I know I can not get airfare (at a reasonable price) this late. I am thinking that if we leave real early Sat A.M. we could be there by Sunday night. Where is the best place to stop for an overnight break? Yahoo says it will take 23 hours to get there. Does that sound about right? Thanks for any help!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kevin

 

[GrumpyOne]

I'd expect it to take less time, they tend to use 55mph & rush hour stats, but then you should also plan for emergencies. I'd say that Raleigh is about 1/2 way so that's where I'd look to stay the night.

As far as driving for two days with a 3 year old, it depends on the kid. I've driven cross country with my daughter who behaved well but I could also see where she was strained at times from boredom.

 

[castmbr]

We drove straight through from Milwaukee to WDW with our two DD's (5 & 3) in 1992. It took us about 22 hours, but it really wasn't all that bad. We had them take children's dramamine so they would get car sick (it also helped them sleep because it has something in it that makes you drowsy). We had the tv/vcr combo thing and alot of activities to keep them busy (games, coloring books, activity books, stereo headsets and tapes, video tapes, etc.).

 

[disnurse]

We have driven 3 times from RI. We did this when the kids were little so we could lug all the kid stuff with us. We usually left at 3am to beat NY traffic and made the NJ turnpike our first bathroom/gas stop.Once down in virginia and carolinas there are tons of hotels/motels right on the highway. Plan on 23-24 hours for the trip. The ride itself isn't too bad. Good luck

 

[honeymom]

Ugh - I live south of you in Connecticut and would never consider it. But, then again I am a veteran of many car trips as a child to Florida and I may remember the kids point of view.

I've heard that kids that age are perfectly happy with less elaborate amusement parks. Have you considered a drive to Sesame Place in PA (if its open for the season). Its supposed to be great for young kids.

Also, don't assume that you can't get good airfares. Does Southwest fly to anywhere near you. I think they fly out of Hartford which may be a little too far for you, I don't know. We got great fares on JetBlue out of NYC.

 

[melme26]

We drove from Dallas to WDW last March with our then 2 1/2 DD. She done great. We packed lots of crayons and coloring books for her to color and draw. And I read books to her. We also packed drinks and snacks, but stopped every couple of hours for a break. She also slept a lot. We did split the trip into 2 days and stayed the night in Biloxi, Miss. (half way for us). I don't think I would want to attempt a drive straight through, however. It was actually a fun road trip for us. This year, we plan to fly. Only because we do not want to waste a day we could be at WDW on the road. But, I would consider driving again in the future.

 

[Disneydenise]

We drove from Pa to FL every year for 8 years starting when my son was 2. We would start out at 7PM and drive thru the night. It was not too bad. We had alot of games and a TV/VCR that would entertain them for a while. We also would have alotof snacks and a comfy blanket and pillow for nap time. Good LUck. Those were the best trips Ihave ever taken.

 

[JudithM]

We almost always drive to WDW - usually about twice a year. We have been staying at Hampton Inns & have really enjoyed our stays. There is a nice Hampton Inn in Florence, SC near the exit for US 52. From there it is about a 7-8 hour drive to WDW - depending on speed, stops for gas, food & rest rooms, etc. Oh, the Hampton Inns have a nice continental breakfast in the morning starting about 6 a.m.

 

[margray]

Gosh, it is a long ride. With Traffic tie-ups it could even take you longer. We had a rule that 10 hours is about the limit for childern and parents too! You may want to make two stopovers. So everyone gets to Disney in good spirits and well rested. It took us about that time given to you from NJ. You might try Spirit airlines a good one for short notice. And usually reasonable.

 

[Bigcat]

YES!!!! YOU ARE CRAZY!!!

 

[bobcat]

You're not crazy! It all depends on how bad you want to go to WDW. If you can't get a good price on air and driving is your only option then I say go for it! However I am a road trip veteran and am up for a good road trip anytime. I traved to WDW from Ohio, 18 hours with 4 and 7 year olds, by myself. Just make dure you have a few rest stops. My kids are great travelers and did a wonderful job, even without a tv/vcr.