Another Driving vs. flying question

[DisneyMomx7]

We're from NJ also and this year is the 1st time we're going to try driving down. We're doing this for several reason, 1) We're splitting our stay bettween US and WDW and want the flexibility and 2) (and more importantly) we always use American Express points for airline tickets and this was an unexpected trip so we didn't want to pay $1000 out of our pockets for the 5 of us to fly. My husband is excited about it and I'm apprehensive but I'll let you know how it goes. We are planning to stop one night so at least the kids can get out and play.

 

[bobcat]

Flying takes so much more out of me than the 1000 mile drive. The airport is an hour away, then we have to check in 2 hours early, find something to keep the kids occupied, pay for parking, rental car in Orlando and then do it all again on the way back. The only time I fly is when we only have a short time to vacation otherwise I travel when I am off work, as a teacher I have 2 1/2 months to travel in the summer, and I like having the relaxed pace.

 

[plummer925]

Wow...you all enlightened me!

I'm from Maine, so it's a 24 hour drive to Orlando...BUT....I think I may do that my next trip (not my upcoming trip, because I only have 5 days...lol).

When I fly I drive to Boston (3 1/2 hours) because the rates are cheaper, but I spend the night the day before (still cheaper than flying from Maine!)...so I "waste" about 18 hours with the drive and the spending the night...

PLUS...I want to camp at Disney for at least 2 weeks - I couldn't imagine trying to get my gear on board a plane!! LOL!! I pack a LOT when I camp - but if I drive i can just pack my SUV (FULL!) and go!!! Whoohooo! Sounds so fun!!!

 

[HaleyB]

We prefer to drive. And with three kids we find it easier to have control over when we stop. We have lots of time so it is not a factor. We have a collection of road side attraction photos. True Americana. We drove from Southern California to Nova Scotia with an 8 year old and an 18 month old! We also drove from Nova Scotia to Austin TX with a 3 year old and a 6 month old (and an 12 year old, but he was easy). We drive to California from Austin almost every year, and this year we will drive from Austin to Orlando (which is not as far). So after many many road trips with kids I still would much rather drive than fly.

But if money were no object I would rent a Limo and driver.

 

[ReneeQ]

Don't forgot about this "trick" I learned on here. Stop at a fast food place with a playground. Let the kids play while the adults eat. When it's time to go, buy the kids food "to go" and let them eat in the car, so you can get back on the road. Tried this with my nephew in January and it was great! Everyone was happy.

 

[1canadian]

Nice to hear so many like to drive. My situation is slightly different. I plan on taking the Greyhound this summer (my 15 year old and myself). It's the only way we can afford to go. The cheapest flight I could find is $750/each (from western Canada), Greyhound has a special $200/each. Of course, it will be a VERY long ride - 2 days, 16 hours, but we have time. I work at a school and get the summer off, the money.... I don't have. It will be worth it. I'm also considering trying the local bus service while were there. I'm assuming as long as I get the schedules in advance, buses must run from hotels to major parks??? Wish me luck!

 

[dcfromva]

Hillbeans,
It depends. We are only 13hours 15mins from WDW where we live.
If we take our time and make stops at points if interest along the way, driving can be a lot of fun.
However, driving during peak times (like Christmas/New Years, for example) or trying to make good time, it can be very nerve wracking.
We drove on our New Year's trip this past year. It was not any fun. (This year, it seemed like the traffic was a lot heavier than last year at the same time. )
We flew on our Spring Break trip (4-8 APR)... As we were driving to MCO to go home, DH commented on how grateful he was not to be looking forward to a long drive home.

-DC

 

[blowinbubbles]

DC Wrote:
<<We flew on our Spring Break trip (4-8 APR)... As we were driving to MCO to go home, DH commented on how grateful he was not to be looking forward to a long drive home. >>>

Oh, I have to second that! Although we only live 7-8 hours away, that long drive can be difficult when I'm tired and my kids are tired and fighting! Ugh!

Although, I'm planning on driving next trip. . . hehe, I think pharmeceutical drugs might be in order!

Ann

 

[WDWthe1forU]

1976 (Flew), 1986 (Drove-Honeymooning), 1989 (Drove 18 Mos DS), 1992 (Drove 4y-DS, 2y-DD, 3y-DN), as if I didn't learn my lesson in 1992! In 1996 (Drove 2y-DD, 7y-DD, 9y-DS).

By this time DH and myself are pushing 40y/o we are really starting to feel the 20 Hr car trip from NH to our layover destination So. GA.

Still addicted to the family bonding time in the car and the adrenalin ride rush. 2000 (Drove 5y-DD, 10y-DD, 12y-DS). What took a night layover in So. Georgia has now grown to 2 night layover -- Man we are out of shape!
We created some really great memories and have some fabulous pictures. At first when the children were young we would leave at 5pm sing, play games until they fell asleep. DH & myself would take turns driving/sleeping in shifts and the kids slept for at least half of the trip. That helped so much.

Someday we may drive again when the Grandbabies come and we need to create new memories. But for now, time is the priority on our list of pros vs. cons with teenagers in HS and vacation time at work. It makes sense to fly for us no matter the cost. Our biggest decision is nonstop vs stops these days. Good Luck in your decision!

 

[skiwee1]

We are leaving in about 17 hours for our drive to WDW. I already have my reservation at the Country Inn and Suites in Savannah. That is about a 10 hour ride from my house. I'm all packed and almost ready. My dear son is outside washing and waxing my van right now. Can't wait!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Prior to our move down here, we found that driving down but taking the AutoTrain back to Virginia was the best for us. We had our own car, could go at our own pace on the way down, but were able to relax on the way home.

This did cost less than the combination of air and car rental.

 

[laso82]

We just drove from NY for the first time over the Easter break, and it worked out great. It was about a 20 hr drive.... we did the long stretch the first day, and arrived at the Beach club about lunch time the second day. It worked out fine for us.
We had 12 days, so it was okay to drive....still had 9 nites to split between Disney/Universal. I definitely would recommend it, and would do it again......

 

[AirForceRocks]

We drove two years ago, and we're doing it again in August. We leave here at around 4:30 in the morning, and the kids are awake by the time we hit NC, so we stop for breakfast. Then we stop for a picnic lunch on the way, and stop for the night in Brunswick, GA. The kids can play in the pool, then we rent a movie for before bedtime. Last time, we didn't put in a wake up, just slept until we woke up on our own, took our time with breakfast, then made about a four hour drive to WDW, arriving in time for a late lunch. That gives us an evening to relax before we hit the parks.

 

[pjlla]

Funny to find this thread today..... DH and I were just "running the numbers" of driving vs. flying over lunch today! We kind of figured at current gas prices versus the rnd trip tix we just bought this past January, flying costs about double what driving would. This said.... it is about a 20+ hour drive for us. Our kids have been known to fight during the 13 minute drive to church!!! So for sanity's sake, we will probably be driving for all trips to WDW in the forseeable future. But considering I am trying to find a way to fit in a trip next year (versus our "every-other-year" to WDW current schedule) maybe I will have to take a closer look at driving!..............................P

 

[gianna2004]

I've got to say that I prefer driving. Even though it is 19 hrs from Long Island to Orlando plus stops (plenty with a 5yoDS and 2yoDD), it is much more inexpensive than flying. I also enjoy the freedom of not worrying about how much to pack and not having any deadlines or flights to make.

On our last trip my husband won two very large stuffed animals at Pleasure Island. We flew down and it was a nightmare trying to figure out where to put them along with the rest of the extras we bought for the flight home!

I find that, especially if there is more than one driver, if you drive through the night the kids will sleep and you can have a fairly relaxing time of it. Besides, you have to stop at South of the Border!


Leaving May 1st 2004!
March 2001
August 2000
July 1999
September 1996
July 1989
August 1982