Anyone driving in Aug.? Where are you staying?

[Torontogal]

Hi all,
We are planning to go to Disney in Aug. 2005 and driving from Toronto. I would love to know if anyone else is going.
We are travelling with a 5 and 2 year old and taking the "cheap" route and driving rather than flying. Any thoughts from anyone else who did this long drive?

 

[Lezah]

We're driving in August as well and have done it a few times already. It is not just the "cheap" route, it is fun as well as long as you have lots to keep the kids busy and they are good travellers. Our DS is now 10, but we've done it since he was 3 1/2 and that was before we had either a tv/vcr or now the DVD in the van so things are even better now! I actually enjoy the drive down as I hate the hassles of air flight (and I'm a travel agent ) but I have always enjoyed that part of travelling with my family. I feel it starts the vacation off. Flying is so expensive now and we like having our own car to take a portable cooler/fridge with us which we use in the room and that way we can bring water, pop, snacks, breakfast stuff etc., which saves us money. It works well for us. We use the I75 route and the Along I75 book by Dave Hunter which our DS loves to read along as we go. He uses it to decide which exit we'll stop for lunch at, dinner at etc. It helps to pass the time. Just some of the things that we do, hope they help.

 

[langin]

Hello there,

We are also driving down, August 16-Sept 2 , we are a family of 5 , myself, DH and 3 DS (age 12 and twins 9), it will definitely be an adventure. We are coming from NB so I95 for us, part of the way, we may detour around the big cities like NYC, Washington,etc..We weren't going to but the more I read here, it sounds like a good idea! When are you going and where are you staying? I think we are staying at the DoubleTree at Downtown Disney since it can sleep up to 6, has a sm kitchenette, we got a great deal that included cont breakfast. My oldest and I have been to Disneyland in CA but my twins and DH has never been. We were planning for 2003 then something happened then 2004 but we decided to move and buy a house so 2005 here we come!!!Planning can be overwhelming at first but then I think planning is half the fun. Have a great trip!

 

[OntFamily]

We've driven a few times (from Mississauga) and have always taken the I-79/77/26/95 route. We found the route to be an easy drive, with not many trucks.

Having a two year old, we found distractions in the car was critical
(ie DVD player).


Statesville, NC is approx 11 driving hours (a little more than halfway) from the GTA, and this would be a good place to stop (there is many inexpensive hotels/motels in this area, and in fact, all along the route). When you stop at the rest stops (and with your children, you will want to stop so they can stretch their legs) be sure to pick up the Roomsaver coupon books to get valuable savings for hotel/motel rooms (you can check the rates out online @ www.roomsaver.com )

Finally, a good hint for overnights is to get one of the many suite rooms available. When you finish driving for the day, you'll want to put the children to bed, but yo may want some relaxation time before sleep. Having an extra room for the children is great. Usually, a suite is available at many chains (ie Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Country Inn and Suites, etc) for only relatively few dollars more than a regular room.

It's a great drive, if you make the drive part of your vacation (and not just a transportation method). I look forward to doing this drive again.

 

[DE38]

Just did this drive the end of Feb/beginning of March from Winnipeg which is probably 6 hours more than you have. It was a piece of cake, the freeways are a super easy drive with only Atlanta being a bit busy to get around...it took us 30 hours each way.

We'll be doing it again as the money we saved by driving instead of flying cost me alot more as we bought into DVC. Just couldn't pass it up. Now I found this board and I'm even more excited then when we were there buying.

Hope this helps.

 

[snoopyandpooh]

Hi, we are driving down too! We will be leaving Aug 17, taking I75. I am driving down with DM and 2nd DD, original plan was DD and I rotate, but she wouldn't get her G2 until May, and after riding with her a few times , I quickly change my mine and decide to drive all by myself. I do want to arrive to see Mickey in one piece!
If the date is right, maybe we can form a convoy and drive down all together!

 

[Disneyof3]

Hi, we are driving down too! We will be leaving Aug 17, taking I75. I am driving down with DM and 2nd DD, original plan was DD and I rotate, but she wouldn't get her G2 until May, and after riding with her a few times , I quickly change my mine and decide to drive all by myself. I do want to arrive to see Mickey in one piece!
If the date is right, maybe we can form a convoy and drive down all together!

We're from Kitchener area and we drove the past 2 years with a 7, 2 1/2 and 4 year old and had no problems. We drive straight through and only stop for gas and dinners. We leave here at 6pm one night and arrive in Kissimee the next night around the same time.