Anyone ever done this before (Hilton Head/Disney for a day)?

[ZerasPride]

My family will be staying at HH the first week of December and my darling nieces are itching to go back to Disney. I was thinking just last night that HH is "only" about 5 hours away so a day trip might be possible. Has anyone ever stayed at Hilton Head, got up early one morning (I know, very early), drove to MK for the day and drove back to HH that night? Just typing all this out makes me a bit tired but I think the look of surprise on these darling girls faces would be so worth it.

Yes, and auntie has ulterior motives too. I love Disney so much, even though I'm going in June, I wouldn't mind spending another day at MK with my girls.

Does this plan sound feasible or like it's just too much packed in to one day? I wanted some honest opinions before I present my plan to the "gang" at home who will think I'm nuts no matter what!

Thanks much!!!

 

[DVCLiz]

If you consider a ten hour round trip, plus several hours at WDW, doable, then go for it. Personally, I would rather spring for a value room and stay overnight, because ten hours in the car in one day added to a WDW visit just sounds insane to me.

It's interesting to see how people judge distance, though. We live in NC, so HH is about halfway to WDW for us. I'd never consider it possible to drive that far for that little, but I suppose if I lived somewhere far away, I'd think, "What's another five hours?"

Keep the HH reservation, but if you want to add a day at WDW, rent a room at Pop Century and make a real excursion out of it!!!

 

[tmt martins]

I've driven 3 hours to the beach for the day many times in my youth .So 2 more hours for Disney I would do as well.

ITA with DVCLiz though on a night at POP or even off-sight on the cheap .I would drive down the night before get a good rest and hit the parks early.

 

[sanilacjack]

Just wanted to mention that you are about right with your 5 hour drive. My sister is about 2 hours north of HH and it takes her about 7-8 hours to drive to Disney to meet up with us.
Please keep in mind that 5 hours is going to be the least time in the car. You will need to plan on construction, accidents, rush hour, ect. I'm really not trying to dissway you. I'm in Michigan and feel the same way when I visit my sister.
Is you stay at HH a DVC one? Could you change your ressie at HH to a two night stay at DVC at Disney?
I thing it is doable...but I would hate to see you be bummed if it took 8 hours to get to Disney, cut into your park time and than have a hard time staying awake on the way back to HH.
Kim

 

[sanilacjack]

(see, now you have gotten' my brain thinking!!)

You could go to a MVMCP night!!!

Get tickets just for the Christmas Party. Drive down at a sane hour during the day. Eat dinner early before hitting the Magic Kingdom. They let ticket goers in early, like 4:30ish. Spend the night at the party. Close the MK down at about midnight. Stay over night at a hotel off site (this will make leaving in the morning easier, trust me) and head back to HH in the morning.

Sounds like a plan.

Kim

 

[cstraub]

According to Expedia driving directions it is 339 miles (5hrs & 27mins).

For myself being that close to WDW I couldn't stand not going. I would do it but plan to spend the night. I agree with the poster that said drive up the night before and get a good nights sleep and then hit the parks and drive home that night. You could stay at Pop or another off site hotel for aorund $100. I would do it in a heartbeat with the hotel stay otherwise I think 11 hours is a little much in one day.

You would be exhausted from getting up so early and then driving home you would be even more exhausted. It would be dangerous driving while your so tired.

I hope you decide to go!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I like the MVMCP idea! I wouldn't go back and forth in one day, and I don't think even your neices would appreciate the car ride.

Bobbi

 

[ZerasPride]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I figured if even die-hard Disney fans wouldn't do it all in one day then I could never talk my sisters into it either!!! Unfortunately, I don't think staying overnight will work but that does sound like the best plan. I'll give this some more thought. I also figured on MK closing early for Mickey's holiday party. You guys have given me a lot to think about. Fortunately, December is a long enough period away that I might be able to work out something like you guys have suggested. I appreciate your help!