Anyone live near Charlotte, NC?

[Juls]

We will be driving down to the world in Sept,
and I was wondering how long the trip took?

 

[Mic]

We live in Lexington, NC, and I have driven to WDW several times in the last 2 years. On my last trip, the week of the 4th, we left home at 7:45 am, and arrived at OKW @ 5 pm, stopping for 30 minutes for lunch, and 2-3 more times to use the restroom(I have 3 daughters!). The drive back took 10 hours(BAD traffic in Daytona on race day!). I am an hour north of you, so your drive should be 8-9 hours. I can also offer tried and true directions if interested, and tell you the exit # that has gas for $1.05 a gallon(yes, one dollar and a nickel!)

 

[Juls]

Oh yes, any helpful hints or tips to make the drive
easier would be greatly appreciated. I also like the
fact that your trip time is in "kid time"! We have a
6yo DD who does pretty well in the car.....as long as
her TV is on!
Thanks again.

 

[Mic]

Hi, Juls!
There are 2 ways of getting to I-95(according to a friend of mine that has a sister in Daytona)and the shortest route seems to be I-77(past Carowinds)to I-26,heading towards Columbia. Once on 26, follow the signs to Charleston, but you will actually get onto I-95 before Charleston(follow the signs to Savannah). On several occassions we have noticed a certain state trooper about 5-6 miles before you get onto I-95, so watch your speed through here. Once on 95, it seems everyone is speeding! The exits with the most inexpensive gas will be exits 29, 3, and 1, all in Georgia(and all are past Savannah). If I leave NC with a full tank, I am almost empty when I get to exit 29, so it works out perfect. For us, the first half of the trip seems the longest(my kids call SC the never-ending state), and it's all downhill past Jacksonville(look for construction problems here), unless there is a race and/or an accident around Daytona(some of the accidents through here have been the worst I have ever seen). The pace always seems to slow once you get to Orlando, but you will notice the traffic LEAVING Orlando is worse most times. Hope you have a safe, fun trip.inkbounc