Boston to Orlando return trip stops?

Red_Rider

Mouseketeer
Joined
Apr 25, 2008
Messages
238
Hi All,

It's been awhile since I've posted. We are going to WDW in April for a two week trip. We will be driving this time and are planning on taking three days to drive from Boston and another three days to drive back at the end of our trip. On the way down we are stopping in the Washington DC area and Savannah GA area -- mostly because there are places we want to see in each location. On the way back we are more open to other possibilities -- so I thought that I would ask the experts. Does anyone have suggestions on where to stop for the two overnights? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!
 
Before moving to FL we did that trip several times. Your plan for the way down is a good one. The drive from Savannah to WDW is only 5 hours and you should be able to avoid the I-4 rush through Orlando if you leave Savannah about 9 am.

On the way back, you don't say what day of the week it will be or what route you'll be taking. If going I-95 all the way you'll need to deal with a lot of traffic from below Washington up through NYC. For that reason it kind of makes sense to hit the cities on a Saturday or Sunday, preferably early.

OTOH, you might find the driving easier by taking a more circuitous route. We've done I-77>I-81>I-84>I-90 more than once, just to avoid the traffic. Yes, its more miles, but time-wise it seemed to work out ok and wasn't stressful.
 
I guess it would be good if I gave the days of the week :-) We will be leaving WDW on a Thursday morning and arriving back home on Saturday. Coming home we haven't given much thought on the I95 route vs. the inland route -- is one better than the other? Is there more to see on one than the other?

My wife is leaning towards the I95 route and I'm really stuck on where to stay the 1st night.
 
It seems like the southbound trip is all set for stops, but northbound could still use some suggestions. Given it's about 1400 miles and 21 hours of driving, lets give you 3 7 hours days and stop suggestions based on that.

In general and without hitting stop and go traffic, it will be a 3.5 hour drive from WDW to the GA line. I'd recommend I-295 around Jacksonville as a just-in-case precaution. From the GA line to the SC line is about 1:45 minutes now that the road is three lanes and construction is limited to the Brunswick area. SC line to NC line is about 3 hours, so a stop at Florence, SC is 470 miles and 6:45 minutes of driving (breaks not included) and there are lots of hotels near here. I've stayed at Marriott brands here and found them reasonably priced with free breakfast and wi-fi.

Going to Florence on I-95 takes the Inland route off the table. I prefer a different alternative which is the Shore route (Route 58 east from Emporia, VA through Norfolk area to the Cheseapeake Bay bridge / tunnel and up Rt 13 on the DelMarVa peninsula to I-95 again in northern DE) and I'll give you options for that a bit later, but if you want to do the Inland route, take I-26 west and stay near Columbia for night 1. Night 2 would be a stay somewhere near the WV / PA border if you do the Inland route.

I'll label this editorial content, but I really would suggest taking the shore route. Time on the road is always exactly the same per my GPS and the distance is actually 70 miles shorter. VA and MD have some nice rest areas along the way and having a dozen or so lights stop you is a lot less stress than the I-95 beltway. The I-95 beltway has lots of construction of HOV lanes near the northern DC loop and lane widening north of Baltimore. Both of these areas can really slow you down with lane closures. Most of US 13 has bypasses now so only in the lightly traveled VA stretch and in the northern part of MD and southern part of DE where new development has added town center type lights do you have to stop at lights. Lots of food choices and some sightseeing of the coastal areas can be had on the DelMarVa route.

Day 2 driving should take you to Baltimore if you stay on I-95. I'd shoot for just north of Baltimore in the White Marsh Road area. That's about 450 miles and 6:50 of driving. There are lots of hotels nearer to BWI, but you will hear planes all night staying near there. If you take the Shore route, you would stop near Salisbury, MD at about 440 miles and 6:55 of driving. There are many hotels to choose from here. If you take the shore route, take exit 11A off I-95 in Emporia, VA onto US 58 East towards Norfolk. After 68 miles you'll take US 13 North towards VA beach and then keep left for I-664 south and then about a miles later I-264 East for 5.5 miles to I-64 West to Exit 282 for US 13 North to the Cheseapeake Bay bridge / tunnel. You'll need an EZ Pass or cash for tolls, but I'd recommend getting an EZPass if you don't have one for this trip. Once over the bridge, it's Rt 13 all the rest of the way (some sections may be 13/113 on the signs.

Day 3 you'll continue about 100 miles until you hit I-95 again. You can take many routes around or through NYC, but whatever route you choose, listen to 1010 WINS for traffic on the 1's once you get to about exit 8 to make sure your route isn't having issues. Where it will be Saturday, you can hopefully sail straight up the NJ Turnpike to the George Washington bridge and take the NE Thruway to CT and home.

Safe travels!!
 

The above is a really great analysis of how to approach the drive.

I'd just add that I hope you have a Mass E-Zpass transponder. That will make it so much easier on the drive down and back as you go through MA, NY, NJ & Delaware. Unfortunately that transponder won't also work in FL, not that you really need to be on a toll road to get to WDW. :car:
 
BigTigger, thanks so much for the advice! I'm going to look at the other shore route today -- looks interesting! Thanks again for all of your advice! I'll let you know what we pick! :thumbsup2
 












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