Conflicted on whether to drive or fly

[bcalloway]

My family is going to going to Disney in nov/dec. We will be taking our 4 y/o son with us. We were originally thinking of flying down and then renting a car while we are vacationing, but this is seeming to be very expensive. When my husband and I went to Disney before I just drove, but that was before our child was born.

I would LIKE to fly because I am the only driver in the family (my husband had some bad accidents when he was younger and he is not physically handicapped but he mentally can not drive) and taking that toll off me would be such a relief.
We would really like to not use the buses because we liked the freedom of having a car and not having to hop around for our ADR's.

I guess my question is, is there a best time to look at airfare? Like are some months better than others to buy? I looked at the rental prices and they "seem" the best by going through BJ'S Wholesale. Or should I just suck it up and drive?

 

[Gumbo4x4]

From Atlanta? Just drive. You'll save maybe 2 hours by flying by the time you mess with the airport on both ends.

 

[Spunky946]

If you are in Atlanta I would drive.

 

[wdwrich]

I agree with the previous posters that if going from Atlanta, drive rather than fly. With the addition of the 4 y/o, you will probably be stopping more often than before, and that will help break up the driving for you.

 

[bcalloway]

Thanks everyone! I really hate driving, since I have to drive DH to and from work and put over 80 miles a day on the road. But I can suck it up to do what's best for the family.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

The good news is that for many of us who drive, Atlanta is the worst part of the trip. Once past that, it's smooth sailing all the way

 

[Hisgirl]

I'm actually pondering this VERY same thing, from the very same city!

I went down last week and flew. I got up at 5 a.m. to head out the door at 6a.m Drove to the airport 30 minutes, parked in the lot ($36 parking fees for 4 days), went through security, waited at the gate, flew, made my way to the magic express, drove into the resorts area, then finally got dropped off at my resort around 11 or 11:20 (I forget).

So if I had gotten up and driven out of my driveway with my already packed car, I might have saved about 30 minutes. The cost of gas for my car would be around $90.

BUT...I would have saved $36 in parking fees, $250 in flight charges, the high costs of two meals purchased in the airport.

After comparing times and money, I'm pretty sure we'll drive Jan. 31. That way I can bring my own snacks and pack a cooler for foods for the Fort.

I went another time and stopped in south Georgia for the night. It was such a nice way to break up the drive. About 3.5 hours each drive section.

 

[lovin'fl]

I'd drive. We're in MD and had a cruise out of Jacksonville in 2011. My DH got sick the day before we left, so I had to drive the entire way down. It stunk (9 hours the 1st night and then about 2 1/2 the next morning)...and it was just DH and I (no kids)...but it was worth it and here's why:

1- have your own vehicle, can pack as you like
2- can be on YOUR time table
3- can get the heck home after the trip (no waiting for ME/shuttle, waiting in airport, etc).
4- for a trip like Disney (as opposed to a cruise), you can run to the store (grocery, Target, pharmacy) if needed...or medical facility if needed (hopefully not)

We have flown the last 4 trips to WDW and have decided to go back to driving. It's just SOOOOO nice to have our car...and to save that airfare $$$...and to avoid all that airport/flight hassle.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

If you really hate to drive then your answer is to fly and rent a car when you get there.

 

[arielmomma]

I understand the dilemma of flying vs. driving. Like a PP and yourself, we are struggling with this dilemma in our family. There are some major advantages and disadvantages each way. The big question is: How much is the level that you hate driving worth in cash? Is it more or less than you would have to pay for airfare and a car rental? Is your answer what is best for your family? Answer this and you know what is right for you.

Have a great vacation!

 

[LadyBeBop]

Have you looked into Megabus? http://megabus.com/

They don't have the schedule out for when you're going; probably won't be until late summer or early fall. I highly doubt you'll get those $1 fares that they advertise when you boot very early. But book early enough, and you'll get reasonable fares.

 

[bcalloway]

Thanks to everyone for help and tips. After talking it over with my husband again, we decided we could simply not spend that much on airfare (We could take almost another little vacation for the price!). We will just leave a day earlier and stay the night in a very close off site hotel. That way I won't be so tired for when the trip "officially" begins.