Cost comparison of driving vs. flying

[mommytodarlings]

We just got back from our drive down. Family of 6 - 2 adults, 4 kids ages
5, 4, 3 and 1.

Left from Cambridge, ON on Dec 14th at 10 am. Drove straight through, arrived at our house at 11:30am Dec 15th. We stopped for lunch, dinner and breakfast and some rest stops. Plus we had a bunch of snacks. Cost $175 in gas and $80 food.


On the way home, we left Orlando at 3:00am Dec 29th. Drove straight again and arrived in Cambridge at 3:00am Dec 30th. We stopped for breakfast, lunch and made a stop at Mayfield Dairy, as well as some rest stops. Had a bunch of snacks and drinks again. Cost $175 in gas and $40 in food.

The cost of flying for us would still be cheaper, but we would need to rent a minivan and would need 4 carseats which increases the cost greatly.

I would definitely drive again and have already started looking at houses for our next trip. (yes, I am a bit addicted, I've only been home a day, lol)

 

[trivial]

I think the "middle point" for both options costing roughly the same is probably around 4 people (from southern Ontario at least). We'll likely fly with our 2 boys, but once our family expands to 5... well, I'll probably shell out the extra $100-150 to fly still, but any more than that...

The bigger problem once we expand beyond 4 will be where to stay. Renting DVC points to stay at a Deluxe Villa Studio is such a great way to save while staying at a nice on-property resort. But Disney World's room options for families of 5 or more are surprisingly limited and very disappointing. Maybe we'll just have to settle for the 4 of us! Of course, if the Dining Plan gets any crappier, we'll be happy to stay in a bigger room off-site.

 

[trivial]

Whoops, double-posted somehow.