Crazy for Driving? Talk me into it, please!

[JamesMom]

Hi!

When I originally planned this trip we were going to drive from North Texas to WDW. But then we went on a mini road trip (2 hrs each way) and my dh say we are flying (our 15 month old was screaming). We want to have a car so we have more freedom and not deal with the busses too much. Well, now I am running numbers and it's insane!
$1200 for 4 direct flights
$ 140 for parking at off-site airport parking
$ 0 use ME for MCO transfers
$ 600 for SUV rental for 12 days (only $100 more than compact) using all available National discounts (car + 2 car seats - no insurance)
~$2000 just for transportation costs!!

Now, if we drive...
$350 for gas (2400 miles RT)
$150 for 2 nights hotel while on road
$100 for extras to keep kids busy and feed.
~$600 total - Just saved $1400 - enough to buy the dinning plan, groceries and a few souveniers for our 11 night trip!

The catch is driving 18 hours each way (plus breaks) with a 2 and 5 year old. Hubby will think it will be a nightmare. The now 4 year old just got a pocket V-smile and we have a portable DVD. Please convince me to convince DH that we should drive.

 

[karibritt01]

Well - your flight costs can be trimmed in some places. Rent a value car, and bring your carseats from home. You paid for their plane tickets, which gives you 8 checked bags, so check the carseats. Consider using the buses instead of renting a car. For the $600, you could take taxis when you need to go to the grocery, etc. The buses to/from the park are simple and convenient. We did it last year with a 7 yr old, 3 yr old, and a stroller with no problem. Last watch for air sales. If Southwest flys from TX, they often have great rates.

That being said, if you still want to drive, it can work. Buy some DVDs your kids haven't seen before. A new DVD will hold a kids interest much longer than an old one. Buy a basket to fit between your carseats, and fill it with small toys. Don't let your children play with these things for a few weeks before the trip, so they are new. Also, new toys are great. Some people buy several, and pull one out at intervals. My kids love those magnetic drawing boards while we travel, and magic painting pens/books. Plan on lots of stops for the kids to run around. We stopped at McDonalds for lunch, and let the kids play awhile. We also stopped at rest areas a few times, and let them run in the grass. Of course, our drive was only 10 hrs. Good luck!

 

[jakenjess]

From your signature am I seeing you're not going until September? I usually get the best rental car rates within a month of my trip. I just booked our car yesterday for our Feb. 3 trip, grand total of $188 for an intermediate with National. Watch those flights, too. The fares will change constantly between now and then. I'm obsessive about checking fares and I've always snagged a good deal.

We drove a couple years ago from Maine, 26 hours, and though it wasn't horrible, I won't do it again. It's just so much easier to fly and be there in four hours, not worn out from the long ride.

Good luck!

 

[VictoriaT]

We drove February 2005 from Detroit, Michigan to WDW with three kids- DD7, DS4 and DS2 3/4. We had two portable DVD players, which were lifesavers, and we started late afternoon on a Friday, stayed overnight about six hours away, and finished the trip the next day. We made stops, and didn't get there until Saturday evening, but it was worth it to us! We brought a lot of their favorite cd's and dvd's and various activities. They were amazingly good, because this was their first trip to WDW (DD's 2nd) and that thought kept them behaving. Five airline tickets would have killed us, too! Is your two year old two, or less? He could be free if he u=is under two at the time of the trip. Good luck to you!

 

[jocie]

Well we drove once and IF we go agian we will be driving again! However, our trip is 30 hours EACH way! We are coming from Winnipeg, Canada. We have two little girls aged 4 and 7. We will leave early evening, around 7pm and drive all night and all day and then stay in a hotel the next night! Sounds crazy but it works because the kids sleep the entire first night. Other than that we have a dvd player, toys, coloring pages, snacks, and leap pads!

Enjoy the trip if you drive!

 

[meandtheguys2]

I hate flying! We get to drive next year and I am ecstatic! Our drive is about 15 hours, and we take two days. Start early first day, stop and swim the crap out of them that evening. I will often go out for food while my husband wears them out. The next day is a short one, and we stop along the way wherever we want.

 

[becca011906]

we drive, we did fly on one trip that was our march trip in '04, it was ok, but we much perfer to drive, we drive a 16 hour drive (w/o stops) so about the same as you... a little more we are about 2000 rt, and we have doen it just me and dh, and then sept '05 we took me, dh, dd12m, dd3, ds5, it was a long drive, but we didn't stop except for a long dinner stop, and a 2 hour stop at a rest park at 3AM, we would much perferd to stop, and did on the way home...
I took new coloring pages, dvd player, new toys, flashlights (if the driver can stand them), pillows, make lots of stops...

then again we can easily make a mini 2 hour road trip w/ out anything for the kids, i have family we visit often that lives 2 hours away, i have to drive 1 hour each way to go to my local shoping centers (we have a local one but it's worth the drive to save $$), and my kids are more use to the car i guess then most...

 

[kstgelais4]

We drove from MA last year (approx. 22-24 hr. trip) and it wasn't so bad. We have 4 kids and people thought we were crazy. We left at night, and ,and made sure they were occupied with things they hadn't seen before. We bought new DVD's, leapster games, and books among other things. We stopped enough for them to stretch (and US!) and took our time. We made it in a day and a half. I would do it again (We saved about $1000, and that was a VERY generous estimate) but I think we are flying next time. Have fun whatever you decide!

 

[mommiepoppins]

We had so much fun driving! I have small kids and big ones and they were great. We stopped over night 2 x on the way there and on the way home - through The kids watched the dvd player and we had satalite radio for when the kids were busy playing. we packed food for on the way down . It was great! We also went to Wendys one time!

 

[Disfan3]

HI!! I have driven to Myrtle Beach with my girls by myself before....this time we are driving to WDW during spring break alone again!!! My girls are good riders and I have already told them the ride is 20 hours!!! They know what to expect and have DVD and video game system, game boys, CD, dolls, games, clipboards with markers, crayons, pens, to keep them occupied. I have a thrid row seat and am taking two girls so each girl gets her own "row" as not to be crowded. Hey, my family never flew when I was growing up!! We would pack the suburban, put an airmattress in the back and my dad would drive all night to get us to Disney and Florida!! I remember a lot about our trips and remember a lot of bonding time with my family in the car. I do not remember it being CRAZY, it is what you allow it to be IMO. Of course I do not suggest the air mattress thing in the car...that was old school!! But we just planned this trip on a spurt and to fly from Iowa during spring break is UNAFFORDABLE!!! We will be stopping in Nashville and staying with family for a few days to break up our trip btw...

 

[IluvKingLouis]

We took a road trip to San Fran (from Denver) with dd when she was 14 mo's and she too cried quite a bit. Then we did WDW (again a road trip) at 22 months and she was great. Kids change so much at this age. I'm sure WDW went a little better because grandma sat in the back with her and we did have a portable DVD player. We stopped a lot to let her run around and burn off some of her pent up energy.

 

[Allison]

Okay, I'm with your husband-FLY. I would never make it that far in a car and I would feel I was wasting a lot of time that could be spent at Disney.

 

[luvmy2sams]

We've driven from SW Oklahoma three times, and it's definitely possible with little ones. Our first trip DD was 19 months; second trip she was almost 4, & I was pregnant; third trip DD was 5.5 and DS was 15 months. We always did the drive over 2 days each way, stopping in either Tallahassee or Pensacola on the way down & in Gulfport on the way back. Pack little prizes, create Disney coloring books, watch Disney DVDs and listen to Disney music. We've always had lots of fun on our road trips, but our kids are used to making a 6+ hour drive to grandma's house every 6 weeks or so.

Having said all that...we flew out of DFW last January, and we plan to do the same again this October. We'd rather have essentially 4 extra days in the park instead of in the car. You can definitely get a better deal on the flights. $200/person is common for a direct flight, but there are great deals to be had. We flew Airtran for $150/person last year, and right now their rate is $180/person.

Parking can also be done for less. We paid $5/day at Park Air Express. If you're driving a distance to get to the airport, it might be worth it to stay overnight at an airport hotel. Most of them have a park and fly option, so parking is free. If you'll be using a hotel in DFW anyway, the expense could be justified.

We used a car service upon arrival in Orlando, which ended up being free because the driver was late picking us up. If you only plan on a few trips off property, I'd nix the car rental and either use a cab or a service. Depending on where you're staying, Disney transportation might be a better option time-wise, as well.

There are also sites that will delivery groceries to your room...or car services that will make a grocery stop.

 

[missmun52]

I would fly, I could never make it that long in a car with my 2 year old son. You can probably get a better deal on Plane tickets if you watch and wait for a deal. You may be able to get something for around $200 per person on southwest. Also Disney transportation is great. I was afraid to go with a small child and not have a car but it all worked out so well and my hubby was happy he did not have to drive on our vacation, DME is also really great.

If you can get plane tickets for around $800 and got the dining plan then you would not need much groceries and you could ship down things you needed before hand like diapers and formula.

 

[UTgirl]

Drive! Our drive will be 10 hours one way with a 2 and 7 year old. We travel quiet a bit. Hubby won't fly! However, I would think the airport could be just as much if not more of a nightmare than driving with small children.

Some ideas for you that we use. Definitely some new DVD's they've never seen. Also, new coloring books that have stickers as well. A new game for the handheld games (if they have one) We also have some things to do in the dark ie glow sticks, small flashlights etc.

I also pack each of them a small lunch box with different snacks. A sandwich, cookies, chips, suckers, pez candy. Things I wouldn't typically buy for them or let them have. It helps to pass the time.

Best wishes on your trip!

Also, I know this will be a controversial statement but we have given our kids a small dose of benedryl before when their patience has worn out. This way they could nap and pass some time. I wouldn't do it multiple times but if it made the trip easier on them - I would think about it. This was suggested from my Pediatrician when we were headed out on a long rode trip.

 

[LIBLULA]

Check out Hotwire's car rentals. We are going for 10 days in April, 2007 and my husband has found a full size car for 244.00--that includes the taxes. Rates change daily--so you have to keep checking. We thought about driving this April, but I didn't want to be in the car for 16 hours.

 

[pixidust princess]

We drove in July 2006 with a 7 year old and a 3 year old. It took us approx. 16 hours from Illinois, making several stops and staying overnight. It went much smoother than I expected. I would also recommend the DVD player and new movies for the trip. We spent about $350.00 in gas, and that was driving a 4-wheel drive jeep cherokee. My brother also drove and only spend about $175.00 driving a mid size car (oldsmobile alero).

I am starting to plan our next trip, in May 2008 (I know, a long way off, but planning is fun!) We will have to rent a mini-van because my mother will be riding with us. When I figured the price of the van rental, the price of the gas, the price of two hotel rooms(one there and one back), it was roughely 1000.00. To fly I got a rough estimate of 1190.00. When I proposed flying to dh, he was still against flying, as he stated we would still have to rent a car because he did not want to be in wdw for 8 days without a car.

Anyway, sorry for rampling. I guess it just comes down to personal preference and what is best for your family. If the money difference is that huge, I would probably want to drive also. If you can get the flying budget down, then I would consider it more.

 

[rt2dz]

NOTE--I have not read beyond the OP, so I may be missing information or reapeating. Sorry if so.

We drive from TX to WDW and other (longer) trips. With young children (3 currently under 6) and it isn't that bad. All my kids have taken their first long distance trip by 4 months and continue to do so twice a year thereafter. You just must prepare. And, imho, it is wayyyy easier than an airport/plane trip with little ones.

First, why we drive:
*It's cheaper. A lot cheaper. Even including maintance & mileage.

*I like having a car. It opens a lot of options, & is easier on the kids.

*I like the safety of it. I know the car I'm driving. I know the car seats are properly installed & are the best for that vehicle.

*I like the convience of not having to haul carseats, gate check the stroller, not dealing with airline restrictions

How we go about it:
*We drive at night. I nap during the day and drive first shift. DH sleeps with the kids. Drives when I wake. What we really do is leave at ~3-4 pm. Get in a couple of hours, stop and get out for dinner (somewhere where the kids can run around), put in a couple more hours, stop at a rest stop, let the kids run, put them back in the car and let them sleep. No TV that night. The kids are armed with individual travel pillows & blankets and a favorite stuffed animal. There is also a travel pillow & balnket for the passenger riding shot gun. Everyone actually sleeps` really well. The bulk of the trip is behind us before they wake.

*DH and I switch off driving; the one who is tired does not (obviously) drive. The one not driving sleeps to be well rested. If we are both too tired to drive, we are honest and will get out to sleep. We keep an extra change of clothes in an extra bag, along with toiletries for this. If not, when the kids wake in the morning, we pull into a rest stop and change, brush teeth, wash our faces, etc. to not feel so gross.

*We make sure that the driving is part of the trip and not just a means to an end. Rather than make good time, we have a good time.

*We have the DVD player, mom/dad control it. They have a small bag of toys with a few new (cheap) items. My oldest also has his game system. From about 14 months on, my kids have a magna doodle. That alone will keep them busy. We also have tons of kids music & books on tapes, regular books. There are coloring books & crayons (try crayola color wonder). There are book lights (less distracting than a small flashlight). We also have new surprises on the way home.

*We are armed with lots of snacks too. Nothing salty. A cooler with dry ice helps you get yogurt (freeze first--go gurts), and fruit. Light on caffenine too.

*When the kids are awake we stop often (every 2-4 hours). We let them run. It's like a mini excercise class at the rest stops. Yes, it adds time, but it makes the trip feel much shorter. Everyone is happy. We stop & get out for every meal--even if it is a picnic. Mostly we let the kids run while we eat & then have them eat in the car. Everyone goes to the bathroom at every rest stop, restruant, & gas fill up. We have back seat diaper changing system. All trash is dumped at every stop.

*Much of our stuff is packed and loaded on top of the car. Makes it feel roomier. I carry rolls of paper towel, extra toilet paper, lysol, liquid dish cleaner, first aid kit, baby wipes (kids have dollar store ones back with them for handwashing), antibacterial gel. I just keep it in one cheap-o bag that was a freebie & it's under the seat.

We always arrive fairly early the next day, refreshed (A little planning goes a long way), and have practically a full day at Disney (and didn't even have to spend the money on a hotel (usually) the first night to get it!

I hope I didn't forget anything (knowing full well I did). Well, good luck on your decision! Hope it's a great trip no matter what you decide.

 

[hematite153]

I'd do another check on your figures and reconsider flying. I have driven 3 times (just got back in fact) and while the drive can be fun it isn't worth it if you will find it stressful.

If you factor in the true depreciation costs of your vehicle it is usually a lot higher than most people think. (Even a small fuel efficient vehicle generally costs around $0.40/mile of travel. Check out edmunds.com for your own car.)

I also think that you should be able to get cheaper airline tickets--I get better prices than you mentioned and I have to pay $175 tax for crossing the border! The DIS board even keeps track of current sales for you at http://www.wdwinfo.com/discounts/discounts-transportation.htm#airline. (I should also add that I would wait for a sale that covers your travel dates rather than purchasing full price tickets now.)

I would also skip the rental car at wdw. Yes, having your own car adds a sense of freedom but I didn't miss the car, or have trouble with disney transportation when I flew. Plus, magic express is a whole lot faster and simpler than waiting for your luggage and picking up a rental car.

In short, I wouldn't drive unless everyone in the party was excited about doing so.

Good luck deciding!

 

[lori1043]

I have to mention that no one mentioned the GREAT printable things the
themouseforless.com offers. It is free and fun for the kids. Just scroll doen the lef side of the page and check out the stuff for you and for kids. I made coloring books for all the kids in our group, had them bound for change, and they had something esle to do on the 10 hour drive from south Louisiana to the Mouse! we have flown once (MAW trip) and drove on our dime 2x. It has been fine and fun-the anticipation helps! My kids were 4(celebrated 4th bday there) and 6 and then 5.5 and 7 for trip 2. yes, it is nice to fly and we MAY be able to in 2008, but I don't mind the drive at all. We don't need to, but just to stretch out our vacation longer, we find a place on the way home to stay overnight-the beach! Ans since we go in off season, the beach hotels have decent prices too!