Dallas to WDW--not sure which route to take

[trampslady]

We drove in March for the very first time. We went I-20 to Jackson and then I-49 and I-98 to I-10. We stopped twice on that trip as we had friends to visit.

In November, it's just hubby and me, and we want to drive straight through. Can someone advise which is the positively quickest route (especially considering the hurricane damage)?

Many thanks!

 

[Nebsky]

The route you went is probably the quickest way.

We did it in 17 1/2 hours. We made it all the way to Lake City FL in 14 hours but we stopped because we were past our cancelation time for the hotel we had pre-arranged. I could have driven the rest of the way with no problem. Wife was too tired.

If you are going to try this, Id leave Dallas around 3:30-4:00 AM. Change drivers every 3 hours to stay fresh. Drink water and nibble on food too.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I-10 should be opened all the way now. We live in Shreveport and take I-49 to Lafayette, then I-10 to I-12 back to I-10 over to I-75 and FL turnpike. Distance-wise it's about the same as going through Jackson. Roads are better, though. Just don't hit Baton Rouge at rush hour.

 

[trampslady]

Thanks for the feedback guys. We will probably leave around 4am and drive straight through (minus gas and "function" stops). I'll pack a lunch and we'll just drive as hard as we can! I really want to get there before DD closes (even if it's just a few minutes before) as I'd like to convert our annual pass vouchers so we don't have to at the park the next morning!

So, we think that all roads are clear between Baton Rouge and Orlando if we decided to go that route?

I wish I new for certain which was quicker!

Deb and Bill--is there a reason you don't normally go to Jackson and then down?

 

[Deb & Bill]

...Deb and Bill--is there a reason you don't normally go to Jackson and then down?

We live about five blocks from I-49 and about 3 miles from I-20. We did go through Jackson and Hattiesburg once, but the stop and go through the little towns slowed us down. Just before we got to I-65 in Mobile, there was a lot of traffic that slowed us down.

It takes us about 14 hours from Shreveport via I-49 and I-10. We just avoid Baton Rouge at rush hour.

 

[trampslady]

Thanks Deb. I think we may gamble on the Baton Rouge way this trip as it's just under three hours from Dallas to Shreveport, and we should be able to make the trip in 17 hours. I do recall all the tiny little towns (and cute fruit stands, etc that I'm sure I'd want to stop at) along the way in Mississippi and Alabama.

As long as the freeways are all fixed, we should make good time along the coast. It will be heartbreaking to see Gulfport and Biloxi in such sad shape.

Thanks again!!!

 

[Millermouseketeers]

Trampslady have a great trip! We leave McKinney 12/16 and will drive straight through also. We would like to hear how your route went. Have lots of Disney fun!

 

[trampslady]

Millermouseketeers--I'll be sure to post here on the transportation board as to how the trip goes. After looking at the map, I think we are going to try the coastal route this time. It appears to be a tiny bit shorter!