December trip - Drive or Cancel?

[GEM]

We have a trip planned for five nights - December 17th-22nd to enjoy the Christmas festivities. We can't find any airfare from Little Rock (or anywhere else nearby) for our dates for less than $300 each. That's just over $900 for the three of us, which we really can't afford. That's only a bit less than we're paying for our whole package with tickets, dining plan, etc!

So, with time running out, we're left with this decision - cancel now or keep waiting for better flight prices, but most likely end up driving?

It's about a 22 hour drive for us. We honestly don't mind driving, and we've driven to Disney World many times in the past with no problems. However, on our driving trips, we've always been staying at least two full weeks. We've never driven for a short 5 night trip, and I just can't decide for sure if it's worth it.

We have a two year old, but that really isn't a problem. He does great in the car - as long as we keep the toys, snacks, and Sesame Street DVDs coming.

I guess I'm just looking for opinions. What would you do? Do any of you drive long distances for relatively short trips? How do you feel about it?

 

[CarolA]

I can't respond to driving. I think the 4 hour drive to Knoxville is long.

However, looking at a calendar I just don't think you have a great shot at a fare sale. You might get lucky, but I would expect the days you have picked to be busy travel days.

 

[Tjaleks]

We can't find decent airfare either and will be driving around the same time you are from central IL. We have 2 DS's (9 & 10) who usually do okay but this will be the longest trip we have made.

 

[GEM]

Staci,

How long is your drive, and how long are you staying?

 

[debm]

Hi, Staci. We are just east of St. Louis in Illinois and usually drive to WDW. It takes us about 8 hours to Atlanta and we stay the night there with family and then the next day it is another 7 into WDW. We have 4 kids but we don't have to stop that often. It really isn't a bad drive. We want to go down in December too but don't have enough vacation days to drive. We have been watching the Southwest rates and we think we are going to go ahead and book them now. They are at about $97 but we called today and they said if they go down we will get a credit towards another trip. We have also flown TMA out of MidAmerica. While that was easy, their prices fluctuate and are actually the same as SW for that time period. They are also stricter in their pricing rules and they don't have as much flexibility on days to arrive and depart. GEM--have you checked SW out of Little Rock? I thought I saw a price on that today. I just downloaded DING last night and now I am addicted!! It is so cool to wait and see if a cheap price happens! Best of luck to you all. We really want to come down in December so now I need to work on saving some more money for passes! Debi

 

[ZippyDooDah]

Another thing to consider: I live in Mobile, AL which I'm guessing would be about 1/2 way for you. Because of the recent hurricanes, I understand hotel rooms are very difficult, if not impossible, to come by. If you are remotely considering driving, you will want to go ahead and secure your hotel for the 1/2 point or else plan on driving straight through.

 

[branv]

Just FYI (and maybe you've got some particulars it can't meet), but as for right now, travelocity shows round trip from Little Rock to MCO for $228 ($269 after taxes) for your dates on US Airway.

 

[Tjaleks]

Hi All,

GEM-We planned on leaving on the afternoon of 12/15 and hopefully driving straight thru. I have friends in Tampa,(who says it takes 18hrs) we will be staying with Friday and Saturday. Our WDW trip is scheduled for 12/18-22. We have done the math for our truck and it will cost us more to fly and rent a car than drive.

Debi-I am glad to hear the drive isn't so bad. We are in the Champaign, IL area so we are 3 hours from St. Louis so the numbers are right that my friend gave me.

I am also hoping for good news from Disney as to what is new "special" is. It may save us some money.