Did you travel to WDW for CHristmas? What were your transportation costs?

[canwegosoon]

Ok...here I go again...planning a trip Dec 24th-Dec 29th. I am considering driving, since we are arriving on a Sunday and Leaving on a Friday. But...DH wants to poss fly.

So, if you drove...how was it?
If you flew..What rate did you get, and when did you book if your remember?
If you did the auto train...how was it and what did it cost?

TIA everyone....If anyone from ALbany, NY area(or NE) is also planning, please PM me. Thanks Terri

 

[cranbiz]

I have done both depending on how many were going.

This year, I was able th fly DS home from Orlando on Southwest for $49.00 (MCO to PVD) on Dec 24th. We drove back to FL but the $49.00 fare was available for Jan 1st and 2nd.

Driving costs vary depending on what type of mileage you get, but my cost from Carver, MA (near Cape Cod) to Orlando was about $300 R/T for gas and tolls were about $40.00. I drive straight thru stopping for gas, potty and usually 1 meal. It takes me usually 20 hours on average. My truck gets between 20 to 22 mpg and it's a 1300 mile trip.

What your costs to fly / drive depend on how many are going and what sort of transportation service you need while at Disney. If you decide to fly, I'm going to guesws that next christmas airfare will not be available for $49.00. A sale next christmas MAY get you a $79 to $99 fare one way.

So if you are a family of 4 flying (and I'm going to use $99.00 for this example) it will cost you $792 for airfare, $65 airport parking, $0 for transportation as long as you plan to spend your entire stay on Disney property (figure on $150 to $300 for a rental if you plan on needing a car) Your costs to fly are $857 to $1157 plus maybe 10 to 12 hours of your time.

Costs to drive are $400 plus wear and tear on the car and about 40 hours of your time. If you need to stop in the middle to rest, add in an extra $100 for lodging and meals. (now these gas figures assume an average cost of $2.30 a gallon and 20 mpg)

Hope this helps

 

[canwegosoon]

Cranbiz thanks for the info I can make the CC bridge in 3.5 hours(also have house in Dennisport)... so I guess I could deduct most of that from your driving estimate. I never have luck with SWA(ALB) but will consider, BDL, EWR or ISP. I am also considering Jet Blue, and checking all carriers at 330 days out. Last weak I made Albany to Shenndowa Valley on 81 in about 6 hours with stops. So I was thinking Of trying to get about 2-4 hours out of WDW and stoping for the night. Of course I know I will need reservations at hotels. I am just afraid airfare will be too much. Your price was it a sale, or the 1st day of tickets? Thanks

 

[canwegosoon]

I could use more Flight info...thanks

 

[cranbiz]

That $49 fare was a DING fare about 2 weeks prior. I actually was very surprised that I was able to get that fare and that SW had a seat on Dec 24th!

When I have not found a sale, I have normally paid anywhere from $79 to $129 from either BOS or PVD to MCO. (one way fare)

DB and I just booked tickets to TPA for friday, 3 days in advance on SW for $114 (direct) but we have to go out of BDL( there was a DING from PVD to TPA for $49 that expired 2 hours before he found out if he was approved for the new limo, DB owns a limo Co. and is buying one in Tampa, but hey, we'll be there for the passholder preview at EE). Anyone else was either too many stops / plane changes for around $150 or over $200 for a direct flight.

Bradley (Hartford) may be a decent option for you , you're not that far away from there.

Most of the times that I book flights, I'm booking several months out, I haven't ever planned 330 days out for any vacation / trip.