Do you drive to WDW in your suv/van or do you rent one?

[3princesses+aprince]

We're considering driving to WDW in September. Either straight through or driving to VA and taking the auto train to FL.

Do you take your own SUV/ Van/ Car or do you rent one. I thought I would rent, so I didn't have to put over 2000 miles on my truck, but it would cost us more to rent and drive than flying

It would be so cheap to drive and just pay for gas and tolls. I have a 2004 Ford Explorer. It runs great, I never have any problems with it, but is anyone ever afraid their truck or car will break down on the drive. Or do you just go for it.
That is why I was thinking about the Auto Train, we would only have to drive for 6 hours before we got to Lorton, VA. But it would be quicker to drive because we wouldn't have to wait for the train to board and all of that good stuff. But is the few extra hours worth it???

Any Advice?

 

[ctjsowens]

We drive from NC and never really thought about our vehicle breaking down. We have a 2004 Freestar mini van and I always go over the vehicle prior to leaving and also make sure our tires are in good shape. This will be the last time we'll drive it down though. It will have apx 92000 miles on it this trip and I wont feel good about trying it again. We'll either have to fly or rent. To breakdown would be awful! Fortunately with us we still have the remainder of our Ford extended warranty which would take care of the repair if it did break on this trip down but after this year the warranty is gone. Just make sure your Explorer is mechanically sound and you shouldnt have a prob!

 

[nikkistevej]

We have also driven- especially for longer trips. We have a 2004 Ford Freestar minivan as well- it has about 70, ooo miles on it. We always get it all checked out before wego(of course anything can happen), we pass Lorton Autotrain station and always say we will do that sometime. We have flown quite a few times too, it just depends on the trip.

 

[Kassidysdad]

We're considering driving to WDW in September. Either straight through or driving to VA and taking the auto train to FL.

Do you take your own SUV/ Van/ Car or do you rent one. I thought I would rent, so I didn't have to put over 2000 miles on my truck, but it would cost us more to rent and drive than flying

It would be so cheap to drive and just pay for gas and tolls. I have a 2004 Ford Explorer. It runs great, I never have any problems with it, but is anyone ever afraid their truck or car will break down on the drive. Or do you just go for it.
That is why I was thinking about the Auto Train, we would only have to drive for 6 hours before we got to Lorton, VA. But it would be quicker to drive because we wouldn't have to wait for the train to board and all of that good stuff. But is the few extra hours worth it???

Any Advice?

I rent a mini van - so far I have one booked from Alamo for $700 total, incl taxes & fees - That is for 10 days as well.. Last year it costs me about 250 in gas & another 225 or so in Hotels. There is 3 of us, to fly from NH is approx 1000.00 . We stay off site at a timeshare, so we need a vehicle anyways. I enjoy the drive, it extends our vacation & time together as well. Its a tough call, I know. Both my wife & I aren't fans of flying anymore.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Thanks for the replys. A mini van from Alamo for 700, wow, that's a good deal. I have not come across any for less than 1000, I have not checked Alamo though, so i'll do that!

I know my truck is in good shape and I would definitely get it all checked out before we go, but I'm a worrier, so, of course I'm going to worry about breaking down. As if I don't have enough to worry about, lol

 

[livie1205]

I have a minivan a 2006 dodge with 50,000 on it but I always rent a car or van so I do not have to put the miles on my van. I have NEVER paid more then 199.00 a week for a van at dollar.I also get the lock low and go rate (easy 199.00 or less) and they always have vans in so I get to pick one of those if I want.