Drive From CT?

[barbnbrian]

Anyone ever rent a van and drive to WDW from CT? Airfare for 5 of us is going to be over $1,000, so I was thinking of attempting the drive, but don't know if I'd feel comfortable driving my own 1996 caravan.

If I were to rent a van in CT for the drive, what could I expect to get for a rate for about 10 days and would it be unlimited miles?

Anyone who has made this drive, how many hours did it take you and did you go straight through or stop over? I'm leaning toward driving straight through.

Could anyone offer any experiences or opinions? Thanks.

 

[sherrie]

We drove straight through from wallingford. It took 22 hours. We drove our own vehicle. We will never drive again. I was the passenger most of the way and couldn't sleep for fear that my husband would fall asleep. It was so uncomfortable. We were in a ford taurus

 

[KristinU]

We drove from Manchester last fall (post 9/11 - before flights were all back up and running)and we liked it so much that we're planning on it again this fall! For us, it gave us some good "road trip" togetherness time, and time to talk about and reflect what was/is happening in the world. It was just so heartwarming to see a flag flying from almost every overpass the whole way down there.

It was just DH and myself and we drove straight through. It took us about 19-20 hours, but our stops were very short. We do plan to leave earlier in the A.M. this time around since I am a super early-bird and 4 a.m. seems to be a perfect time to start the drive to me! We rented a car last year and plan to do the same again - saves wear and tear on your own car. It helps to be cognisant of the times you will be hitting the major cities so you can avoid traffic.

Another thing we are considering is the Autotrain. You drive down to Lorton, VA - load your car on the train and ride down to Sanford, FL. So far the rates are not good enough to have me "sold" on it, but it is a really good concept and I am waiting to see if any deals pop up for it.

Best Wishes!

 

[barbnbrian]

Whenever it's just me & hubby on a road trip, time passes by really quickly. I guess because I just keep talking the whole time.

However, there would be five of us on this road trip and with three kids ages 13, 8 and 5 yrs., I don't know if we'd be able to cope. I have a hard enough time with the drive from CT to the inlaws' in Quebec Canada (10 hr ride). I too cannot sleep when driving in the middle of the night for fear my hubby might nod off.

The only reason I would want to drive is because I'm so desparate to go that I'd consider it if I can't get cheap flights. Last Aug. we got $93 RT on SWA and so far, the prices are not that low. I don't really want to spend $1000 in airfare. I'd rather rent a van and drive.

Anyone know about unlimited miles if we were to rent a van in Connecticut?

 

[sherrie]

RT from Bradlee in May for 152.50. I checked rentals and decided No Way. It is so boring through the carolinas.

 

[barbnbrian]

I do remember a roadtrip from CT to Myrtle Beach about 10 years ago. We left at 7:00 p.m. and drove straight through. Got there around 11:00 a.m. I hated that 15 hr. car ride. Maybe I better rethink the roadtrip route and keep my fingers crossed on better airline rates!

 

[cforza]

Where are you flying from? I assume Bradlley, where you should be able to get the air for less, about $ 150. If you're willing to fly out of NY you can probably get a flight for about $ 100 R/T non-stop. What dates are you going?

 

[barbnbrian]

Yes, flying out of Bradley. Last year got $93 rtnonstop on SWA for end of Aug. Less than $500 for the 5 of us! Want to go again in Aug., but can't unless I get some good deals or DH will not want us to go since we just went last year. I'm just anxious to book something, but I'm trying to hold out and keep saving up!

 

[lookingforward]

We are driving down to Orlando on Saturday from New Haven. We have a new van with a built in entertainment system and plan on stopping in Fayatteville, NC for the night. We will be traveling with our three kids and my 87year old grandmother! She refuses to fly and so we are taking her down to see her "kids". I will let you all know how it goes when I get back.

 

[barbnbrian]

Good luck. I hope the drive is not too bad. Let us know how it went when you get back. By the way, how old are the kids?

 

[lookingforward]

My kids are 3, 9 and 11. I hope it goes well, I will definately let you all know when we get back.

 

[cforza]

Barb, Have patience. Keep checking Orbitz every am when you get on your computer. I can practically guarantee you that one day you will see a great fare for the dates you want to go. Just be prepared to book immediately, sometimes these fares only last for a few hours. I travel an awful lot, and have learned that the good fares will come. They may only be available for a short time but other than major holidays, you should have no problem getting your airfare at about $100, especially if you start checking now.

I just decided to go to Disney 3 weeks ago. I monitered the airfares for 2 weeks then grabbed a $ 99 airfare when I saw it one Monday morning. The next day that same flight was back up to $ 160. Plus we are going in high season, March Spring break. I'm sure there will be people on my flight who booked 6 months ago or more who paid more than I did.

 

[Buzz2001]

I friend of mine is driving in November and was quoted 369 for a week for a van or expedition. It came to 750 to add the additional 3 days. He is going to look at just renting the vehicle for 2 weeks to get the 369 rate. They try to get you for any additional days of the week.

 

[barbnbrian]

Thanks Cforza. I know good things come to those who wait. By waiting for a deal to come along, I'll have longer to save up for the flights.
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I have tried looking at Orbitz, but you have to go through the whole registration thing and I didn't want to give any credit card info if I was just going in to look. Can someone please explain Orbitz to me better?

Thanks. Barb

 

[cforza]

You don't have to give any credit card info just to browse. You only have to create a name and password, like you did to post here (actually it's much easier, you only need to fill out name and password). Then, you can check filghts as often as you want. Once you want to book, THEN and only then do you have to give more info, like your credit card. It really does take only a few seconds to register. Give it a try.