drive or fly from NC?

[sharonb]

HI,
We are planning our first family trip to Disney next December (early Dec-not around the holidays). We have 3 kids-will be 5, almost 3 and 14 months. We are going back and forth about bringing the youngest, but most likely will when it comes time to go. My question: Mapquest gives a 10 hour timeframe to get to Dinsey from where we live in NC (Durham). Has anyone driven from NC-how long would you actually say the trip is? We wanted to do it in one swoop as we are only staying from Wed -Sunday (would leave Tues afternoon if we drive-not sure). Anyway, flying seems so much faster, but $$ may be an issus-plus my kids are not the greatest on the plane. They are not that bad in the car, but I don't want to wear everyone out. Opinions please from seasoned Disney travelers!
Sharon

 

[Robert P]

The good news is you have options. The bad news is you will have to pick one.
RDU has some great fares to Orlando, if you watch for them, but that does mean flying with the kids. Driving means 9-10 hours, depending on when you leave.
We drove from Chapel Hill to WDW (when we lived there 6 years ago) in well under 9 hours (with no stops except for gas and McD's). I would say the 10 hour estimate is very realistic, assuming normal driving and a low number of gas/bathroom/fast food stops.

I would opt for driving, as you figure the time it takes to get to the airport, the early arrival requirement, almost 2 hours of flight time, and roughly 1 hour to get bags and transport.
It is very convenient to have your own car while there, and that also gives you the flexibility to snag a cheap hotel night (if you decide to go on Tuesday), either part of the way down or maybe even at WDW, and you start your vacation early Wednesday a.m.
(That's what we did. We snagged a cheap rate at AllStars, drove down during the day before, and were at WL first thing the next morning. It beats driving in dog tired at the start of a your vacation, and that much of a drive does take a toll on you).
Driving also takes out the chance of having airport delays or flight problems (with the kids, those become headaches).

Whatever you decide, be safe.

 

[The VWL Five]

We have driven down twice from NJ with 3 kids. Last trip in September they were 4, 3, 2. Trip was about 16+ hours. Let me tell you, the kids were not a problem AT ALL. We were so shocked. First trip my son was 7 months old and slept most of the time. Still took him.

The KEY is:

TV/DVD player a MUST. Rent one if you do not have one. It is SO worth it.

Snacks. Bring lots of snacks and different snacks they normally don't get to eat.

Special little toys. New toys, coloring books and crayons. We got them an 8 x 10 plastic binder that closes with a clip inside to hold the paper. They could close it when they were done and keep the crayons inside.


For the cost of it all, driving is worth it sometimes.

Go for it!!!!!!