Drive or Fly? Which would you do in our case?

[jcsbama]

Option 1: Drive 8-10 hours to Disney with a 2 year old

Option 2: Fly 1.5 hours with a 2 year old

If you choose Option 2, which Airline

Option 2A: Southwest

Option 2B: Delta

Both have direct flights to Orlando with early arrival on our first day and evening departure on our last day and there is only a few bucks difference in cost.

I have flown both airlines and tend to lean more to Delta because of assigned seats. With a toddler, I think this would be more beneficial so there is not a chance of being seperated.

 

[Luv2Travel]

I don't know what part of AL you're from, but I'm so far north in AL that I'm 15 minutes from the TN state line. That being said, we have driven to Orlando on all of our trips with the exception of our last trip. The quickest route we have found is 9 1/2 hours drive time from here. We began driving the trip when my youngest was almost 4 and the twins had just turned 6. We have always had a TV/VCR in the van. It's not a bad drive IMO, but since we flew last Oct I'm pretty spoiled to getting there a lot quicker and not being so tired from the ride. We flew SWA out of Nashville last Oct, I'm guessing you are talking about flying out of BHM. So my answer is . . . if you can afford to fly without having to take away anything else on your vacation, then fly! But if you have to stay fewer days or have less table service meals to afford it, then the drive is not that bad. I'm flying Delta out of Huntsville next week, but to choose between Delta and SWA I would have to go with price. If price is the same, then I'd go with Delta for the assigned seats. Hope you have a great time, and I have to add War Eagle!

 

[grimley1968]

The choice of whether to fly or drive is up to you. However, for me, the choice of SWA vs. Delta is a no brainer: SWA all the way. Delta may try to match their fares at the same airports, but I even find SWA's service to be better than Delta. SWA's fares are so cheap that even with the cost of buying fares for an entire family, it can be less expensive the fuel costs of driving.

If you're concerned about SWA's seating, arrive early enough to get there so that you can pre-board with children. SWA has always done this for us with our toddlers.

 

[MessyJ]

So my answer is . . . if you can afford to fly without having to take away anything else on your vacation, then fly! But if you have to stay fewer days or have less table service meals to afford it, then the drive is not that bad.

Our drive is about 10 hours from North Carolina, and I agree wholeheartedly with Luv2Travel. The ride's not as bad as you would think, but it is certainly much more relaxing to fly if you can afford it. I would choose Delta, not only for the assigned seating, but also for the luggage feature. With certain airlines, including Delta but not SWA, you can check out of your hotel, and leave your luggage with guest services. You don't see your luggage again until you arrive at your home airport.

 

[clkelley]

If the flight is Direct, then I would fly. If you have to go through ATL, then drive.

If you are in Birmingham and an easy drive from the airport, then I would fly.

If you are in Huntsville and are choosing BHM or Nashville to fly SWA, then I would drive, because the drive to BHM or Nashville adds more than the 90 minute drive either direction, because you have to factor in driving delays.

I would fly Delta, because then you don't have to deal with luggage on your return home, you can check it at your resort and get your boarding passes at your resort.

If you are using Magical Express, you don't have to deal with luggage on your arrival either, because you can add the yellow tags you get and your luggage will arrive in your room on arrival.

I hope this helps. FYI, I am from Huntsville, and have tried all angles. Delta direct from HSV, Delta from HSV through ATL, SWA from Birmingham, and SWA from Nashville, Delta from Nashville, and driving.

Our best driving experience was just 3 weeks ago. 10 hours from HSV. I-565W, I-65S, I-20E, I-75S, Florida Turnpike, 429S, 192W, World Drive. Left Huntsville 10:58am CST arrived All-Star Music Checkin at 10:15pm EST. Of course, this was two adults and we don't have a 2YO.

I hope I've been helpful.

Here's another War Eagle!!!

Carol

 

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

War Eagle here too!!!!! I have driven from Knoxville (about 12 hours) and flown and I am spoiled after flying. A plug for driving though ...being able to go get diapers etc that might be necessary with a toddler. It's been so long since my DS was little that I have forgotten everything they need. You can take more toys, bigger stroller etc too.

One of my adversions to driving is going through Atlanta but really I just use that as an excuse to let myself fly!

 

[npealer]

I personally would fly, especially if it was direct. As for which airline I have no preference, But my BF has traveled with her 2 yo many times on SWA from CA to AK and prefers it. SHe sits at the window and her DH sits in the aisle seat. Most people do not want to sit in betweem so alot of the time her DD sits for free. I guess it just depends on how full your flight is. Goodluck

 

[HLAuburn]

War Eagle!!!

From recent experience, my choice would be FLY SW!! With such low SW fares, a gas drinking SUV, and a 18 month old, flying seemed like the best choice. We pre-boarded on the flight down and we were literally the first ones on the plane, so we were able to get the bulkhead seat with a little extra room. Since SW lets you pre-board, I wouldn't be worried about being separated.

 

[blitzkrieg048]

Living in Massachusetts I really don't have the luxury of driving due to disatnce, although I have done it once(24 hours). If my drive was 8-10 hours I would drive, reasons being: 1) It is a 1.5 hour flight but you still have to be there 2 hours before your flight and depending on how long it takes you to get to the airport from your house and then unloading and gettting your luggage when the plane lands and getting transportation to your resort with stops in between, that whole scenario could take up to 4-5 hours. 2)You now have a car in Disney now say it with me FREEDOM ahhhhh. The bus transportation is nice but to be able to drive to DTD or to the parks is nice. No battling with a stroller on the buses, the ability to go off property and get a cheaper meal or shop or go to the store is great. We always rent a car and it's great. 3) You can leave anytime you want on departure day and not have to worry about getting to the airport. If you take the Magical Express they com to pick you up like 3 hours beofre your flight, so if you have an 11 am flight they pick you up at 8 am. I love having a car down there it's so much better than relying on the bus transportation. The only time we use the bus is fro Magic Kingdom because it's easier by bus. Remember if ou have a Character breakfast at a resort you have to go to a park or DTD to get to another resort. That could take up to 90 mins. Busese don't got from resort to resort. Hope this helps. Having said all that if you really want to fly go Southwest that's all we fly and really like it.

 

[Mac and Us]

We live in NH and it takes us approx. 27 hours of driving time. Which usually turns out to be approx. 30 with a stop for rest. We have a 4year old. She travels well as long as we keep her busy......DVD's, coloring books, crafts, etc.

We prefer to drive even though it's a long drive. If we lived 8-10 hours away I'd be booking A LOT of long weekends to Disney!

A good point was brought up about flying vs. driving in that you have to include your travel time to the airport/2 hour prior checkin time/ etc. etc. Sometimes it's quicker to drive. In your case it might be close enough that the $ you save by driving will be worth it.

I think it all boils down to your comfort level.

 

[JoeCathyAngelina]

As my Massachusetts and New Hampshire counterparts just replyed; a 1 and 1/2 hour flight is not a 1 and 1/2 hour flight. I live 20 minutes from Logan Airport in Boston.
Last year when we flew down to WDW with my 4 year old we started getting ready to go to the Airport at 12 o'clock for a 4 o'clock flight. By the time we got to the airport, passed through security, checked in with our bags and stroller, waited around for the flight and got on the plane it was 4:30. By the time We took off, flew down to Orlando, got off the Plane, waited for our luggage, picked up our rental car and drove to the Beach Club at WDW it was 9 o'clock at night.
If we could get in the car at 7 in the morning, check into the Hotel at 4 in the afternoon and save over $600... I think you get the point.
We did drive down to WDW with my 3 year old 2 years ago. It took us 22 hours. It wasn't that bad. This year we're flying down because I got a good deal on Airline tickets. Next year??? If all goes well, the Creek don't rise and there ain't no melt down we'll do it all again.
Good luck,
Joe

 

[blitzkrieg048]

Man I wish I lived 8-10 hours away those Disney weekends my NH friend said would be a reality. Drive, if it's not to stressful.

 

[fleeflicker]

Roll Tide, I had thought about flying my only concern it this. We want to make a trip to sea world and we are staying the disney. I guess that means we would have to rent a car, unless someone knows a way to get free shuttle.

 

[HLAuburn]

Roll Tide, I had thought about flying my only concern it this. We want to make a trip to sea world and we are staying the disney. I guess that means we would have to rent a car, unless someone knows a way to get free shuttle.

Not to get too off topic, but there is a LYNX bus that you can take to SeaWorld for about $3 RT. You catch it at the transportation center and it drops you off at the SW parking lot. Just a little FYI...