Drive or fly?

[F1Julie]

I can't decide whether to drive or fly to WDW in December. Normally, I drive, but this is my first trip solo with DD4. In the past, I've had my mom or sister with me. My main concern is keeping her entertained while I'm driving. It takes about 7 hours to drive. Flying may end up being more of a hassle though. It takes about an hour for me to get to the airport, I'd have to get there 2 hours early for security/check-in, fly for about 2 hours, and then take a taxi or shuttle to our resort. Cost isn't as much of an issue as convenience. What would you do? Does anyone out there have experience driving solo on a road trip with a 4 year old?

 

[Desnik]

I haven't driven solo, but we drive from NY every year since my DD was born.(she's now 6yo) I would drive if I were you. To keep your DD entertained you could buy a tv/vcr/dvd combo that hangs on the seat. That would be the most expensive option, but I do know Target has them for about $150. Or you could buy her a "video now"that is like a hand held video player. They have them in back/white, or in color. They have different shows like Sponge Bob and other Nick toons. You could borrow books on tape, read alongs at the library. Bring coloring books, her favorite music. Maybe try to leave really early in the morning and she'll probably sleep alot of the first part of the drive. 7hrs. really isn't that long, I'm sure she'll do fine! Good luck

 

[mjmcca]

I have driven solo from NY many times ( mean solo no kids). I have driven with DS when he was 10 months and with DS and DD when they were 20 months and 2 months. I really prefer to drive. I think it is a lot easier than trying to get on a plane with all the bags and everything by myself with the 2 kids. I am crazy but if i were you i would leave at night and drive to florida inthe early morning hours. That way your daughter would sleep most of the trip.

 

[april riddle]

We normally drive - which ends up being about 10-11 hour drive. Personally I don't like driving. Are you staying onsite? Do you need a car or do you plan just to stay right onsite and not leave until you checkout. We got a great deal on Delta - $132 round trip the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Of course my kids at 11 and 9 can keep themselves occupied with game boy or reading. I am surprised that it takes that long from Atlanta - our flight is only 11/2 hours. Good luck with your decision. Either way I know you'll have a wonderful time with your daughter

 

[lemondog]

With just one child, I would fly. Just my personal preference. Even with airport security and whatnot, it's still less of a hassle to me than loading up the car, trying to keep her entertained for 7 hours, stopping for meals, etc. Plus, you might be able to have an extra day at WDW if you fly, due to time savings. But then again, I have always preferred flying to driving. Of course, now that we have 3 kids, we pretty much drive everywhere. If it was just me taking my 3yo, I would fly in a heartbeat!

Angela

 

[F1Julie]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm still on the fence since it would take me about the same time from my house to Disney to fly or drive. I won't need a car once I get there since we are staying onsite and even when I have my car I rely solely on Disney transportation. I wish my child would sleep in the car, but she just doesn't. I'll have to look into the portable DVD player option. If I can get one with a remote that I can operate while I'm driving, that might be the way to go.

 

[Captain Blue Sky]

I would recommend flying! I seldom drive anywhere (I suppose because I fly professionally), but airfares from the NYC area to Orlando are amazing! My friends just booked $123 round trip fares on Jet Blue! Considering the price of gasoline, the time it takes to drive the distance, and the unexpected traffic, congestion, and detours, I would recommend flying without a doubt.

 

[mjmcca]

Originally posted by Captain Blue Sky
I would recommend flying! I seldom drive anywhere (I suppose because I fly professionally), but airfares from the NYC area to Orlando are amazing! My friends just booked $123 round trip fares on Jet Blue! Considering the price of gasoline, the time it takes to drive the distance, and the unexpected traffic, congestion, and detours, I would recommend flying without a doubt.

That is a good fare but when you triple it ( i have 2 kids) and factor in the cost of a rental car plus trying to juggle 2 kids 4 and 2 with the luggage in the airport by myself To me the conveince of the car to go offsite and even drive to the parks with my double stroller outweighs any benefit of flying.

 

[Captain Blue Sky]

If you are staying on premises at WDW, it is not necessary to rent a car at all. The Disney Transportation is outstanding, even if you bring your huge double stroller. As far as having lots of items to carry in the airport, airlines provide free assistance for their customers. You just need to request it. Also, Sky Caps are available to assist getting your luggage from baggage claim to your ground transportation; that's their purpose for being there. If you do the math, the actual cost of flying versus driving is of very little difference, especially with today's gasoline prices and the cost of lodging, meals, and other incidentals. And the time and fatigue you would save, to me, is significant. Although I will admit that going off-site might be a challenge. For us, when we travel to WDW, we typically stay put and do not venture away from the resort.