Drive tp Port Canaveral?

[4DisneyAddicts]

We have both driven and flown to WDW and are trying to decide if we should drive to Port Canaveral for our cruise.
My main reason for driving would be to avoid potential weather delays (traveling in Feb from PA) and the cost difference involved. I figure if a storm is projected we could hop in the car a day early and avoid the storm. Anyone have any opinions either way? Do you think if we fly and arrive the night before that is enough time to reschedule if a weather delay occurs? I am worried about missing the ship because my airplane is snowed in...

 

[kcashner]

I, too, have both driven and flown. Either way, I always plan to arrive at least a day early. Usually, we come down 2-3 days early and do parks. I figure that no matter what happens, if I'm at WDW, I'll get to the ship.

As to winter sailings....I'd do either a couple days ahead or do air and insurance thru DCL. That way, at least I'd get my $ back if there was a storm in Penna.

 

[LissafromSJ]

We're also from the Northeast (NJ) and we flew once, drove the next trip down to Disney. This November we'll be driving out two days early for our cruise, mostly because with five of us, that $1600 can be better spent and I can't stand worrying about my luggage. We're planning on staying two nights at the Ron Jon, which should leave us nice and relaxed for our trip - plus, with all the airlines bankruptcy troubles, it just seemed one more reason to drive and avoid the whole mess. Good luck! Melissa

 

[logan1_2000]

you dont say how many in your party--i drive everytime from atlanta, 500 miles, its a 7 1/2 hour drive. i dont know your mileage, but consider if you are at least able to drive as far as, say, jacksonville the night before, then wake up and have an easy 2 1/4 -2 1/2 hours left, straight shot on I-95. We do that on friday nights after work if we have to leave too late to get any farther.

 

[dwkwootton]

I'm in Pa and I'm very pro driving. I've gone to MK and PC many times, used every method there is and to me, driving is the very best way on all counts. Understand that we find the drive enjoyable and I know that not everyone does but it still gives you flexibility, cost savings, options, fewer headaches (no question on limo or rental to get to the port, how much is the shuttle from DW to PC, how/if you can bring some of your own beverages, or what to do in the area for 8 hours waiting for the flight home etc). The flight itself may only be 2 1/2 hours but by the time you factor in getting to and from the airport, delays, waiting at the airport on both ends, finding (hopefully) your luggage, its not as short as it seems. Even with the potential for bad weather, we feel better about driving. Our last trip was this last January, returning the day of a big storm and while stressful for everyone, we were very grateful we weren't faced with our destination airport being closed and all that went with it.

 

[myboysmom]

We are planning on driving. We drove to WDW last year and found it to be a great way to go. We also have 4 in our family and feel the savings in plane tickets could be used elsewhere (like a higher category room).

We found the ride easy from Wisconsin (except for the Alanta area, logan1_2000 I don't know how you all survive that traffic!). We left on a Thursday after school at 3:30 and were at WDW by 12:00 on Saturday. We spent two nights down and one night back. We may leave a little earlier the next time around so we can hit Alanta earlier in the day then we did.

 

[georgeat]

Am from the Dover, DE area and usually drive to Savannah area the first day and then to Port Canaveral/WDW the next. Usually get there about 11:00 to 12:00.

 

[logan1_2000]

(except for the Alanta area, logan1_2000 I don't know how you all survive that traffic!).

Ha!! Mostly, we don't! For anyone traveling south on I-75 or I-85, don't pass through Atlanta between approximately 3:30 and 7:00 p.m. if you can help it. And skipping 7:30-9:00 a.m. isn't a bad idea, either. The U.S. DOT has some statisitcs that show us as being worse than anywhere else in the country, including Los Angeles.

My personal secret is that I live 4.7 miles from work, of which 4 miles is AGAINST the flow of traffic on I-75, and my window overlooks I-75 and the notorious interchange with our city's "perimeter" I-285 beltway, (moving nicely at the moment, 6:38 p.m.) so I am never moving and never want to change firms ever. In a city of horrible traffic I have a 7 minute drive. With free parking.

 

[anlashokna]

myboysmom

Where were your stops down? I'm actually doing one stop down so I hit Atlanta about 10ish in the am. on the second day. Split the drive in half.

I figured driving would be less stressful than flying with me. Enjoy drives on the open road

 

[myboysmom]

We live just outside of Madison, so our first stop on our way down was Effingham, IL (we didn't leave until 3:30 on Thursday). We made it to the otherside of Atlanta (hitting Alanta at 3:30 or so- bad timing!), don't really remember which town on the second day. Stopped for the night about 8 or so. We were at WDW by 1:00 the next day. Would have been sooner but got behind a bad accident in Florida.

On the way home we drove to Chattanooga, TN the first day. All the way home on the second day. I believe Nashville is the 1/2 way point between Orlando and Madison.

Hope that helps.

 

[anlashokna]

Thanks

Have stopped in Effingham a few times travelling. That will be a last stop coming home. We're going to leave WDW late (week after the cruise) and make a few hour drive that afternoon. The I'll go to Effingham from there.

I think I'll plan murfreesboro going. Maybe push to Chattanooga if I'm doing okay. Long drive either way. Seems like an easy run though Always like to hear from folks that have drove these routes before.

 

[debtman7]

Ugh, don't go through atlanta unless you are too far west, much better to go along the coast. We're driving down from central ohio, done it before and as long as the kids have the gameboy and portable dvd they do ok. We're planning to stop in Jacksonville to shorten the first drive and then finish up the morning of the cruise. We considered going straight through but we'd get there pretty late plus hotels in Jacksonville are much cheaper.

We'd rather fly, but it's just not an option. After $3500 for the cruise, $300 in gas and food and hotel vs $1000 for airfare is a no brainer.

 

[4dysarts]

We drove to Port Canaveral 2 years ago for a Carnival Cruise it was an easy drive. We live in Virginia. We also just drove to Disney World this past December and plan on driving again to Port Canaveral this July for a Disney Cruise. We drive at nights, it helps with the kids, who are ages 7 & 8. Also the traffic is alot better, just be careful what time you hit Jacksonville, if it is rush hour it is no fun,plus their is alot of road construction. The drive straight thru takes us about 12- 13 hours. We have flown one time with the kids to New Orleans, and it was ok, but hte time you spend arriving early to the airport and security, etc. We much prefer to drive. Whatever you decide, good luck and have fun.