Drive vs. Fly?

[disneymom3]

actually JLampley said it would be $150 more to fly. I crunched numbers for OP and came up with same additional cost. Assumptions are two days driving there and two days back which equals two hotel nights and 5 meals each way (10 total- last dinner is in FL or home either way) and I believe a rental car (actually van for OP with 4 kids). If you use disney transportation flying may be less but meals will be more as you can't eat off site.

Is $150 the over/under? I guess so. For $150 more I would fly over drive. All depends on what your time is worth and do you have two extra days to waste driving.

But she wasn't using the OPs numbers adn that is why I asked. She refers to the MPG of their car and the trip from Nashville to Orlando. She then says perhaps the OP should use the same system to figure her costs, not that those would be her costs. That is why I asked. For $150 difference, I would def fly, but I can't see how that could be the difference.

 

[cranbiz]

I do both from MA. Generally, If I have to buy airfare for 5 (my family size) It needed to be in the $49 range each way. That's the only way it comes close economically. The less tickets to buy, the easier it is to fly.

DW and I took our nieces 2 and 4 to the World the end of March this year. We drove straight thru, taking any and all necessary stops (Driving a GMC Canyon crew cab). From MA it took us 22 hours each way and the girls were great. I do all of the driving at night and DW drives during the day. It's only about 13 to 14 hours from Baltimore, with 2 drivers you could go straight thru (if that's your style). If you left at 6pm, you would be there before noon. leaving at night, well that eliminates a lot of the "Are we there yet's" and the traffic.

With 6 of you, I assume that you have something larger than compact. Do you have enough room for everyone (except the driver of course) to be able to find a comfortable position to sleep? If so, you may consider giving it a try, if not, then many stops to stretch and a stop for a nights sleep are in order.

My guestimate of the costs to drive are $300 in gas (I always figure a little high on that, that's what it cost me in March) You may or may not need to pay tolls, but if so it's most likely about $4.00, $50 in snacks, $100 for meals. I would say that absolute worst case is $700.00 gas/ hotel/meals, etc.

You will then also have wheels while there, which would be another cost if you want to go off property.

You have got to do what is right for you and your family, I don't know them so my habits may not be right for you.

Driving from Baltimore is a very doable alternative to flying, It's not as fast, but, may very well be best for you. Good luck any way you choose to get there.