Driving alone with 2 children?

[arielmomma]

Have any of you ever driven over 1000 miles each way alone with 2 young children? I am considering this with a DS5 and DD2 from Michigan (1300 miles each way). For those of you who have attempted this, how did it go? Would you do it again? Any advice? Thanks!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Sorry, no way would I attempt this. Not just for sanity but safety as well. Too many things can go wrong. I'd pay to fly. Are you planning to stop and sleep each way? By the time you pay for gas, hotels, food along the way, you could pay for plane tix. Also with the age of your kids, you don't have to worry about school schedules which makes going during non peak times (cheaper fares) much easier.
Maybe I'm just a sissy.
jmho.

 

[Laurabearz]

That's a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG drive. LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG.

Even with two people driving.

I wouldnt do it. Best of luck to you if you do. (((hugs)))

 

[Hannathy]

I have done it many, many times and several before cell phones! It is helpful that you have the 5 yr old they can be a big help with the 2 yr old, handing them things, talking, etc.

Have books on tape (Cd's now) take snacks so you don't have to stop all the time, learn to "hold it" so once they nap you don't have to stop till they wake up. My kids weren't morning kids so I would try to hit the road at like 5:30 or 6 so they would sleep for a couple of hours and I could get some good miles in.

At lunch find a McD's with a big play place and let them burn off energy while you sit and regroup. Take some new little toys so they have something new to play with when they get restless. When portable DVD's came out they were great cause they could watch a 1 1/2 hr movie without complaint.

Expect some days to go smoother than others and be very clear with what they need to do and when. For us it was we don't stop going thru Chicago! so before I announced the last rest stop and they learned from 2 on to go or wait till Gary! Or have the older one dig out change if you forgot a toll, which reminds me have a bunch of change and ones within easy reach for tolls.

Just use common sense and plan on it taking a bit longer.

 

[marieNJkitty]

We drove to WDW this past November & April with our 1 and 3 year old toddlers from Michigan. We stopped overnight in northern Georgia on the way down, and in Kentucky on the way back. After driving down twice to Disney in 6 months, I am looking forward to flying next time. The first time we went, it was fun. DS watched movies and shows and both kids played with small toys. I sat in the back seat with them and gave them lots of snacks (applesauce, string cheese, grapes, etc…) We stopped for picnics at rest stops. The second time we drove DS threw up in his car seat. It was just too much driving in such a small amount of time.

 

[maxiesmom]

I live in Michigan too, and I would never attempt that drive without another adult along for back-up. Too many things can go wrong. What if one of the kids gets sick? What if you get sick and can't drive? What if you have car trouble?

Not to mention how tired you will be from all of the driving. Going to Disney World you may be ok, but the ride home always seems to be longer, partly because you are tired to start with. And your kids are small enought that the would still need a lot of help from you to stay occupied and happy for the drive.

I'm not sure which airport is your home airport, but you can fly pretty darn cheaply from either Detroit for Flint. Flint is nice and small too. Honestly I think you all would be happier if you can find a way to fly and not drive.

 

[jodifla]

Have any of you ever driven over 1000 miles each way alone with 2 young children? I am considering this with a DS5 and DD2 from Michigan (1300 miles each way). For those of you who have attempted this, how did it go? Would you do it again? Any advice? Thanks!

I had to move one of our cars back to Florida from Michigan. So what I did was drive to Baltimore where we have a friend, stay over night, then take the autotrain to Florida.

It's only about a 10 hour drive from Michigan to Baltimore, and my son thought the autotrain was the BIGGEST treat ever.