Driving back from Disney-where to stop? Savannah?

[Lisa_M]

When we drive back from Disney, we'll be on 95 pretty much the whole way back to Pennsylvania (I think). Anyone have recommendations for areas to stop in or things to do? I was thinking Savannah. We want to take a leisurely drive home, so we may stay over 2 nights on the way, but I wanted to plan on some place to stop and something to do or see. DD is almost 3, so if you know of anything that might be fun for that age group, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

[aprilfoolwed]

We're in PA too, and drove to Florida and back the past 2 summers.

Two years ago we stopped overnight in SC. On the way home, we took a short 3-night trip extension in Myrtle Beach, SC. It's a bit of a drive off 95, but there was plenty to do. Of course, we were there in June, so the beach was our main entertainment. But there are tons of things to do there year round. There are shows, aquariums, museums, and shopping there.

Last year we stayed outside of Savannah on the way down (on the north side of Savannah - before entering the city). We only stayed the night and then continues driving.

On the way home, we stayed in Pigeon Forge, TN. it's not off 95. Rather it's off 81 (we had been staying in Tampa, so we were to the west to begin with).

I totally preferred the drive home on 81. It was much more scenic. Not quite as many rest stops, but still enough to fill the rest stop needs. But it was so much nicer than 95! Lots to do in Pigeon Forge too. I would go back there again in a heartbeat!

We try to push through as quickly as possible on the way down, but we need to break up the ride home. I am sure you can find a great place to stop.

But if I were you, I would try to get further than Savannah on the way home before stopping. You still have quite a drive from Savannah to home. We felt the same way with Myrtle Beach.

It was just under 10 hours from TN to the Lehigh Valley.

have a great trip!

 

[Golf4food]

Not sure how much there is for young kids in Savannah, but it is a beautiful little city, very romantic, nice food, fantastic for walking and sight seeing. Great romantic getaway... but not sure about kids.

 

[Lisa_M]

Excellent point Aprilfoolwed about Savannah not far enough to stop. I think we're rethinking this plan.

Thanks for the info about Savannah, Golf4food. It makes me really want to go there someday with DH, but not so much with DD.

I suppose we can stay an extra day in Florida and just stop over once somewhere on the way home to sleep.

If I bought tickets from undercover tourist, can I add a day to them at the parks? If we stay an extra day, I'm going to be a day shy on my 6 day tickets.

 

[Soarin_04]

A while ago, somewhere on here, someone posted this Guide to I-95 Link, which we've been using to look up possible hotels.

http://www.i95exitguide.com/index.php

Hope it helps!

 

[Lisa_M]

A while ago, somewhere on here, someone posted this Guide to I-95 Link, which we've been using to look up possible hotels.

http://www.i95exitguide.com/index.php

Hope it helps!

That is great! Thanks so much for that. This is our first driving trip and I'm a little nervous about the way home. My sister is riding down with us, but flying home early, so the whole way home it will be me, DH and DD. Luckily, we have the new Tinkerbell movie, that DD doesn't know we have. We are saving it for the trip.

 

[aprilfoolwed]

You could always keep your 6-day ticket and spend one day doing Downtown Disney. You may enjoy the little break from the parks. Sorry I don't know about adding a day to your UT ticket.

My kids did well with LOTS of movies. The rides home were always a little harder, but I tried to keep it fun. Maybe sneak a few extra souvenirs from Disney, and hand them out to DD while you ride home.

 

[gillenkl]

We stay here on the way down:
SpringHill Suites Savannah I-95 South
4 Gateway Blvd East (Exit 94),
Savannah, Georgia 31419 USA
Phone: 1-912-629-7777

There is a Cracker Barrel right next door where we eat dinner and they serve a hot breakfast in the hotel (included). Also the rooms are large with a sitting area and there is a nice indoor pool for the kids to play.

Savannah isn't where I'd stay on the way home because it's too soon to stop driving for us - on the way home we stay:
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
2101 FLORENCE HARLLEE BLVD I-95, EXIT 170@HWY 327-WILLISTON RD
FLORENCE , SC 29506
but it's not a sightseeing area

Next trip on the way home we're staying at the Huntingdon Beach State Park because we'll have our camper with us - we're planning 3 days here and then driving straight home from there.

 

[meagansmomtoo]

Oh your talking my two favorite place Savannah and Disney.

The first time we went to Savannah my daughter was 9 or 10, she LOVED it but we like the historical places.

My favorite hotel there is Oglethorpe Inn, very nice, a good free breakfast, just far enough out of the major part of town to save a few $$.

If you go be sure and go to River Street and grab a praline, yum!!! The tour buses are not that expensive and you can get off an on where you want.