Driving fr NB to FL? crazy? where to stop?

[langin]

We are thinking of driving from New Brunswick to Fl this summer, my DH and I have lots of time off and we can take 2½ to 3 weeks. How many hours should we drive each day with 3 kids (age 12 and twins 9yrs) , we now have a van so it would be comfortable. We would like to stop in US cities where there is something to do even if for only a few hours,any suggestions? My Dh wants to stop in Atlantic city NJ and/or Washington DC, but I don't know,we will do the CAA and get the trip kit.

I really don't want to drive but it may the only way we get there so...flights would costs us at the minimum 1500.00 to 2000.00 but how much will it cost us to drive down and stay a few nights, will this save us a great deal of $$$?

We'll at least have the van for transportation so we can stay off site if we wish, but we are thinking of 2 rooms at a Value resort.

Help!!!!!

 

[Jamesbyr]

Driving from NY City to WDW takes about 18-20 hours on the road, 1100 miles. Add another 600+ from your area, so about 50% more for time and costs.

We spent $190 RT on gas for a minivan last year, and estimate that will be $250 this summer. $375 for you?

We drove 9 hours a day with one motel stop, two rooms in Motel 6, about $50/rm/night. (One room there is not big enough for three kids the ages you mention. Other chains might be more spacious.)

You might be able to get to Atlantic City in 14 hours driving straight through, but the NYC area and the last 3 hours can be the worst, especially in the summer. Atlantic City casinos do not admit children under 18, though there may be some diversions for them. It is NOT as spectacular as Las Vegas. Philadelphia might be an alternative. Or Hershey, Pennsylvania. If casinos are the lure, there are some in Connecticut.
Driving to tourist attractions in Washington DC can be confusing, but I recommend Washington's estate at Mount Vernon. It is just southeast of the city.
Another 12 hours to Orlando: if you need one more stop, Charleston, Savannah, or St. Augustine might do it. So it looks like four days on the road to get there without killing yourselves, and another four to get back, minimum. At least $100/night in motels, maybe more.

You would have to stay at least a week in the Orlando area to make this kind of drive worthwhile. Good luck.

 

[maryliz]

Does your van have a DVD player in it? We drive from Ontario (about 20 driving hours, not including stops for meals), and we do it over 2 days. We can't leave earlier than 7or8AM due to DH's job, and we're usually checked into WDW by late afternoon the next day, unless we've hit really bad weather or long construction delays. Our kids are 4 and 7 and have both done this trip since they were 5 months old. The first day of driving is a lot, but to be honest, they don't complain ... too much We don't have a DVD player in our van, but several years ago bought a 13 inch TV/VCR combo that plugs into the cigarette lighter. They don't watch it the whole time, usually one movie before lunch, one in the afternoon, and one after supper.

When we stop at rest areas, we also don't make it a 5 minute stop. We let the kids run around a bit, maybe have a snack, and then head out again. It keeps us all less miserable when we're actually IN the van

Based on the miles Jamesbyr has set out above, you can easily do the trip in 3 days, depending on what other sightseeing you want to do. The only sightseeing I want to see is the "Welcome to Florida" sign

And if you fly, you need to factor in things like rental car or transportation to/from the airport, being able to get groceries for the room, etc. We love the drive to Disney ... it's the drive home that we hate

Mary-Liz

 

[Bea]

Fear not...it can be done. In fact, we have done it plenty of times from Halifax . It is actually part of the "vacation". We leave here early (say 5:00 am) and stop in Boston (used priceline for hotels - no more than $35.00 a night). We get there about 4:00 pm (maybe earlier).


The next day we get up just as early and drive to Rocky Mount, NC, that is a LONG day but the lastday will only be about 9 hours or so . There is a great Fairfield Inn that is newer and has great CAA rates (esp on Sunday nights) in Rocky Mount. If that doesn't thrill you there are TONS of cheap hotels along the I95 in that vacinity.

We had a plug in cooler and had breakfast and most of our lunches on the road. We would get the kids into the car early and stop at a rest stop around 8:00 and have cereal (those cool sugar cereals that you buy in little boxes Lunch was the same thing. Those rest stops are great. Some have playgrounds, vending machines, etc. Nothing like the small ones we have here. The exits are really well marked; they will list the ammenities and names of restaurants and gas stations (and hotels) coming up. Very convenient.

I say go for it. This year we are going during March break so are flying but when we drive we go in the summer. I really miss driving this year.

PS. Lots of people think we are nuts to drive too, but at the end of the day, that is the only way we can afford to go to Orlando.

 

[peigirl]

We did it in 2003 and will do it again in Dec 2005 from PEI.

We left at 5pm, stopped for supper in NB and stayed the night in Houlton, Me arriving at 10pm EST. On the first full day of driving, we left at 6am, stopped for 3 meals, rest stops and arrived in lower part of New Jersey at 9pm for the night. Next morning left again at 6am, stopped for 3 meals, rest stops too and arrived in St Augustines at 11pm. The next morning it we were only about 1 1/2 hours from Orlando. I95 all the way.

On the way back we took a different route. Left at 8:30am, 2 meals and travelled up the I75 stopped just past Knoxville, Tennessee at 9pm. Second morning left at 6am, stopped for 3 meals, etc and drove up the 81, cut accross the 90 and stopped in Worchester, MA at 12:00am for the night. Third morning we left at 6 am, stopped for 3 meals and checked out the duty free shop at Calais for awhile, arrived in New Glasgow, NS at 8pm.

We did not have a DVD player but have DDs got one for Christmas this past year. They would not hesitate to do it again in a heart beat.

Paula

 

[sandraB]

We are actually flying this spring break, but I have driven it as a kid, and have friends who have done it lately. I know one family that did it in two days. They went from orlando to richmond then all the way to fredericton. very long, but they think it only cost them around 600cnd for food, gas and hotels.

We used to live in DC, and it is about halfway there. If you can stop for a whole day, go for it. Every thing there is free. even the zoo! The smithsonian museums are great too. My kids love the air and space as well as the natural history one!

DC is a little confusing to drive around, so I would suggest getting a hotel somewhere off the highway (in the burbs) and taking the train to downtown. It is really nice downtown, you wont feel unsafe if you stay in the smithsonian/monument area. Georgetown is also nice, with lots of fun restaurants.

When I was young, we always took 3 days to get there and spent 1/2 day in DC on the way there and back. Also spent a few days in Myrtle beach one year.

have fun...happy planning!

 

[Bea]

peigirl, I just noticed your "18 weeks prenant". I am 18 1/2 weeks with # 3 also (due July 8th).

 

[peigirl]

Hey Bea

That is great. I am due on July 13th but have a c-section planned for July 4th. I actually had an ultrasound at the IWK on December 29th.

You should check out the "official moms to be thread" on the community board.

Paula

 

[langin]

Another question, need advice?

We may be able to leave at 6:00pm (since my husband will be coming off night shifts) and drive the first 12-14 hours while the kids are asleep (I hope), so that would kill 1/3 of the trip. How far do you think we can get to after 12-14 hours?

I am going to do the caa trip kit thing, driving may be cheaper but a lot more plannig

 

[mbb]

Another question, need advice?

We may be able to leave at 6:00pm (since my husband will be coming off night shifts) and drive the first 12-14 hours while the kids are asleep (I hope), so that would kill 1/3 of the trip. How far do you think we can get to after 12-14 hours?

I am going to do the caa trip kit thing, driving may be cheaper but a lot more plannig

We've driven from Saint John, NB at 6pm or so, and made it to Richmond, Virginia - driving STRAIGHT through, 15-20 minute washroom breaks, driver change every four hours -the next afternoon....around 2pm or so local time...

It's a loooooonnnnngggg trip

 

[sandraB]

I personally think at 12 hours you will hit between BOston and NEw York...so in other words...very populated area.

The upside is that there will be lots of hotels...on the downside, they will be very expensive in that area.

Richmond Va, is 15-16 hours from Fredericton (my sis lives there).

As soon as you get past DC, the hotels will be cheaper, as they will be further south......


anyway....just some thoughts

 

[sandraB]

the other thing.....you will hit these areas at rush hour (7-9am)! That could be stressfull in the NY area.

 

[Absimilliard]

We stopped before in Doswell, Virginia for Paramount Kings Dominion. Its a nice theme park with a lot of rides, water park and shows. Its around 30 or so minutes drive north of richmond. Its located right off I-95! Hotels are cheap in Fredericksburg.

One other place is in NJ. Its called Six Flags Great Adventure. This year, they're opening a ride called Kingda Ka. What is it? Well... 2 things: 0 to 128 mph in 3,5 seconds and then up and down a 456 feet hill! HUGE theme park, lots of shows, rides and there's even a drive through safari!

Hershey? Went there from Six Flags Great Adventure last summer... its a 3-4 hours drive from New Jersey Turnpike. Lots of fun through and my favorite amusement park (sorry WDW!) is located 45 minutes from it...