Driving from Baltimore to WDW solo.

[BillSears]

Hey guys,

I posted a thread over on the transportation board about this but I was hoping for your input too. If you have any experience or thoughts on driving solo for a wheelchair user I'd appreciate your comments. Thanks.

Here's the thread to read/comment:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1269821

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Bill -- When Judy and I would drive from Virginia we were right off the Beltway and it was two exits to I-95. We would stop about Fredricksburg for breakfast and SotB for lunch.

However, we would normally stop for overnight in North Georgia. It would be Exit 94, and we would stay at a Fairfield Inn about 1/2 mile East of I-95. There are a lot of hotels there, as well as chain restaurants.

Then we would get up the next morning, have breakfast, and figure on getting in to WDW about 1:00 to 2:00.

BTW, stop around exit 2 or 3 in Georgia to fill you gas tank, the state gas tax is much lower than Florida's.

 

[Forevryoung]

Sounds like a blast!

I have an idea- I know you want to wing the hotel thing but what about making a list before you go of all sorts of hotels along the way that have appropriate rooms. You dont have to price them or see if they are available for that night (although that might be a good idea). Knowing there is definitely an accessible hotel room somewhere in the vicinity when you need to stop for the night may be a comfort. You don't have to make an actual reservation though.

 

[slcmom]

Hi, Bill
I know you like to drive (so do I) but have you considered the autotrain, at least 1 direction? We did it once and had a great time. Of course, I also love trains...

We've found accessible rooms at Super 8's, but I agree with everyone that you need to plan ahead. Last month on our way to Portland from Utah I gave out about 10:00 p.m.3 hours away. We tried 4 hotels-no1st floor rooms, and forget about accessible baths! I must say, though, the night air and getting in and out of the car all those times woke me up enough that we just kept going.

My life-saver for long road trips is audio books. You can check them out from the library, or Barnes and Noble has a good selection. We've got all the Harry Potters' on tape; each is about 20 hours long, which is perfect. And they are so engrossing that it keeps me alert. I even sat in the parking lot of my hotel in Las Vegas once at 3:00 a.m. for 1/2 hour! I was reluctant to turn the tape off! And the actor who reads the Harry Potter books is unusually gifted.

But other books will do - just make sure that they have enough suspence to keep you engaged.

Have a great trip!,
Ann

 

[vonpluto]

Hi Bill,
I concur with the posts on the other thread, leave earlier, get thru DC earlier. I always preferred the Balt/Wash Pkwy/295 over 95 and the Beltway, less traffic and it brings you out right at the WW Bridge. I always left South Joisey at midnight and cleared DC around 3 AM. (I take the Cape May/Lewes Ferry now, down the DelMarVa thru Nofrolk, and 58 over to 95. Bypasses the whole DC mess. )

Also agree with Chesire's suggestion about Exit 94 in GA, if you can't find a room there, you should take up tent camping.

Also, try to stop at the Florida Welcome Center. Air conditioned and fresh squeezed orange and grapfruit juice.

 

[LindaDVC]

We have occasionally traveled without reservations and pulled in when I was tired! DH doesn't drive so basicly I am a solo driver with company!

We have always gotten a ground floor room -- some accessible -- a few weren't but with my help he was able to manage.

I go to bed super early the nights we are going to travel and leave out at the latest 3am! The roads are empty and by the time I am starting to get a little tired the sun is rising and wakes me up some. We stop frequently for gas, a snack, or a meal.

Some places allow you to hold a room (with out a credit card) until 4 and if you are arriving after that you need to call to confirm. Having a tenative reservation might make you feel better and you could see how traffic has been and approximate arrival time reality and confirm it if it is going to work out.

Lots of places around the HH exits in SC, and in Savannah and Brunswick as folks have mentioned. Another thing to consider is events in cities those days.
We once arrived in NC during furniture market and another time in Charleston with 8 different events going on! No rooms were available at all and added lots of wasted hours on the road!

Enjoy your trip
Linda