Driving from Chicago w/ kids...help?

[DISNEYFAM4]

This is the first time we are driving to Disney with our girls (ages 8 & 4). I'm a little worried about the "are we there yet" syndrom. I've got books, a TV (w/videos) and gameboys. Any tips on driving so long? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. Also, how do you keep the kids calm when your just as excited?!

 

[MinnieGi]

We drove for the first time this past Feb. and the DVD's were a lifesaver for us!!! Between videos the Birnbaum's Kids Guide was a big hit for DD. We talked about the rides and our plans for the trip. We also had lots of DD's favorite cd's to listen and sing along with us. Plus we had other books, small toys, and plenty of snacks. DD did awesome! So much so we are driving again at the end of this month!!!

Good luck!

 

[Jimbo]

We drove to HHI in August, and the DVD player was a big help. Plus, and even better, DW went to one of those "Everything's a Dollar" stores and bought a ton of stuff; puzzles, games, candy, all kinds of junk. Whenever the girls got restless we'd break out the bag. It worked, and didn't cost very much.

 

[princess&tig]

stop at hotels with pools. It is a 19.5 hour trip. We drive from Milwaukee all the time with kids. Leave the night on the last day that you (or DH) work. That knocks our 4 or 5 hours (about Louiville). The next day is Kentucky and Tennessee which is scenic (enjoy). Stop in S GA or N. FL. at night in time to enjoy a nice hotel pool. Stop for lunch at McDonalds that have playgrounds. Listen to the Radio Disney Info channel on the radio in Northern FL. The drive intices the fun.

A really important tip is stop at the Disney Info station in Ocala. They know a shortcut to WDW (saves 30 min). Ask for the map. It is an easy on and off exit.

Most importantly.. Have Fun!!

 

[DisOrBust]

WE have driven 2x with 4month old 5 and 8yo DD. Drove thru the night which made it easy for the girls but hard on us. This year I found direct air for 166/pp and had to take it. We drove are fullsize van stayed over 1 night plus food and the total cost was 400.00. For the extra 300 bucks it was worth it for us to fly.

Start the night before and go as long as you can safely/ We manage to drive thru and the way there mostly because o fthe excitement. The way home we split in 2 days. Another option I considered was starting at 3am. Just a thought.....

 

[tinaluis]

We always have our girls (7, 5 and 2) get out and stretch their legs at every stop -- gasoline and food -- and we try to stop at a few rest areas so they can run around. We also stop overnight, just before Atlanta, GA on the way down and near Nashville, TN on the way back. Goodie bags from the Dollar Store are great and we also buy a few new movies for our TV/VCR to keep their interest. It's not too bad a drive, although it's not a piece of cake either. The kids do fight and ask if we're there yet but it's not unbearable. If we flew we wouldn't be able to go 2x a year, so we drive. I'm sure you know about the 57/24/75 route to Florida but, if you don't, it's a much more relaxed drive than going through Indiana. Maybe we'll see you down there. We're leaving Saturday (10/11) and returning (10/30). Have a safe drive and a wonderful trip!

 

[We4mickey]

We always drive from the Milwaukee area. Our boys have made the trip since the oldest was 3 months old (now 18). We have used the tv, vcr, gameboys, books and everything else. I have always had them pack there own backpack with their own special things that they want to take. We also start very early in the morning 2-3 am. Kids will sleep at least the first 5 or 6 hours. Usually drive to just north of Atlanta and stay for the night. Find a place with a pool so they can burn off all their excess energy. Dad sleeps and they go as long as they can. Do the big push the first day and the second is a piece of cake. Have Fun!

 

[cdy16zz]

Get the new Lilo & Stitch!

Stop at plenty of rest areas, let the girls run around & drink some coffee!

Most of all drive safe!!

SEE YOU THERE!!!

 

[wdwstar]

DISNEYFAM4 im from N.L too Hey neighbor

we just went in aug. my sis and her girls and me and my girls drove down, yes the 57/24/75 best way, we left at 3 am and pulled in disney 9 pm, we would have made it down by 8pm but we ran into heavy rain the last hour and couldnt see, we had to go very slow. and my tv in our van didnt work when the girls woke up that morning and they had brought other stuff with, gameboy, cd players,books, coloring books, felt kids, you name it we brought it, i kept asking my sister after we stopped for gas, did we leave the kids at the gas station, did they get back in the van, they are so quite. we also jammed out on disney music too, dh & df got off easy they flew down the next day, and i mean they missed the driving part, lucky & how good the girls were,

our next trip springbreak/easter vb and bcv, havent decided fly/drive, have a great trip, you bring it they will play with it!
dont forget snacks

 

[wdwstar]

dont forget to bring a small garbage can & wipes with, just in case someone gets car sick. i always keep a pair of those sea bands in my van.
safe trip

 

[geffric]

We have driven to WDW every year for the since '96. We leave early in the morning , around 4 am or so. The kids sleep in their clothes the night before, we pick them up and place them in the van, pillow, blanket and all.. they sleep and we drive... lot's of places to stop along the way, Mamouth Cave area, Stones River outside of Nashville, Ruby Falls, etc...We stop every 2 hours, and run around the rest stop or McD's with a Playland... the DVD/Vcr is a big hit ..really it isn't bad at all.. this eyar the kids played game boy all the way down and we didn't even turn on the TV..

Stop often and stretch., we have rely races and jumping contests.., bring snacks, pee pee cup ( just in case) and wipes..I also cover the seats with a towel , just in case..and not too much juice as it causes more stops

 

[ILPHIL]

We've done the drive from the far north suburbs of Chicago about 10 times with our dtr (now 13) and niece (now 11).
We leave about 9-10am and drive straight thru. During the day my wife and I take turns driving and about midnight I take over for the night. When everybody else is asleep I can really rack up the miles with minimal stops. Usually stop for a couple hour snooze somewhere in southern GA. It is really fun to see the look on the girl's faces when they wake-up and find themselves already in FL.
I agree, the 57-24-75 route is the best. We've tried the I-65 thru Indiana bit and like the idea of not hitting a major city until Nashville (way past rush hour).
Admittedly this isn't for everyone, but it works for us with our full size conversion van. Wouldn't want to try it in the Beetle...

 

[Jon99]

We always leave around 3:00 PM and drive straight thru, hitting Nashville around 10:00 and Atlanta around 3:00 AM, thus never hitting rush hour traffic the entire trip...

 

[jkfreeman33]

I also live in the south suburbs of Chicago (Crestwood) and we fly ATA out of Midway. For a flight from 11/8 - 11/14/03, I paid $170.00 round trip. I have seen it as low as $139.00 round trip. The flight is 2 hours and 15 minutes and even I am asking if we are there yet. Can't imagine driving when airfare from Midway is affordable. Southwest Air has some good prices too.

 

[DISNEYFAM4]

I want to thank everyone for such great tips!!! I think I'm just feeling as anxious as the kids!!!!!! I did think about flying but my husband's mom lives in another part of Florida - then we would have to rent a car. (Plus I really, really hate to fly!)