Driving from Dallas/Fort Worth

[Nebsky]

Good morning fellow Disney Fanatics. Hope all is well.

Well, I did it I booked a stay at the AS Pop Century for March 14-19. Decided to do the Spring Dream Maker package.

Since I work for an Airline and spring break to Florida is one of those times were NonRev's cant get a seat because we are standbys, we are driving.

Checking in Yahoo maps, it has advised me that it is 18.5 hours driving and 1215 miles from my home in Flower Mound, TX (20 miles north of Dallas). The route has me going through Shreveport to Jackson Mississippi, then south to Baton Rouge then east on I-10 to Mobile and Bay St Louis, then to Talahasse, Gainsville, Ocala and then on to WDW.

Im not really worried about the part from Baton Rouge eastward on I-10, but it seems there has to be a better way than to drive east to Jackson then south to Baton Rouge.

What routes have some of you driven and how long has it taken.

We have bought a DVD player for our drive and have 20+ movies for the 5 yr old son to choose and watch on the way down.

Do the gas stations on the way gouge you on pump prices?
(Im figuering on averaging about 1.75 a gallon)

Any places that might be good detour on the way home to visit?
(i want to see the Naval Air Museum at Pensacola..)

Thanks for any responses. Even if you arent from the DFW Area, and you have made a trip from Louisianna, feel free to update.

Thanks!!!!!

 

[cajunmommy]

Nebsky -

Although I'd hate to have you bypass our beautiful city, if you're headed thru Jackson, try hooking up with I-55 south which will terminate in LaPlace, LA at I-10. You can then proceed eastward along the gulf coast through Florida on I-10.

LaPlace is just west of New Orleans, so it should save you some time instead of backtracking to Baton Rouge. I'm not sure what route Yahoo has you taking, but I've driven the I-55 stretch myself between LaPlace and Jackson, and it's not a bad one.

Alternatively, have you looked into taking I-49 south through Louisiana which intersects I-10 in southwest LA (I believe in Opelousas)?? Not sure of the travel time on that route, but that would put you on I-10 about an hour west of Baton Rouge.

Gas prices have been on the upswing here - averaging $1.55 for regular up to $1.75 for super.

Happy planning!
Monique

 

[Nebsky]

Monique,

Thanks for your reply.
I was looking at the map again and they have me taking I-55 down to I-12 then I-10 to I-75 towards MCO and TPA.

It does look like it is about an hour east of Baton Rouge..

I saw US 49 on the map and wondered about it as it does cut diagonally across Mississippi. Looks like I would need to jump on US 98 and then on I-59 to get back to I-10 in Mobile Alabama.

Not sure it really will make that much of a difference. Still a long ride.

Jeff

 

[cajunmommy]

Nebsky -

According to co-workers who have relatives in MS, taking I-20 to Jackson, then using US49 south through Hattiesburg and on to Gulfport where it meets I-10 is the best way to handle this particular leg of the journey. (I didn't ask about using 98 then I59 to Mobile, however).

Although 49 isn't an interstate, MS has spent lots of $$$ upgrading its highways, and 49 is an interstate-quality thoroughfare with 70mph speed limits. I understand there is some construction going on in Collins, MS (building a new interchange).

Sorry you won't be passing through, but with two little ones of my own, I know how important shortening the road trip miles can be!

Hope this helps!

Monique

 

[Nebsky]

Thanks,

That will help. I have been talking to some co-workers as well who travel to Destin Florida alot. They said they used 49 and it worked out well. Glad to know about the possible traffic/construction issues...

On the way back we will probably swing through Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

BTW, is it crawfish season yet. I cant get enough of those...
We usually head to a local place and do the all you can eat at least 2 -3 times a season.

Jeff

 

[cajunmommy]

Crawfish are starting to come in, but it's still a bit early yet. The last couple of cold spells are keeping the crawfish in their holes, so what is available is on the smaller side and a little pricey. Prices should start to come down after Mardi Gras. Can't wait!!

Now you've got me hungry!

Monique

 

[mommystieg]

Originally posted by cajunmommy
Nebsky -

According to co-workers who have relatives in MS, taking I-20 to Jackson, then using US49 south through Hattiesburg and on to Gulfport where it meets I-10 is the best way to handle this particular leg of the journey. (I didn't ask about using 98 then I59 to Mobile, however).

Although 49 isn't an interstate, MS has spent lots of $$$ upgrading its highways, and 49 is an interstate-quality thoroughfare with 70mph speed limits. I understand there is some construction going on in Collins, MS (building a new interchange).

Sorry you won't be passing through, but with two little ones of my own, I know how important shortening the road trip miles can be!

Hope this helps!

Monique

We drove from the DFW area last year and are driving again this year. My MIL and her friends drive to Destin every year and this is the route they take so we tried it. We did not get on I-10 at all in Texas but used I-20 all the way to Jackson, MS. We took 49 to Hattiesburg and then picked up 98 to Mobile where we then got on I-10. We didn't really pay much attention to gas prices since we had budgeted $2/gallon but we never paid that much--from what I remember the prices were very competitive. We carried travelers' checks and found that most gas stations wouldn't accept them as a form of payment. Hope this helps and have a safe trip!!

 

[Nebsky]

Cool..
That is what we are planning on doing.
I20 to Jackson then 98 to 49 to Mobile then I10 to Tallahassee.
That is my goal for the first day. If I can make it to Gainesville, even better, but the goal is TLH.

 

[KathyTX]

Originally posted by Nebsky
Cool..
That is what we are planning on doing.
I20 to Jackson then 98 to 49 to Mobile then I10 to Tallahassee.
That is my goal for the first day. If I can make it to Gainesville, even better, but the goal is TLH.

As one who's driven between Dallas and Mobile way too many times, this is definitely the route I would take.

(For your planning purposes, you might want to know that the stretch from Jackson-Hattiesburg-Mobile doesn't offer a lot of food or gas stops between these towns.)

And , from another Flower Mounder who'll be spending Spring Break at WDW!!! (Flying!)

 

[Nebsky]

Very Cool..
Another Flower Mounder...

I live off of Firewheel. In between Morriss Road and 2499.
How bout you?

 

[Mr.BsMom]

Flower Mound is the BEST place to live!!!

 

[KathyTX]

Jeff and Kelly-
We're practically neighbors- Forest Vista and Morriss!

We probably pass each other in the aisles at Tom Thumb. My DS10 goes to Donald- is yours in Kindergarten this year, or next?

 

[Nebsky]

WOW!!!

Yes, he is in K-garten now there.
He goes to the Childrens Courtyard at Morris/Forest Vista.

This is unreal. It is a Small World After All.....

Week of the 14th through the 19th...
Look for a silver/gray Montero Sport with TX plates...
Thatll be us...
Where are you staying at?

 

[KathyTX]

The world is even smaller than you think!

Jeff- check your PM box!

 

[Nebsky]

You are right. Very very small...
I PM'd you back..

I just realized that my wife Kelly is updating this thread. I didnt know she was writing on this site. Hi Kelly.....

 

[KathyTX]

Hi, Kelly!

Sounds like our boys are probably playing together right now...

 

[Mr.BsMom]

I bet they were! That is too funny! I about fell over when Jeff told me about your PM message... What a small world it is..! We are really looking forward to our trip, and keeping it a surprise from Brendan is getting harder and harder each day! I can't wait!

 

[KathyTX]

I promise not to tell!

I talked to Andrew- he does know Brendan!

 

[Mr.BsMom]

We asked Brendan if he knew Andrew... He said he did, and pointed him out to us. I had a feeling I knew who he was when you said that he was pretty tall...

Is he looking forward to your trip? Has he been before??

 

[KathyTX]

Andrew's been at least once a year each year since he was four. He knows his way around WDW like a pro tour guide now!

Some of his favorite things to do are Pirates of the Caribbean, RockNRoller Coaster, eating MIckey bars, and swimming at the Polynesian pool.

He knows about your trip, but won't tell Brendan. He thinks it's fun to have it be a surprise... He was a little concerned that you were driving ("that's going to be boring!"), but gave it his stamp of approval when I told him about the DVDs.

If you want any ride tips from a kid's perspective, just ask him.