Driving from DC area

[mrsp1030]

We usually fly but with 3 kids now we are debating driving for our next trip since it is over a school vacation time at Thanksgiving. If it was a short trip there would be no way but thinking maybe saving on tickets for other trips/destinations down the road. For those that drive from DC, how is it?

 

[Kpskyman]

I have driven from Pittsburgh the week before Thanksgiving, we left about 6 in the evening and drove straight through minus food,gas,and toilet breaks. Arrived about 4 the next day. If you tag team the driving it is ok, but if you drive all yourself, you will need a good rest before hitting the parks

 

[carseatmommy]

We drive from MD's Eastern Shore..so about an hour or 2 more than you. We've done it 2x. Once we left around noon, the second time about 2:30 in the morning---driving straight through both times.

The first time was harder....we stopped for dinner and play time outside of Richmond, VA. We stopped a couple times through the night---potty, stretch, fresh air, ect. We ate breakfast at our resort the next morning. Only one room was ready, and we were so tired we didn't make it into the park until the evening.

Leaving around 2:30 am was the way to go. We packed snacks and mini boxes of cereal. We stopped for milk and the bathroom around 6:30 am. We had a late breakfast/early lunch at a Cracker Barrel in one of the Carolinas. Then we stopped for dinner and play time at a Chick Fil A in GA. We were in Orlando by 8pm that night. We stayed off-site in a hotel that had a free breakfast and had a one night bag to go into the hotel so we didn't have to unpack the whole vehicle.

 

[mrsp1030]

Yes we are use to long drives as previously drove 9-10 hours from Ohio to syracuse many times, Even for long weekends. How about coming home? When did you leave?

 

[JEWLSVERN]

We just drove recently from Richmond so a little shorter than you have. We left as soon as DD got off the bus around 3:30. Stopped in NC for dinner and then drove straight to Jacksonville. We got to Jacksonville about 2 am where we had already booked a hotel. We got up the next morning and headed off. We were in Disney between 12-1. We got a later start that morning due to DS4 not sleeping but we would have been much earlier if I could have slept that night.

We have 3 young kids so we prefer to drive while they are sleeping if we can.

 

[mrsp1030]

How did you approach the drive back? When we left Hilton head we wore them out and then left around 2pm and drove straight back to Ohio. We have 6 night reservations at disney now but would like to spend at least till 2pm in a park on Friday and then either do the whole way home or drive a few hours and stay the night somewhere.

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

We live in Frederick. We generally leave about 2:00 in the afternoon to get through the beltway before rush hour, and stop in Florence, SC. Coming home, we try to leave around the same time and just do everything in reverse. Oh, and we always plan for a quick stop at South of the Border for the kids!

We've got four kids, and flying is just way too expensive! Our kids have grown up used to driving everywhere. We have a DVD player in the car, and that worked well when the kids were younger. Now they are older (8, 10, 13, and 16), so they have their own phones/ipads etc., so they each watch/play whatever they'd like. They are excellent travelers!! I also used to give them little goodies (games, snacks, etc.) as we crossed into each state, which helped to pass the time and give them something to look forward to.

Have you considered the Autotrain? We did that for our trip down last year, and LOVED it! We take it one way and drive the other. It's kind of a nice compromise!

 

[mlynn]

We drive from NJ. When you stop to eat.Pick a place where the kids can run around while you eat. Get some energy out and then let them eat in the car.


Buy this book.http://www.drivei95.com/ this is the best book I have ever bought.

 

[Simba07]

We leave from DC late (post rush hour). We drive about 4-5 hours that gets us into NC. We spend the night, get up super early, and drive most of the day to get there. We can usually make it in time to have a swim before dinner.

I also have a friend who swears by leaving at about 3 or4am and doing it all in one shot. I don't think I could pull that off though.

 

[tlh0726]

Gettysburg PA area

Best thing that works for us is leaving around 2 am and driving straight through. We are normally checking into our hotel around dinner time.

Coming home we leave orlando in the afternoon (around 330 pm) drive until around 1030 pm. stop at a hotel for the night and then finish the drive the next day.

 

[mrsp1030]

Yes, my husband is thinking leaving the 2am route and then on the way back stopping on the way home.

 

[tlh0726]

Yes, my husband is thinking leaving the 2am route and then on the way back stopping on the way home.