Driving from Illinois?

[YodasMom]

Just curious about what people's experiences have been with driving from Illinois(northern/suburban Chgo)? How long does it take? Where do you stop overnight? What route do you take? Do you ever rent a car so you don't put the wear and tear on your own vehicle? If so, what rental company do you use? Thanks!!

 

[luveeyore2]

We drove down earlier this month from the west chicago suburb area. It probably took about 22 hrs total driving time. We went down I-65 thru Indiana then we hit I-24 and and ended up on i-75 till the Florida Turnpike to Orlando. (I think I might have missed some roads here). We stayed in Kentucky, Florida on the way down and Georgia on the way home. If you stop at rest areas they have travel coupons for hotels that you can use. We used our own car but its new so wasn't worried about breakdowns, etc.

I hope this helps. We had two adults to do the driving so putting in long days wasn't bad. Pluse the excitement on the way down that you are going to Disney!

 

[YodasMom]

Thanks! I'm, still trying to decide whether to drive or fly this time. I have a really new car and am trying to protect it, too, from wear and tear.

 

[seashoreCM]

If you don't go too fast, say keep speed under 65 much of the time, 22 hours on the freeways going to Disney World will put no more wear and tear than 22 hours worth of driving about town.

(copied from another post) Take pictures along the way. One book suggested going no more than 25 miles before stopping for the next picture (find the next safe place such as a plaxa or side street, or next exit off the freeway not onto another freeway). This gives kids a chance to stretch their legs as well. Don't exit a freeway for this purpose unless you see the merge sign for the on-ramp; some freeway interchanges are not complete and you can't get back on. Choose a local exit, usually identified by one or more signs listing restaurants or gas stations, or lacking a route number.

More Disney tips:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

9/65 Disneyland
3/75 (World Inn* off I4 near DD)
4/85 (Kon-Tiki* on 192)
'80s Disneyland once or twice
7/94 PORiv
9/97 ASMu
11/98 ASMu
12/98 (Knights Inn on 192)
9/99 ASMo
12/00 ASSp
9/01 ASSp
11/01 ASSp planned
*no longer exists

 

[TinkerbellRules]

We live north of Indy and have driven several times. One time, we made it in 15.5 hrs with only 3 short stops (DD was 7 then). It was on the way home and we wanted to get home quick. I believe Chicago is about 3 hrs from here. If you have younger kids, you might want to consider staying in GA (or half way). We have a tv/vcr in our van as well.

Check this website: www.freetrip.com

It's really accurate. I also bring a copy of our trip with us to gauge how we're doing. It's very good and even contains avg gas prices (did in July).

BTW, I wouldn't rent a vehicle, that's what their for! I'd rather go in a newer vehicle than an older vehicle. One time, in our older van, I didn't think we were going to make it. From GA back to Indiana, we had problems. That was a nerve-wrecking trip! A few trips won't hurt it. Actually, I think they say short trips, every day do, but that could have been with cars years ago.

 

[YodasMom]

Great website for mapping the travel plan. Thank you!!

 

[minnie mouse]

I also live in the Chicago Land area and are going to Disney the 4th of October. Right now we have reservations on South West Airlines but we are concidering driving it instead.

I know it will be a long drive, but we also have a tv/vcp in our van so it won't be so bad for the kids.

There are plus on both sides. Of coures flying you get there much faster.
But driving I would take more clothes and food with us. Plus it will save us the air fare and rental car cost. I know it will cost us about $250.00 in gas and of course the hotel stays driving down and back, but we would still come out ahead in the long run.

We are still kicking the idea back and forth. I guess I will have to decide soon so I can cancell the car and air.

HHHUUMMMMMM what to do?????????

 

[TinkerbellRules]

Yoda: You're welcome. As a side, gas prices are down as well. I actually saw $1.40 around here. That's been a while.

 

[mkymouse4ever]

We have drove down maybe 3 times, from just south of chicago, & the only difference is instead of taking indiana and going through Indiannapolis, and louieville, we have taken 57 south straight to kentucky, (I think paduka), It saves a lot of time and traffic, no one is hardly on this path. Otherwise the trip is the same, think it meets up togther in nashville? Have driven my car's only but this year having the online national I checked rates frequently and arranged EA for 2 1/2 weeks at 126.00 a week, and took advantage of ata out of midway for around 99.00 each round trip. Good luck, but keep shopping prices, it really pays.

 

[RAD]

I agree on using I57 vs. I65 for the trip. I used a computer trip planner once to check the milage and I57 is about 7 miles farther then I65 but you miss having to drive around/through Indy and Lousiville, plus much less traffic. Although you might want to check airfares, United had $138/person round trip fares in october from ORD to MCO on planes that were booked full two weeks ago.

 

[Snowflake]

I have driven down to Orlando from NW Suburbs at least 5 times this year. It is not a bad trip. I have done both ways, and still find the I65 to 24 to 75 to Fl. Turnpike the best. I usually leave early in the morning to avoid rush hour through Chgo. We spend the night in Perry GA., (no big town rush hours to deal with after Atlanta) at the holiday in. They have a great brunch in the morning to get you going. Then we reach our destination at our vacation home about noon . Gas is cheaper the farther south you go. Just bring lots of things to do and snack on for the kiddies, and alternate drivers every 300 miles if you can. It is approx. 1250 miles from Nw Chgo.