Driving from Jersey

[Robinette]

We have relatives joining us at Disney for a few days next month. Very last minute plans. They don't have internet access so I thought I'd ask for them. Anyone here drive from Toms River area, New Jersey to Disney? What is the best way? How many hours? And where is a good place to stay for a night on the way down? They don't have children, so that makes it easier for them. TIA

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Robinette,

I've driven several times from Central PA and from Philadelphia, depending on where I was living at the time. Once you get past Central Jersey, our routes should be similar.

Bottom line, if you're looking for a quick trip (and I know no one who wants to prolong that particular trip), get to I 95 ASAP and take it straight down to Daytona, where you catch RT. 4. It's around 18 hours, give or take for meals and pit stops.

We've always, for some reason, stopped in a place called Walterboro, SC. It's about an hour short of Savannah. That way, you're getting two thirds your trip in on day one, so the jog to Orlando is short (if you consider six hours short). We find that after about twelve hours driving towards Orlando, we run out of steam. Walterboro is a small town off I95 that seems to make its money by catering to folks running out of steam on the way to Orlando.

What you'll find is a clean, safe town. I noticed right off it was tough to find a drink, which usually bodes well for the safety factor. There is inexpensive gas, lot's of restaurants and convenience stores, and everything from major hotels to little places where you can get a room for under forty bucks a night. And there's a Krispy Creme, important fuel for the final trek.

Anyway, that's what we do. Warning: if it's your first drive down this stretch, AVOID SOUTH OF THE BORDER. Located just over the line into South Carolina, they advertise the place starting just south of DC. You'll think you're approaching Mecca. As it appears on the horizen, you'll be drawn to it. But what is it: It's like someone took a bad boardwalk from the Northern Jersey shore, gave it a Mexican theme, and moved it to South Carolina. Bad food, bad shopping, a really bad casino. And boom, you're out an hour of your life. Don't do it. Eat at a Stuckey's instead.

Pat

 

[ennisb]

I sent you a PM

 

[DaveH]

When heading south try to avoid DC at either rush hour. You can add an hour or more to your trip.

 

[laurabelle]

We're driving down from MD for the first time this summer, so I've been asking lots of questions here! I'm following Uncleromulus' advice and stopping in Brunswick, GA, close to the GA/FL line the first day (about 10 hours for us), then it's just 3-4 hours from there the next day. On the way home we're stopping in Emporia, VA, again, about a 10 hour drive there, leaving about 3-4 hours the second day. It makes more sense to us than leaving alot of driving for the second day. Tell them to definitely try to avoid rush hour in DC at all costs!

I booked hotels online through FastRes.com and found great deals at the Hampton Inn in Brunswick and at the Days Inn in Emporia.
HTH

 

[Uncleromulus]

What a coincidence--this is exactly what we're doing in May!!

Robinette:
There are several "alternate" routes and if you absolutley cannot avoid DC at anytime near AM or PM rush hour, that might be considered. But we've found the I-95 / I-4 route to be fine once you get past DC.
BTW--from our home in Glen Rock Pa. (about 10 miles into Pa. on I-83, N. of the Md./ Pa. line) it's 963 miles to the front gate at Old Key West.

 

[Robinette]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and advice. I will pass them on to my Aunt & Uncle, especially to avoid DC at rush hour!!

ennisb, I did get your PM. Thank you also.