Driving from Maine - just a tiny vent

[toystorymom]

Another Carver family here!

We have also done both, driven and flown. Dh prefers to drive, I prefer to fly. If we can get a good deal on airfare we will fly, otherwise we'll drive. It's not that bad and hey, it's a trip to Disney! I have many friends who say they would never, ever drive all the way to Florida, these are the same people who have never gone because they say it's too expensive. I think it's worth it to try it once, then you can really decide if it's not right for you.

Last time we went to WDW, we got a good price, flying out on Jet Blue for just under $800. It was another $100 for transport to/from Logan and then another $200 to rent a minivan in Florida. We're a family of 5 and like to have a car to visit Sea World, etc. Anyway, even good flight prices can add up. For our upcoming vacation, even Jet Blue wanted over $400 per person, so it was a no-brainer - don't go or drive. For us, an easy choice. We just pack lots of snack, activities, and DVDs. Is it ideal....no. Is it doable...definitely.

It has been a few years since we've made the drive. I'm going to keep a detailed account of times, expenses, etc. I'd be happy to report back when we return.

Cranbiz, do you usually take 95? The way down will be a weekend, which we find makes the drive easier. Any good tips for the return home (weekdays), avoiding the traffic hotspots?

 

[cranbiz]

Toystorymom,

I normally take 44-24-79-195 to Providence and then it's 95 to the NJ turnpike. Then I have started taking 895 thru the Baltimore Harbor tunnel and then 495 around DC. When I get back onto 95 after Alexandria, I stay on 95 to Jacksonville then will either stay on 95 or reroute on 295 depending on time of day, etc. Then it's 95 all the way to Daytona to I4. I do know my way around Daytona soif there is a problem with traffic there (Daytona 500 week is one problem) then I'll detour off of 95 to I4 using LPGA Blvd.

I normally leave MA around 4pm which let's me usually miss everything (unless there is closures on the GWB). Coming home I'll leave around 3pm (which would be 2pm from Disney) on a weekday to avoid getting to NYC after 6am, weekends I'll leave between 6 and 10pm.

Do you have a fast lane transponder? If so, then it's good on any toll road or bridge or tunnel down to and thru Maryland. It really makes things easier and faster. (now only if it would work in FL.)

These times assume that you drive straight thru with minimal stops and can average 65mph the entire trip. (which is pretty easy to do if most of your driving is at night)

 

[Kristi1357]

Im very surprised by the number of folks who willingly drive. If you have done both and like dirving, great, enjoy. If you have an RV, I get that too. If you are afraid to fly, I understand, but I got over it and I did so by flying more.

But honestly, anyone driving because: its cheaper, less hassle, driving isn't so bad, etc. Give me a break. I urge you to get on a plane.

Ok, I'll bite (I never learn!)

We have done both and enjoy driving.

I am afraid of flying, but do it anyway about half the time (3 times in 4 months last year) - I am not 'getting over it.' But I do not let it limit my life either.

"Give me a break" - umm, everyone is entitled to their opinions and that was a tad bit nasty & uncalled for in my opinion. I don't think diehard drivers here are putting down diehard fliers. To each their own, right?

To the OP - I am glad you got your flight out of Manchester. That's where we also fly out of and it is so much easier than Logan! Have a fabulous trip!

 

[TSM1993]

We live In PA around the Harrisburg area. It takes us about 15 to 16 hrs to get there. We leave Friday night at about 5pm and arrive at about 10 am at Orlando or before. We drive straight thru. One drives the other sleeps and with us leaving at night my son falls asleep for most of the night. We driven almost every year since he was 7 now 12. Plus we dont have to worry about paying for a rental car. Because we go to Sea World and Busch Gardens. I takes us about 3 tanks of gas to get down there and we still run around for a couple of days on the third tank of gas. Not as far as what you have to drive but it isnt that bad either.

 

[lynz421]

My family is split on this. Myself and DD(12) DO NOT like to fly. Last time we flew to WDW, about 4 years ago, an airlinemix up even got us 1ST class round trip. Tho the free drinks helped me a bit. On the other side DW hates to drive more that 4 hours so up she goes!!!! DD and I are leaving 6/23 am and stopping somewhere in south Ga or Jacksonville, about 14 hrs. BTW we are leaving from Avoca, Pa and live 3 minutes from the airport. Finish the drive the following AM and should have DW stuff unpacked by the time ME drops her off. I even Hope to at the pool by then.
Anyway you look at it ...you are going to DISNEY

 

[snowbunny]

well, it's official! We're flying out of manchester on southwest. $400 for the three of us round trip. Now, here's hoping nothing happens, because I'm going to have to listen to him for the rest of eternity telling me "I told you so"....hahahaa....

That is a great fare, and I think you made the right choice. There isn't enough money in the world to get me to drive to WDW from here, but the real problem is, I just don't have time to spend 4 days (2 driving and another one recovering at each end) just to get there and back.

I just read yesterday in the Portland Press Herald that JetBlue may be coming to Portland!