Driving from Mass - where to stop 1/2 way

[NewEnglandCamper]

We are driving from the Northern Mass with family (wife and 3 kids). Google Maps says that it takes 21 hours. I'm assuming 24 hours.

I want to do a majority of the driving in 1 day (leaving at 3 or 4AM). I'm thinking of stopping in NC, SC, or maybe even GA!

Any good places to stop? Suggestions?

 

[Jacksmom99]

We've driven several times in the past, and stopped many places along the way. The place we liked best was Lumberton, NC. There are several hotels there and it's Exit 22 I believe. That's more than half way and almost to South Carolina. The last time we drove we stayed at the Fairfield Inn. It's right off the highway, and has free breakfast. The rooms were very clean and reasonably priced.

Good Luck!

 

[Drcell01]

We have driven to WDW many times and we found a great Ramada Inn (reasonable, clean, and right off I-95) in Santee, SC. This hotel is at exit 98 in SC which is 98 miles North of the SC/GA border. It puts us at the right place in order to arrive at WDW between 3 pm and 4 pm (depending upon if we stop at the outlet mall in St. Augustine, LOL).

 

[cranbiz]

The exact halfway point from Cape Cod to WDW is Roanoke Rapids, NC. The travel time for a straight shot with minimal stops is 20 hours. I know, I have done it many times.

If I was to stop, I would try for SC or GA. That leaves a fairly short drive for your second day.

 

[kldmom2000]

The way we always did it growing up (Mom REFUSED to fly) is Dad would sleep during the day and then pack up the van. We would depart at about 8pm so as to avoid any traffic going through NY/the Bronx. When we woke up (the kids-not Dad ) we would be in Washington DC. Dad would nap while Mom took us to a few of the museums for 3 hours or so. Then we'd hit the road again and drive until we got to South Of the Border (NC/SC border) http://www.pedroland.com/parkland.html It was just a fun stop that we looked forward to each trip We'd then leave first thing in the morning and drive to Disney

 

[OKW Lover]

I want to do a majority of the driving in 1 day (leaving at 3 or 4AM).

This would put you going through the NYC area during rush hour if you are going on a work day so be sure to plan a route that will keep you far away from the city.

 

[NewEnglandCamper]

We have driven to WDW many times and we found a great Ramada Inn (reasonable, clean, and right off I-95) in Santee, SC. This hotel is at exit 98 in SC which is 98 miles North of the SC/GA border. It puts us at the right place in order to arrive at WDW between 3 pm and 4 pm (depending upon if we stop at the outlet mall in St. Augustine, LOL).

Ok -- We won't mentioned the outlet mall to my wife

What time do you leave from Santee, SC?

 

[NewEnglandCamper]

This would put you going through the NYC area during rush hour if you are going on a work day so be sure to plan a route that will keep you far away from the city.

OK -- GOOD Tip!!!

I95 is the best route. Is there a good time to go through NYC?

 

[NewEnglandCamper]

The way we always did it growing up (Mom REFUSED to fly) is Dad would sleep during the day and then pack up the van. We would depart at about 8pm so as to avoid any traffic going through NY/the Bronx. When we woke up (the kids-not Dad ) we would be in Washington DC. Dad would nap while Mom took us to a few of the museums for 3 hours or so. Then we'd hit the road again and drive until we got to South Of the Border (NC/SC border) http://www.pedroland.com/parkland.html It was just a fun stop that we looked forward to each trip We'd then leave first thing in the morning and drive to Disney

Wow! That is a cool story. As a dad I've left Mass at 11PM en-route to a 12 hour trip to Virginia. It wasn't a pretty site for me at 6AM. However after a hearty breakfast and some daylight I was able to travel safely to VA. I can't sleep in cars too well.

 

[BigTigger]

I drive two of my college age daughters to school in central Florida and NC and we usually leave central MA at 3 am. This allows us to clear NYC by 6 am. The sky is the limit on how to get through NYC, but the general plan is to take I-90 west to I-84 west to I-91 south to the Merritt Parkway to I-287 west over the Tappan Zee bridge to the Garden State Parkway south to I-95/NJ Turnpike. We listen to 1010 WINS traffic on the 1's and if we hear of any backups we adjust to alternative routes which could be to take I-287 east to I-95 south and across the Cross Bronx Xway and the GW bridge onto I-95/NJ Turnpike or to still go over the Tappan Zee, but either take the Palisades Parkway south just after the bridge to I-95/NJ Turnpike or go further west to continue on I-287 to I95/NJ Turnpike. All of these routes get you past NYC and into central NJ by 7 am. Gas in NJ at the turnpike service plazas is the cheapest you'll find, so stop before you leave NJ to fill up. If you don't take long breaks, you should be through DE and approaching Baltimore by 9 am. You will most likely hit some slow traffic north of Baltimore and just before the McHenry tunnel. Stay left at the tunnel as that is the EZ Pass lane. If you do not have an EZ Pass/Fast Pass, get one as it will save you lots of time at the tolls. Once past Baltimore, you'll most likely hit some traffic slowness where I-695 merges and again when you hit the I-495 beltway loop. There is a rest area in Maryland about 40 minutes south of Baltimore that is a good rest stop to stretch the legs. I'd recommend staying on I-95 south as you should be past rush hour and hit only minor delays. The only slowness you should hit from here is near Quantico and in Richmond which you can avoid by taking I-295 around Richmond.

As far as a place to stop, Florence, SC at the I-20 junction has lots of places to eat and some mid-price chain hotels. If you can go further, I'd suggest trying to get down into GA and stop at Brunswick. This area has lots of hotels too and makes the second day drive real short (WDW by lunch).

 

[ecpool]

go over tapanzee bridge, get to route 81 then 77, 26 then onto 95. This way you avoid major cities like DC and is a much nicer drive. This what I've read. I will be trying in this Feb.

 

[Disneynutbsv]

We are stopping at Skippers, VA and staying at an Econolodge. They were pretty reasonable. We are leaving from Northern NH. On the way back we are staying in Ashland VA at a Super 8 (got good reviews from customers) and then going to Arlington National Cemetary in the morning before heading home.

 

[camlace]

I agree with previous poster that said DO NOT leave in the early am, you'll hit the NYC traffic... I've always left in the 8 - 11 pm range and gotten through the traffic with no problems.

I have also stayed at the Fairfield Inn...good stopping point.

 

[NewEnglandCamper]

I agree with previous poster that said DO NOT leave in the early am, you'll hit the NYC traffic... I've always left in the 8 - 11 pm range and gotten through the traffic with no problems.

I have also stayed at the Fairfield Inn...good stopping point.

Ok -- so the point is to leave REALLY EARLY (2AM) or late. I'm sure we will be ALL excited so leaving at 2AM won't be a problem.

 

[Disneynutbsv]

well...hmm, we may have to rethink when we leave. We were going to leave around 2 am, but you are right, I think that would put us in Connecticut/New York during the morning commute. We are leaving from Northern NH (not really north, but more north than central nh) and we will be driving down I-91 from Wells River, VT on down. We want to drive as far as Skippers, VA.

According to Mapquest (which I'm not sure how accurate the times are) says its about a 12 hour drive. Do you think this is accurate?

 

[Ham Ham]

If taking I-95 and leaving at 3:00 AM you'll squeak by NYC traffic but won't you hit Philly, Balmer, or DC traffic nightmare's?

Earlier post made sense about leaving in the evening, driving overnight and avoiding all major urban area's rush hours.

If leaving early in the morning scoot over to I-81 and avoid the mess. Technically a longer route but shorter on frustration.

 

[cranbiz]

OK -- GOOD Tip!!!

I95 is the best route. Is there a good time to go through NYC?

After 9pm. I always tried to hit the GWB at or after 9pm. 99.9% of the time it was a no delay shot thru NYC. To me, the Tappan Zee just added unnecessary time to my trip.

I would normally have left the Cape Cod aera around 4 to 6pm, that way I missed rush hour in NYC and DC/VA.

 

[cranbiz]

well...hmm, we may have to rethink when we leave. We were going to leave around 2 am, but you are right, I think that would put us in Connecticut/New York during the morning commute. We are leaving from Northern NH (not really north, but more north than central nh) and we will be driving down I-91 from Wells River, VT on down. We want to drive as far as Skippers, VA.

According to Mapquest (which I'm not sure how accurate the times are) says its about a 12 hour drive. Do you think this is accurate?

Skippers, Va from Ma is close to a 10 to 12 hour drive. It depends on the time of day you leave and how fast you drive.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

If your stopping in SC anyway, consider Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort for a little pre-Florida mouse magic!

 

[carissanboys]

Someone mentioned Santee, SC. Just wanted to say that the Best Western there is a good place to stay (quite inexpensive) and it includes breakfast.

We left Santee around 6 a.m. and got to Shades of Green at 3 in the afternoon. However, we ran into construction on 95 once we entered Florida AND traffic on I4.

Also, we live outside of Baltimore. We left home at 4 a.m. and arrived in Santee at 1 p.m. with no traffic issues. Hope that helps!