Driving from new hampshire...help

[tofarfromthemagic]

Hi everyone! I am new here, been lurking for a long time, just registered this am. Ok, here is my problem. We have been planning our trip to Disney for 6 months. We plan on driving from New Hampshire. There is 4 of us, me, Husband and 2 daughters 15 and 6. Well, as we approach the "final payment" due date (8/4) Hubby is backing out of the trip. He does NOT like to drive and does NOT like Disney at all. We did end up driving 3 years ago and he was miserable and grouchy ALL the time. I have one of my good friends who is able and willing to go in his place. She would pay for her half and we would split the gas/ hotel each way. I am wondering how safe it is for 2 women and 1 6 year old to drive such a long distance? Only 1 of my daughters would go if Hubby will not. Also, what happens if you get a flat tire, break down or even worse an accident? I plan on only driving daylight hours, leaving 4am and driving til 8ish. Thanks for your advice in advance!

 

[francie57]

I don't think you would have a problem at all. Just stop at rest areas along the highway or if you have to get off the highway just make sure you stop at places with people around. I drive all the time with kids and no male and don't even think about it. As far a car problems, I would join AAA if you or your friend are not already members. We have the deluxe membership that gets you towing for up to 50+ miles. We got our membership as soon as our first child was old enought to drive and had a flat tire on her car. Never wanted to have to worry about that again. If your husband doesn't want to go I would make the trip with your friend and have a great time and you will be fine traveling. Just stop for the night before it gets dark and make sure if you leave things in the car at night they are covered or bring everything into the hotel.

 

[TandLMommy28]

I am from Rhode Island and I now live in Indiana... My family hates how far away I am and my husband is willing to drive me out there 2x a year but that's his limit. My family likes to see the kids 3x a year (can you blame them?) so for spring break every year, my aunt flies out here and we drive back together. We are very careful and try to stop in brightly lit places if we drive at night. Truck stops that are lit up like daylight are usually good--and clean, too. I usually am more worried about it beforehand than I am while we are actually doing it. I've never come across a situation that made me uncomfortable. Mostly at night at rest stops and gas stations you will see other families with kids. If you do stop for the night, I advise stopping before it gets dark out, though. It just gives me the creeps to be unloading a car to go into a hotel in a strange town after dark. That's just me, though

 

[lisa-upnorth]

A wee bit off your topic BUT I did just post some deals to fly from RI to Disney for $69

 

[pumpkinboy]

You do have alternatives:

• Fly SW (or someone else) out of Manchester. At this time of year, fares tend to be lower than other times. And if you're staying on site, DME will obviate any need for a car in Orlando.
• Drive the whole way - the danger is more from truck and other drivers (the crime rate is the lowest it has been since 1963, yes, that's 1963, 47 years ago - cable news just makes it seem dangerous)
• Drive as far as Northern Virginia (~9 hrs from NH) and take the AutoTrain. Just load your car on the train, go to your seat, or cabin and enjoy the ride thru part of the South, go to bed and wake up in Florida.

Good luck!