Driving from Philly to Disney

[Lzegar]

Has anyone driven from the Philadelphia area to Disney recently? Any approximate estimate on toll costs? Did y’all drive right through or stop overnight? Give me the good. The bad. The ugly. (We planned to fly southwest but have dvc reservations already booked. Southwest no longer appears to have nonstop flights to Orlando except for Saturdays. Ughhhh)

 

[Sugardimples]

Check Southwest flights from Baltimore.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

We drive from GA to NJ a couple times a year. No tolls until we hit NJ. Stay more inland when you drive. We once left PA and drove to GA and the ride was much easier than leaving from NJ.

 

[Anna131517]

We just drove from PA (not Philly) to FL over Thanksgiving. It took 2 days. My parents drive straight through but they’re crazy. I can’t estimate toll costs - we use EZPass and have a VA EZPass that allows us to do HOV3 for free around Washington DC. Coming from Philadelphia DE and DC are where you will get hit with tons of tolls. You can avoid those but it will add time to your trip.

 

[mjkacmom]

I also suggest the PA route, avoiding 95 in the north.

 

[jtopp]

For years, we drove from south jersey to Disney. We tried leaving different times, stopping and driving straight thru. Tolls are minimal, gas, while expensive now, not so bad as your mileage on the highway is much greater. The hardest part is the boring drive after the initial excitement wears off. If possible, try Spirit, Frontier and American out of PHL. You can also check flights out of Trenton and Atlantic city. The short drive to another airport and a 2 and1/2 hour flight is much easier (but not cheaper) then the drive. This is especially true on the drive home, when the magic is over.
A lot depends on your individual situation. Full vehicle, or room to relax? One driver, or backups for breaks? Small children or adults? Driving overnight (not recommended), straight thru or overnight in a hotel. Your situation will vary, but you need to realistically access your situation. That being said, in all our trips, we were fortunate and had no major issues to consider not making the trip, and in retrospect enjoyed each and every one. Good luck and safe travels!!