Driving from Southern Michigan

[CharityLynn]

How far would you plan for your first day of driving? It will be 2 adults and 2 kids (ages 7 and 3almost4) We plan on driving as far as possilbe between the two of us, we plan on switching drivers every potty break or so.

And depending on where you suggest about how long do you figure it would take to get to Disney the next day?

TIA,

CharityLynn

 

[dozeman]

How far would you plan for your first day of driving? It will be 2 adults and 2 kids (ages 7 and 3almost4) We plan on driving as far as possilbe between the two of us, we plan on switching drivers every potty break or so.

And depending on where you suggest about how long do you figure it would take to get to Disney the next day?

TIA,

CharityLynn

We have driven from Grand Blanc Mi. at least ten times. It usually takes us 21 hours depending on road construction. Atlanta is about 12 hrs. Try to time your drive to avoid Cinncinati and Atlanta at morning and evening rush hour. Good luck

 

[Boo Mc]

We drive from Novi and try to get to Valdosta, GA. It's a long first day but the second day is only about 4 hours (I think). AAA say Valdosta to the FL border is a speed trap so we like to go in the morning when we're wide awake. You might want to make a hotel ressie there. It can be crowded at certain times of the year due to nearby attractiopns (a race track and something else if I remember correctly). Good luck.

 

[mjkaferle5]

We drive from Novi and try to get to Valdosta, GA. It's a long first day but the second day is only about 4 hours (I think). AAA say Valdosta to the FL border is a speed trap so we like to go in the morning when we're wide awake. You might want to make a hotel ressie there. It can be crowded at certain times of the year due to nearby attractiopns (a race track and something else if I remember correctly). Good luck.

How long does it take you to get to Valdosta? We are coming from Mount Clemens, MI. We were thinking of staying in Tifton but Valdosta sounds nice because it is closer to the border!

Also is there a hotel/motel that you recommend in Valdosta to spend the night at?

 

[Boo Mc]

I can't remember the hotel we stayed at - we just looked under Valdosta in the AAA book. I think it takes us about 14 hours to get there but DH is a bit of a speedy driver. My other tip for saving time is to stop at a fast food place with a play structure. While you and DH are eating, let the kids play. When you're done, buy their food and let them eat in the car which will keep them busy for another 20 minutes or so (may want to bring a sippy cup for the little one-those fast food lids can slip off!). This way the kids get to run around a bit but you're not wasting any time. Good luck!

 

[mjkaferle5]

I can't remember the hotel we stayed at - we just looked under Valdosta in the AAA book. I think it takes us about 14 hours to get there but DH is a bit of a speedy driver. My other tip for saving time is to stop at a fast food place with a play structure. While you and DH are eating, let the kids play. When you're done, buy their food and let them eat in the car which will keep them busy for another 20 minutes or so (may want to bring a sippy cup for the little one-those fast food lids can slip off!). This way the kids get to run around a bit but you're not wasting any time. Good luck!

Thanks Boo Mc. I was thinking about 15 hours so I guess I was pretty close. Thanks for the fast food tip that is a pretty good idea!!

I like your signature. My wife and I haven't been to Disney World since '95, but I instantly recognized the message played on the Monorail!! Especially the spanish version. For weeks after our trip we would say this to each other just because it was stuck in our heads!!

 

[Boo Mc]

Thanks - we love the monorail message! Our trip doesn't officially start until we get on and recite it in unison. I'm sure people think we're strange but it's become a bit of a tradition.

Have a great trip and if you need a bathroom break stop at the Disney Welcome Center in Ocala (about an hour or so away from WDW). Fun Disney stuff to look at, a souvenir store, clean bathrooms and you can get maps etc. It gives the kids a little bit of Disney and gets them even more excited. Plus lots of fast food nearby so you don't have to stop to eat once you get to WDW - you can get right to the fun stuff!!

 

[CharityLynn]

I love the fast food idea! I am absolutely putting this on my planning page.

 

[dozeman]

Thanks - we love the monorail message! Our trip doesn't officially start until we get on and recite it in unison. I'm sure people think we're strange but it's become a bit of a tradition.

Have a great trip and if you need a bathroom break stop at the Disney Welcome Center in Ocala (about an hour or so away from WDW). Fun Disney stuff to look at, a souvenir store, clean bathrooms and you can get maps etc. It gives the kids a little bit of Disney and gets them even more excited. Plus lots of fast food nearby so you don't have to stop to eat once you get to WDW - you can get right to the fun stuff!!

Have read in other threads about the welcome center in Ocala being closed down.