Driving Pittsburgh to WDW, 3 days, Kenn. Space Ctr. - Are we nuts?

[mickeylovers]

We have FINALLY decided on our plans...

Leaving Pittsburgh on Wed. July 31 around 4:30 p.m., stopping in Princeton WV around 10 p.m., staying at Hampton Inn.

Thursday, August 1 -- Driving from Princeton to Jacksonville Florida (about a 10 hour drive we think) and staying at AmeriSuites (never stayed there before but want to try something different).

Friday, August 2 -- Driving from Jacksonville to Kennedy Space Center (about 2 hours, 15 minutes), spending day there. Then going to Cocoa Beach Hampton Inn around 6 p.m. Hope to have time to go to the beach.

Saturday, August 3 -- Driving from Cocoa Beach to WDW (about 1 hour, 10 minutes). Staying at YC till Friday, August 9.

I know this is SOOOOOOOOOOO much driving, but we flew last year, had 2 VERY BAD flights, so decided to drive. 3 kids, got the TV/VCR so they will hopefully be occupied. We will have a cooler full of pop and tons of junk food to keep kids happy.

What do you think? Sound like too much? I wonder if we feel we are never going to get there or is it a good idea to break it up???

Thanks for any ideas or suggestions !!!!!

 

[Dumbo]

mickeylovers,

We drove the same route (from the 'burgh) last summer. Stayed at the Hampton Inn in Princeton, W. VA. on the way back. It is a very nice place. You will be happy to stay there. There is a Crackel Barrel next door to it. Good free breakfast in the morning. You got the driving time right. It is about 5 and a half hours from home.

If you take the Rt. 19 bypass in West Virginia, watch the speed limits. It is heavily patrolled by the "local" police. If you need a break, there is a nice Macdonalds right on Rt. 19 in Sommersville, W. Va. There is a four way red light there, so you can't miss it. Lot's of gas stations there also.


Dumbo

 

[mickeylovers]

Dumbo --

Glad to hear you liked the Hampton Inn in Princeton!!

Thanks for answering!!

 

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says........................................WoW!! Can't help much as I am west coaster, but I may look a couple of things. I used to run Sacramento to Tacoma WA, on my vacations, 725 miles in 12 hours by myself. Can't do it now as my back would kill me, maybe because of those long trips!!!! If you have two drivers you may consider a suicide run to get you all the way to Cocoa Beach on Thursday night. It sounds cruel, but if you get the kids up early enough, they will sleep for the first couple hours, so to them it's the same length, the torture is on you! That would guarantee plenty of beach time! The other is to stick to your plan, but look for something to do, somewhere around 2/3 of the way down give or take 50 miles. Take a break, and do "it", be it a state park, or some confederate museum, can you get near a beach on the way down? Kids are recharged for a couple hours, so it won't feel like a grueling trip. If it feels like one it may as well be one!!!

 

[bobcat]

You can do it! I drive solo from central Ohio each year and I don't stop until we reach the GA/FL border, around 12 hours. We take breaks as needed and I try to get the kids out of the car every couple of hours. Takes a little longer that way but then we all survive.

 

[BWVDenise]

Just wanted to mention that a whole day at Kennedy Space Center is probably too much... in November my s-i-l took her family there and they were very disappointed. Since 9-11 you don't get to see very much with security concerns, etc.

Just thought I would mention it! Enjoy your trip and good luck!