Driving Tips...

[merfsko]

My aunt, uncle, their 13-yr old daughter, and 9-yr old son are DRIVING down to Disney from Toronto, Ontario in August.
The daughter and son often don't get along (understatement)...
Any tips on how they can survive the long ride?
**Anyone know an aprox. duration of the drive, and any suggestions on where they could stop off for pit stops?
I'll pass on any information, and wish them best of luck!
Thanks y'all,
Love,
merfsko

 

[mom2cookies]

hi Merfsko,
My husband is a truck driver and he came up with approximately 30 hours driving time. It takes us 20 hours from Philadelphia and it takes 10 hours to get to Toronto from here = 30. I have a 14, 12, 11, and 9 yr old. They get along ok but not all the time. Every trip we've gone on, we packed a "travel entertainment" bag with enough books to read, color, draw. Snacks, books on tape (to give eyes a rest). Also, tho we never have, you can rent small tv screens and video players for the car. As for pit stop, we always stop at the Cheasapeak Bay Bridge/ tunnel. It will add a little more time to the driving tho. But it is fun to go above and below the water. Also there is a restaurant/ gift shop mid-way where you can get out and stretch. It was $10 toll. Good Luck.
> dad
60 days til we go!!!!

 

[luvmy2sams]

Since DS is still young (not quite 2), I haven't had the not getting along problem between he and DD yet. I'm sure my time is coming. We've always done the travel bags, Disney music, DVDs, etc. However, I remember reading another DISer's tip for using a monetary incentive. Give each child a set amount of money at the beginning of the trip (dollar bills or quarters). Each time the child misbehaves, the child must give a set amount of this money back to mom and dad. Whatever is left upon arrival at Disney, is the child's money to spend as they choose.

 

[OntFamily]

hi Merfsko,
My husband is a truck driver and he came up with approximately 30 hours driving time. It takes us 20 hours from Philadelphia and it takes 10 hours to get to Toronto from here = 30. I have a 14, 12, 11, and 9 yr old. They get along ok but not all the time.

From Toronto, they won't drive even close to Philadelphia (unless they want to drive out of their way). It's much faster to take an inland route.

 

[OntFamily]

My aunt, uncle, their 13-yr old daughter, and 9-yr old son are DRIVING down to Disney from Toronto, Ontario in August.
The daughter and son often don't get along (understatement)...
Any tips on how they can survive the long ride?
**Anyone know an aprox. duration of the drive, and any suggestions on where they could stop off for pit stops?
I'll pass on any information, and wish them best of luck!
Thanks y'all,
Love,
merfsko

Check out the Canadian Planning forum. Lots of people (including myself) have driven (or are planning trips). Regardless of the route (either I-75, or I79/77) there are plenty of rest stops and motels.

Be prepared to read lots of spirited discussion on the route on the Canadian forum. Folks are pretty passionate about their route choices.

Here's is a link to my favourite route:
http://www.mapquest.com/directions/...ahXX=&2y=US&2a=&2c=Lake+Buena+Vista&2s=FL&2z=

 

[DISUNC]

....The daughter and son often don't get along (understatement)...
Any tips on how they can survive the long ride?

COUGH SYRUP!

 

[montblanc]

My car trip is about 13 1/2 hours and believe it or not it always goes quite fast. I have a GPS unit which shows our progress and we have a giant map on the ceiling that we drew. We take along lots of games (including ones for the road) and play almost the entire time. We also do Disney CD's and the car is themed for the trip with prizes along the way.

 

[Maloy]

COUGH SYRUP!

Nah... use valarian root (herbal valium )

 

[kelsco99]

I have made this trek twice (without kids). We live about 1.5 hours east of TO, we drove straight through and both times were about 24 hours.

I will be taking kids for the first time in October (DD 6 and DS 5 who of course do not always get along) and will be taking advantage of the many tips I have found on the DIS!

Kelly

 

[MamaLema]

We drove from Toronto straight with DS' 12 months, 6, and 8.

The best tips I can give you are

1.get a portable DVD player

2. buy out the dollar store and make little "loot bags" to distribute along the way...give them out every 2-3 hours or so

 

[AydensMom]

We have made the trip from St Catharines a few times. It takes about 20 hours with several stops. (18-19hrs with my comando DH at the wheel... Only stopping for gas and fast food). I am making the drive again this August this time with children so we are leaving late 11-12pm and stopping for the night around Savannah GA. This schedule should put us into Savannah at about 3pm (Even with stopping for the kids). Enough time for a dip in the pool, dinner and to bed early to finish the drive tommorow.

Hope this helps

 

[Danemom]

Video Games! We have Gameboys and an Xbox or Gamecube hooked up to the TV for the road. Plus, DVDs help make the time go by for the kids. Books and game/puzzle books help too.

I haven't used this idea but it sounded like a good one. You give each child a roll or two of quarters and if they misbehave they are fined. Whatever they have left upon arrival they get to keep.