Driving to Disney in June from NJ-help!

[goofyandmore]

A month ago or so, I posted a thread asking for help in flying with my 9 year old daughter with PVL (appears like an autistic child, typically no words just lots of sounds that seem like a foreign language, SI, not potty trained, a lot of constipation issues, seizures about twice a year from fever).

Well, after much debate, my husband really wants to try driving down instead of flying since we were worried about whether my daughter would be ok in a plane. Last time flying was a few years ago, and it was a real challenge. Now she is stronger and also more determined to get her way-so sitting in one seat for 2 and 1/2 hours might not work.

Now, she does like to be in the car, but I'm not sure if this length of time will matter much. I have two other children, ages 17 and 13, both typically developing.

I had hoped to go when it was cooler, week before Easter, but couldn't get Polynesian conceriage which my husband really wants. So, now it looks like we have to wait for the kids' to finish school in June.

My husband thinks driving with as little stops is best, instead of staying overnight anywhere. I am guessing that we would be really exhausted upon getting to Disney, but maybe I'm wrong.

Any tips? Also, since my daughter can't be in the really bad heat too long without the risk of a seizure, I am wondering what to do during the day, since now we are looking at going in June. She has the functioning level cognitively as a toddler. She does love rides, epecially those she sees on the Disney singalongs, but hates the crowds. She can't stay in lines and even being in a stroller is challenging because sooner or later she tries to get out of it.

Thanks! Carolyn

 

[tarkus]

I have made the trip from Jersey to central Fl many times.

From Montville I figure your looking at 1200 mi, that's a rough guess. The worst part of the trip will be from home to south of Alexandria Va.

At that point the tolls come to an end and the traffic gets lighter. Using the 295 routes around Richmond will also cut down on traffic.

Can you do it without a stop, sure you could the question is do you want to ?
It depends on how much it takes to get setup at a Motel for the night. Only you know that.

There are good quality motels at most exist, of course avoid the $39.00 specials, and I have found it pretty easy if I need an accessible room.

Even when I was AB , after my "macho" days of all nighters, I would shoot for Rocky Mount NC or a little further, then into Orlando day two.

Only you can decide.

As far as the sun, it's hot that time of year but someone more knowledge then I will give you the answers to how Disney handles this.

From what I have read they have a fine system, I think it's GAC, that will help keep you out of the sun among other things.

Enjoy your trip no matter how you travel.

Be Big,
Alan

 

[MidgeD79]

Hi. We drive from MI, but never straight through. I don't make reservations, just drive until I can't go anymore. Are you staying on-site at WDW? Those EMH are a blessing in the morning and you can get alot done by lunch time. Remember only ceratin parks and certain rides within those parks are open. The nice thing about summer travel to WDW is that you know it's going to be hot. Don't even think about packing a lightweight jacket or a pair of pants. Water and ice are free. the water comes from machines that dispense sodapop. WE LOVE THE SUMMER!

 

[Grumpy_Disney_Dad]

Just for a reference point on the driving time, its about 13 1/2 hours from Springfield, VA (the VA side of the DC Nightmare Bypass) to Orlando. I would definately break your journey up into 2 days

 

[goofyandmore]

For those who drive, is one reason why you drive instead of fly, because your special needs child is better in the car than the plane?

Also, regarding the GAC. I think I am going to call Guest Relations again. Someone on another post mentioned that there is a new policy and you can't get passes that allow your child to go to the front of the line (or fastpass I assume). Being able to keep a stroller on line isn't a help for her. She can't wait in any lines and isn't good in crowds. She can flip out and even get violent. So, this may really change things for us if it is true. I spoke to a CM last week who didn't indicate any change at all.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Nothing that a Guest Relations person tells you on the phone is binding unless you happen to deal, at the counter, with the same person and remind them of the conversation.

What you have to do is go, with your daughter, to Guest Relations and expalin to the person on duty there what the needs are. If you are not satisfied you can ask to talk to a manager.

Two important things to remember.

One is that Front of the Line Access is onlygiven to MAW/GKTW children.

The other is that CMs, especially is Guest Relations, have a lot of leeway in what they are allowed to do. We can bend and stretch rules, but are more likely to do the bending and stretching when the guest is polite as opposed to when the guest is abusive or demanding. I always have two options; one is to say "let's see what can be done" while the other is "I'm sorry, but the rule is...". I prefer the first, but I have had Guests be abusive and/or curse at me and still expect me to bend or break a rule to assist them. And my managers have always supported me when there have been abusive guests.

 

[OKWMom]

We also drive because my 9 y.o. daughter with autism does much better in a car than she did on the plane. We only have an 8 hour drive, but I would still drive if I was 20 hours away and had to break the trip into two days.

She, like your daughter, is non-verbal and is developmentally around three years old. I have found that if I start really early in the morning, she isn't awake or alert enough for a couple of hours to be a problem in the car. After that, we use the DVD player (before I had a van with one I used a portable and hanging carrier) to play her favorite videos. Couple that with some of her favorite snacks and she was fine in the car.

If I had to spend the night on the road, I would probably look into a Residence Inn type of room. I have found that after the car ride, my daughter is really looking to get some space.

Also, we usually drive to the parks, including the MK. She likes the feel of the bus ride, but she will usually not tolerate the wait for one at the end of her park day. We have had many meltdowns at the bus stops. But this was a learning experience for me too.

I have taken her on four trips, one each year in December, and I have learned something important on each one and made the necessary change for the next trip. Our first time in Disney, we did very little, but there was enough magic for her that I tried again. Our second trip was much better than the first and each trip has been better than the last. Our last trip went so well we are planning an additional trip this spring.

I really hope you have a great time and you are able to work things out so that your daughter has the best trip possible. Please feel free to PM me if you think I could be helpful in any way.

 

[DIS-NH]

On (2) trips we took the Amtrak Auto Train. We drove from NH to Lorton VA
(about 9 hours) and put our car on the train. The train leaves Lorton at approx 4:00 pm and arrives in Sanford Fl (approx 40 minutes from WDW) at 8:30 in the morning.

As for accomodations, they vary on the train. We opted for the "deluxe" accomodations which conssted of a private 6x11 cabin that "sleeps 4".

The train is not a cheap alternative, but for me it saved 1 day of travel on each side (it goes thru the night) and 17 hours of driving each way.

Just another alternative....

 

[Juliah]

As far as the heat goes, have you ever looked into a cooling vest for her? We haven't tried one but have heard of others who have used them. There are probably a number of brands, but here is one I found when I did a search:

http://www.coolsport.net/index2.html

Also, there is a charitiable foundation that supplies cooling vests to children:

http://www.sarahmoodyfoundation.org/home

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I would also recommend getting a GAC, I think it would help make your trip a lot easier. Make sure when you get it that you mention her problems with heat / sun and her inability to cope with crowds. As Cheshire Figment said, be nice and I'm sure the CMs will do everything they can for you.

Have a great time

 

[goofyandmore]

Thanks for all the help. I am going to look into the cooling vest which we could use when we go to the beach in the summer too. I still have hesitations about going and am thinking of my husband going down with just the boys because if we are just given the pass that allows you to use strollers, that will not help at all. When we were there in 2003, I actually was very nice to the person at guest relations and again when I returned at the urging of the CM at the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, to explain that advised me to ask for a different card. The woman looked at my daughter, who again, looks wise, appears typically developing, and didn't say a word, just got the new card and dropped it at me. I just walked away and didn't say a word. My time is better concentrated on my daughter and trying to keep her from having a meltdown, then fighting with anyone. So, I agree that you get more bees with honey, but sometimes, you just don't know what the other person is thinking.
My concern is that it really takes two adults to take her out in public, and since there is a possiblity that we might have to wait on long lines (except if we have a fast pass) with her, I don't want to put her under even more stress and have to keep her in a small hotel room most of the time.

Anyway, I might take the gamble, just don't know yet. Thanks again.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

There are stamps on the GAC that can allow you to wait in a quieter area, instead of in the line, or use an alternative entrance if there's one available. You don't jump the line, but you get to keep your DD away from the crowds and the aggravation they'd cause her. Other people can tell you more about these than me, as I'm really just repeating what I've learnt here, but I just wanted you to know that Disney may have the solution to your problem.

I hope you guys don't have to cancel, but instead all go and have a wonderful holiday all together. Good luck.