Driving to Disney

[mlwear]

Just looking for some support and tips...or maybe someone to tell me I am crazy

We were planning to fly for our August trip and rent a car as we are spending a few days after Disney with my IL's who just moved to Central FL.
The more I looked at the airfaire (which wasn't outrageous, really) and a roomy rental car or mini van (getting a little pricey there for 10 days), I started thinking that maybe we should just drive.

I also considered the hurricane factor in August that it would be easier to rearrange plans and not be at the mercy of the airport.

I hope this is a good decision...I'm really focused on the pro's of driving now as I am trying to convince myself...let me know if you think I am missing a big Con...

Here's a bit about our situation. We live in Richmond, VA so it is about a 12 hour drive (driving time not traveling time-for us). Not a big deal for most, but my DS (age 8) is autistic and riding in the car for a long time is difficult--lots of screaming and lots of potty breaks. The plane ride from our local airport (20 minutes from our house) is a 2 hour non-stop flight to Orlando. But, we do still have the issue of getting there early, collecting baggage, renting a car...last year our flight was canceled and we had to take another with one stop. It ended up taking more than 9 hours to actually leave our house and arrive at the resort via ME. DS was actually well behaved--Disney magic already at work. Likely, that wouldn't happen again and we would arrive about 4 to 5 hours from the time we walk out of our door.
We have very reliable transportation. Actually, we have a nice '05 Odyssey mini van with DVD and Navigation.
Airfaire and rental car will cost around $1400. Instead we will be paying for gas (no idea how much that will be) and food as we travel. We will stay overnight at least on the trip down...Anyone have a suggestion of place to stop 2-3 hours before WDW? I have lots of hotel points and if I plan ahead can stay somewhere for free.
If we drive we will stay an extra night on site! (I know, there goes much of my savings, but if we are driving all the way down there, I want to make the most of it).
So, what do you think? Good idea to save some $, have an extra day at Disney and do the drive OR spend the $, have a short travel time, but one less day at WDW?
Is $ a factor? To some degree, it doesn't make or break the trip but it does determine if we can have the extra day there--and if we save some in process, all the better.

What would you do? Remember, after about hour 5 you likely would have someone screaming sitting behind you as you drive! (Those with toddlers or remember the days have a good idea of what it is like.)

 

[Desnik]

We have driven to WDW 8 times from NY. We have 2 kids 8 and 3. My DD(8) literally has to stop every 2 hours for the bathroom! DS is a screamer when he gets in his moods and gets frustrated. He has a speech delay, apraxia of speech. He has the speech of an 18-20 month old and he is 3. So, he gets really frustrated when he can't get his point across. He is difficult to deal with at times. For us driving straight through worked well, leaving home at 3am and arriving at WDW by 9-10pm. The kids slept alot in the car. As for your driving time, I would definately drive. You will probably spend around $300 for gas food roundtrip, not including a hotel. Even if you add a day you will probably still save! With driving you can take your time and go at your childs pace. If you see he has had enough with the car it'seasy to pull over take a break from it. Can't do that on a plane!

 

[maciec]

Check out the sticky at the top of the transportation thread entitled "For Those Folks Driving." It has a lot of tips in it.

We are driving down from Maryland for the first time. We have a Courtyard Marriott booked in Brunswick, GA that is about 4 hours from WDW.

You are in a tough spot with your ds. Would driving through the night make it any easier? I was just thinking that if one of you could make the majority of the drive while he slept he may not have as many problems.

I hope everything works out.

Best wishes!

 

[Soccerpooh]

Have you thought about leaving for WDW late at night, when DS would sleep? If you left at 9pm or after, your DS would have just a little awake time in the van. We did this last year- left around 10 pm, kids slept til 8 am the next morning. DH left work early, came home and slept from 3- 9:30pm. I had the van packed and we were on our way as soon as he showered. Don't know if this would work for you.
We drove for the 1st time last year- the hassle of the airport with 2 boys and a baby would have drove me crazy. We did save a lot of money too, as tickets would have been $1000- driving cost us $200- $250 in gas, and $75 for hotel on the way home. We always rent a car a WDW, so we saved $$ there too. I personally would try to drive- you never know, you may enjoy it! I think an extra day at Disney would outway the car ride. Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

I live in the Richmond area as well. DW and I have made the drive before and I took about 12-13 hours, including stops for gas and food.

2-3 hours before WDW would be around Jacksonville, and there should be several places to stay in that area. St. Augustine is just a little south of there, and I remember an outlet mall there with a few hotels around.

One caution about the drive through the Carolinas. It's about 3 hours to drive through each North Carolina and South Carolina, and the scenery doesn't change a whole lot, to be perfectly honest. I don't have any experience with autistic children, so I don't know how the monotony of that portion of the drive would affect him. There may be someone on disABILITIES that has made the drive with an autistic child and has some insight.

Good luck!

 

[dancekm01]

I drove last year from Virginia beach and it was not that bad of a drive. I drove straight. It might have been different if I had kids. But I am driving it again in July for our Intimate wedding and Honeymoon and we are stoping a might in Savannah.

My dad also drove stright through when I was a kid from NJ ( thats where I grew up) and my brother and I sleep ALOT!!! Now a days with all the gagets they have like portable dvd players and gameboys there is lot to keep kids busy.

Hope this helps..

 

[mlwear]

We briefly discussed driving through the night. Now, it seems that may require some serious consideration. DS takes medication (no opinions on this please--that's for another board) and is almost impossible to wake up once he falls to sleep.
Plus, if the drive through the Carolinas doesn't offer much to see, it may as well be dark
I think this might be the plan...thanks

This has been SO helpful.

 

[Poohs Pal]

I think the idea of leaving during the night is a great idea. Your son could sleep for a better part of the drive. If you left at about 2am you would arrive just before or at check-in. If you choose to leave during the night I would also call the resort directly a couple of days or day before depature and explain your situation and ask about having your room ready upon arrival. You could also call reseravations and ask to speak to the special needs departmant and they may be able to arrange this for you. Susan

 

[cranbiz]

I drive just as much as I fly. I'm usually leaving from MA so I'm looking at a 20 or so hour drive.

I always drive straight thru but Obi-wan Pinobe it correct. 3 hours out is Jacksonville, an hour in a half out is Daytona Beach. St Augustine is about 2 hours +/- out.

I normally leave MA around 5-6pm and I'm usually in Richmond around 3 to 5am and will usually arrive in Deltona (45 minutes from Disney) about 1 to 2ish in the afternoon.

I would not hesitate at a 12 hour drive and in my case, I would not be stopping 2-3 hours out. My take is if I'm that close, I'm going for it!

My situation is different (except for this trip tonight ) so YMMV. I am leaving in about a half an hour and will have BIL's 2 and 4 Y/O girls so I'm figureing on a longer trip this time but I'm still going to drive straight thru. The majority of this trip will be at night and we have plenty of activities to do and DVD's for them to watch. The Potty stops are what will slow us down.

 

[mlwear]

II am leaving in about a half an hour and will have BIL's 2 and 4 Y/O girls so I'm figureing on a longer trip this time but I'm still going to drive straight thru. The majority of this trip will be at night and we have plenty of activities to do and DVD's for them to watch. The Potty stops are what will slow us down.

If you are still around--have a great and safe trip.