Driving to DL from Phoenix...too boring alone?

[hpfan100]

Hi all!!!

I really would like to spend a few days at Disney next week to see the holiday decorations and ride the rides. I found a package for room/flight from Southwest for 352. I would then need to spend about 28 dollars to get ground transport while I'm there. I thought I could save some money by driving but am nervous about driving all that way alone. Will I be totally bored and exhausted?

Any thoughts? tips?

 

[ConnieB]

We're in Phoenix and we drive every time....but there are 3 of us (only 1 driver though). But, we listen to an audio book from the library (Maricopa County Library District or Phoenix seem to have the largest selections). It's about a 6 hour drive plus stops, plus a little longer if your timing puts you there at rush hour. So find one or more books that you've been wanting to read and instead listen to it. It's amazing how a good book read by a great narrator can pass the time!

We listened to Kingdom Keepers and it really passed the time. It's set in WDW's Magic Kingdom but it's a fun story and hey Disney is Disney right!

Other great ones: Any of the Peter and the Starcatcher series....more Disney stories to get you in the mood.

Or...any of the zillion non Disney books out there...or if you have the ability to wire your mp3 player, there are zillions of podcasts as well about Disney that are sometimes fun to listen to on a drive.

It's a long drive, but you should be able to find plenty to keep you occupied and the holiday decorations are definitely worth the ride! We just got back a week ago and it was gorgeous!

 

[I5Blazer]

6 hrs? that's nothing. throw on some tunes and you will be there before you know it.

 

[jaci-h]

nah alone it shouldn't be too bad. My DH and I are preparing to drive out tomorrow... 23 hours from Dallas . Good thing there are TWO of us drivers

 

[eduk8r26]

I live in Ventura and my sister lives in Gilbert. I drive out there at least once a year, sometimes more, by myself. I hate the drive because it's so boring, but I just turn up the radio and sing along!

 

[marcemc]

The beauty of driving is that you can bring anything you want: favorite pillow, snacks, water, extra luggage, etc.

We live in Scottsdale & consider ourselves lucky for only having to drive 6 hours

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Belle Ella]

You can do it. It's a 6 hour drive for me from northern California and I make the drive alone all the time. Music is my savior though. I put a lot of time and effort into the perfect "driving to Disneyland" playlist.

 

[Eeee-va]

I've driven all by myself from Phoenix to Irvine (pretty close to DL) and I was fine. I'd say make sure you have good music (or books on tape/radio dramas), and unless you just love driving that long, I'd be careful to take at least one stop on your way.

That said, though, consider that you will not only have to pay for gas driving, but also there will be some wear-and-tear on your car, and it's possible your hotel will charge for parking. For one person, sometimes it's almost as cheap to fly (though given recent airfares on Southwest, I reckon driving is still probably cheaper for even one person).

You're visiting Disneyland by yourself? If so, I'd think driving by yourself would be absolutely fine, since you're OK with spending some time alone. (I like having some alone time but wouldn't necessarily want to visit Disneyland by myself the whole trip, for a gauge of independence.)

Have a great trip!

 

[JH87]

I'm about a 6 hr drive as well (that's including a stop for lunch and a stop for the restroom!) and it's not so bad! I've never done it alone, but others have said, put together some great music, or the podcast idea sounded pretty good too. I also agree on timing it right, try to avoid any rush hours. Last time we went on a Friday, and because the rental car place wouldn't let us pick up the car before 10am we got a late start and were stuck in some pretty heavy LA traffic for a good 1 1/2 - 2 hrs! Turning our 5-6 hr drive into more of a 7hr drive!! But it wasn't so bad, we just rolled down and windows and listened to music
Have fun & good luck!

 

[I5Blazer]

You can do it. It's a 6 hour drive for me from northern California and I make the drive alone all the time. Music is my savior though. I put a lot of time and effort into the perfect "driving to Disneyland" playlist.

i agree it's all about the right playlist

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Also, the drive to Anahaim from Phoenix is a major route, so you don't have to worry about being alone on the road or getting lost in the boonies! It is an easy drive and can go by very quickly with some good tunes.

Added to note: Beware of the road bridge work at Hassayampa Bridge. It can add at 90 minutes to your drive time. http://www.azcentral.com/video/bcplayer/722359320001&pop=1

 

[hpfan100]

WOW everyone!! Thanks for all the info. I think if i am feeling up to it after Christmas then I will drive. Podcasts are a great idea. I've got XM radio in my car and feel lucky since it won't stop working just outside of Quartzite.

I'm not super worried about wear and tear on car as it's still really new and has no wear or tear yet. Probably should worry about dents though but alas there is nothing I can do to prevent that. I found a few close hotels that do not charge for parking and seem like good options.

I'm trying to decide between the Holiday inn on the non Harbor side of DL (rate of 92 before tax). it looks like it right across the street from one of the parking lots. I thought I might be able to walk to the lot and hop on the tram or keep walking down to downtown disney. Also HOJO's which seems to get great reviews has openings. It's 111 before tax so that's a little high for a solo trip but I'm worth it.
Any thoughts on those hotels?

 

[hpfan100]

Also, the drive to Anahaim from Phoenix is a major route, so you don't have to worry about being alone on the road or getting lost in the boonies! It is an easy drive and can go by very quickly with some good tunes.

Added to note: Beware of the road bridge work at Hassayampa Bridge. It can add at 90 minutes to your drive time. http://www.azcentral.com/video/bcplayer/722359320001&pop=1

Yipes that sounds terrible and there is no way around it. Well I guess I'd better find a good book or podcast to listen to on the way.

 

[ConnieB]

WOW everyone!! Thanks for all the info. I think if i am feeling up to it after Christmas then I will drive. Podcasts are a great idea. I've got XM radio in my car and feel lucky since it won't stop working just outside of Quartzite.

I'm not super worried about wear and tear on car as it's still really new and has no wear or tear yet. Probably should worry about dents though but alas there is nothing I can do to prevent that. I found a few close hotels that do not charge for parking and seem like good options.

I'm trying to decide between the Holiday inn on the non Harbor side of DL (rate of 92 before tax). it looks like it right across the street from one of the parking lots. I thought I might be able to walk to the lot and hop on the tram or keep walking down to downtown disney. Also HOJO's which seems to get great reviews has openings. It's 111 before tax so that's a little high for a solo trip but I'm worth it.
Any thoughts on those hotels?

We like to stay at the Extended Stay America on Clementine. It's walkable to the Toy Story lot (literally across the street from the employee entrance), it's clean, roomy, quiet and inexpensive (usually $50-70 depending on dates). Has a kitchette so we can do breakfast before we go....and save even more money!

 

[hpfan100]

We like to stay at the Extended Stay America on Clementine. It's walkable to the Toy Story lot (literally across the street from the employee entrance), it's clean, roomy, quiet and inexpensive (usually $50-70 depending on dates). Has a kitchette so we can do breakfast before we go....and save even more money!

WOW Connie...thanks for the tip! You're right about rates being good and the location looks fabulous but alas it is unavailable for wed and thurs.

hmmm maybe I should quit waiting until the last minute to plan things.

 

[PHXscuba]

I do this drive back and forth to CA at least a couple times a year, often as the only driver if DH isn't there. Really, the worst stretch for me is between Blythe and Indio, where there is so much nothing out there. I'd recommend making a stop in Blythe to recharge/eat/fuel/bathroom before heading into that leg of the trip.

If you have a hands-free Bluetooth, consider having a friend "on call" for part of your trip. It can really perk you up to have some interaction along with an MP3. Just remember in CA you can't drive and us a hand-held phone at the same time.

We usually try to leave the East Valley just after rush hour ends here (by 8:30 or 9) and with the time change that should get you through Riverside before the major rush hour. We got to the HOJO before 3 earlier this month doing this.

PHXscuba

 

[TheColtonsMom]

I do this drive back and forth to CA at least a couple times a year, often as the only driver if DH isn't there. Really, the worst stretch for me is between Blythe and Indio, where there is so much nothing out there. I'd recommend making a stop in Blythe to recharge/eat/fuel/bathroom before heading into that leg of the trip.

If you have a hands-free Bluetooth, consider having a friend "on call" for part of your trip. It can really perk you up to have some interaction along with an MP3. Just remember in CA you can't drive and us a hand-held phone at the same time.

We usually try to leave the East Valley just after rush hour ends here (by 8:30 or 9) and with the time change that should get you through Riverside before the major rush hour. We got to the HOJO before 3 earlier this month doing this.

PHXscuba

Before we moved to the great white north we lived in Mesa and drove to CA regularly occasionally I did it myself. We didn't like Blythe for a stop as the prices in Blythe are the worst of the route. On the AZ side try Quartzite. But my favorite stop when I am alone is Cabazon just look for the dino and a great outlet mall if you need to get out & stretch your legs.

 

[hpfan100]

more great tips thanks

I think Quartzite would be my stopping ground too. I remember vaguely there was a huge truck stop/gas station there and it is right before that construction zone so that way I'm feeling good if I have to sit through traffic there.

If I went I would leave really early and take back roads until the outer edges of town. If I get out of here early enough I can beat most of the Phoenix rush hour...at least I think I can.