Drving to Disney World From Nova Scotia...any info is helpful

[TwMuise]

Hi Everyone:

We are from the Yarmouth area in Nova Scotia and are thinking about driving to Disney for the first time. Although we have been visiting Florida for the past 20 years we have never driven. we are thinking about driving down in March and would like to hear from those of you who have taken on the task of driving before. We are just myself and Hubby and son (17) driving a Toyota Highlander, so it's a nice comfy vehicle. How long does it take where did you stop overnight and what would or wouldn't you do again. Please let us know, flying is becoming so expensive and we want to try something different. How long and and at whay spped were you driving and how many pit stops and where in between. Thanks everyone, looking forward to hearing from everyone.

Wendy

 

[sympatico]

We drove many years ago from the Barrington area but it was in October. We took the Bluenose to Bar Harbour and drove to the Conn. border the first day then from there to somewhere in Virgina the second day, then to Savanna, Georgia the third day and got in Orlando in afternoon of 4th day. We only drove until about 5pm each day. We had kids with us and they needed a break by then. We crossed to Scranton, Pennsylvania and went down I - 81 instead of take I - 95 down through Conn to Virginia. 95 is very busy in the New York to Baltimore area. I wouldn't do it again just because I hate driving.
My daughter in law's grandparents drive down and back every year.

 

[hockeymom3]

We've never driven as far as Florida - but I have friends that do any they make great time. When we go to NJ we can make it from Halifax to Sturbridge Mass the first day. Its a long drive but we love stopping there best because it is a small city (or town) and then you get through the bigger cities at a good time the next morning.

 

[sympatico]

We've never driven as far as Florida - but I have friends that do any they make great time. When we go to NJ we can make it from Halifax to Sturbridge Mass the first day. Its a long drive but we love stopping there best because it is a small city (or town) and then you get through the bigger cities at a good time the next morning.

That's just where we made it the first day, Sturbridge Mass.

 

[cantwaitforwdw]

I started a thread with the very same question...I posted around jan 14th and got some really great feedback...I have been checking for seat sales and flights out of portland as well...but driving may still be an option for us...

 

[Disney_Mama]

I have driven many time to WDW from ON. but never from NB. We never made any reservations for our overnights. We would just drive until we could not take it any more. The American HWY systems have so many more options for hotels and motels than the Canadian ones. Never had a problem with finding something decent and affordable to spend the night. If you have CAA I would advise getting a Trip Tix. It's a flip map that shows all the current construction and where to avoid speeding. Good luck and safe travels.

 

[caisland]

Hi,

We drove from PEI in 93 and 2006. About 31 hours of driving from here.
Yours would be significantly more unless you can take the cat to Bar Harbour.
I know it's not cheap but it would equal at least 10 hours of driving around.
We stopped in Mass first night at my uncles' place. Free hotel! 2nd night in 2006 was around Virginia. We got stuck in traffic around Washington. If you are wanting a faster trip avoid Philly, Washington area.

 

[Honeystar120608]

We went our 1st time in Dec. We drove from Moncton to Portland. That was it. lol So I can't answer the question but to say. We got flights through Air Tran at for 750 US for 4 seats return. Im HUGE on budgeting and planning. I also have our GPS software that does all the calculation for me. It IS possible for us to do a 2 night drive...pushing ourselves to get there fast. (we also have 2 toddlers and that would just be crazy of us to do it this way) but cost wise was very close to the same as the gas, overnight stays and flight out of portland. Also, in Portland there is a HoJos that offers a park and fly. One night stay(we got it for $89) and you can leave your vehicle there at the hotel. They will shuttle you.
Now, if we didnt have the kids going, and we had the time and money. I would LOVE to drive if at least just once.

 

[momdad4kids]

Leaving Yarmouth Im guessing Mass will be a good first day drive.Ive driven it many times but from NB.Im assuming you'll be crossing at St Stephen /Calais Me border crossing.Once through Maine avoid the 95 like the plague until your into Virginia. Run the 95 throuh Maine ,495 optional ,exit onto the Mass pike then take 84 across NY into Penn. Then run 81 down into Virginia cross over on 64 back onto the 95. Sounds like a complicated route but really it wont take any longer than fighting traffic from Boston straight through to Washington DC.If you make Mass the first day you should be able to make the Va/ North Carolina border easily the next day .Dont forget to check out Hershey on the way throuh Penn ,only 10 mins off the highway but the chocolate sundaes are to die for.Also the scenery through the Poconos,the Blue Ridge Montains and the Shanedoah Valley is excellent.The next night you should be able to make it into Florida but I doubt youd make much further than Florida/Georgia border but Orlando will be an easy drive in the next day.Try not to be to dissappointed by "JR's" and South Of The Border" but do check em out .If you plan on shopping remember Penn is tax free on clothing, New Hampshire on liquor, Theres a few good outlets malls also on the way ,one at Hershey and one at Va/NC border weve gotten some excellent buys at even when the Dollar was $0.65.If you see an Iron skillet expect good food,Cracker Barrel is usually pretty good as well but not always consistent. If you like peanuts, Virginia has a few places to buy the direct from the grower/processer,You can get the roasted salted skin on/off in shell or shelled varieties however my personal favorite are the raw peanuts ,they keep forever cool and dry especially if you freeze them and once you Roast your own the Planters bags at Walmart just wont taste the same after that. relax and have fun the drive down is more than half the fun of going if you approach it right,stop every couple of hrs get out and stretch ,dont kill yourself for the sake of a 10 min break.Also all the states have welcome centers ,use them ,theyll gladly call ahead and make hotel reservations for you as well as reccomend places to eat close to the hwy.

 

[SplashMom]

We drove from Sydney in 2006 which is probably close to the same distance. We really enjoyed it but it was August so the roads were clear. We stopped by 6 or so each evening. The first night, we got to Bangor; second night to New Haven, CT; third night in Woodbridge, Virginia; fourth night in Savannagh, Georgia; and then we got there around noon the next day. However, we stopped every few hours, ate proper meals which took a bit longer, and we made several longer stops--Freeport, Washington DC, South of the Border, etc. We totally enjoyed it.

We made it home quicker--no extra stops but still took four days. We left Disney and went to Daytona Beach for a few hours and then continued on to Lumberton, NC; next day to East Brunswick, NJ; then on to Woodstock, NB; and made it home around 5:00 p.m. on day four. I would love to do it again sometime but I don't have that much time other than summer, and summer in Florida is HOT! Even with all the hotels, meals, and gas, it was still cheaper than four airline tickets!

We stayed on the I-95 the entire way down and had no problems, but often the opposite lanes were backed up for miles. We were just lucky. If we went again, we would probably try to avoid the major cities, although our teenagers really wanted to see them which is why we chose that route. We did get the TripTik from CAA which was helpful. We didn't make any hotel reservations because we didn't know how far we would get each day. We had no problems because we stopped early (by 6 p.m.) but we saw many families being turned away later in the evening. I wouldn't drive after dark if I could avoid it. I have everything detailed in my journal so if you have any questions, ask away!! Have fun!

 

[TwMuise]

Wow, all good tips, thank you so much, I plan on starting my journal here with all of your notes.

Thanks again everyone.

Wendy