Encouragement for First Time Driver

[NALA 24]

This year we will be driving to WDW for the first time. Since I am the family member who does not want to fly or take the auto-train again, I want to make this ride terrific! Several times we have driven the 800 mile trip from PA to South Carolina, stopping for one overnight after about 600 miles. As our departure day is getting closer, I would like some help planning for this new 1100 mile adventure. We plan to leave home at about 4:00 am. My family loves to travel and my children are great in the car.

I would appreciate any advice or encouragement.

Thank You.

 

[CamColt]

I was always the type of person who thought people who drove(from MA) were crazy. Then we were scheduled to fly out 9/24/01 and my attitude changed. After much debate we decided to give driving a try, and we were pleasantly surprised. It really wasnt bad at all. We drove straight through, 24 hrs, only stopping for gas and bathroom breaks, and 1 meal.
We are now planning our 3rd drive down there for August, and I have to admit I would rather drive now than fly.
You can do it!

 

[MomE@Home]

We drove to FL. last April for the first time with three children (DS-13,DS-5 and DD-18 mo.). We had to stop a lot for bathroom breaks! We stayed overnight in Staunton VA. and headed to SC. where we stayed a few days with my SIL and her family. I won't drive on roads I'm unfamiliar with (weird, I know) so my DH drove, but he doesn't mind. One thing we did was to collect post cards from each state we were in for each child and for my DH & myself for our vacation scrapbooks. We were able to get every state ( the best places to get them are gas stations). We ate at the Cracker Barrel several times- I LOVE their chicken salad sandwich ! Good luck and have a great trip !

 

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

This is what I would suggest. If you left about three hours earlier Like one a.m. you would get more drive time in while the kids are sleeping and a lot fewer "are we there yet?"

 

[Uncleromulus]

WE always drive these days. My advice is to just pace yourself--and avoid DC anytime near rush hour!! But I guess you already know to do that--.

 

[Cindy B]

We drove down for the first time in 1999 from the King of Prussia/Wayne area of PA (western suburb of Philly).

We then had a barely 2 year old (DD), and a four year old (son). It actually looking back, wasn't too bad. They slept most of the time!

Now, that they are older (8 /5), it is more challenging in the fact that they are awake more. We get books on tape, activity books, and such like that...