First time driving, could use some help.

[Tinker'n'Fun]

We are driving from the WNY area to Florida next week. We are leaving around 4am on a Saturday and I would like to get to Charlotte, NC the first day. We could rest, swim, then have breakfast early the next morning.

I would like to then go through Savannah Georgia and eat at Paula Deen's restaurant for lunch. Then we would be going to Tampa first for 2 days.

From Tampa we are heading over to WDW for my shortest trip ever. Very sad about that part, but my son is looking at colleges.

We would be leaving Thursday early from WDW and heading back.

Could anyone provide some insight on routes, places to stop to eat, and if anyone has stayed at the Drury Inn in NC.

On the way back what is the best place to stop. We can drive as little or as much as needed. Again, I would like to stay somewhere nice but not very expensive and maybe have a meal and walk around a nice city.

My last problem is how much should we have for Tolls. Should I have lots of change or are we looking at larger tolls.

Also, I prefer a nice scenic drive since this is our first time. Thank you to anyone who can provide me with help.

 

[Robert P]

We are driving from the WNY area to Florida next week. We are leaving around 4am on a Saturday and I would like to get to Charlotte, NC the first day. We could rest, swim, then have breakfast early the next morning.

I would like to then go through Savannah Georgia and eat at Paula Deen's restaurant for lunch. Then we would be going to Tampa first for 2 days.

From Tampa we are heading over to WDW for my shortest trip ever. Very sad about that part, but my son is looking at colleges.

We would be leaving Thursday early from WDW and heading back.

Could anyone provide some insight on routes, places to stop to eat, and if anyone has stayed at the Drury Inn in NC.

On the way back what is the best place to stop. We can drive as little or as much as needed. Again, I would like to stay somewhere nice but not very expensive and maybe have a meal and walk around a nice city.

My last problem is how much should we have for Tolls. Should I have lots of change or are we looking at larger tolls.

Also, I prefer a nice scenic drive since this is our first time. Thank you to anyone who can provide me with help.

I can help somewhat:
From Charlotte (CLT), you'll go 77 South to I-26 at Columbia, then East to I-95. Once you get to NC, there are not tolls to Tampa if you go 95 to I-4 or 95 to 10 (at Jax) to 75. If I knew the route you are taking to Tampa, I might can tell you exact miles along the way.
From CLT to the SC/GA line (where starts the Savannah exits), is just over 230 miles. Plenty of rest areas and stops along the way, except I-26 has fewer exits that the other roads. From that same SC/GA line, to Tampa, going 95S to I4W, is another 380 miles.

If you need more detailed info, just PM me.
Travel Safe!
Rob