First time driving from NY. Detailed report.

[crzy4dsny]

We returned last night from our first big drive. I have to say over all that it was not bad at all. We drove straight through with my 5,4, and 2 year olds. I had my ear plugs ready but did not need them once. The kids were great both ways. I had to keep looking back to make sure they were still with us. We have a mini-van with a tv/vcr that they watched most of the time. The recorded tapes that my wife made of their favorite tv shows worked the best.


We left at 2:00 am and they all slept to about 9:00 am. We had buttered rolls and Yoo-Hoo's for breakfest. I bought a ton of snacks that also kept them happy. For lunch we made pb&j sandwiches. We hit a little bit of traffic here and there, for the most part it was very light. We arrived at Disney at 8:25pm. We got a good night's sleep and got up for early entry the next day.
I didn't feel worn out or tired at all. While I was there I was actually looking foward to the drive home. I was afraid that the drive would be hanging over my head the whole time I was there, but it didn't

I made a trip report sheet before I left and kept track of the times and miles;

Total drive time down; 18hrs 25min
Total drive time home; 17hrs 15min
total miles 1170


Left exit 62 on Long Island Expressway at 2:00 am
1hr 13 min - 80 miles

New Jersey 3:13am
1hr 22min 99 miles

Delaware 4:35am
16min 18 miles

Maryland 4:51am
1hr 57min 109 miles (gas stop 17 min. traffic at draw bridge 14 min)

Virginia 6:48am
2hrs 31min 182 miles

North Carolina 9:19am
3hrs 13min 184 miles (one gas stop, one bathroom stop)

South Carolina 12:36pm
3hrs 16min 197 miles ( two accident and one truck fire delays)

Georgia 3:52pm
2hrs 114 miles (30 min stop gas, eat)

Florida 5:52pm

Disney World 8:25pm
2hrs 33min 187 miles

People were driving very fast. At one time I was doing 83 mph and someone cut me off and flipped me the bird for going too slow.
The drive was nice but I like flying better. I would definitely do it again

I would be happy to answer any questions if I could.

Dave

 

[Snowysmom]

Sounds like you had a good trip. We just returned to Mass last week after driving down and back. I will agree with you about the fast drivers. We were going the speed limit and everyone was passing us. We did see a state trooper coming out of the woods in SC to get one speeder. All in all, it isn't as bad as we thought it would be.

 

[Needafix]

I recently became a single mom and am toying with the idea of driving the two kids (9&5) to Disney next summer. It seems that most people usually stop for one night along the way, but I'd much rather spend that money on another night a Disney.

Did you make any stops along the way? Did you and your wife take turns driving? How much were your traveling expenses since I'm trying to figure out at what point is it more economical to drive rather then fly?

Thanks for any tips you can give.

 

[tonysgal34]

We debated about driving and thought that with the rising costs of gas and our conversion van being an 8-cylinder gas guzzler, plus food/stops on the way, well we were going to fly. We would be coming from Rochester, NY and we know it'll be about 22 hours-give or take. We have an offer from friends in Virginia to stay over on the way down, but like someone else said, I'd rather use that time in Disney. We are limited on time as we cannot change the days that we plan to leave and return due to my daughter's cheerleading competition and banquet(one is the day before we leave and one is the day after we return). If any of you can give me some pros and cons that would be great. With 2 kids, 12 and 9, the main thing with driving I see as a problem is the "I'm bored" monster coming out!! Thanks

 

[crzy4dsny]

Originally posted by Needafix


Did you make any stops along the way? Did you and your wife take turns driving? How much were your traveling expenses since I'm trying to figure out at what point is it more economical to drive rather then fly?

Thanks for any tips you can give.

The only stops we made were for gas and bathroom breaks. We ate as we drove. I did all the driving myself. My wife was willing to pitch in, but I didn't feel like I needed a break. The cost of gas was $164.00 . The tolls I'm not sure about because we have an EZ-Pass, which I strongly recommend you get. I think they were around $35.00. Plan on driving but keep checking air fare for low rates. If you get a low price then fly, if not drive. South West has great deals in the summer, $49.00 each way right now. You still have to factor ground transportation in once you get there. Good luck

 

[crzy4dsny]

Originally posted by tonysgal34
With 2 kids, 12 and 9, the main thing with driving I see as a problem is the "I'm bored" monster coming out!! Thanks

Believe it or not I didn't hear those words once during the whole trip!

Does your conversion van have a t.v in it? If so you should be fine. Just get some new movies they haven't seen yet. If they have a game system hook that up too.

 

[tonysgal34]

No TV but now thinking about taking the astro anyway......on the other hand, as you had mentioned, the rates went down recently and if all four of us can fly for $500 it might be worth the hassle of flying. I am just not sure about getting to the airport extra early, as some have mentioned, and the fact that we can't bring alot of the stuff that we could bring in a van on the plane-like a cooler and food, etc. Thanks for the input!!

 

[crazyme5kids]

I am driving next week, how was the road constuction? When we drove last year there were two places where the constuction going on made it a little confusing. I think it was around D.C. and Jacksonville. Does triple AAA sell EZ-passes?

 

[WDWLinda]

Hey...my brother and his family live off of exit 62 of the LIE! Growing up, my family (3 kids) drove from LI to the FL Keys once a year and it really wasn't that bad. We stopped at Disney on the way back. If you start the kids young, they'll be used to it. I wouldn't mind doing it again, but my husband said he'd fly down and meet us!

 

[crzy4dsny]

Crazyme5Kids, There was construction on 95/495 at the drawbridge just before you hit Virginia. We went through there at 6:30am on a Saturday morning and the traffic was stopped dead in both directions. I'm thinking that the bridge may have been up. We sat there for about 15 min . Then the road just opened up and we were off again. On the way back it was a Monday and we passed there around 3:00pm. There was a delay of about 20 min again which isn't too bad. When you merge from 95/495 back onto 95 there is major construction going on. My sister lives in Virginia and I'm used to this interchage because I go through there often. It can be confusing, just take it slow and read the signs. I think they put new signs up in this area that direct you better.

I didn't notice any construction in Jacksonville. On 95 south of Jacksonville there is a 25 mile work zone where they are making the road bigger. I did not experiance any delays in this area both ways.

I don't think AAA sells Ez-Passes, but check with them. I would try to get one before you leave, even if you have to go somewhere and pick it up. It saves a lot of time.

 

[crzy4dsny]

Originally posted by WDWLinda
Hey...my brother and his family live off of exit 62 of the LIE!

You never know he may be my neighbor.....does he live in Selden?

 

[WDWLinda]

Farmingville - Columbus Ave. off of Horseblock Rd. I won't tell him about you - otherwise he'd try to hitch hike on your next trip!


Linda

 

[crzy4dsny]

Thays very close, about 10min from here. Thats o.k, he could hitch a ride. There is plenty of room on the roof

 

[Uncleromulus]

Only in the DC area could you find the main I-95/495 route going over a Drawbridge!!!!
True-it isn't "up" often or for long periods, but when it is--lookout!!!

 

[Cindy B]

Wow thats impressive. we have never left at 2 am.. we used to leave from the PHilly area around 4 pm (usually beating some type of rush--)

this time we are waiting untl 7 pm... from the S . NJ area.

 

[crzy4dsny]

Cindy B, Are you going to go straight through? I had planned on doing that at first. But then I thought driving in the dark would make me too tired. How long of a ride is it for you, about 15 hrs?

 

[Disney1fan2002]

Thanks for the detailed report! I have been stressing about how driving will be. We are driving from Mass in Nov..... 3 kids ages 7, 5 and 3.5. We thought ahead and had the DVD system with video game hook-up installed when we purchased the van in Jun. Thinking ahead!

Sounds like your trip is right on time with how much I figured we would be driving. Though, we do plan on stopping for food and to stretch our legs.

We plan on leaving around 1PM on Nov. 21 and I am HOPING to be arriving at Disney between 9Am and 10AM. We shall see. I think a good chunk of the driving can get done between the hours of 9PM and 6 AM (this is when I figure the kids will be sleeping)

Did you take I-95 all the way the down?

 

[grinningghost]

How did all this rain factor into the drive? We're be going in less than 2 weeks, and with all the rain and thunderstorms, that's my biggest worry.

 

[crzy4dsny]

Disney1fan... I took 95 to 895 for the Harbor Tunnel. I think the FT. Mchenry Tunnel has too much traffic. Then back to 95. Then to 95/495. I took the bypass, 295 around Richmond. Then 95 all the way to 4.


grinningghost...We only hit a little bit of drizzle on the whole trip. The sun was even out for that. It looked like we just missed it a few times. The road would be soaked but the rain was gone.

 

[funhouse8]

Hi, We are driving to Disney right after Christmas. My husband is the only driver in the family and was worried about our long trip. You have made me feel much better. We just got back from a 10 hour drive to ohio and I have to say it wasn't too bad. But that's just half way. LOL. I have made ressies at the days inn in santee SC. The rate we got was 34.95 a night We thought this was a good deal. Can you tell me anything about going though the habor tunnel, we are pulling a pop-up and not allowed though the mchenry. I have one ,more question (sorry so many) Coming home after driving aroud 12 hours-where were you? We aren't sure where to stay on the drive home. Thanks for all you help. Gina (We are from Franklin Square, Long Island.)