First time driving from Ohio. Suggestions?

[Senator Tressel]

Wow, lots of fellow Ohioans on here! It sounds awful to me driving all the way from Ohio, but with you having seven people, I certainly can't blame you! Driving is way better than not going at all!

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

Most of your drive through Ohio will have plenty of places to stop-for us, it only takes 2 hours to reach Marietta. West Virginia will take about 3 1/2 hours to drive through. We always make a stop in Marietta before entering W. VA, then we don't need to stop again until we get south of Charleston. Traffic and lane changes can be tricky in Charleston so watch for it. After leaving Charleston, I-77 becomes the W. VA. turnpike (toll is at $2/car so have $8 in ones ready). There are travel plazas located on this road that are really nice. We like the one in Bluefield (last one in state), plenty of parking, places for the kids to expend energy, gas fill-up and food. After crossing into VA there are some places, but it only takes an hour to drive through, so we rarely stop in VA. At this point, you are pretty high up in the mountains so the scenery is beautiful.
N. Carolina will have plenty of places to stop. We have always stayed north of Charlotte and haven't found anywhere to feel unsafe. Hotel prices will be higher in the Lake Norman area, so we stay a little further north. Traffic can be heavy in Charlotte, depending on what time you drive through it. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to go through NC.
As I stated before, we have not had good luck at finding decent stops in SC. One particular stop had my husband getting us back in the van after noticing the bullet holes in the back of some of the parked vehicles. After that, we no longer stop between Charlotte and Columbia. Once you pass Columbia, we have not had a problem. The closer you get to reaching I-95, the more options you have for stopping. It takes about 3 1/2 hours to get through SC.
Georgia is next and only takes about an hour to drive through. You will have plenty of places to stop in GA. Once you hit the FL line, you have about 3 hours to go. You will have lots of options for stops, Jacksonville and Orlando can have heavy traffic. Depending on what time of the day, there is a road you can take to bypass Orlando. It is a toll road so sometimes we take it and other times we don't.
I hope this helps...we have driven this route so many times, I could probably make the trip in my sleep.

Wow! Thanx for the info! I am going to have to comb through this thread and take notes on where we should and shouldn't stop! I don't want bullet holes anywhere near my family!

To answer your second question, we always find it easier to stop before or after any major cities along the route. There are plenty of options and traffic is light. When stopping in a major city, you never know what is the bad section of town...so we just don't stop in cities. We always look for the signs that indicate what is available on the stop. We have found that if the major hotels/fast food chains and gas stations are advertised, then it's a good option for stopping. We never get off the exit, if we can't see the restaurants/hotels or gas stations from the interstate. We got off the interstate once only to discover that the town was about 10 miles down the road, and as we were driving it was a divided highway so there was nowhere to turn around!
I know that I have said it before...but even though it is a long ride, it can be a fun part of the vacation!

I am actually a little excited! It will make trips much better for us if we can spend even more time in Disney! Driving allows us to do it! I look forward to my kids getting to see some of the US as well!

Things to add:

NC/VA line to NC/SC line is @ 104 miles. Not sure why it's taking so long to get through there, unless the stop is adding time. All the other driving times, I totally agree with. I too, have driven this route so many times, I could do it in my sleep.

Right above the Lake Norman area is Statesville. From there (MM 51) to WDW is @ 587 miles, going 77-26-95-4. Plenty of hotel options there, though only one or two are clearly visible from 77.
I usually suggest that when people are driving looking for a stop in Charlotte, to push just past Charlotte into Rock Hill, SC area. The first exit is the Carowinds (amusement park) exit, and there are alot of options from there. Gas is cheaper in SC, and getting past Charlotte, even on a w/e, can help with traffic problems when leaving the next a.m.

And absolutely, there are some scary places to stay as you get further down 77 into SC. Living in NC, we haven't had to explore those options, but there are some exits we wouldn't get off on either.

Travel Safe!

Thanx for the help! I am getting such great info! I really appreciate it all!

Things to add:

NC/VA line to NC/SC line is @ 104 miles. Not sure why it's taking so long to get through there, unless the stop is adding time. All the other driving times, I totally agree with. I too, have driven this route so many times, I could do it in my sleep.

We always stop in NC and we generally end up in traffic in Charlotte, so yes...my time includes that. Thanks for the mileage...you are correct that it would take less time to drive it if not stopping.

Wow, lots of fellow Ohioans on here! It sounds awful to me driving all the way from Ohio, but with you having seven people, I certainly can't blame you! Driving is way better than not going at all!

We usually fly, but I just would rather have extra days in Disney than pay all that money for a faster trip down there! I just had to weigh the options...Hours and hours in a van showing my kids our beautiful country, whilst saving us between $1400 and $1700, AND I can take whatever I want? Or Two hours in a plane that makes me really ill, I have to limit our luggage b/c it would cost a million dollars to check bags for my size family, and I don't have the extra money in my pocket that I would've saved by driving??? Hmmm...for me, I don't mind being with my kids like that, which is why I homeschool. I may regret it though! We'll see! I think it's going to be fun! We are going to take it easy, and just chill our way through our first time. Hopefully we will enjoy it so much we will do it again! Flying can be easier, and certainly faster, but we work too hard to just give our money to an airline once a year!!! I'm not saying I won't ever fly, because I certainly will, but I am excited to try this new adventure! I'll be sure to update everyone on whether I make it there without strangling someone!

 

[auger]

Not sure if this was mentioned yet; if so, sorry for repeating.

We almost always drive from NW Ohio - usually straight thru.
But the older we get, the harder that is.

One thing we have learned: pack an overnight bag for the hotel stop.
It saves having to unload everyone's suitcases and then having to repack the whole car.
We put in a change of clothes, jammies, bsuits, and personal care items.
We also usually have a bag of munchies for in the hotel.
When we get to the overnight hotel, we grab that bag (or bags for you w/ so many people) and check in.
Makes it much easier and a lot less stressful.

 

[Aurora in blue]

We used to drive too, actually I prefer it. We always stopped in Mooresville, SC.
great location. If you are familiar with Westlake, that is what it reminded me of. If I remember correctly it is about 10 hours into the drive


Have a great trip.

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

Not sure if this was mentioned yet; if so, sorry for repeating.

We almost always drive from NW Ohio - usually straight thru.
But the older we get, the harder that is.

One thing we have learned: pack an overnight bag for the hotel stop.
It saves having to unload everyone's suitcases and then having to repack the whole car.
We put in a change of clothes, jammies, bsuits, and personal care items.
We also usually have a bag of munchies for in the hotel.
When we get to the overnight hotel, we grab that bag (or bags for you w/ so many people) and check in.
Makes it much easier and a lot less stressful.

You and I are on the same page! I was actually telling my mom today that I will be doing that! I don't want to have to unload all the yadda yadda! We'll probably need two bags, and maybe a toiletries bag, and we'll be good to go! Thanx for mentioning it though! If I hadn't already decided on doing the same thing, I would've had a lightbulb moment! I hope someone else reads it and is able to use the great idea! I appreciate it!

We used to drive too, actually I prefer it. We always stopped in Mooresville, SC.
great location. If you are familiar with Westlake, that is what it reminded me of. If I remember correctly it is about 10 hours into the drive


Have a great trip.

Awesome! Thank you! I appreciate the names of cities that are great to stop in. I want to be very educated when we make our final plans for the trip! I love the help from all you awesome Disers!

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

We used to drive too, actually I prefer it. We always stopped in Mooresville, SC.
great location. If you are familiar with Westlake, that is what it reminded me of. If I remember correctly it is about 10 hours into the drive


Have a great trip.

I was just looking into some of the stops mentioned by everyone, and I couldn't find a Mooresville in SC, but there was one in NC. Is this the one you meant? I am trying to find something around the 10 hour mark, and this is around the halfway point.

 

[minnierocks]

I was just looking into some of the stops mentioned by everyone, and I couldn't find a Mooresville in SC, but there was one in NC. Is this the one you meant? I am trying to find something around the 10 hour mark, and this is around the halfway point.

Mooresville is in NC. It is north of Charlotte. We have stayed there before and you will have plenty of options. There are many hotels and restaurants and you will feel completely safe.

 

[Robert P]

Mooresville is in NC. It is north of Charlotte. We have stayed there before and you will have plenty of options. There are many hotels and restaurants and you will feel completely safe.

Mooresville, NC is a nice area. It's only drawback is that it's North of Charlotte, so leaving the next morning can throw travelers (especially weekday travelers) into the morning rush. Traffic not being a concern, I would probably say Mooresville is the best NC exit along I-77.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

who goes THROUGH Atlanta? who uses the bypass?

we have done both. a lot of trucks on the bypass. first ime we went straight through. after that, the bypass for many trips. then, straight through.. last time, bypass.


(I do not like ATlanta...)

wish there was a way to get to WDW and avoid atlanta. we went through Alabama once, boy, that trek on the state route took forever!

My family and I always drive through Atlanta and never had any major problems going through there.

Now usually when going on I-75 South we get there between 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM and there is virtually no traffic and we just follow the I-75 South signs.

When going home along I-75 North there might be a little more traffic since we get there during the mid afternoon or if the Atlanta Braves are playing in the afternoon, but other then that we just follow the I-75 North signs.

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

Mooresville is in NC. It is north of Charlotte. We have stayed there before and you will have plenty of options. There are many hotels and restaurants and you will feel completely safe.

Thanx for the info! I think we have decided on trying for Columbia, SC. I looked into hotels in Charlotte and Columbia, and found only one that will accomodate my whole family of 7 in one suite with two rooms, which makes me more comfortable. For the price of this room in the beautiful Staybridge hotel, it was only a couple bucks more than getting two separate rooms in a not-as-nice hotel. It's almost 10 hours plus stops into our drive, so it will be tough, but I'd rather push as far as possible on drive day #1 than on WDW arrival day. Maybe I'm dreaming, but that is my hope.

Mooresville, NC is a nice area. It's only drawback is that it's North of Charlotte, so leaving the next morning can throw travelers (especially weekday travelers) into the morning rush. Traffic not being a concern, I would probably say Mooresville is the best NC exit along I-77.

I appreciate the feedback since I am not entirely convinced of my plan yet. We have never done anything like this before, so we'll see. My mom is trying to convince us to fly if we can find a flight with the price I like. I would rather have extra WDW time than spend all that money on flying-I think.

My family and I always drive through Atlanta and never had any major problems going through there.

Now usually when going on I-75 South we get there between 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM and there is virtually no traffic and we just follow the I-75 South signs.

When going home along I-75 North there might be a little more traffic since we get there during the mid afternoon or if the Atlanta Braves are playing in the afternoon, but other then that we just follow the I-75 North signs.

Thanks for the info! I am clueless for sure. We are planning on taking 77 South I think.


Has anyone ever stayed at the Staybridge in Columbia, SC? Also, any memorable stops that you can remember the names of the city and state? I would rather avoid bad memories if I can. I appreciate you all weighing in on this. Even though we have a year, I am a planner, and live vicariously through my plans until I can actually get to Disney. This is the longest wait for WDW that we have ever planned, and we already miss it so much.

 

[canadianmom2three]

Not sure if I missed this in another post, but one thing my kids LOVE is that we wrap up little (dollar store) gifts in tissue. When they have been sitting really well for a while, or just every so often (like every few hours) we hand out the gifts. They are usually just things like a pack of gum each, or a little clip on LED light, or window clings etc. but the kids really look forward to it, and it keeps them entertained a bit. They also LOVE the "along I 75" book, not sure if there is one for I77 ?? We obviously drive from Canada, and we cross at Port Huron MI. We usually do I75 all the way, but were thinking of trying out the I77 route this winter. Our first drive down was when our youngest was 8mos, and we drove straight thru for that one. It was 26 hours of drive time to our in-laws winter place in South FLA, and I think that was one of the only times we drove straight thru. We have grown to love the drive now, and we can be to Disney in under 20 hours, with one super long drive day of about 15 hours, and then a shorter day the next day. We do the same for the drive to our in-laws, but do an even longer first day. Good luck with the drive, and have fun!!

 

[skoba-nelson]

We have stayed at a Super 8 in Rock Hill, SC (just south of Charlotte, I think it's the first exit in SC) a few times. In fact we are staying there again in November. Columbia, SC is quite a bit farther than Charlotte the halfway point, but that means you'll arrive at WDW that much earlier. Be sure you read any tripadvisor-type reviews on anything in Columbia. A couple of times we've exited to get gas, eat, etc and have ended up in a rough area.

Our most successful drive was the time we left Westlake (my now ex's workplace) at 2PM. Had dinner at Marietta where she drove and I got in back with our son and fell asleep. I woke up at midnight and she was pumping gas at the Carowinds exit at the NC/SC border. I drove from here. Was doing good until I saw deer in Georgia. Was concentrating too hard as to not hit any and I think I was making myself too tired. Exited and took a catnap at McDonalds parking lot. Woke up 45 minutes later refreshed and ready. Even with showing our son the ocean in Daytona we were at WDW around 11AM.

As I said in November I am staying at that Super 8 on the way down. Coming home we are leaving somewhat late our last day and have reservations in Brunswick, Georgia. A full drive the next day (but not pushing it, it will be only me and my 5 year old daughter) will take us to Charleston, WV. We should be home then around noon on the final leg. It'll be nice not walking in the door late at night with having to work the next day.

Didn't think I saw this mentioned yet. Check GasBuddy. Usually gas is quite a bit higher in WV, especially the turnpike section. Those turnpike rest areas are nice like others have posted but the gas is outrageaous. If you can make it to Wytheville gas is usually reasonable there. Also consider EZ Pass just for the convenience of those 3 tolls stops in WV. You don't have to get it from Ohio with their monthly fee whether you use it or not. I got mine from Illinois, no monthly or annual fee.

 

[zumbergc]

we are thinking about leaving at 8pm on a friday evening, mid November. I guess with us leaving later in the evening.

Then attempting to drive straight thru. Me, dh and little ds (7 months old at the time of travel). We are hoping he sleeps thru the night in his car seat.

Will we hit any congestion areas?
Haven't decided if we are going i75 all the way or 77 - 95.
does one have less construction going on ?
What about possible snow?

tia

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

Not sure if I missed this in another post, but one thing my kids LOVE is that we wrap up little (dollar store) gifts in tissue. When they have been sitting really well for a while, or just every so often (like every few hours) we hand out the gifts. They are usually just things like a pack of gum each, or a little clip on LED light, or window clings etc. but the kids really look forward to it, and it keeps them entertained a bit. They also LOVE the "along I 75" book, not sure if there is one for I77 ?? We obviously drive from Canada, and we cross at Port Huron MI. We usually do I75 all the way, but were thinking of trying out the I77 route this winter. Our first drive down was when our youngest was 8mos, and we drove straight thru for that one. It was 26 hours of drive time to our in-laws winter place in South FLA, and I think that was one of the only times we drove straight thru. We have grown to love the drive now, and we can be to Disney in under 20 hours, with one super long drive day of about 15 hours, and then a shorter day the next day. We do the same for the drive to our in-laws, but do an even longer first day. Good luck with the drive, and have fun!!

I like the I-77 book idea and the little gifts. I will have to look into the books to see if there is one. I was thinking of doing a little behavior thing with the kids. I had hoped that they still carried Mickey Money b/c it would make it much easier to do this. Gift cards make it a bit more difficult. I think we may end up just using regular dollars, or making our own Mickey Money and keeping track of what each kid gets to spend on a gift card. I want to make sure the kids behave with the 5 of them smashed together for about 16 hours, so I thought I would start them each off with a certain amount of Mickey Money, and for every infraction they lose a dollar. What I think will make it work is that if they hurt someone else or upset them, they have to give the dollar to that person. I know my kids, and that will probably deter them from bad behavior b/c they won't want anyone else to have their money.

We have stayed at a Super 8 in Rock Hill, SC (just south of Charlotte, I think it's the first exit in SC) a few times. In fact we are staying there again in November. Columbia, SC is quite a bit farther than Charlotte the halfway point, but that means you'll arrive at WDW that much earlier. Be sure you read any tripadvisor-type reviews on anything in Columbia. A couple of times we've exited to get gas, eat, etc and have ended up in a rough area.

Our most successful drive was the time we left Westlake (my now ex's workplace) at 2PM. Had dinner at Marietta where she drove and I got in back with our son and fell asleep. I woke up at midnight and she was pumping gas at the Carowinds exit at the NC/SC border. I drove from here. Was doing good until I saw deer in Georgia. Was concentrating too hard as to not hit any and I think I was making myself too tired. Exited and took a catnap at McDonalds parking lot. Woke up 45 minutes later refreshed and ready. Even with showing our son the ocean in Daytona we were at WDW around 11AM.

As I said in November I am staying at that Super 8 on the way down. Coming home we are leaving somewhat late our last day and have reservations in Brunswick, Georgia. A full drive the next day (but not pushing it, it will be only me and my 5 year old daughter) will take us to Charleston, WV. We should be home then around noon on the final leg. It'll be nice not walking in the door late at night with having to work the next day.

Didn't think I saw this mentioned yet. Check GasBuddy. Usually gas is quite a bit higher in WV, especially the turnpike section. Those turnpike rest areas are nice like others have posted but the gas is outrageaous. If you can make it to Wytheville gas is usually reasonable there. Also consider EZ Pass just for the convenience of those 3 tolls stops in WV. You don't have to get it from Ohio with their monthly fee whether you use it or not. I got mine from Illinois, no monthly or annual fee.

Thanx for the tips! I think they will be really helpful. Have fun with your daughter!

we are thinking about leaving at 8pm on a friday evening, mid November. I guess with us leaving later in the evening.

Then attempting to drive straight thru. Me, dh and little ds (7 months old at the time of travel). We are hoping he sleeps thru the night in his car seat.

Will we hit any congestion areas?
Haven't decided if we are going i75 all the way or 77 - 95.
does one have less construction going on ?
What about possible snow?

tia

I can't help much with these! Sorry!

Don't know how I missed all these posts! My phone must not have sent me my notifications! Boo!

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

Bump!!! Has anyone ever flown down to Disney and then rented a car and driven home? Curious, b/c we are considering that now. Thanx!

 

[sam_gordon]

Bump!!! Has anyone ever flown down to Disney and then rented a car and driven home? Curious, b/c we are considering that now. Thanx!

It has been done but generally you'll have to pay a much larger rental car fee because of the one way rental.

 

[pepe of ohio]

We're in northeastern Ohio and take the train to WDW all the time.....we used to drive but as the years wore on it became too stressful and tedious and Amtrak has fit the bill for us....It's a one night over nighter and rates are decent....what we enjoy is we can both sleep and the miles tick off the travel....sleepers are real expensive but for one night, coach seats are comfortable...they recline way back, leg and foot rest and tons around the 2 seat arrangement...specials were offered periodically, children free when traveling with aults, children half price, 10% off fairs with a AAA card....

We figure the train saves us money, since no car and gas and overnight motel are required....saves us time since we sleep while the train still moves so no overnight stops.....food is decent on the train, alittle pricey but you can bring your own lunches on board which we do...you're not cramped up in a car but can move about the train at will, club car, dining car....restrooms on board....children are not restrained in a car seat for travel....electrical outlets at coach seats for electronics.....something to look into..

We leave out of Alliance Ohio at 1:30 am and arrive in Kissimmee at 1:30 pm the following day....layover in DC, great station.....wife and I round trip runs us 450.00......about equal or less than a car trip but no driving involved...I know when our children were young, they enjoyed the train alot more than the car trips....now a days, with all the electrical products and what not, it would be even better......we see tons of people, youngsters and adults with computers, DVD players, hand held games, Ipod, Kindles...you name it and with the addition of the outlets at each seat...recharging is no problem or just using the ac current provided....you can snuggle down, cover up, recline your seat and watch the country roll on by...and with the tray in front of you...have a snack or meal and some drinks without stopping or getting up......just saying.....

 

[mustangalan]

We have driven with children in the car and will be doing it again this weekend. All the suggestions on keeping the children amused stated above are very good so I will add one more trick which we have used with great success. Always on the trip you will receive the comment; "are we there yet". To help keep this too a minimum at the start of the trip we give the kids quarters and tell them every time you say are we there yet they have to give us one quarter. At the end of the trip they can keep whatever quarters they have left to spend on anything they want. It becomes a game especially if they are old enough to understand money.

 

[sam_gordon]

We leave out of Alliance Ohio at 1:30 am and arrive in Kissimmee at 1:30 pm the following day....layover in DC, great station.....wife and I round trip runs us 450.00......about equal or less than a car trip but no driving involved...I know when our children were young, they enjoyed the train alot more than the car trips....now a days, with all the electrical products and what not, it would be even better......we see tons of people, youngsters and adults with computers, DVD players, hand held games, Ipod, Kindles...you name it and with the addition of the outlets at each seat...recharging is no problem or just using the ac current provided....you can snuggle down, cover up, recline your seat and watch the country roll on by...and with the tray in front of you...have a snack or meal and some drinks without stopping or getting up......just saying.....

I just want to make sure I understand... is that an 36 hour trip or a 12 hour trip? If it's 36 hours, I don't think I could do that.

 

[pepe of ohio]

I just want to make sure I understand... is that an 36 hour trip or a 12 hour trip? If it's 36 hours, I don't think I could do that.

Sorry to say, it is a 36 hour trip.....6 hour layover in DC, but with the station and all the shopping...really not that bad.....plus, us boarding at 1:30 am...you first sleep for 7 hours after boarding......travel awhile then you're in DC....board in DC around 6:30 pm and again doze off till the next day and before you know it, you're in Kissimmee.....

It's not for everyone but when you don't fly and really dislike car travel and the driving......only leaves the train.....but when you drive and stop for the night..it costs extra and you're not moving while sleeping....on the train, it's always moving no matter what you're doing...and we're traveling from Ohio to Florida....we enjoy the down time and relaxing our way to Florida.....time in a car vs time on a train...we'll take the train....doesn't interfer with our trip either...it's planned in and we still stay on property 9-12 nights.....