Fly or drive with 3 kids, 2 under 2!

[Greenfield1984]

While I understand the concern, Maxies mom, it really isn't an issue. Different people have different sleeping habits and my sleeping habits just so happen to be reversed from most peoples. I can easily stay awake all night and conversely i've got no problem falling asleep in the morning with the sun shining. Its a form of insomnia that I have which at times is quite beneficial (ie night shifts).

As for my poor children...Really?
They would be sleeping through the night and only have to deal with a days worth of driving. At the end of which includes an 8 day trip to disney world.

That being said we've already done this drive once before. My daughter did not at any time complain about being uncomfortable. I msyelf never had a hard time staying awake. We played disney songs on the way down and had a dvd player ready to go if my daughter got bored. We ended up not even using the dvd player because my daughter took enjoyment from each of our stops. We actually made a game out of it to search for mc donalds because she enjoys playing in mcdonalds parks.

Again we've done this trip before and the plan was to stop halfway through the night. However I didn't end up getting tired (since i slept during the day on the drive) and managed to get just outside of disney no problem. I have absolutly no problem stopping if i do find myself getting drowsy and would leave that option open.

I can't imagine driving that far with children that small. They will not have any way to entertain themselves for that long, poor things. And to be stuck in a car seat where it is very hard for them to shift their weight around has to be very uncomfortable for that long of a drive.

I have to say too that your idea of driving straight thru is a bad bad one. There is no way it is safe to leave only one adult awake while everyone else is asleep in the car. And I say that as someone who was almost in an accident because the driver started to fall asleep at the wheel. My sister (who was awake and in the passenger seat) had to scream at the driver to wake him up. He had already hit the rumble strip on the roadside at that point. The driver was someone people would call a night owl. It didn't make any difference.

Do your family a favor and fly down. If you decide to drive, please don't try and drive straight thru. It is way to dangerous!

 

[maxiesmom]

I've said "poor things" because I have been on road trips with smaller children. And it is no fun for them to be strapped in for that long, and given that your children are very young, with little way to make the time go by. Try explaining to a 2 year old that they have to sit there because WDW is on the other end of the trip. They really don't get it.

So sorry if you think I was just judging you. I was giving you my point of view, based on my own experiences. I don't think a road trip of 20 hours is very much fun at all for a child that small.

 

[Greenfield1984]

I've said "poor things" because I have been on road trips with smaller children. And it is no fun for them to be strapped in for that long, and given that your children are very young, with little way to make the time go by. Try explaining to a 2 year old that they have to sit there because WDW is on the other end of the trip. They really don't get it.

So sorry if you think I was just judging you. I was giving you my point of view, based on my own experiences. I don't think a road trip of 20 hours is very much fun at all for a child that small.

Again we've done this trip before with a 7 month old and a 4 year old. Neither had a problem whatsoever. And while your experience has shown your small children did have a problem this only goes to show that everybody's experience is different. So while i'm all for receiving opinions i find it completely unnecessary to add in the "poor things" comment. It is judgmental and adds nothing to the dialogue.

Its comments like this that fuel anger because people will get sensitive and feel you are attacking them as a parent. I myself do not feel this way and actually laughed when i read your comment. What upsets me is that this is a common theme on many of the threads on these boards which leads to much hostility. I want these boards to be a pleasant learning experience for all where we can recieve advice without the judgment.

So con to driving: long car ride, with young children difficult to entertain, and night driving potentially dangerous. That would be fine.

 

[Greenfield1984]

Actually even giving your own experience of having children who had a miserable time would also be fine. It would be a cautionary tale. Again please just don't assume your experience applies to the whole gamut of experiences that could exist. Unnecessary to express your sorrow at my children's experiences unless they actually do have a miserable experience.

 

[maxiesmom]

Actually even giving your own experience of having children who had a miserable time would also be fine. It would be a cautionary tale. Again please just don't assume your experience applies to the whole gamut of experiences that could exist. Unnecessary to express your sorrow at my children's experiences unless they actually do have a miserable experience.

Then I guess I don't understand why you needed to state that you had 2 children under the age of two, and express concern about it, if you had made the trip before without issue. I'm not sure why you even posted looking for thoughts and opinions on the subject if you didn't want to hear anything negative about the drive. Why seek other opinions? None of us have your children, so we will not have the same exact experience that you had.

You will also find people won't necessarily phrase things the way you think they should. I already stated I wasn't judging you, but offering my thoughts. You asked fly or drive. I'm telling you why I would fly. It is hard for an adult to not be bored or squirmy on that long of a drive, and I believe it is even harder for a child who can't rationalize "only 8 more hours and we will be at WDW". I feel sorry for any child stuck in a car seat for a long road trip. It simply isn't comfortable for long periods of time.

 

[Alexander]

I won't drive with kids 6 and 13! Cannot imagine with 3 that are so little! Sooooo many stops for diapers, bottles, etc.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I can't imagine driving that far with children that small. They will not have any way to entertain themselves for that long, poor things. And to be stuck in a car seat where it is very hard for them to shift their weight around has to be very uncomfortable for that long of a drive.

I have to say too that your idea of driving straight thru is a bad bad one. There is no way it is safe to leave only one adult awake while everyone else is asleep in the car. And I say that as someone who was almost in an accident because the driver started to fall asleep at the wheel. My sister (who was awake and in the passenger seat) had to scream at the driver to wake him up. He had already hit the rumble strip on the roadside at that point. The driver was someone people would call a night owl. It didn't make any difference.

Do your family a favor and fly down. If you decide to drive, please don't try and drive straight thru. It is way to dangerous!

Aside from boredom, time spent on the road, etc. I have to agree with this part. Even if one doesn't feel sleepy, driving is fatiguing to the mind.
I work in mammography now but did general xray for 9 yrs in a trauma center. I've seen so many car accidents, it makes me want to fly everywhere.
Once while doing a lady's mammogram somehow we got on the subject of vacations & kids and I mentioned I had just returned from WDW with my family. She broke down crying and stated how her dd, SIL, & their 3 kids drove to WDW in their minivan, taking turns driving. Her dd drove during the wee hours and was already in FL trying hard to not have to stop at a hotel before reaching WDW. They crashed and her dd was prounounced dead at the scene. Her SIL & the kids had some injuries but pulled through and now are struggling so hard without their mom & dw.
We had to take a break and both of us had a good cry before I could finish all of her pictures. She said had she known, she would have paid for all their flight just to have her dd back.

Anyway, just saying, long drives with people pushing to get to their destination is simply not safe driving. It's not jmho, it's a known fact.

 

[Greenfield1984]

Agreed. Which is why I don't push. I sleep durin day and drive at night. If need be I've no problem stopping at a hotel.

And again maxesmom, opinions welcome but sorrow for my children unnecessary. Is it really too much to ask you to state that you don't believe a young child cannot sit comfortably for that long without your also saying you would feel sorry for them if I did chose that option?

Aside from boredom, time spent on the road, etc. I have to agree with this part. Even if one doesn't feel sleepy, driving is fatiguing to the mind.
I work in mammography now but did general xray for 9 yrs in a trauma center. I've seen so many car accidents, it makes me want to fly everywhere.
Once while doing a lady's mammogram somehow we got on the subject of vacations & kids and I mentioned I had just returned from WDW with my family. She broke down crying and stated how her dd, SIL, & their 3 kids drove to WDW in their minivan, taking turns driving. Her dd drove during the wee hours and was already in FL trying hard to not have to stop at a hotel before reaching WDW. They crashed and her dd was prounounced dead at the scene. Her SIL & the kids had some injuries but pulled through and now are struggling so hard without their mom & dw.
We had to take a break and both of us had a good cry before I could finish all of her pictures. She said had she known, she would have paid for all their flight just to have her dd back.

Anyway, just saying, long drives with people pushing to get to their destination is simply not safe driving. It's not jmho, it's a known fact.

 

[maxiesmom]

Actually, it is. I hate to be bored. For me, it is one of the worst things. So I feel for anyone who is basically trapped for hours on end with little to entertain them. I'm not saying it makes you a monster of a parent to take your children on a road trip. I'm saying it may not be as easy on them as you seem to think it will be. It is bad enough to be stuck for hours in a car when I can read, or write, or play cards, or whatever. To be under 2 and not able to do any of those things. Essh.

I think too it will take a bit of effort on the part of the adults in the car to keep the kiddos entertained and happy. Videos only work for so long, in my experience. They will need a lot of interaction, and that will be tiring. How rested and ready for fun will the adults be when you get to WDW?

You asked for opinions, and that is mine. It is not meant as an attack on your parenting, just as an explanation of why I would never drive that far with 3 little kids in the car.

I want to add that the last time my sis drove with her hubby and her 3 kids (the youngest was 6 or 7 at the time) when they got back the 7yr old stated her butt was sore and she never ever ever wanted to drive to Disney again! We live in Michigan, so it is around a 21 hour drive from here to WDW. It was funny when she said it, but I totally get it too!

 

[Greenfield1984]

I think your missing the point. I do want feedback as to how young children fare on car rides. If you think they will be bored please let me know. It's your comment saying "poor children" that I take issue with. I appreciate and will take into consideration all the feedback you've provided. I just don't think it necessary to voice your feelin sorry for my children I I chose driving. But I see we're just going to have to agree to disagree. I just don't understand the point of lamenting other peoples choices. What's wrong with just offering your opinion on what you would do without judging other peoples choices.

Actually, it is. I hate to be bored. For me, it is one of the worst things. So I feel for anyone who is basically trapped for hours on end with little to entertain them. I'm not saying it makes you a monster of a parent to take your children on a road trip. I'm saying it may not be as easy on them as you seem to think it will be. It is bad enough to be stuck for hours in a car when I can read, or write, or play cards, or whatever. To be under 2 and not able to do any of those things. Essh.

I think too it will take a bit of effort on the part of the adults in the car to keep the kiddos entertained and happy. Videos only work for so long, in my experience. They will need a lot of interaction, and that will be tiring. How rested and ready for fun will the adults be when you get to WDW?

You asked for opinions, and that is mine. It is not meant as an attack on your parenting, just as an explanation of why I would never drive that far with 3 little kids in the car.

I want to add that the last time my sis drove with her hubby and her 3 kids (the youngest was 6 or 7 at the time) when they got back the 7yr old stated her butt was sore and she never ever ever wanted to drive to Disney again! We live in Michigan, so it is around a 21 hour drive from here to WDW. It was funny when she said it, but I totally get it too!

 

[kaytieeldr]

While I understand the concern, Maxies mom, it really isn't an issue. Different people have different sleeping habits and my sleeping habits just so happen to be reversed from most peoples. I can easily stay awake all night and conversely i've got no problem falling asleep in the morning with the sun shining. Its a form of insomnia that I have which at times is quite beneficial (ie night shifts).

Honestly, there's a major difference between being awake and being alert. Even if you can stay awake all night, your recognition and response times are severely slowed with a lack of sleep - especially combined with the monotony of highway driving.

Agreed. Which is why I don't push. I sleep during day and drive at night. If need be I've no problem stopping at a hotel.

Which is very different from what you originally claimed - that you and your wife would be taking turns driving.

What's wrong with just offering your opinion on what you would do without judging other peoples choices.

Her opinion is that she feels sorry for your children if you coop them up in a car for two extreme periods. I see nothing wrong with that. As a five+ year member, you should be aware that threads don't necessarily follow the path the OP chooses, nor do posters always respond the way you want/expect.

Frankly, I don't think you're comparing equally. You state it's a 24 hour drive from where you live to WDW. It seems that's a straight-through drive (and I'm sure you'll correct me if I'm wrong) and that you're not considering traffic, meals, and pit stops. You then say with flying, including the drives it would probably take about twelve hours each way.

Guessing - since the information isn't given - that you're including getting between MCO and WDW, I'm going to say yes. So three hours for the flight, 90 minutes early at the airport, hour to your resort... sounds like about six hours driving, or 75% less than with your plan. Food in the airports, bathrooms in the airports and on planes - so no pit stops.

Have you considered what you'll do (knock wood, it shouldn't happen) if your car breaks down in North Carolina, for example, or in Orlando? Are you sure you need a car, or do you just want to have one (or are you just trying to justify driving - in which case I have to agree with a PP - why even ask here?).

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Have you considered what you'll do (knock wood, it shouldn't happen) if your car breaks down in North Carolina, for example, or in Orlando?

Have you considered what you'll do if your flight is grounded all day for thunderstorms? "blank" happens with almost all forms of transportation

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I think your missing the point. I do want feedback as to how young children fare on car rides. If you think they will be bored please let me know. It's your comment saying "poor children" that I take issue with. I appreciate and will take into consideration all the feedback you've provided. I just don't think it necessary to voice your feelin sorry for my children I I chose driving. But I see we're just going to have to agree to disagree. I just don't understand the point of lamenting other peoples choices. What's wrong with just offering your opinion on what you would do without judging other peoples choices.

Absolutely! You'd think making kids sit in a car for a day while driving to Disney is child abuse. Haven't any of you taken those famed vacation road trips when you were kids? They aren't that bad!

While I prefer flying for a long distance trip, lots of other people don't. Some people even like driving across the country.

OP - have a great time, no matter what you chose to do. Ignore all of the lectures here. Everyone needs to make the decisions which are right for their family.

 

[Alexander]

Absolutely! You'd think making kids sit in a car for a day while driving to Disney is child abuse. Haven't any of you taken those famed vacation road trips when you were kids? They aren't that bad!

While I prefer flying for a long distance trip, lots of other people don't. Some people even like driving across the country.

OP - have a great time, no matter what you chose to do. Ignore all of the lectures here. Everyone needs to make the decisions which are right for their family.

Yes, we took those long car trips as kids, but we were stretched out in the back of a station wagon sleeping laying down in sleeping bags. We were not strapped into a very confined car seat.

Obviously the OP didn't really want opinions unless they went with what they already were thinking. Personally I think some sympathy for kids strapped into car seats for 24 hours is warranted. Adults can recline seats and shift around quite a bit more than those in car seats. Thus the "poor kids" comment that I agree fully with.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Have you considered what you'll do if your flight is grounded all day for thunderstorms? "blank" happens with almost all forms of transportation

Sure. There's even a excellent thread on the Transportation Forum, "if your flight is cancelled". It's about 74 pages long, with lots of questions but even more great advice

Thanks for asking .

 

[Alexander]

I also haven't seen anyone address the fact that the OP is considering driving from Canada to Florida in January. That in itself poses a lot more possible problems for driving. Have you ever driven through PA after a big snow storm? The roads are almost impassable.

 

[Greenfield1984]

So it was mentioned that since i've been on these boards for 5+ years I should understand that posts often don't go the way the op intended.

I'm aware of that. I'm very much okay with that. I'm also aware that there is a ton of judging on these boards. Just because it exists doesn't mean it has to.

My only original contention was, to be fair, a pretty small comment of "poor children". The person who said that comment has said that it wasn't mentioned as a means to judge a persons parenting. I probably should have just accepted that and moved on. No harm done.

The reason I pressed the issue was because I didn't want this, like many other threads, to derail into one side bashing another sides choices. I think its quite reasonable for someone who does chose to drive for long periods of time with children to be offended at someone stating they feel sorry for those kids.

It's these types of posts that are entirely unnecessary. It would absolutely suffice to say that young children often have a hard time sitting for long periods of time and can get uncomfortable. Its unnecessary to state you feel sorry for people who do choose this method. By doing this it puts people on a defensive and this adds nothing to the dialogue. People on the defensive will then often criticize the other peoples choices. :ie oh ya? driving for long periods of time is bad? At least my kids aren't trapped in a tube for 3.5 hours and can take many rest breaks whenever they want.

This isn't very constructive. By not judging other peoples choices you can offer your own input and we can come up with pros and cons to both sides. And even address those cons with possible solutions. For example dvds, games, ipads, mcdonalds parks etc.

It has also been implied that I have some sort of agenda whereby I need to "justify" driving down. I'm not a child. I don't set out with something I think is morally wrong and then gather support from other people to make me think its okay. If i thought driving down would cause some serious harm to my children I wouldn't do it.

Furthermore I had initially, as previously stated in earlier posts, leaned towards flying down rather then driving. I then started thinking that it might actually be more fun to drive down and more convenient once we are there. The thought of using the busses (I hadn't mentioned this yet) with 2 young children and a 5 year old sounds quite difficult to manage. Tough to hold onto all 3 kids as well as a stroller. By driving down we'd have our car and they would be safely in their seats without one parent holding onto a stroller and another trying to hold onto 3 kids.

What i'm trying to do is foster an environment of friendliness, where people can come and ask for advice without fear of attacks on their parenting choices. I want us to be able to share ideas and experiences so we can learn from one another. Not come and debate what I consider to be a completely non ethical issue. If i wanted to do that I would have started a thread with the title "is it alright to drive for extended periods of time with young children".

While that was my goal I see I've failed miserably and just added more needless hostility. Instead I'll continue doing what I've been doing which is just ignoring judgmental comments and only addressing constructive comments.

.....
Just as an added note. This reply isn't really about my initial contention with a very small comment made by Maxesmom. I think much of what Maxesmom said was quite valuable and the small comment did not warrant this much effort or response. This is more targeted towards trends in message boards in general. They have become quite hostile environments where people often feel bullied. The world is tough enough as it is without feeling like your being judged online as well. I want these boards to make us all feel like how Disney World makes me feel: warm, inviting and welcomed.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Furthermore I had initially, as previously stated in earlier posts, leaned towards flying down rather then driving. I then started thinking that it might actually be more fun to drive down and more convenient once we are there. The thought of using the busses (I hadn't mentioned this yet) with 2 young children and a 5 year old sounds quite difficult to manage. Tough to hold onto all 3 kids as well as a stroller. By driving down we'd have our car and they would be safely in their seats without one parent holding onto a stroller and another trying to hold onto 3 kids.

FWIW, when our kids were still of car seat age we preferred having a car too so we rented one from MCO. You don't have to drive to FL in order to have a car there. Just saying...

There are some that will never drive and some that will never fly and then those willing to do either.

 

[pigletto]

To the OP,

We have never driven though we are considering it for this trip. I do have neighbours/friends that have done it several times from Ontario and though it sounded awful to me at first, they completely changed my mind about the whole thing.
They always drive straight through and alternate the driving so the other one sleeps. Their kids sleep half of the trip due to the time they leave. When they are awake, they stop often to stretch, have a snack, use the bathroom, or have a meal.

Is what you are suggesting my idea of ideal? Well not really. But is it doable with careful planning, activities in the car, lots of research, and a good attitude? Of course!

My only concern would be that it's January and you may hit weather that delays you until it's safe to drive again. However on our February trip I had to scramble at the last minute to push our trip up by a day and get on another flight because a storm was on the way. Another night at the resort, another lost day of work and the last minute worry wasn't exactly convenient either.

If you had posted this question in the dedicated driving thread I imagine you would have received much different responses from people who have done it and enjoy it. I would still encourage you to post in their to get specific routes and weather advice. They seem like a very friendly group of people

 

[Greenfield1984]

FWIW, when our kids were still of car seat age we preferred having a car too so we rented one from MCO. You don't have to drive to FL in order to have a car there. Just saying...

Ideally I would fly and then rent a car. However that cost would bring this trip outside of what i'm willing to spend at this time. Actually this trip is already only contingent of them releasing free dining for January. If that's not offered we will not be going.

There are some that will never drive and some that will never fly and then those willing to do either.

I've done both and am willing to do either and am currently swaying back and forth. My major concern for driving is currently:

To the OP,

My only concern would be that it's January and you may hit weather that delays you until it's safe to drive again.

Now i'm not too worried about a huge snowstorm completely delaying us. That can happen with both flight and driving. In the unlikely event that does occur i'll deal with it then.

What I am worried about is car tires. I have a 1 year old set of all seasons that i currently use in the summer time and another 1 year old set of winter tires I use in the winter time. I'm not too sure which set I should use. The all seasons would definately be adequate under regular show conditions but the winter tires would be needed during icy periods. If i go with the snow tires then once I get out of winter conditions i'm going to be destroying the tires on regular road...

I believe I posted advice on this topic another time when i was considering driving at this time. I'll have to revisit that and other threads on this topic for further advice.

The reason flying isn't a given is because we would have to drive out to Rochester (4.5 hours), or Syracuse (3.5 hours) for a reasonable flight. So if you combine that travel time (plus leaving an hour early in case unexpected delays prevent us from arriving at the airport on time), with how early you have to be at the airport, the flight plus a likely connecting flight (we've always ended up having to get transferred), then drive from airport to Disney i'd estimate that travel time at 12 hours and more stressful because we have to be at places at certain times.

The other major obstacle to flying is the whole taking 3 kids and a stroller on a bus with only two adults.

However on the flip side driving has the whole weather issue keeping apprehensive and yep a 24 hour drive can definitely be tedious and tiring. Not to mention this will be the only time we will get 5 people on a plane for the price of 3 and I do want my daughter to experience flight (she was too young to remember the last time).