Flying or driving--which would you choose?

[torinsmom]

I was planning on flying to Orlando(from NC) this summer instead of driving. That would cost us at least $400 plus we would need to rent a car for another $200+ and pay for parking at the airport for $50. We were planning to stay at a Priceline hotel for $40/night for 8 nights for about $320. Total hotel/transportation at least $970

I found a townhouse with a private pool for $634 for the week. If I drive, I'd be looking at gas around $105 round trip plus $50 to drive around on for the week. So total for townhouse/transportation around $790

The extra days driving wouldn't really affect us since I am a teacher and DS will be home for the summer.

Pros for air/hotel would be possible shuttle to/from parks to eliminate parking fees, less travel time, less frustration

Pros for townhouse/driving would be a full kitchen(I would cook breakfast and maybe a few lunches), a laundry room, can bring groceries from home, private pool, separate bedrooms, 2 TVs, and enough room for my sister's family if they can save money to go.

What would you do? I distinctly remember driving through 2 hours of thunderstorms last summer--ugh! I guess that what's happens when you drive through the Southeast at night during summer!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My whole concern is limited to baggage limitations. I have more freedom with what I can pack in my car.

Does your cost include baggage fees (if applicable)?

I like to avoid long drives--but it seems your accomodations will be much nicer if you go that route. Plus you have more freedom of what to pack.

What is the drive time from your house to the Mouse House?

 

[Illuminations_Rocks]

Before I opened the thread, I thought flying, for sure.

But, since you would get to upgrade to a townhouse, I'd lean towards driving.

Just seems like it would be a more comfortable vacation experience. However, if you just plan on being in the parks ALL day, every day, I'd probably still lean towards flying, since you wouldn't be able to enjoy the off-site relaxing experience anyway.

 

[HeatherC]

Since I'm in Massachusetts driving from NC sounds like a "short" trip to me.

I think I would drive and take my own car especially if you aren't under time constraints.

 

[torinsmom]

It's a 9-10 hour drive usually. I don't have to worry about baggage restrictions as we would be flying Southwest and could check 2 bags each.

I am thinking we could leave at 5am, stop for a sit down lunch around 11am and then finish out the journey, getting to Orlando by 4 or 5pm.

 

[NC State]

We start out at 3:00 am and stop at the Ga line about 8:00 for McDonalds and then arrive at the hotel by 12:30 pm.

 

[minniecarousel]

Anything under 12 hours for me would be drive! I hate flying. I love that Disneyland is 5-6 hours drive away, but WDW is 5-6 hours of flying time.

 

[ncmickeyluvr]

We have done it both ways from North Carolina and truthfully I prefer driving. It's not even quicker to fly once you add in the time it takes to get to the airport, wait for the flight, actually fly!, get out of the airport, and get to the hotel......you could have already been there!

 

[The Princess]

We were going to fly this year but the more we think about it driving might be better. Not only the expense for 4 but your limited to what you can bring there and especially and more important what you can bring home!!!

 

[dislaney]

I wish we lived close enough to drive. OP I would drive and stay in the townhouse. I hate airports and would love to have the flexibility of cooking a few meals if I wanted to.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

If I could fly, I would fly. Driving wears me out these days. So if I had choice I would fly, then rent a car.

A 200 dollar savings is not enough of an incentive for me to drive.

 

[Planogirl]

I would drive! Flying kills some time too nowadays, don't forget about that.

 

[kimmar067]

Since I'm in Massachusetts driving from NC sounds like a "short" trip to me.

I think I would drive and take my own car especially if you aren't under time constraints.

...I was thinking the same thing - we've driven TWICE from no. New Jersey, so NC seems like a hop, skip, and a jump away....JMHO....

 

[Bluestars]

For a 9 hour trip, I would drive.

 

[torinsmom]

Well, truth be told, it will probably be more than a $200 savings, since I will save $ on food as well. I had planned on doing fast food for breakfast most mornings with a few in the parks, and then lunch and dinner in the parks. With the townhouse, I will cook breakfast. Even with the 15-20 minute drive to/from the parks, we will probably take a midday break to get out of the summer heat, so we may do sandwiches at the townhouse(or frozen lasagna or pizza) and then have a nap or swim in our private pool.

So, I have DS sold on driving now---he likes the pool and having his own tv for the Xbox. And of course, there is being able to bring the Xbox, whereas it couldn't come if we flew. This townhouse also has free wireless, which will be nice. Now, I just have to figure out what week we will be going(trying to coordinate with the people I babysit for)

 

[Jennasis]

We drive from NC. Takes 9 hours...maybe 8 if I'm really haulin' booty. We LOVE the drive.

 

[Louiepipbgeeco]

Given that it is only 9-10hour drive. I say DRIVE! You will have the convenience of your car and better accomodations with the townhouse. (10hr is less half the time of our haul (which is why now we fly always) But anything under 12 hrs I would say driving is the way to go. Especially with the security lines, delays etc. that you can encounter at airports. Good luck and have a magical trip.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I would drive, but then I am phobic of airplanes. But I like the relative freedom of driving and the lack of hassles. As someone else mentioned, no need to worry about baggage restrictions.

 

[tiggger1]

Since I'm in Massachusetts driving from NC sounds like a "short" trip to me. .

that is just what I was thinking!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Don't forget that parking is currently $14 per day at the Parks for people not staying at a Disney Resort. (Unless you have an Annual Pass.)