Flying vs Driving With Kids

[wishuponastar42]

We are planning a trip in May of this year with me, my wife, and our 2 boys (age 5 & 3). Our last two trips we've driven from Oklahoma City to WDW, taking approximately two day each direction which included an overnight hotel stay each way, plus we usually hit the beach for part of a day. While at WDW we just drove to the park, instead of using the internal transportation, because I liked having the control/freedom to come & go as I pleased.

So I may be going crazy and considering flying, but I am not sure if I am comfortable with giving up that control.

I like the idea of being there in a matter of hours and if we drive down to Dallas we can fly out of there for a pretty reasonable price on Southwest...with all the various factors flying is only $250-$450 more and saves a ton of time (driving is like 19hrs + gas/food/bathroom stops + overnight stops to sleep as opposed to 3hr drive to Dallas + 3.5 hr flight + time @ the airport).

What are your thoughts...convince me that Disney transportation will work well for us. Is Magical Express good even if you take an early morning departure (7:55am)?

Anything I need to consider before choosing one way or the other? The only time I've ever flown is on a business trip to Washington DC, so I am not sure how to fly with kids; I am used to the road trip thing because that is what my family always did growing up.

 

[mjmcca]

I live in NYC and the time driving from here is comparable to how long it takes you. I like driving long distances. I tend to plan my Florida trips last minute so airfare can be insane.

I also have 2 kids but they are older 11 and13. When they were the same age as your kids are they had both flown and driven to Florida. I treated both types of trips the same way getting them new small toys and activities to do/play with in the car or on the plane.

ME is great I have never had a problem with it.

 

[huggiebear23]

Disney transportation is great, however depending on the crowds you can wait forever for a bus.. I used to always stay in May and still had to wait for an additional bus.. This year I'm taking the auto train from va. I live in ny. I always feel having a car is so worth it.

 

[dvczerfs]

We are planning a trip in May of this year with me, my wife, and our 2 boys (age 5 & 3). Our last two trips we've driven from Oklahoma City to WDW, taking approximately two day each direction which included an overnight hotel stay each way, plus we usually hit the beach for part of a day. While at WDW we just drove to the park, instead of using the internal transportation, because I liked having the control/freedom to come & go as I pleased.

So I may be going crazy and considering flying, but I am not sure if I am comfortable with giving up that control.

I like the idea of being there in a matter of hours and if we drive down to Dallas we can fly out of there for a pretty reasonable price on Southwest...with all the various factors flying is only $250-$450 more and saves a ton of time (driving is like 19hrs + gas/food/bathroom stops + overnight stops to sleep as opposed to 3hr drive to Dallas + 3.5 hr flight + time @ the airport).

What are your thoughts...convince me that Disney transportation will work well for us. Is Magical Express good even if you take an early morning departure (7:55am)?

Anything I need to consider before choosing one way or the other? The only time I've ever flown is on a business trip to Washington DC, so I am not sure how to fly with kids; I am used to the road trip thing because that is what my family always did growing up.

I have driven it a few time.

I cant and wont try to convince you either way. I have had great times on the road and its part of our vacation. I fly for work and to me its the biggest pinta I can think of. im more comfortable on the road.

time wise, flying will get you there faster. cheaper? reading post of people who fly always make me laugh. they include food for driving. you still have to eat. most people eat three meals per day.i had a lady tell me flying is only 2 hours and I can wait two hours to eat. driving takes me 15 hours and I need to eat three meals in 15 hours. (cant argue with that logic) It don't matter if your on the road eating a picnic lunch at a rest stop or at your resort after being dropped off from the bus and eating in a food court.if you are gone Saturday to Saturday you will still need to feed yourself for seven days. its not any cheaper eating at Disney or at mcds. some where along the road. now if you plan to only go for three days because your flying and saving the four days of being on the road and eating meals at home, then you may be saving some $ on meals.

only you know your family and what they are comfortable doing. my dd flown for the first time after her Disney college program and after driving 28 trips in 20 years, she said flying was fun but she liked the drive better.

either way................. have fun at the world!!!!!!!

 

[luvmy2babies]

Hello, my children are 10 and 4.

I don't know if that 7:55 am flight you mentioned was your flight to Orlando or your flight home. If you fly be very careful about your return flight time. Magical Express sets departure from your resort at 3 hours prior to your flight. I never choose a return flight prior to noon.

In 2012 when my children were 9 and 2, we flew out from home around 7:50am. My children did fine and since we live in NC, we landed by 10 and were at our resort by 11am. Getting up at 4:30am caught up with me that afternoon though. I needed a nap before we could go to a park.

From home I prefer around a 9am flight because that for us means we leave the house around the same time as we normally do during the week. Our flight in May leaves home at 9:40am. Our return flight leaves Orlando at 4:35.

We did drive down last summer. Driving definitely has its advantages as does flying. I split up the drive even though we live just 10 hours away in NC because it's just me and the 2 children. The children enjoyed it, so if you make it part of the vacation which it looks like you do, it's better.

Sounds like you are wary of depending on Disney transportation and I understand that so perhaps driving or renting a car after flying may serve you better. For us it is all we do. Even after driving down, I parked the van and let Disney drive us around.

 

[Alexle2007]

I personally cannot imagine driving and losing all of that vacation time in the car. We have always flown from Baltimore to Orlando and used WDW ME and then WDW transportation. We stay at WL so most days we take the boat over to MK and then either bus or go over to MK and catch monorail. The farthest we have driven is to Myrtle Beach and even then with an overnight stop. We just aren't long car ride people. Plus who wants to have to drive on vacation? Not I. That's why we choose WDW and Beaches Negril and Disney cruise. Vacation is for relaxing!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Driving is part of the vacation. You're not losing "vacation time" as long as you're not at work

Sure, if you fly you could potentially get 2 more days in the parks. OTOH, you have to pay for 2 more days. And if that's not in the budget? Kind of a moot point.

 

[wishuponastar42]

Driving is part of the vacation. You're not losing "vacation time" as long as you're not at work

Sure, if you fly you could potentially get 2 more days in the parks. OTOH, you have to pay for 2 more days. And if that's not in the budget? Kind of a moot point.

I am not really word about the number of days either way...I have plenty of time saved up. I guess the flight buys me a few extra days of relaxation at home post-WDW, and I don't have to drive (my wife isn't much for driving, but she does manage the kids in the van).

 

[chekhovgirl]

I think this depends on how your family is in the car. Driving time is not enjoyable vacation time for us at all. Neither DH nor I enjoy driving for long periods of time. Our kids are either really good in the car or really unbearable. We live in MA and I would never drive to FL with them. Going to VA, which we do a couple of times a year, is pushing it for us.

Fly! Use ME! Worked for us. The only downside was that we got tired of Disney food and that was all we had available to us outside of some snack and stuff that we had in the room/had shipped.

This time we get the best of both worlds: my parents are driving down and picking us up from the airport!

 

[kiramay]

We drove last time since holiday flights were too costly for us. The "plan" was to switch off drivers, but after just a few hours it was clear my husband was going to be doing the driving and I was going to be doing the parenting. The kids (7, 7, and 2 at the time) did great. It was already their second road trip to Florida (from northern IL). My husband hated the driving though. So our next trip we're going to try flying.... We've both flown plenty without kids, so here's hoping it goes well.

I'm not going to convince you either way, but since you've driven it, why not try flying once?

We used the onsite transportation the whole trip with no problems.

 

[TinkTitans]

We live in Wisconsin and have always flown - from when the kids were 5 and 2 to now when they are 16 and 13. Even though I HATE flying the time savings is so worth it to me.

 

[momdad4kids]

We do both, fly and drive from the north east. its 26 hrs of driving 1 way. 2 nights on the road and we do it with 4 kids (first trip they were 5,5,5 and 8). Personally I prefer the drive, I like having my own vehicle and the freedom to go where I want, when I want. We make the drive part of the trip, stopping to shop, going to places like Hershey ect. When we have flown its either because of limited time or we've been travelling with someone who doesn't like driving. I hear all the reasons to fly. As far as cost when buying 6 tickets to fly it has to be a very good deal, last yr we had flights from Boston to Orlando for $180 and only 8 days of vacation, flying was the best option, still meant 6 hrs of driving and a night in a hotel each way. My biggest "complaint" is ME, waiting to get a bus to the resort and when flying out, leaving 3 hrs before our flight home. Then while at Disney, getting around via the Disney Transportation System can be a challenge with kids trailing behind you, especially if your dinner plans mean leaving a park to go to one of the hotels or Disney Downtown. Last year we flew with friends, rented a van and bypassed the ME. Savings on the flight were gone but instead of waiting in line for 20 mins to get on the ME then sitting on a bus 45 mins waiting to leave the airport, we had our car and were on our way to the hotel (with our bags which we've waited 8hrs to get one trip) For myself Id allow for a car rental and forget the ME but that's just my opinion. If you decide to fly take gum and show the kids how to "pop" their ears (close your mouth, hold your nose, blow hard) this has been a complaint with our 4. As far as airports go with kids don't worry, most are very good even going through security but try to get a direct flight.

 

[epsmith921]

Personally I prefer flying, and my husband prefers driving. I just hate the time suck and spending two days in the car each way coming from Michigan.
We went to WDW last year and flew with our 2.5 year old and it was wonderful. We took southwest out of a smaller airport, so no stroller and free checked bags for our short trip. We rented a stroller so as not to ruin ours with air travel.

My husband would still be interested in driving. But we seriously loved not having to drive. We were going to stay at the swan, but switched to boardwalk and factored in not having a rental car to the cost comparison. Also, neither of our car seats were going to be convenient for flying and my husband didn't want to spend the time doing a car seat install at the rental car lot.

I would have loved to bring anything I wanted, but at the time, it was easy to bring a ton with the free checked bags. For us, it worked, and the kiddo thought the plane was fun. She did wonderfully. We packed snacks and lots of activities and of course electronics. I also found it easiest to pack our carryon as a backpack so I could have my hands free.

 

[mm1971]

I think it really depends on your family. We fly. It would be 22 hours if we drove direct and there are a couple of factors:

1) I have limited time off and having the extra time to relax is beneficial to us. Driving would mean 2-4 days of being on the road vs. relaxing at the resort, pool and enjoying the family time.

2) My children tend to get bored after about 3-4 hours. At that point the stress levels tend to rise. Our maximum drive time is probably about 10 hours, requiring 2 days either way. They are older now so driving may be easier, but I still prefer to fly. (we have friends that drive to VA and take the auto train).

3) My DW does not like to drive so I would have to drive the whole 22 hours. That can make me tired for the first day or so. Not a good way to start the vacation.

I do agree that having a car is a bonus so you don't need to rely on the Disney transportation. We fly and then rent a car for the week. It is around $200-250 to rent the car for the full week. When we are not in a rush or it makes sense, we'll take the buses. If not, we'll take the car. We also go to SW and US/IOA some trips so having the car helps. If you can afford it, I would fly and then rent a car at the airport.

As far as more $$ for park days, we usually spend a day or two at the resort or DTD so that would not be a factor. Of course a few extra rides and attractions is always welcome.

Good luck making the decision. If it were me, I would fly and rent a car. I'm not sure if that is what is best for your family though. Time on the road seeing the country certainly has it's benefits as well.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I'd do the math on total door to door travel time each way from your house to the resort.

If you fly, there is travel to the airport, clearance time, flying time, retrieval of bags, ME to resort. Depending on departure time, you may need to drive to Dallas the night before and get a hotel.

If you drive, you have X number of hours in the car, plus almost certainly an overnight stay along the way.

In the end, what is the net difference in time?
What is the net difference in cost?
What is the net difference in convenience?

Answer those and you'll have your decision

 

[Gillyrose779]

We drove from IL last Sept with our 2 and 4 yr olds- took 18 hrs drive time and overnight stay in a hotel.

Although my kids did really well driving we are going to fly this time. The last trip we were just too tired from driving home- it was exhausting.

The only stress now was finding affordable flights that would coincide with our dates. We finally found Frontier Airlines- I signed up for their CCard and got enough points for two free tickets- our flight will only cost $400 total- the same price gas would have cost us so I am happy. I know Southwest has the same deal.

Sorry that I can't help with experience of trying both but I sure am excited to fly this time around

 

[Tramp68]

With a little planning the driving is managable and painless. We live in NY and it is about 1100 miles for us.

I go to sleep at about 1 in the afternoon on day of departure. Wake up around 8 and in the car we go.

Kids (son and daughter 5 years apart) start watching a movie on a laptop as we drive. I drive around 6-8 hours while my wife sleeps. after 3-4 hours the kids have fallen asleep. We get through all of the "traffic" areas during the overnight and breeze through.

Somewhere around 2/4 AM I wake my wife and she drives while I sleep. The kids are still sleeping so it is nice and quiet still. She will usually drive for about 4 hours. At this point the kids are awake and we stop for breakfast.

After breakfast I resume driving. I can usually do another 4-6 hours. the kids are watching movies or reading books again. (Redbox is a great thing) By the time the kids have watched their 2nd movie of the morning we have been driving for 15 hours (plus breakfast)

We are now close enough that the kids are excited and travel well. We usually talk plans/hopes and maybe play some car games. My wife drives the last few hours.

Arrival is usually around 2 and we hang around the resort and relax/rest up. A nice dinner is in order and maybe a couple hours in the park if we feel up to it.

We have only lost 1 day this way and even that day was used somewhat. At $4/gallon in a minivan at 20MPG we only spend $500 total on gas as opposed to $1300 for airfare and parking leaving us with an extra $800 for spending money....

I swear by it, but, we also dont do Disney without a car so the airfare plus rental car is just too much...

 

[Dustykins]

Last time we went to WDW we flew. (DS and DD were 7 and 4 at the time) Since we're not near a major airport (well, I guess we are, if you count a 3-4 hour drive as near), all our flight options have at least 1 stop and always with at least a couple hour layover (mostly so we don't have to sprint with two littles from one end of the airport to the other to make our next flight) so it really takes most of the day, especially if you count transportation to and from the airport. Plus, we have to pay airport prices for food because we have to have at least one meal en route. Also, since Southwest isn't an option for us, we'd have to pay for checked bags (that'd be like $250). Last time, we were lucky because my parents were also going and they were driving and pulling a trailer (we went for my sister's wedding, so they had to bring all the wedding decorations, flowers, bridesmaids' dresses, etc. that we made along with any of her furniture, etc. that she wanted for her apartment down there) so they took our luggage with them. I probably won't have to pack quite as heavy next time, but she took down 4 suitcases, a garment bag, a 18 gallon Rubbermade tub of stuff (I can't even remember what was in there, now, other than wedding presents, nighttime underwear for my son, gosh, a bunch of stuff) and a small Rubbermade of toiletries. I don't know how we would have gotten all that there, without my parents. Granted, we likely would have packed less if they weren't going because I'm sure I threw in some "just in case" stuff since we weren't limited.

Next time we go, hopefully some time this year, my parents will not be going with us. I'm not sure which way we'll handle it, but, honestly, flying was kind of a hassel. I can't even imagine what it would have been if we had checked baggage. We drove to Niagara Falls last summer (about half the distance from here to WDW) with the kid and they did fabulous. We put a DVD player in the back seat, had a bag full of colored pencils (love those crayola twisty colored pencils, don't need to be sharpened and don't melt in a hot car), coloring books, blank paper, books, book lights and a few toys and they were good to go.

 

[tina.tina]

I tried to talk DH into flying. When it got within less than a month of our trip, he decided yes. Well, for me (who likes to plan everything in advance) it was too late. I had already decided that I was taking lots of stuff and had gotten out of the mindset of flying.

We had a great trip down and spent a lot of quality time together but were to tired to enjoy the trip home. I will always have fond memories of that ride to WDW because we all just talked. We left home at about 4pm and didn't stop for the night until 1am. The kids never once turned on an electronic device and we never even had the radio on.

The only time we moved our car at WDW was when I had to get some prescription medicine from Walgreens. We really liked being in the Disney bubble!

I would try flying. I think it would be an adventure for the kids. I would really have to think about my food budget strategy based on not packing as much stuff with me.

 

[tms295psu]

Growing up we always drove! And I loved it... Took a few road trips as an adult myself. But once we had kids I chose to fly if the cost was reasonable.

Always stuck in the back of my mind... What if we broke down with 2 young kids in the car. (We do have a newer car, but anything old or new can have a problem) made me nervous. Traveling with only adults I am okay thinking a break down is manageable even if it involves a few days delay along the way.