For 2,000+ Mile Round-Trip Drivers Only! (II)

[sharadoc]

We actually LOVE driving to Disney. Getting there is half the adventure. Yeah Sharadoc we were converted ages before we even knew it...lol.... We are now DVC and go at least once a year.

Congratulations on the DVC!

 

[PrincessMom4]

Once we have the DVC paid then we will add more oints We just stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge back in September (2010). Going back for March break and I can't wait.

 

[ksc37]

I would say leave 3AM and drive until you get to Disney around 8PM. Then you are done with the drive and will start fresh the next day. We left Baltimore 4AM and were through Richmond by 6:30AM (absolutely no taffic). So if you leave at 3AM you should be through Richmond by 7:30AM.

Now see, you just added another option to my already full mind...

If we do try the early morning route and if we end up making awesome time and the kids act like angels, then driving straight through might be doable. I just have doubts all of those things would happen (especially that last one...). I guess that's one good thing about driving, we leave when we want, and if the drive is going well, we can just keep going and going and going...

 

[dvczerfs]

Now see, you just added another option to my already full mind...

If we do try the early morning route and if we end up making awesome time and the kids act like angels, then driving straight through might be doable. I just have doubts all of those things would happen (especially that last one...). I guess that's one good thing about driving, we leave when we want, and if the drive is going well, we can just keep going and going and going...

we normally do the same thing,leave 2:30-3am and drive straight through. its hard to make a solid plan and get one good answer, there are alot of variables. traffic is the biggest. there could be a semi blocking i95 in the middle of the night and they close the road. the driver(s), im an outside sales rep, i drive 40k a year. i get behind the wheel and i can go for 4 hours without stopping. the only thing i would have to stop for is gas.my dd and dw would stop every exit if they had there way. (oh look, an outlet)the people in the car, my dd is a great traveler. when she was small we had a tv/vcr and a power inverter and she watched tapes all the way. (days before plug in dvd players). now she sleeps most of the way listens to her ipod. peoples driving habbits. i tend to stay in the left lane a go as fast as the guy in front me. that said, i could be going anywere from 65mph to 90mph. others may drive in the right lane and 5 miles under the speed limit. what time of year. our trip in november,we didnt hit any traffic anywere in 2300 miles. go in june, and 95 can get a bit busy on friday nights and sat. mornings. if your driving alone with kids, stopping at a gas station at 2am on 95 can be a bit scarry. as a rule the earliest you can hit the road the better off you will be. the best part, unlike flying, your in controll of what happens! good luck and have a safe trip.

 

[justakrazymom]

our plan is 5am leaving..only problem with this is it gets us to WDW way early.. like potentially 1am..LOL... but I don't want to be driving during rush hour traffic either.. we may counter this issue with stopping for a real dinner which we never do when driving thru.. but we are usually going to friends so we can arrive whenever..

 

[Becky2005]

Hi everyone -- I have a question.

Do any of you rent cars for your trip? If so, HELP!! I know nothing and was told we are renting a car for the drive.... So now I need to see if I can find some good deals or something.

My DH can't come with us since he just got a new job, so we asked my mom to take his place (hey we already had the hotel booked & it's for 6 people plus DH was leery of me driving by myself with the 4 kids, it would make him feel better with another adult) -- so she is going (thinking we are insane) BUT I was TOLD basically by my dad (don't argue with my dad -- plus they will pay for it) today that we have to rent a van to do it because it will be more room than my minivan AND that way if something DOES happen to the car on the way down the rental people have to give us a new one and take care of it vs. us getting stranded.

Apparently they don't trust us much!!!

I think I know the name of this trip -- "I'm clueless" -- way too many things that I have never had a need to look into before or deal with.

 

[Becky2005]

others may drive in the right lane and 5 miles under the speed limit.

That is SO me....although I do try to at least drive the speed limit! It's why I LOVE when there are 3 lanes...stick me in the middle lane and going the speed limit (more or less)...people can fly by me on the left and others can merge on without me worrying about it.

I do know this about myself though and hence, know there is no way on this planet I'm making the drive in one full day.

This trip is interesting because we are trying to time it so that my group meets up with my sister's group that is leaving CT. I already told them they are going to arrive WAY earlier than we are because I know how they like to drive which is much, much faster plus it's 3 adults vs. me with kids. My guess is they are going to get there about noon while we will stroll in about 5 pm. ROFL!! They also don't have a time change to contend with.

 

[sharadoc]

That is SO me....although I do try to at least drive the speed limit! It's why I LOVE when there are 3 lanes...stick me in the middle lane and going the speed limit (more or less)...people can fly by me on the left and others can merge on without me worrying about it.

I do know this about myself though and hence, know there is no way on this planet I'm making the drive in one full day.

This trip is interesting because we are trying to time it so that my group meets up with my sister's group that is leaving CT. I already told them they are going to arrive WAY earlier than we are because I know how they like to drive which is much, much faster plus it's 3 adults vs. me with kids. My guess is they are going to get there about noon while we will stroll in about 5 pm. ROFL!! They also don't have a time change to contend with.

I don't mind drivers like you as I drive past in the left! But, please don't pull into the left lane and stay driving the speed limit to pass a truck or something If I have to hit the button on my cruise control, I usually have some "choice" words for the driver who caused me to do it

 

[PaulaSue]

I'm really itching to plan up our trip and driving is the plan. (have flown the other 2 times)

It might take me a few weeks to read all the posts but I cant wait to learn all the tips. We are driving from PA.

 

[Becky2005]

I don't mind drivers like you as I drive past in the left! But, please don't pull into the left lane and stay driving the speed limit to pass a truck or something If I have to hit the button on my cruise control, I usually have some "choice" words for the driver who caused me to do it

Oh no, if I'm passing a truck, I'm booking it!! I HATE passing trucks with a passion! My brother is a truck driver and I know good & well they can't see the entire length of the truck. I totally, totally freak out if I'm besides the the middle section of a semi because the last thing I need is for them to decide they want to get into the lane that I'm in and can't see me! Heck, I WILL go 90 mph to get around a truck if need be rather than get stuck in the middle section of the truck. Although, my poor minivan would NOT like that (it was NOT made for speed). I would actually rather just stay behind them unless I know I can pass swiftly.

In general though, I'm the car just toodling along attempting to stay out of everyone's way other unless you are one of those annoying people who don't see it's a parking lot up ahead and zoom in & out between lanes OR that a lane is closing and it tells you a zillion miles back but you wait until you are at the barricade before attempting to get over which then CREATES the parking lot in the first place. I will let my ONE car in and then play the bumper to bumper game, no you are NOT getting in when I saw you zoom past me just a mile ago and you weren't even attempting to get over (I know sometimes you try but can't).

 

[sharadoc]

Oh no, if I'm passing a truck, I'm booking it!! I HATE passing trucks with a passion! My brother is a truck driver and I know good & well they can't see the entire length of the truck. I totally, totally freak out if I'm besides the the middle section of a semi because the last thing I need is for them to decide they want to get into the lane that I'm in and can't see me! Heck, I WILL go 90 mph to get around a truck if need be rather than get stuck in the middle section of the truck. Although, my poor minivan would NOT like that (it was NOT made for speed). I would actually rather just stay behind them unless I know I can pass swiftly.

In general though, I'm the car just toodling along attempting to stay out of everyone's way other unless you are one of those annoying people who don't see it's a parking lot up ahead and zoom in & out between lanes OR that a lane is closing and it tells you a zillion miles back but you wait until you are at the barricade before attempting to get over which then CREATES the parking lot in the first place. I will let my ONE car in and then play the bumper to bumper game, no you are NOT getting in when I saw you zoom past me just a mile ago and you weren't even attempting to get over (I know sometimes you try but can't).

You are SO right - I hate those zoomy people too. It's so frustrating that people don't recognize how their actions affect others. We drive a "minnie" van too and we definitely feel the contempt for us - like we are boring old ladies! We can drive just as well as anyone else!!!

It's nice to hear from ladies who do the drive to Florida. Most of the time, it's the DHs who drive, and the DWs who navigate. We share it equally so I feel just as qualified to comment on the driving. And the guys on here totally respect that!

That's why this is the best board on the DIS!

 

[sharadoc]

I'm really itching to plan up our trip and driving is the plan. (have flown the other 2 times)

It might take me a few weeks to read all the posts but I cant wait to learn all the tips. We are driving from PA.

Hi PaulaSue. Welcome to the best thread on the best board on the DIS!

Take your time, read everything and let us know if you have any questions. There are plenty of drivers here from PA so we have a lot of good knowledge and experience to share!

 

[nono]

It's nice to hear from ladies who do the drive to Florida. Most of the time, it's the DHs who drive, and the DWs who navigate.

Add me to your list. On our trip in May, I drove all but 4 hrs of it. My dh doesn't know how to drive without waking me up...we worked on his anticipatory braking skills* for a month before we left (and he did great!), but oh the sighing and little noises! I kept waking up thinking he was falling asleep at 3 a.m. Wasn't worth it not to be behind the wheel!


*I'm old school. In the middle of the night, in no traffic, with no possibility of a traffic light, there should be no real noticable braking unless a deer has jumped in front of the car or someone has swerved into your lane! So, I wake up everytime the brakes are applied hard, bracing for impact.

 

[dvczerfs]

That is SO me....although I do try to at least drive the speed limit! It's why I LOVE when there are 3 lanes...stick me in the middle lane and going the speed limit (more or less)...people can fly by me on the left and others can merge on without me worrying about it.

I do know this about myself though and hence, know there is no way on this planet I'm making the drive in one full day.

This trip is interesting because we are trying to time it so that my group meets up with my sister's group that is leaving CT. I already told them they are going to arrive WAY earlier than we are because I know how they like to drive which is much, much faster plus it's 3 adults vs. me with kids. My guess is they are going to get there about noon while we will stroll in about 5 pm. ROFL!! They also don't have a time change to contend with.

hi beckey, we use to rent minivans up to about 2005. i got them from a small rental co. and it was 700 for 2 weeks all included. they were all newer vans. sorry to say, the went out of business. a full size van is a good idea. just remember, if your not use to driving a full size van, to be carefull. the react alot dif. than a car or a minivan and roll alot easier. a few years ago, it was a big story on the national news about them.they also get about 9-11 miles per gallon. i would stick to the national car rental co.

 

[dvczerfs]

I don't mind drivers like you as I drive past in the left! But, please don't pull into the left lane and stay driving the speed limit to pass a truck or something If I have to hit the button on my cruise control, I usually have some "choice" words for the driver who caused me to do it

ROAD RAGE!!!! sharon, i only met you one time but i cant see you with road rage. its a pa thing!

 

[Nana2Callie]

Wonderful information; but I'm just wondering is there anyone driving from Arkansas to WDW? We are planning on driving 1100 miles one way and would appreciate some tips along our route if anyone is out there. Thanks!

 

[BC1836]

Wonderful information; but I'm just wondering is there anyone driving from Arkansas to WDW? We are planning on driving 1100 miles one way and would appreciate some tips along our route if anyone is out there. Thanks!

Though not from your state, there are a few things to keep in mind with a drive of your length (our one-way drive is 1,080 miles):

1) Depart at a time in which you will avoid major metro areas at rush hour (usually an early, early wake-up works best for us).
2) If you don't intend to drive straight select at least two possible places to stay over for the night and make reservations at both; cancel the one on the road (cancellation times are usually 6 p.m.) that you will not need (because of your progress or lack thereof).
3) The closer you are on your second-day wakeup, the more time you will have in WDW.

All the best.

 

[Luvamouse]

I’m from the Philly suburbs, so I’m looking for recommendations from those who live nearby (I noticed that Sharadoc is very close ).

We want to arrive in WDW by mid-day on August 20th (a Saturday).

I have a couple of different scenarios. Any thoughts on what might be a better strategy and if these are realistic:

1. The other thought is driving about 5-6 hours on Thursday after work (leaving home 6:30-7 pm) to get past Richmond, and then trying to get to Orlando by Saturday night, but making a hotel reservation about 3 hours out in the event of unforeseen circumstances (traffic, weather, etc). We can always cancel the reservation if it’s not needed. Downside there, of course, is an extra night’s hotel cost.
   
   We now leave Rhode Island mid-day Thursday, as soon as my two girls are done with school so as not to miss another day. We will drive about 7 hours and be in Northern Virginia. So easy to get a good start the next morning! No delays in doing "just one more thing" before leaving home!
   
   
2. The other option is taking the 81/77/26 route, but that does seem to put me about 100 miles out of my way. Do people often take this way from the Philly area?
   
   Shoot, we take that route from Rhode Island. I wouldn't do it any other way. The only traffic we hit is on 95, be it in CT or GA and FL! Having been in wall to wall traffic in NYC at 2 a.m., with NO breakdown lanes at all, we see no need to put ourselves on 95 any more. We want to enjoy our drive.
   
   

Also, how much driving time is typical for the Philly-WDW trek?

We'll be leaving Orlando on August 30th (a Tuesday), but right now I'm more concerned with getting there than going back home...

Thanks!

hi karen, im in nazareth. it takes us 16 1/2 hours but i hit the left lane and go as fast as the person in front of me. seeing your going in the summer, 95 is a big shore point area. (gargen state parkway, atlantic city express way on a friday afternoon or a sat morning.) it can get a bit crowded. if you could leave on monday through thursday it will save you some trouble. friday and sat. can get messy on 95. from philly to south of the boarder. for us, when we go in the summer. i take 78 to 81 to 77 to 26 to 95, its a nice drive and your away from the coastal traffic. for you guys, it may be a bit out of your way to hit 81 but it may be worth it. it an extra 100 miles but you could sit in traffic longer than that.

ITA!! We go about 100 miles out of the way, and have only experienced very slow traffic with a couple of bad accidents. From the GA line up about 40 miles we were in wall to wall traffic on 95 in 2009. I snagged the first exit I saw when the second "construction next 26 miles" sign was in view!

For what it is worth, we broke our drive in November into two nights on the road instead of just one night. I must say we arrived at POFQ much more relaxed and rested. I like your idea of leaving Thursday evening. Could not agree more! We have done many 16-19 hour "straight through" drives, but in the end, we only exhausted ourselves. We would only consider it going home now. We are blessed with two DDs 16 and 10 who truly enjoy the trip and all there is to see. Plus, stopping at night to fill the gas tank in my Suburban scares me. There are places I have been scared during the day even! If after your first night on the road you find you want to keep going all the way to WDW for the next night, you might be able to get a room for one night either on property or nearby. Our first trip (2007) I planned for two nights on the road but dh insisted on getting there asap, so we arrived a day early and we were able to get a room for one night at POFQ (no discount of course) and then we switched the next morning to assigned room for the week.

 

[starwood]

We're leaving very, very early tomorrow morning because they are predicting bad weather up and down the east coast. Hopefully it won't slow us down too much.

 

[delmar411]

Are you coming in from Indianapolis? Then you'd be coming in from I-75 and the Florida Turnpike.

Gainesville is about two hours away from the world. If you leave early enough (say 5:30-6:00 AM), you would probably be able to make rope drop. I mention Gainesville, because we once drove from Cincinnati to Gainesville non-stop. Left at midnight; got there at 3 PM. And that's with a hour traffic jam in Lexington due to a wreck, and also liberal stops.
Mapquest shows it as 12.5 hours from Cincinnati and 13.75 hours from Indianapolis. Leave at 5 AM; allow a couple of hours for stops and get to Gainesville about 9 PM. You can still have a full nights sleep and wake up early in time for rope drop.

If you want to go a little farther, Ocala is about a half hour further down the road.

I just wanted to say thank you for the info. I kept Gainsville in mind as we travelled but we passed it by before I was tired and made it to DTD by 10:30pm. We ended up staying at the Doubletree there and checked into SSR by 8am and got into the MK around 9:15am. We got on 65 in Indy at 5:30am so we made excellent time.

The trip home took 2 days though as we didn't leave WDW until 11:30am. Only made it about halfway home before stopping at a yucky Country Inn & Suites about an hour outside of Atlanta. We made it home yesterday after another full day's drive. I don't really like splitting the drive like that as it felt like we never made any progress towards home. I think next time I'll grab a room at the DTD hotels, get a good nights sleep and then head for home very early in the morning in a straight shot through.


Also in case others don't know about the BP promo. For every 8gallons of gas you put in (at the same time) you get a card to enter in online. After 5 cards you get a $10 GC back. Runs through March and you have until Sept to redeem. We have almost $20 in rewards from the roundtrip drive. We don't use BP here in Indy as there are only a couple of stations but we will try to remember to use them to build up free gas for our May trip.