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

[angelat]

Hey friends, checking in on the Virgin Mobile internet from OKW!

Just wanted to share the photo of the trip. The DVCZerfs and Sharadoc families at MK

Great night, great friends!

So glad to see you all finally got to meet up!
Hope you all had a great time!

 

[dvczerfs]

Haven't read through the previous pages of this thread, sorry if my question has been covered already.

We drove from Northeastern PA (NEPA) to WDW last year for the first time, straight through, 1111 miles, 17 hrs, and loved it! We left at 4am on a Satuday in Sept. and made our way to I-95 and had zero traffic problems.

We are going again this Sept. and plan to take I-95 South, but want to take a different way back home, possibly staying over in Charlotte, NC. Our travel days would be Saturday & Sunday. Just me and my DW, we require few stops.

Does anyone have any comments, tips, or suggestions about the I-95, I-26, I-77, I-81 route back to NEPA?

Thanks in advance.

i just came up this route yesterday, not one problem. we departed the contemp at 3:30 and drove straight through to nazareth. 1098 miles. there is construction but nothing that will hold you up. very nice frive. i havnt driven that way in 15 years or so and i think we are going to start going that way again.

 

[dvczerfs]

Hey friends, checking in on the Virgin Mobile internet from OKW!

Just wanted to share the photo of the trip. The DVCZerfs and Sharadoc families at MK

Great night, great friends!

 

[ThreeKMom]

That is pretty much what I do. I am further north than you but leaving in the evening gives the kids time to burn off the initial trip excitement in the car then fall asleep. My 2 sons(6 and 9) usually sleep from 11pm to 7 or 8am so much of the driving is done by the time they wake up. The only problem you could encounter is if your daughter does not fall asleep.

She will definately fall asleep, she usually doesnt last more than 2 hours in the car without falling asleep!

How much further north are you? My BIL lives in Harrington Park.
How long does it usuall take for your drive?
When you arrive in Disney are you exhausted?
Are the kids ready to go?

 

[jasko5990]

O.K so it looks like this trip is actually going to come together!
Our two older DD's have backed out - they can't get time off from work. It will be just myself, DH and DD8, we are thinking of driving straight through.
Our trip dates are 8/26 - 9/2 and we will be leaving from Monmouth Co. NJ (exit 109 on the NJ parkway). According to map quest it will take just over 17 hours to get there.
What do all of you experienced round-trip drivers think of leaving on Thursday 8/25 around dinner time (5:00pm?)? Our thinking is that DD will fall asleep around 10:00 and hopefully sleep through the night, DH will sleep for a good part of the day on Thursday and take the first part of the drive, I have to work untill 2:00pm so I will take a nap in the car and pick up the second part of the drive around 4:00am and stop for breakfast around 8:00am.

Tell me what you think of this plan, will it work or are we making a hugh mistake that I'm not aware of?

Help, please!!!

We've driven straight through numerous times over the past ten years and your plan looks pretty solid to me. There's the possibility you'll hit some traffic volume in Philadelphia, but it shouldn't be too bad around 6:00-6:30 pm. After that you should have no worries about traffic congestion for the remainder of your trip. Be cautious of your speed in Virginia, I wouldn't go more than 4 mph over the limit. As far as travel time goes, it usually takes us 15-16 hours to get there, and we're 45 minutes from the PA / DE border on I-95. That travel time includes a stop for breakfast (Cracker Barrel) & gas, a second gas stop, and however many restroom stops are needed. I'm used to being in a car for 12-13 hours a shift, and I also work overnight hours (6pm-6am) half of the time, so fortunately I'm used to the overnight drive. Although we usually leave much later than you are planning (around midnight) we're not tired when we arrive.

 

[ThreeKMom]

We've driven straight through numerous times over the past ten years and your plan looks pretty solid to me. There's the possibility you'll hit some traffic volume in Philadelphia, but it shouldn't be too bad around 6:00-6:30 pm. After that you should have no worries about traffic congestion for the remainder of your trip. Be cautious of your speed in Virginia, I wouldn't go more than 4 mph over the limit. As far as travel time goes, it usually takes us 15-16 hours to get there, and we're 45 minutes from the PA / DE border on I-95. That travel time includes a stop for breakfast (Cracker Barrel) & gas, a second gas stop, and however many restroom stops are needed. I'm used to being in a car for 12-13 hours a shift, and I also work overnight hours (6pm-6am) half of the time, so fortunately I'm used to the overnight drive. Although we usually leave much later than you are planning (around midnight) we're not tired when we arrive.

I think we avoid Philadelphia, but I'm not sure. We would take the NJ Turnpike to Delaware - doesn't that avoid PA?

By the way my DH used to work in Yardley!

Thanks for your encouragement!!

 

[djh]

She will definately fall asleep, she usually doesnt last more than 2 hours in the car without falling asleep!

How much further north are you? My BIL lives in Harrington Park.
How long does it usuall take for your drive?
When you arrive in Disney are you exhausted?
Are the kids ready to go?

I live in Bayonne Exit 14A on the turnpike. If we stop for 2 sit down meals it will take 19-20 hours but that includes the 2-3 hours of non-driving time. If we only do take out we can make it in 17-18. I am exhausted when we arrive but then I get that initial trip excitement. The kids are full of energy so I like to take them to the pool for a few hours where I can sit and relax while they exhaust themselves. We then will hit a park in the evening for a couple of hours(usually epcot for us).

 

[pwdebbie]

i just came up this route yesterday, not one problem. we departed the contemp at 3:30 and drove straight through to nazareth. 1098 miles. there is construction but nothing that will hold you up. very nice frive. i havnt driven that way in 15 years or so and i think we are going to start going that way again.

You missed the bad accident (school bus overturned) on I81 near exit 17, called in at 4:44 p.m. Sunday. 81 had to be closed in both directions for about five hours, Chambersburg was a mess with traffic. I was wondering if any DISsers were on the road.

 

[ThreeKMom]

I live in Bayonne Exit 14A on the turnpike. If we stop for 2 sit down meals it will take 19-20 hours but that includes the 2-3 hours of non-driving time. If we only do take out we can make it in 17-18. I am exhausted when we arrive but then I get that initial trip excitement. The kids are full of energy so I like to take them to the pool for a few hours where I can sit and relax while they exhaust themselves. We then will hit a park in the evening for a couple of hours(usually epcot for us).

We are hoping only to stop once in the evening to put DD into PJ's and go to the bathroom and then stop again around 4:00 to change drivers and possibly go to the bathroom again and then for breakfast around 8:00 or 9:00 am.

We hope to be at the BWV around lunch time, if the rooms not ready we will just head to the pool and relax and then head to Epcot around dinner time.
If we are exhausted we can always nap at the pool!

 

[dvczerfs]

You missed the bad accident (school bus overturned) on I81 near exit 17, called in at 4:44 p.m. Sunday. 81 had to be closed in both directions for about five hours, Chambersburg was a mess with traffic. I was wondering if any DISsers were on the road.

we hit it. we got off exit 14 and got back on at exit 17. i detoured with my garmin and i followed a tracter trailer. we saw the accident from the side street. briana looked it up on the web on her phone they said it was 20 kids on there way to camp. we got there about 5:15. what a shame. i hope eveybody made it.

 

[Tanooki]

This sounds great. Have you used it before? How is the coverage on 95 or 81? Are there any dead zones?

Sharadoc, I'd also like to read more about your experience with the Virgin mobile Mifi as we are seriously considering getting one for our trip in August (hopefully, still waiting for the confirmation from dh's job) but I've been reading comments that make me uncertain. Is the connection stable? I've been reading about problems with the connection dropping quite frequently
Tell us more, we want to know! The good, the bad and the ugly!
Thanks!

 

[PrincessMom4]

Sharadoc, I'd also like to read more about your experience with the Virgin mobile Mifi as we are seriously considering getting one for our trip in August (hopefully, still waiting for the confirmation from dh's job) but I've been reading comments that make me uncertain. Is the connection stable? I've been reading about problems with the connection dropping quite frequently
Tell us more, we want to know! The good, the bad and the ugly!
Thanks!

I found there are certain states that simply have problems with their cell phone towers. We have one where we pay the plan for all of the continental USA and there are 2 or 3 states with major connection problems. We bring our cell phone from Canada.

 

[joyride]

Hi all,

First time posting, have to say I'm really happy I found this site and this thread specifically, it's been invaluable so far.

My wife and I and our 2 kids (DS 9 and DD 8) are driving from Toronto to POFQ on July 22nd. We plan on overnighting in Columbia on the way down and Mooresville on the way back.

Would like some input on our planned route if possible:

From Toronto
QEW to 190/90 (Buffalo)
90 (Buffalo) to 79 (Erie)
79 (Erie) to 77/64 (West Virginia turnpike)
77 to 26 (Columbia) - overnight here
26 (Columbia) to 95 (Daytona)
95 (Daytona) to 4 (POFQ)

We plan to be on the road by 5AM the first day (a Friday) stopping for quick meals/gas/bio breaks every 4-5 hours. Kids are great in the car, they've done 8 hours at a stretch without needing a washroom break ! Unfortunately, same can't be said for me ;(

Any suggestions on things to watch out for on this route (construction, traffic, speed traps etc)

It's our first time going to Disney and we're all very excited, lookng forward to your responses.

Thanks
Joyride

 

[dvczerfs]

Hi all,

First time posting, have to say I'm really happy I found this site and this thread specifically, it's been invaluable so far.

My wife and I and our 2 kids (DS 9 and DD 8) are driving from Toronto to POFQ on July 22nd. We plan on overnighting in Columbia on the way down and Mooresville on the way back.

Would like some input on our planned route if possible:

From Toronto
QEW to 190/90 (Buffalo)
90 (Buffalo) to 79 (Erie)
79 (Erie) to 77/64 (West Virginia turnpike)
77 to 26 (Columbia) - overnight here
26 (Columbia) to 95 (Daytona)
95 (Daytona) to 4 (POFQ)

We plan to be on the road by 5AM the first day (a Friday) stopping for quick meals/gas/bio breaks every 4-5 hours. Kids are great in the car, they've done 8 hours at a stretch without needing a washroom break ! Unfortunately, same can't be said for me ;(

Any suggestions on things to watch out for on this route (construction, traffic, speed traps etc)

It's our first time going to Disney and we're all very excited, lookng forward to your responses.

Thanks
Joyride

well, i can help you from 77 to 4. just took that route last weekend going south and sunday coming north. no major problems. there is construction but nothing that should hold you up. as far as speed traps, we seen some troopers but i kept it 7 miles over the speed limit. most of the way it 70mph and when i wasnt in a chain of cars "moving" i would keep in around 77-78. there are plenty of rest stops and places to stay and eat.

 

[blondietink]

Hi all,

First time posting, have to say I'm really happy I found this site and this thread specifically, it's been invaluable so far.

My wife and I and our 2 kids (DS 9 and DD 8) are driving from Toronto to POFQ on July 22nd. We plan on overnighting in Columbia on the way down and Mooresville on the way back.

Would like some input on our planned route if possible:

From Toronto
QEW to 190/90 (Buffalo)
90 (Buffalo) to 79 (Erie)
79 (Erie) to 77/64 (West Virginia turnpike)
77 to 26 (Columbia) - overnight here
26 (Columbia) to 95 (Daytona)
95 (Daytona) to 4 (POFQ)

We plan to be on the road by 5AM the first day (a Friday) stopping for quick meals/gas/bio breaks every 4-5 hours. Kids are great in the car, they've done 8 hours at a stretch without needing a washroom break ! Unfortunately, same can't be said for me ;(

Any suggestions on things to watch out for on this route (construction, traffic, speed traps etc)

It's our first time going to Disney and we're all very excited, lookng forward to your responses.

Thanks
Joyride

We have gone your way many times. There is a short-cut through West Virginia, Route 19, that is a divided highway, just goes through a couple of small towns. It custs out a lot of miles, but watch for the speed traps. I would also suggest that if possible, you go through Charlotte after 6 pm, if possible. The traffic there can be very bad from Statesville all the way through Charlotte before 6 pm, especially on a weekday. The last couple of times we have driven the route north, we haven't had any problems. But, southbound can be difficult for some reason. We Don't drive over 68 mph, and can usually make it to Charlotte in 12 hours from one hour east of Buffalo. The mountains of West Virginia can be a workout on your car's overdrive, so we have instead been taking 15 through the middle of PA, then 81 to 64 (I think?) and then hitting 95 south in Fredricksburg. Much easier on the car and gas mileage. But then again, we are east of Buffalo, so it is a little more convenient for us.

 

[barreloflaughs]

Hi all,

Been quietly enjoying your driving adventures. In a few short weeks it will be my turn. We will be driving for the first time (ok, I drove down with my family back in '76...not counting that).

We are driving from Northwest NJ. Current plan is 78-81-77-26-95. Since we are departing very early on a Saturday morning I'm wondering whether there is any merit to attempting the straight shot I-95 route.

hmmmm...anyone have thoughts on that one?

In any case, it wont' be a straight shot since we are going to stay the night in Kingsland, GA (not my preference but the ladies in the group don't appreciate the value of 'making good time'!).

Return trip will definitely be via 77 as we'll spend a night with family in Rock Hill, SC...

best.........barrel

 

[BC1836]

Our 23rd 2,000+ mile round-trip drive was completed this afternoon!

We departed home at 1:32 a.m. on 6/19 and crossed the following state borders on I-95 at the designated times:

DE: 3:06 a.m.
MD: 3:23 a.m.
VA: 5:12 a.m.
NC: 8:26 a.m.
SC: 11:20 a.m.
GA: 2:31 p.m.
FL: 4:16 p.m.
Lake Buena Vista Holiday Inn Express: 7:16 p.m.

[No traffic problems.]

The next morning we arrived at the Grand Floridian where we began our quest to cross paths with dvczerfs and sharadoc. No luck all week.

We departed WDW at 10:05 p.m. on 6/27 and crossed the following state borders at the designated times:

GA: 1:17 p.m.
SC: 2:58 p.m.
NC: 6:00 p.m.
VA: 9:19 p.m. [We checked into a Holiday Inn Express in Emporia]

This morning, 6/28, we left Emporia at 9:25 a.m. We hit a giant traffic jam around mm 77 in VA (accident). It took 45 minutes to go about two miles!

MD: 11:55 a.m.
DE: 2:41 p.m.
NJ: 2:58 p.m.
Home: 4:39 p.m.

Total miles: 2,233 (84 miles in WDW)

Total gas purchases (not counting the first tank): $239.50

Let our October countdown begin!

All the best.

 

[dvczerfs]

Hi all,

Been quietly enjoying your driving adventures. In a few short weeks it will be my turn. We will be driving for the first time (ok, I drove down with my family back in '76...not counting that).

We are driving from Northwest NJ. Current plan is 78-81-77-26-95. Since we are departing very early on a Saturday morning I'm wondering whether there is any merit to attempting the straight shot I-95 route.

hmmmm...anyone have thoughts on that one?

In any case, it wont' be a straight shot since we are going to stay the night in Kingsland, GA (not my preference but the ladies in the group don't appreciate the value of 'making good time'!).

Return trip will definitely be via 77 as we'll spend a night with family in Rock Hill, SC...

best.........barrel

well, first off, while your on i78 look for me at the rt33 exit, ill be there with my bags!!!! i would stay away from the i95 shot!!! sharadoc will tell you, two week ends ago she sat for hours and she left philly area at 4am. there is construction and sat. morning is all shore traffic from nj to s.carolina. i just went 78-81-77-26-95 this past trip, we came home sunday. i did it in 16 hours and there was no problems. we hit a bus accident sunday afternnon but detoured around that via follow a tractor trailer and our garmin.its a nice ride with plenty of stops but not all the traffic that you find on i95.

 

[barreloflaughs]

well, first off, while your on i78 look for me at the rt33 exit, ill be there with my bags!

I can remember when 33 only when as far south as 22! Yes, I haz the old!
I'd be happy to have you join us. There will be 5 of us in a Rav4. Three gals and 2 guys. The roof rack might be your only option

i would stay away from the i95 shot!!! sharadoc will tell you, two week ends ago she sat for hours and she left philly area at 4am. there is construction and sat. morning is all shore traffic from nj to s.carolina.

Ok...never mind!

My next evil plot involves leaving super early in the AM (2am-ish). I'm determined not to sleep in GA! Might have to reset the clocks without telling the girls...

thanks for the help!

barrel

 

[jasko5990]

I think we avoid Philadelphia, but I'm not sure. We would take the NJ Turnpike to Delaware - doesn't that avoid PA?

By the way my DH used to work in Yardley!

Thanks for your encouragement!!

Yes, it does bypass PA. I didn't realize the Parkway was the same as the Turnpike, and I assumed I-95 would be your main road down through NJ.