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

[disneymarie]

DIAAAAAANEEE!!!! glad your having a good trip! looooooooooong but a good trip! your going to have to go down with us sometime. hit the road at 3am and ill have you home by 7pm.
how was your trip? how did you do with the heat? just an fyi, its going into the 90s here on wednesday and thursday.welcome home!!!!

I'm baaacck!
Slept a day to catch up. Lol I think I was packing yet at 3 AM. Hardto travel with the kids, teens, adults with needs. The heat was bad, but afternoon shower often cooled off.
The heat today at home was like n oven! I really had a difficult day, and one to follow tomorrow.

I think Mon or Tues night (10 th or 12th) we hit a monsoon. Inches of rain in half hr, the wind was driving it across the parking lot about 3' high sideways waves. I would have missed getting drenched, but waited for son in the gift shop.

I never experienced rain like that before. One Other day it did that at MK, so outside rides closed. I think that was the day my Nike sandal got sucked into the people mover exit as you step off. My foot kept going. I finally won back my foot, and sandal alas some strains and bruises.

I am a wimp to go the 2,000 , one way is doable, the return, drug me! I am in awe of you and the others
8 nights we stayed, two overnights on the road.

 

[prlady13]

Hi All!

I've read some great info on this thread but since this will be our first time driving to WDW I'm a bit nervous and excited for our road trip. Our traveling dates are 09/12-09/20. We are leaving from NY (Long Island) and I guess it would be roughly an 18-20 hr drive. I will be the only one driving and along for the trip will be my mother, ds 12 and dd 7.
I'm still unsure of what time to leave, if I should drive straight through or stop over night. I've thought of leaving around 3am that way the kids can sleep through most of the night and hopefully I can skip some traffic and maybe stopping overnight in GA. But, I don't know how I'm going to feel by that time. I may be brave enough to drive straight through but if I'm not, is it easy to find a hotel? I'm concerned since Sept is hurricane season, I'm afraid that if I don't book in advance and there is a storm all the hotels will be booked and we won't be able to get a room.
For those folks who have driven straight through, were you absolutely exausted by the time you hit Disney? I don't want that to ruin our vacation.
I prefer to drive straight through on the way there but on the way back I would like to possibly make 2 overnight stops, since we'll all be sad that we're leaving WDW. Anyone have any ideas, places great for kids along i-95 on our way back? We were thinking of stopping overnight in Columbia, SC and taking the kids to Edventures Museum. Then possibly somewhere in Virginnia. Any info will be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

 

[Goofygirl17]

Single digits

Time to start packing and clean out the car!

 

[patkingpin]

Time to start thinking about the drive for this year again. So last year we did the drive from Buffalo, NY. We took the 90-79-19-77-95-4 route. I detailed the drive on the first page of this thread actually.
Last time we left very early in the morning and drove to SC and stopped for the night to rest and then the next day we drove into FL and stopped with friends and then the day after we continued to Disney.
This time we have different factors. We are going to take the same route. We now have a mostly potty trained 2 going to be 3 year old on the trip with us. Also, my mother in law isn't coming with so we will not be stopping to see friends in FL. The other interesting factor is that I am running in a 5K at Wide World of Sports at 7:30am Saturday morning.
So, here are the options.
1) Same as last trip. We leave early in the morning (think 6am) on Thursday. We drive until about South Carolina and sleep for the night. We then arrive into FL on Friday just in time to pick up our packets for the race and check in to our offsite hotel for the night, but probably not have much down time to rest up that night.
2) We leave Wednesday night. We drive through the night and get further than usual on Thursday (not sure where yet) and then stop and rest Thursday night somewhere closer to FL. Then on Friday, we have a shorter drive into FL, we pick up our packets, check into our offsite hotel and enjoy some of Downtown Disney before early bedtime.

In either case, we aren't checking in to Beach Club Villas until after our race on Saturday.
My question is which option would you choose and why?

Thanks!

 

[LadyBeBop]

So, here are the options.

How early in the morning is early?

My initial thought is option 2. Every moment that you're driving with a sleeping 2-year old is one less moment of "Are we there yet?" and "Daddy, gotta go pee."

However would you have enough time on Wednesday afternoon to rest up before embarking on the trip? We've done it when our children were younger. We'd hit a wall after about 15 hours, but by that time, you should be well into South Carolina.

If leaving early Thursday means 6 or 7 am, I'm going to suggest leaving about 3 or 4 am. You'll get four or five hours of driving child with your toddler sleeping. And you'll be that much closer to Disney when you stop for the night. I think you'll need a good rest on Friday to be ready for your run on Saturday.

 

[patkingpin]

How early in the morning is early?

My initial thought is option 2. Every moment that you're driving with a sleeping 2-year old is one less moment of "Are we there yet?" and "Daddy, gotta go pee."

However would you have enough time on Wednesday afternoon to rest up before embarking on the trip? We've done it when our children were younger. We'd hit a wall after about 15 hours, but by that time, you should be well into South Carolina.

If leaving early Thursday means 6 or 7 am, I'm going to suggest leaving about 3 or 4 am. You'll get four or five hours of driving child with your toddler sleeping. And you'll be that much closer to Disney when you stop for the night. I think you'll need a good rest on Friday to be ready for your run on Saturday.

I edited my post to say 6am on Thursday morning. Our ultimate goal is to not have to drive as far on Friday if we leave earlier than that. I would be able to rest on Wednesday, I can take the day off or take a half day and try to fit a nap in if we leave Wednesday night.

 

[nono]

Hi All!

I've read some great info on this thread but since this will be our first time driving to WDW I'm a bit nervous and excited for our road trip. Our traveling dates are 09/12-09/20. We are leaving from NY (Long Island) and I guess it would be roughly an 18-20 hr drive. I will be the only one driving and along for the trip will be my mother, ds 12 and dd 7.
I'm still unsure of what time to leave, if I should drive straight through or stop over night.

Well, even though I do the majority of the driving when we do the overnight, I simply wouldn't recommend it as a strategy with only 1 driver. Fact is, I know I can wake up my dh and have him drive if I start to fade.

I think for the first time, an up early and get going start makes sense, along with an overnight stop. Also, that way, your Mom will be awake and able to chat with you, and you can enjoy the time together. Good luck with your plans!!

 

[nono]

1) Same as last trip. We leave early in the morning (think 6am) on Thursday. We drive until about South Carolina and sleep for the night. We then arrive into FL on Friday just in time to pick up our packets for the race and check in to our offsite hotel for the night, but probably not have much down time to rest up that night.
2) We leave Wednesday night. We drive through the night and get further than usual on Thursday (not sure where yet) and then stop and rest Thursday night somewhere closer to FL. Then on Friday, we have a shorter drive into FL, we pick up our packets, check into our offsite hotel and enjoy some of Downtown Disney before early bedtime.

In either case, we aren't checking in to Beach Club Villas until after our race on Saturday.
My question is which option would you choose and why?

Thanks!

I choose #3. Leave earlier on Thursday (it's practice for getting up for the Disney race anyways...). Stop in SC or Northern GA at reasonable hour and go to bed early. Leave early on Friday. (Still practicing for race day.) Get there long before packet pick up closes on Friday. Feel the relaxation.

 

[patkingpin]

I choose #3. Leave earlier on Thursday (it's practice for getting up for the Disney race anyways...). Stop in SC or Northern GA at reasonable hour and go to bed early. Leave early on Friday. (Still practicing for race day.) Get there long before packet pick up closes on Friday. Feel the relaxation.

I am starting to really warm up to this option actually. Excellent suggestions from everyone.
Now to figure out the logistics of a mostly potty trained 2 year old (almost 3). It was easy when she was in diapers, lol.

 

[dvczerfs]

Thanks!! Is that 16 including your short stops? Do you think with a 3:00 departure we will have trouble near DC? We are in the Tannersville area. I am wondering...would I be better off taking 80 (in my back yard) to 81 since it's not far from here? Or just head down 33 to 78 to 81?

ahhhh, tannerville, ive been known to stop at billys diner every so often. yes, 16 hours total with stops. i would jump on 80 and hit 81.
you dont go near dc. i leave at 3am in the morning and that gets me through the few cities i hit on non rush hour times. we stop about every 2-2 1/2 hours for gas, restroom etc... we stop for about 5-10 min. at the longest.

 

[dvczerfs]

I'm baaacck!
Slept a day to catch up. Lol I think I was packing yet at 3 AM. Hardto travel with the kids, teens, adults with needs. The heat was bad, but afternoon shower often cooled off.
The heat today at home was like n oven! I really had a difficult day, and one to follow tomorrow.

I think Mon or Tues night (10 th or 12th) we hit a monsoon. Inches of rain in half hr, the wind was driving it across the parking lot about 3' high sideways waves. I would have missed getting drenched, but waited for son in the gift shop.

I never experienced rain like that before. One Other day it did that at MK, so outside rides closed. I think that was the day my Nike sandal got sucked into the people mover exit as you step off. My foot kept going. I finally won back my foot, and sandal alas some strains and bruises.

I am a wimp to go the 2,000 , one way is doable, the return, drug me! I am in awe of you and the others
8 nights we stayed, two overnights on the road.

im glad to made it home.

 

[dvczerfs]

Hi All!

I've read some great info on this thread but since this will be our first time driving to WDW I'm a bit nervous and excited for our road trip. Our traveling dates are 09/12-09/20. We are leaving from NY (Long Island) and I guess it would be roughly an 18-20 hr drive. I will be the only one driving and along for the trip will be my mother, ds 12 and dd 7.
I'm still unsure of what time to leave, if I should drive straight through or stop over night. I've thought of leaving around 3am that way the kids can sleep through most of the night and hopefully I can skip some traffic and maybe stopping overnight in GA. But, I don't know how I'm going to feel by that time. I may be brave enough to drive straight through but if I'm not, is it easy to find a hotel? I'm concerned since Sept is hurricane season, I'm afraid that if I don't book in advance and there is a storm all the hotels will be booked and we won't be able to get a room.
For those folks who have driven straight through, were you absolutely exausted by the time you hit Disney? I don't want that to ruin our vacation.
I prefer to drive straight through on the way there but on the way back I would like to possibly make 2 overnight stops, since we'll all be sad that we're leaving WDW. Anyone have any ideas, places great for kids along i-95 on our way back? We were thinking of stopping overnight in Columbia, SC and taking the kids to Edventures Museum. Then possibly somewhere in Virginnia. Any info will be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

i drive it straight through, i will be a day ahead of you!! i do it without a prob. but im also a rep. for an hvac co. and i drive 50k a year for work. if you normally dont do alot of driving and being the only diver, it could be hard to do. i leave at 3am (im on the road at 4am for work so its no biggie) i pull into okw at 7-7:30pm. the way down, im to cranked up to sleep. the way home, dw will drive about 2 hours of it.

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

ahhhh, tannerville, ive been known to stop at billys diner every so often. yes, 16 hours total with stops. i would jump on 80 and hit 81.
you dont go near dc. i leave at 3am in the morning and that gets me through the few cities i hit on non rush hour times. we stop about every 2-2 1/2 hours for gas, restroom etc... we stop for about 5-10 min. at the longest.

Awesome! So I would only be about 1/2 hour longer at the most I think...since you are about that far from me! That is great news! The gps was telling me 18+ hours...somehow 16 sounds sooooo much better! It sounds good missing DC...and I've been through this part of 80 and 81 at the time we will be going before...shouldn't really be a problem with the traffic. Do you advise the more frequent stops or to push the kids as long as we can? You should check out Scotrun diner next time you are in town...it's great! We have only been to Billy's a couple times, but you gotta love a good diner!

 

[dvczerfs]

Awesome! So I would only be about 1/2 hour longer at the most I think...since you are about that far from me! That is great news! The gps was telling me 18+ hours...somehow 16 sounds sooooo much better! It sounds good missing DC...and I've been through this part of 80 and 81 at the time we will be going before...shouldn't really be a problem with the traffic. Do you advise the more frequent stops or to push the kids as long as we can? You should check out Scotrun diner next time you are in town...it's great! We have only been to Billy's a couple times, but you gotta love a good diner!

i eat at that one also. a have a few contractors i call on up there so im in tannersville a few times a week. im guessing it would be about the same for you. if you look at my times, i hit traffic on i78 and rt100. as long as you dont hit traffic on i80, i would say its about the same.
i tend to drive on the upper end of the speed limit. going 81/77/26 is a nice ride. ive driven just about every way there is to drive and that way is the fastest and easiest. i wouldnt drive that way in the winter. our may 2013 trip we are going to go 81/66/17/95 to avoid the race in char. nc. thats another way to avoid dc and balt. but it can get tricky if your not use to going that way. if your driving in the summer, fridays and sundays on i95 can be fun. shore traffic.

 

[sharadoc]

i tend to drive on the upper end of the speed limit.

 

[nono]

I am starting to really warm up to this option actually. Excellent suggestions from everyone.
Now to figure out the logistics of a mostly potty trained 2 year old (almost 3). It was easy when she was in diapers, lol.

Pull ups are your friend. I told my children that there's no harm in using them if they need to do so, as the rest areas aren't always right there when a small bladder needs them to be! They were rarely used.

 

[Goofygirl17]

8 days

 

[patkingpin]

Pull ups are your friend. I told my children that there's no harm in using them if they need to do so, as the rest areas aren't always right there when a small bladder needs them to be! They were rarely used.

I do like the pull ups idea. It will make for a much easier trip. Thank you for your tips!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

i eat at that one also. a have a few contractors i call on up there so im in tannersville a few times a week. im guessing it would be about the same for you. if you look at my times, i hit traffic on i78 and rt100. as long as you dont hit traffic on i80, i would say its about the same.
i tend to drive on the upper end of the speed limit. going 81/77/26 is a nice ride. ive driven just about every way there is to drive and that way is the fastest and easiest. i wouldnt drive that way in the winter. our may 2013 trip we are going to go 81/66/17/95 to avoid the race in char. nc. thats another way to avoid dc and balt. but it can get tricky if your not use to going that way. if your driving in the summer, fridays and sundays on i95 can be fun. shore traffic.

Great! Thanks! I am going to follow your advice for sure!!

 

[dvczerfs]

what???