"For 2,000+ Mile Round-Trip Drivers Only!" (Part V)

[amcnj]

Hi all
We will be driving down leaving early Friday morning from just outside of Philadelphia, I have reservation for Friday night at Country Inn & Suites in Brunswick, GA. Can anyone give input on what time we should leave? If we leave by 4:00 am, we would avoid Philly and Baltimore rush, but will that put us in the middle of DC/Virginia rush at at 7:00 am? This is the first year we decided to to WDW for spring break, usually we go to Hilton Head and we drive straight through overnight leaving home around 7pm Friday night and do hit a lot of traffic at DC/Virginia.

We leave to come home on Friday, March 25th and we have a reservation for Fairfield Inn in Emporia, Virginia.

Thanks so much for any help.

Hi. I leave a little earlier and am passing DC around 5:30 am, so avoid traffic there. I believe I have read previously that DC morning rush is 6-10 am, but maybe someone more local there can tell you how it is around 7 AM.

 

[BC1836]

We agree with amcnj: pass DC no later than 5:30 a.m.

And, technically, if you are driving on the Wilson Bridge you actually enter DC for a few hundred feet in between MD and VA.

All the best!

 

[Liisa1965]

Are you taking the "inland" route? If so, we always aim for Orangeburg, SC. There are a lot of hotels at that exit, a few gas stations, and a few restaurants. That way, we are past Charlotte and Columbia and not too far from where we would get on I-95. It leaves us with about five hours to WDW the next day.

We took the inland route last year, and stayed at a newly-renovated Hampton Inn in Orangeburg. I think we might try taking 95 all the way down this year. I've got to either start driving faster or get better at avoiding traffic, because we never seem to make it in less than eighteen hours of driving time spread out over two days.

 

[MarbleBob]

Such a fun thread. I've been a member of DISBoards for years, and for some reason never wandered into the Transportation board until yesterday. Anyway, happy to have stumbled upon this thread. We live in western suburbs of St. Louis... The round trip drive to WDW is slightly over 2,000 miles. We've done the drive 11 times (as adults) with one more coming up in May. Last summer, we did a 5,000+ mile road trip to Disneyland (also visiting San Francisco, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, etc.). I guess that puts us at Silver level

Anyway, fun thread. Looking forward to following along with you all and seeing what additional tips I can pick up

 

[nono]

I have a question for all of you. We usually drive from Massachusets straight down 95. Last year we took 81, 26, 77 or whatever that route was. We had a great trip down but ran into a lot of traffic on the way home. This time we are looking at route 301 in Virginia and Maryland. Have any of you done this.? What was your experience?

I think 301 has some construction (possibly minor) in VA right now. Are you thinking of going over the Chesapeake Bridge and continuing up 301 through eastern Maryland? If so, that's a real crapshoot too. Depending on when you are traveling, it can be a complete parking lot. Maybe someone who lives nearby can hop in and expand on the good/bad times to cross.

 

[pwdebbie]

We took the inland route last year, and stayed at a newly-renovated Hampton Inn in Orangeburg. I think we might try taking 95 all the way down this year. I've got to either start driving faster or get better at avoiding traffic, because we never seem to make it in less than eighteen hours of driving time spread out over two days.

Well, from where I am near Chambersburg, PA, it takes me about 18 hours even though the gps says 14. I don't know how *someone* from the Poconos area manages to do it in less time.

 

[dvczerfs]

Well, from where I am near Chambersburg, PA, it takes me about 18 hours even though the gps says 14. I don't know how *someone* from the Poconos area manages to do it in less time.

I have no idea what your talking about. Lol
I think there are a lot of factors, no only speed. Most of the way it's 70mph and if I'm on 75, that's the upper end. I for some reason will hit 80 in spots but in my older age, I don't do it too much for long.
Traveling at night you can make time. You don't break or slow down its just hauling.
How many rest stops and how long of a break you take. We can click off 300 miles without stopping without a problem. But again, I drive for a living so as long as the gas holds out and my bladder, I can go long distances.
I usually hit the Florida state line in 13 3/4 to 14 hours. I'm generally total trip around 16 hours. That's 1086 miles. It's faster if I go 81/77/26/95. Mileage is real close for both ways. I'm not sure how mapquest calculates miles and time but I always seem to out run the time and do it in less miles. Many of you have seen my charts. Lol

 

[mousegear]

So I just made the first half of the drive yesterday. We left Southern NJ around 3pm. I know it wasn't ideal time but couldn't help it with kiddo's school and all the testing, the teachers crammed before the break. We decided to take things slowly and see where it would take us. Well, obviously, we hit DC traffic big time around the belt way. Our GPS (traffic smart) was directing us towards 495 west instead of 495 south. Thankfully, we used to live in DC area so we took the way it was directing. However, when we hit near exit 39 on 495, we hit major traffic and was crawling. And GPS map did not look good at all until 95 South bound, Woodbridge, VA. So instead of crawling, I decided to take George Washington Parkway, knowing that there wouldn't be much traffic (I was right). And jumped on HOV on 395 South. First part of 395 HOV was cleared without the 3 people limit. Right around Little River Turnpike (236), you could go on EZ Pass Express HOV which we choose to since the traffic looked horrendous (it was literally a parking lot). We zipped through that area until Woodbridge, VA which we could see that traffic was normal from HOV lanes (so paid around $8 which was best choice) and got off and continued on 95 without any traffic. We stopped at Smithfield, NC little after 10 pm. In a perfect world, it should have taken 6.5 hours for us to make to Smithfield but we did stop for a quick dinner and rest stop. So we made it here in 7 hours and happy. Hopefully, this helps someone if they get stuck on Washington Beltway (495).

 

[nono]

So I just made the first half of the drive yesterday. We left Southern NJ around 3pm. I know it wasn't ideal time but couldn't help it with kiddo's school and all the testing, the teachers crammed before the break. We decided to take things slowly and see where it would take us. Well, obviously, we hit DC traffic big time around the belt way. Our GPS (traffic smart) was directing us towards 495 west instead of 495 south. Thankfully, we used to live in DC area so we took the way it was directing. However, when we hit near exit 39 on 495, we hit major traffic and was crawling. And GPS map did not look good at all until 95 South bound, Woodbridge, VA. So instead of crawling, I decided to take George Washington Parkway, knowing that there wouldn't be much traffic (I was right). And jumped on HOV on 395 South. First part of 395 HOV was cleared without the 3 people limit. Right around Little River Turnpike (236), you could go on EZ Pass Express HOV which we choose to since the traffic looked horrendous (it was literally a parking lot). We zipped through that area until Woodbridge, VA which we could see that traffic was normal from HOV lanes (so paid around $8 which was best choice) and got off and continued on 95 without any traffic. We stopped at Smithfield, NC little after 10 pm. In a perfect world, it should have taken 6.5 hours for us to make to Smithfield but we did stop for a quick dinner and rest stop. So we made it here in 7 hours and happy. Hopefully, this helps someone if they get stuck on Washington Beltway (495).

Safe travels today!

 

[BC1836]

So I just made the first half of the drive yesterday. We left Southern NJ around 3pm. I know it wasn't ideal time but couldn't help it with kiddo's school and all the testing, the teachers crammed before the break. We decided to take things slowly and see where it would take us. Well, obviously, we hit DC traffic big time around the belt way. Our GPS (traffic smart) was directing us towards 495 west instead of 495 south. Thankfully, we used to live in DC area so we took the way it was directing. However, when we hit near exit 39 on 495, we hit major traffic and was crawling. And GPS map did not look good at all until 95 South bound, Woodbridge, VA. So instead of crawling, I decided to take George Washington Parkway, knowing that there wouldn't be much traffic (I was right). And jumped on HOV on 395 South. First part of 395 HOV was cleared without the 3 people limit. Right around Little River Turnpike (236), you could go on EZ Pass Express HOV which we choose to since the traffic looked horrendous (it was literally a parking lot). We zipped through that area until Woodbridge, VA which we could see that traffic was normal from HOV lanes (so paid around $8 which was best choice) and got off and continued on 95 without any traffic. We stopped at Smithfield, NC little after 10 pm. In a perfect world, it should have taken 6.5 hours for us to make to Smithfield but we did stop for a quick dinner and rest stop. So we made it here in 7 hours and happy. Hopefully, this helps someone if they get stuck on Washington Beltway (495).

Your excellent description of the greater DC area drive during rush hour should be a reminder to all about the perils of the "works-over-for-the-day" crowd hitting the road at the same time in that aforementioned area.

All the best!

 

[BC1836]

We can click off 300 miles without stopping without a problem. But again, I drive for a living so as long as the gas holds out and my bladder, I can go long distances. Lol

That's an amazing claim, dvczerfs...and we know you can do it. [For folks who need more info on this veteran driver go to page one, post one: all-time driving records and look for dvczerfs!]

For us, two hours is the maximum time behind the wheel until we stop. We've gone about three hours a couple of times but that's about it.

We're headin' back in five weeks.

All the best!

 

[BC1836]

Such a fun thread. I've been a member of DISBoards for years, and for some reason never wandered into the Transportation board until yesterday. Anyway, happy to have stumbled upon this thread. We live in western suburbs of St. Louis... The round trip drive to WDW is slightly over 2,000 miles. We've done the drive 11 times (as adults) with one more coming up in May. Last summer, we did a 5,000+ mile road trip to Disneyland (also visiting San Francisco, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, etc.). I guess that puts us at Silver level

Anyway, fun thread. Looking forward to following along with you all and seeing what additional tips I can pick up

The founder of this thread appreciates your kind comments.

This thread is based upon information-sharing, a pleasant way to help those who drive long distances in order to get to WDW. We all provide insights to what works best, what to look out for, what to avoid, etc. in an effort to get folks safely to their fun-filled destination in Lake Buena Vista (not Orlando!), FL.

All the best!

 

[dvczerfs]

That's an amazing claim, dvczerfs...and we know you can do it. [For folks who need more info on this veteran driver go to page one, post one: all-time driving records and look for dvczerfs!]

For us, two hours is the maximum time behind the wheel until we stop. We've gone about three hours a couple of times but that's about it.

We're headin' back in five weeks.

All the best!

What I find interesting, ever pass a tractor trailer, drive a few hours, hit a rest stop for a quick stop, back on the road and pass the same truck? Go another 200 plus miles, stop for gas, back on the road and pass the same truck?
You keep stopping and keep passing the same truck? Lol
I understand how they take care of the bladder problem. I understand they have enough fuel to go hundreds of miles but man, I would have to at least stretch my legs!
I understand there sitting in a chair more comfortable then in your living room but your still driving, still have to concentrate on the road.
The people who drive those rigs are just amazing.

 

[sticker231]

What I find interesting, ever pass a tractor trailer, drive a few hours, hit a rest stop for a quick stop, back on the road and pass the same truck? Go another 200 plus miles, stop for gas, back on the road and pass the same truck?
You keep stopping and keep passing the same truck? Lol
I understand how they take care of the bladder problem. I understand they have enough fuel to go hundreds of miles but man, I would have to at least stretch my legs!
I understand there sitting in a chair more comfortable then in your living room but your still driving, still have to concentrate on the road.
The people who drive those rigs are just amazing.

It is funny while driving down to stop and later on down the road pass a few of the same trucks. Makes you wonder where they are going also.

Friday morning departure. Five days of drifting through work and thinking of our trip.

 

[mousegear]

We finished our drive and arrived at WDW in one piece (both mentally and physically). The drive was uneventful, if not borning. However, we hit major traffic around Sanford on I- 4 and 'till Disney. That was the worst part of the drive since we were just sick of being in the car for so long and all excited that we were so near our final destination. And took 2 hours to arrive which should have been around 45 minute drive. Just wanted to let everyone know that I-4 has construction going on both sides.

Is there a good alternate route that we could hit 95 on our way back? Because we saw major congestion both ways on I-4.

 

[OKW Lover]

Is there good alternate route that we could hit 95 on our way back? Because we saw major congestion both ways on I-4.

The I-4 construction is only going to get worse over the next year or so. Some folks take 417 around orlando. Its a long way around, with tolls, but is faster.

 

[DSLRuser]

Just completed non stop trip #16 today. Got home around 4:00am. Normally, we would stay and swim, but the rain saturday had us leaving a little early. Traffic was the worse I have had. The Floriday turnpike was a parking lot all the way to 75, then north to ocala. We also saw accidents on 75 new macon, in downtown atlanta, and again in nashville. All in all, i would say we added 90 minutes to our trip from traffic.

Below is my trip counter as i pulled into the garage. It included home, to yacht club, to home. We parked our car on day 1, and never moved it until we drove home. Disney transportation is the best.

I did all 16.5 hours in the driver seat on the return trip. I just never got tired. This was the trip counter says we averaged 65mph, but that was due to traffic, generally, we have the cruise set at 80ish. This 20mpg in is a 2014 Ford Explorer Sport.

 

[amcnj]

I have no idea what your talking about. Lol
I think there are a lot of factors, no only speed. Most of the way it's 70mph and if I'm on 75, that's the upper end. I for some reason will hit 80 in spots but in my older age, I don't do it too much for long.
Traveling at night you can make time. You don't break or slow down its just hauling.
How many rest stops and how long of a break you take. We can click off 300 miles without stopping without a problem. But again, I drive for a living so as long as the gas holds out and my bladder, I can go long distances.
I usually hit the Florida state line in 13 3/4 to 14 hours. I'm generally total trip around 16 hours. That's 1086 miles. It's faster if I go 81/77/26/95. Mileage is real close for both ways. I'm not sure how mapquest calculates miles and time but I always seem to out run the time and do it in less miles. Many of you have seen my charts. Lol

Another marathon driver here. Those stops just slow me down! I have fantasized about rolling gas trucks that can refuel you as you drive, similar to what they can do for planes. I haven't quite gotten to the astronaut stalker's Depends wearing type of drive though. At least not yet!

 

[Cheerio]

We took the 417 around last month, was about $8.00 in tolls but priceless for time time and lack of traffic

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Gearing up for our long drive later this week! For the first time, we will have a 3rd driver since my teen son has his license (I'm not sure that is a comfort). We like to leave super early to avoid traffic and get through Ohio and WVa before the kids start complaining about being hungry, carsick, bored, and needing a bathroom. The I-77 part of the trip is a breeze. I'm just hoping we don't run into horrendous traffic on I-95. We'll stopover south of Savannah for the night (and some decent seafood) and should make it to Disney by early afternoon after spending some time at Give Kids the World.

Laurie