For 2,000+ mile round-trip drivers only!

[BC1836]

Regular gas prices (outside of NJ) on our recent 2,000+ mile round-trip I-95 drive varied from $2.72 (VA) to $2.81 (FL). Watch out for the "full service" pumps in MD: $3.00!

 

[pwdebbie]

That gasoline cost calculator must be wrong. It gave me the exact same cost for driving a 2003 Subaru Legacy and 1998 Toyota 4Runner. I don't think so!

 

[Befferk]

That gasoline cost calculator must be wrong. It gave me the exact same cost for driving a 2003 Subaru Legacy and 1998 Toyota 4Runner. I don't think so!

Yeah, according to them, our Chevy Astro van should get about 29 MPG on that trip. Not quite

 

[digskat]

We are leaving in 10 days can't wait!! We are taking I79 to I64 and connecting with I75 in Lexington. Will let everyone know how traffic is around Atlanta and the rest of 75 on here.

We always drive start thru Atlanta and never take the bypass....we use the HOV lane and it is always smooth sailing

 

[angwill]

We always drive start thru Atlanta and never take the bypass....we use the HOV lane and it is always smooth sailing

We do the same and have been lucky not to run into traffic. I won't drive the bypass because I have been advised not to. I was told the neighborhoods are really bad off the bypass and incase anything happened to the car you are safer getting off on 75.

 

[BC1836]

We do the same and have been lucky not to run into traffic. I won't drive the bypass because I have been advised not to. I was told the neighborhoods are really bad off the bypass and incase anything happened to the car you are safer getting off on 75.

We once turned off I-4 at Orlando one early evening to get gas. We probably could have made it to Exit #67 and WDW but we didn't want to chance it. At the gas station we saw what seemed to be a casting call for "Cops" and "America's Most Wanted!"

 

[kelleyrn2000]

We do the same and have been lucky not to run into traffic. I won't drive the bypass because I have been advised not to. I was told the neighborhoods are really bad off the bypass and incase anything happened to the car you are safer getting off on 75.

Can someone please let me know what route is it that you don't take the bypass around Atlanta? I haven't taken or known about a better route, but would be willing to try for our June trip.

 

[Marshay]

We once turned off I-4 at Orlando one early evening to get gas. We probably could have made it to Exit #67 and WDW but we didn't want to chance it. At the gas station we saw what seemed to be a casting call for "Cops" and "America's Most Wanted!"

So how does one know which exits to avoid and which ones have good service?

This will be our first driving trip in July, so any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[BC1836]

So how does one know which exits to avoid and which ones have good service?

This will be our first driving trip in July, so any help is greatly appreciated!

There are no set rules or words of wisdom regarding this; however, it is better to get gas in daylight hours (or at least at non middle-of-the-night hours) in nearby highway, well-illuminated, non-urban areas.

 

[BC1836]

Any Memorial Day weekend WDW drivers out there? Strategies? Do's and Don'ts list?

Please advise!

All the best.

 

[disneyfan55]

Any Memorial Day weekend WDW drivers out there? Strategies? Do's and Don'ts list?

Please advise!

All the best.

We have driven on Memorial day weekend a few times. The last time was in 2008 and actually it was the day before the weekend started on a Thurs to drive back to NJ. It really wasn't a bad drive. Make sure you have a reservation though if you're stopping. In 2003 we were going to drive straight through but stopped at Kennedy Space Center on the way back so it was a longer day then we thought. Well, every motel on 95 was booked by 9pm in the SC/NC stretch! We ended up pulling off in a rest stop! The first time driving back in 1976 we drove down the Thurs/Fri of Memorial Day weekend No problem (95 wasnt' even there in most states! 301 for much of VA!) One thing for sure is to make a reservation! Are you going back again so soon? May is really a wonderful month in FL and WDW! Always perfect weather the times we were there during May and early June (probably 10 of the trips!

 

[BC1836]

We have driven on Memorial day weekend a few times. Make sure you have a reservation though if you're stopping. Are you going back again so soon? May is really a wonderful month in FL and WDW! Always perfect weather the times we were there during May and early June (probably 10 of the trips!

Yes, a reservation is always essential, especially on a holiday weekend. We always make our reservation from the road; we'll just make it earlier. Thanks.

Because of the daylight hours, we'll probably do another straight-through drive stopping at a Lake Buena Vista hotel for the night.

And are we going back so soon? Yup!

All the best.

 

[Marshay]

There are no set rules or words of wisdom regarding this; however, it is better to get gas in daylight hours (or at least at non middle-of-the-night hours) in nearby highway, well-illuminated, non-urban areas.

makes sense! thanks!

 

[Becky2005]

We always drive start thru Atlanta and never take the bypass....we use the HOV lane and it is always smooth sailing

That's what we have done. It has never been a problem, we just sailed right on through.

I meant to add about the gas too. We always fill up around 1/2 tank (at least start looking for a gas station anyway)...we don't really NEED to do that but it gives us a stretch and that way if we DO run into a problem we aren't short on gas in an unfamiliar area. Normally, we tend to use the gas stations that are pretty obvious off the interstate (it may cost slightly more on occassion but at least we are in well light areas, etc...).

 

[angwill]

Can someone please let me know what route is it that you don't take the bypass around Atlanta? I haven't taken or known about a better route, but would be willing to try for our June trip.

I don't go bypass on 285 which goes around Atlanta to he west. I go 75 through the city and make sure I don't go during typical rush hour and have had no problems. HTH

 

[BC1836]

A universal rule that covers every 2,000+ mile round-trip WDW drive: avoid cities at rush hour. No matter what the interstate, no matter DC or Atlanta, it's best to avoid the big urban areas.

 

[disneyfan55]

Yes, a reservation is always essential, especially on a holiday weekend. We always make our reservation from the road; we'll just make it earlier. Thanks.

Because of the daylight hours, we'll probably do another straight-through drive stopping at a Lake Buena Vista hotel for the night.

And are we going back so soon? Yup!

All the best.

Have fun!

 

[BC1836]

Have fun!

Thanks, disneyfan55!

Gas prices edging up again, though.

 

[dvczerfs]

Thanks, disneyfan55!

Gas prices edging up again, though.

gas is up today to $2.35!!!! oil is over $86!!! with gas at 2.35 on the market you are looking at about $2.90 on the int. 95 area. (still wouldnt keep me home!) happy driving!!!

 

[disneyfan55]

Thanks, disneyfan55!

Gas prices edging up again, though.

You're welcome! I know gas has been going up. I think here in NJ one of the cheapest (an it's pumped!!)