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

[dvczerfs]

Hi again,

we stopped in Walterboro, we think the distance is perfect.

We are having a wonderful time. Weather has been very good - no afternoon thunderstorms since Sunday, only one other day with a threat. Humidity is not killer and the heat has burned it off. We don't go out in the middle of the day to parks, though. We're really enjoying our time at the resort during the day. Old Key West is wonderful. The 11:00 Electrical Parade is the one to see - at least 80% of the park crowd leaves right after the fireworks.

Major traffic alert on Disney Property!!!!!! Buena Vista Drive between Hollywood Studios and Downtown Disney - they are repaving the right two lanes, so traffic goes down to one lane. Took us almost 1/2 hour to get through it - won't do that again!! Takes place from 10 pm to 7 am. Turn left out of the Studios and take the long way around - much better than sitting in traffic.

We're leaving to come home on Sunday and we're going to split the drive in half, staying in Florence. Might splurge and stay in a suite to soften the pain of leaving.

I'll try and check in again before we leave, or at the very least, from the road. Take care all, and all the best to the DVCZerfs family - great news!!!

thanks sharadoc!! glad your having a great time at okw!!!!

 

[BC1836]

Here now the news...

A few days ago the "For 2,000+ Mile Round-Trip Drivers Only!" thread topped the 200,000 views mark. Cool.

Do a quick click back to page 1 and see the original question that was posted. Lots of great folks have participated and contributed info that has made many a drive safer and more enjoyable.

All the best.

Now, let's get back to the road....

 

[harleyquinn]

I would leave around 4 and drive until you or DH can no longer drive. She will then fall asleep around her bedtime (for my girls it was 7 pm) and you can get time driving with her asleep. If you can make it until midnight or 1, then you will be in SC where you want to be. Then, in the morning you can swim, etc at the hotel, wear her out and check out around 11 to hit the road. She will be able to fall asleep again soon for a nap. This way most of your driving is done while she is sleeping.

To entertain her---bubbles, baby einstein dvds, songs, finger puppets... and whatever else you play with at home.

Hope this helps. My girls are now eight. The earliest we really travelled with them was when they were two...5 hour flight to California. They did really well.

Debby had some great advice. All of my kids were great travelers. We did travel once with a 10 month old. If we were driving in the daytime, we made sure to stop somewhere so she could get 30-60 minutes of crawling around time. In your case she's probably liking the walking while holding your hands thing. Daddy could get in a nap while you play with the baby. Most men can sleep anywhere right? I'd do that at lunch time, so she can get tired and once you are back on the road, she'll take a nap.

Thanks for the thoughts. My dd tends to get REALLY crabby in the evening in the car, so leaving at 4 is pretty scary to me. Heck leaving at all is scary. I think I'm prepared as I'm going to get though.

 

[sharadoc]

Can I get a quick answer please??

What time is the LATEST we can hit DC heading northbound and stay ahead of traffic. Will 3:00 be okay or is that too late?

Hitting the road tomorrow and trying to figure out best place to stop for the night to avoid the DC mess.

Thanks.

(I'll do full update when I get home, but needless to say - awesome trip!)

 

[pwdebbie]

Can I get a quick answer please??

What time is the LATEST we can hit DC heading northbound and stay ahead of traffic. Will 3:00 be okay or is that too late?

Hitting the road tomorrow and trying to figure out best place to stop for the night to avoid the DC mess.

Thanks.

(I'll do full update when I get home, but needless to say - awesome trip!)

Sorry, my reply won't help you. 3:00 a.m. would be fine. 3:00 p.m. I think would be questionable -- I think the "rush hour" starts at around 5:00 a.m. and ends around 9:00 p.m. -- it seems like it is always rush hour in DC. (We do watch DC TV stations, so that's what I'm basing this on, I live 90 minutes north).

Sure you don't want to cut over to I-81? Or even 15N?

 

[PrincessMom4]

We usually avoid DC at all costs...lol

 

[horselover]

Apologies in advance as I sure all my questions have been asked before. I tried searching the thread but couldn't find exactly what I need. It's a big thread!

We're going to be driving down in Aug. This will be our 1st attempt at making the big drive. We'll be leaving from metrowest Boston (495 stretch close to Mass Pike). I'm sure there are as many recommended routes as their are posters & I've seen many of the recommendation (including AAAs). I have a friend that has driven many times & the route he takes is: 90-84-81 then he picks up 17 in Winchester VA then connects to 95 in Fredericksburg, Va all the way to FLA. He swears by it. Has anyone else taken this route? He usually does a 5:00 a.m. departure on a Thu. We were considering either a 11:00 p.m or so departure on a Thu. or early a.m. departure on Friday. Any pros or cons to either? I know some people don't like to drive overnight. The advantage of driving overnight is the kids would get to sleep for a good part of the 1st day's drive. Not so good for mom & dad of course.

We'd like to get a good majority of the driving done the 1st day & then do an overnight in SC or NC. Any hotel recommendations? Clean with a pool is all we need.

Thanks so much!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Apologies in advance as I sure all my questions have been asked before. I tried searching the thread but couldn't find exactly what I need. It's a big thread!


We'd like to get a good majority of the driving done the 1st day & then do an overnight in SC or NC. Any hotel recommendations? Clean with a pool is all we need.

Thanks so much!

I can help with hotels:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2465424

 

[HeatherC]

Horselover: We are planning on taking a similar route from the Sturbridge area to Hilton Head in a few weeks. We are planning to take 84 to 684 to 287/87 over the Tappan Zee. Then you take 287 to 78 which brings you through Harrisburg, PA where you pick up 81. This also avoids NYC.

On google maps, it looks like it cuts off quite a few miles over taking 84 all the way to PA and down on 81. At the time you are leaving, I think it would work well for you.

You can also then stay on 81 and connect with 77south around Charlotte, NC which will bring you back to 95 down in SC.

When I mapped it connecting back up with 95 in VA, the time was longer than staying on 81 and taking 77 south.

Hope this helps you! Have a great trip!

If you haven't used google maps, it is great for planning a trip like this. You can click and drag to change your route and see how long things take.

 

[dvczerfs]

Horselover: We are planning on taking a similar route from the Sturbridge area to Hilton Head in a few weeks. We are planning to take 84 to 684 to 287/87 over the Tappan Zee. Then you take 287 to 78 which brings you through Harrisburg, PA where you pick up 81. This also avoids NYC.

On google maps, it looks like it cuts off quite a few miles over taking 84 all the way to PA and down on 81. At the time you are leaving, I think it would work well for you.

You can also then stay on 81 and connect with 77south around Charlotte, NC which will bring you back to 95 down in SC.

When I mapped it connecting back up with 95 in VA, the time was longer than staying on 81 and taking 77 south.

Hope this helps you! Have a great trip!

If you haven't used google maps, it is great for planning a trip like this. You can click and drag to change your route and see how long things take.

make sure you wave when you hit the rt33 north exit on 78!! i live about 8 miles north of there.

 

[wak648]

Horselover: We are planning on taking a similar route from the Sturbridge area to Hilton Head in a few weeks. We are planning to take 84 to 684 to 287/87 over the Tappan Zee. Then you take 287 to 78 which brings you through Harrisburg, PA where you pick up 81. This also avoids NYC.

For the time being you are probably better off taking this route instead of staying on I84 to I81. Lots of construction (Bridge replacement) in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area creating single lane traffic for s hugr cunk of it. This is also creating major back logs of traffic.

 

[lucyem]

Horselover: We are planning on taking a similar route from the Sturbridge area to Hilton Head in a few weeks. We are planning to take 84 to 684 to 287/87 over the Tappan Zee. Then you take 287 to 78 which brings you through Harrisburg, PA where you pick up 81. This also avoids NYC.

[\QUOTE]

For the time being you are probably better off taking this route instead of staying on I84 to I81. Lots of construction (Bridge replacement) in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area creating single lane traffic for s hugr cunk of it. This is also creating major back logs of traffic.

How long will this construction be going on do you think? We normally avoid the Tappan Zee & 287 because of the traffic. Planning a late fall trip to WDW.

 

[Cinderella2004]

Apologies in advance as I sure all my questions have been asked before. I tried searching the thread but couldn't find exactly what I need. It's a big thread!

We're going to be driving down in Aug. This will be our 1st attempt at making the big drive. We'll be leaving from metrowest Boston (495 stretch close to Mass Pike). I'm sure there are as many recommended routes as their are posters & I've seen many of the recommendation (including AAAs). I have a friend that has driven many times & the route he takes is: 90-84-81 then he picks up 17 in Winchester VA then connects to 95 in Fredericksburg, Va all the way to FLA. He swears by it. Has anyone else taken this route? He usually does a 5:00 a.m. departure on a Thu. We were considering either a 11:00 p.m or so departure on a Thu. or early a.m. departure on Friday. Any pros or cons to either? I know some people don't like to drive overnight. The advantage of driving overnight is the kids would get to sleep for a good part of the 1st day's drive. Not so good for mom & dad of course.

We'd like to get a good majority of the driving done the 1st day & then do an overnight in SC or NC. Any hotel recommendations? Clean with a pool is all we need.

Thanks so much!

We're driving down from Ma in August too!!! We are leaving on a Sunday, after a soccer tournament in Lancaster. I'm going to have to check out your route.

When are you leaving?

 

[wak648]

How long will this construction be going on do you think? We normally avoid the Tappan Zee & 287 because of the traffic. Planning a late fall trip to WDW.

It is scheduled for at least the next 2 years. If you are traveling at night you should be fine. PennDot seems to have something against having work done to the infrastructure at night.

If you really want 84-81 route, instead of making a direct connection, I suggest going 84-380-80(east)-81(south) this route should only add about a 1/2 hr to the trip. It could even be shorter time wise then being stuck in the construction traffic in the Wiles-Barre/Scranton area on 81

 

[horselover]

I can help with hotels:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2465424

Thanks!

Horselover: We are planning on taking a similar route from the Sturbridge area to Hilton Head in a few weeks. We are planning to take 84 to 684 to 287/87 over the Tappan Zee. Then you take 287 to 78 which brings you through Harrisburg, PA where you pick up 81. This also avoids NYC.

On google maps, it looks like it cuts off quite a few miles over taking 84 all the way to PA and down on 81. At the time you are leaving, I think it would work well for you.

You can also then stay on 81 and connect with 77south around Charlotte, NC which will bring you back to 95 down in SC.

When I mapped it connecting back up with 95 in VA, the time was longer than staying on 81 and taking 77 south.

Hope this helps you! Have a great trip!

If you haven't used google maps, it is great for planning a trip like this. You can click and drag to change your route and see how long things take.

I've seen that route mentioned before. I'll have to check out google maps. It did seem to me that taking 84 all the way to 81 in PA seemed far out of the way, but my friend swears this way is better. I think he likes to avoid 287 (I think that's the Garden State Parkway area?). He says no matter what time of day you head through it there's always traffic & it takes you by too many major cities. 287 is the way AAA suggests to avoid NYC traffic.

For the time being you are probably better off taking this route instead of staying on I84 to I81. Lots of construction (Bridge replacement) in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area creating single lane traffic for s hugr cunk of it. This is also creating major back logs of traffic.

It is scheduled for at least the next 2 years. If you are traveling at night you should be fine. PennDot seems to have something against having work done to the infrastructure at night.

If you really want 84-81 route, instead of making a direct connection, I suggest going 84-380-80(east)-81(south) this route should only add about a 1/2 hr to the trip. It could even be shorter time wise then being stuck in the construction traffic in the Wiles-Barre/Scranton area on 81

Thank you for that important info!

We're driving down from Ma in August too!!! We are leaving on a Sunday, after a soccer tournament in Lancaster. I'm going to have to check out your route.

When are you leaving?

We're leaving either Thu. 8/12 or Fri. 8/13 depending on the advice I get here!

So what is the general consensus for departure? Are we better off leaving 11:00 p.m. on Thu. or 5:00 a.m. on Fri.?

 

[chipper10]

We're leaving either Thu. 8/12 or Fri. 8/13 depending on the advice I get here!

So what is the general consensus for departure? Are we better off leaving 11:00 p.m. on Thu. or 5:00 a.m. on Fri.?

We will be leaving 8/13 around 4am from the St. Louis area. You probably would be better off leaving Thursday night, I'm sure there would be far less traffic. But for us, my husband has actually fallen asleep at the wheel (he had minor injuries, but the car was a loss). So, I feel safer for us driving during the day.

 

[HeatherC]

Horselover: I think you would also be better leaving at 11pm. But...I could never do it. We are not night people and would wind up sleeping in a ditch by Hartford!

As far as 287 goes, I grew up in Ringwood, NJ...right in that area. Parents are still there so I drive that road a lot.

What you would do is go over the Tappan Zee Bridge but don't get on the Garden State Parkway. Go to... I believe it is Exit 14B which will be Route 287/ 17south. It will take you through Oakland, Wanaque, etc.. Not much traffic and will connect with 78 further down in NJ. Most of the traffic on 287 will be going in the other direction towards NYC.

We are planning on leaving around 3am on a Friday and will be taking it as well.

This route will definitely help you skirt all the New York and DC traffic.

My concern is hitting Charlotte, NC around 5 on a Friday. Anyone know how the rush hour there is?

Have a great trip!!! Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!!

 

[tiggerplus5]

Horselover: I think you would also be better leaving at 11pm. But...I could never do it. We are not night people and would wind up sleeping in a ditch by Hartford!

As far as 287 goes, I grew up in Ringwood, NJ...right in that area. Parents are still there so I drive that road a lot.

What you would do is go over the Tappan Zee Bridge but don't get on the Garden State Parkway. Go to... I believe it is Exit 14B which will be Route 287/ 17south. It will take you through Oakland, Wanaque, etc.. Not much traffic and will connect with 78 further down in NJ. Most of the traffic on 287 will be going in the other direction towards NYC.

We are planning on leaving around 3am on a Friday and will be taking it as well.

This route will definitely help you skirt all the New York and DC traffic.

I might just try this next drive. Is it the Garden state Parkway or the NJ Turnpike that turns into a parking lot on Saturday and Sunday afternoons? We always end up hitting NJ in the afternoon on the way BACK!

 

[horselover]

Horselover: I think you would also be better leaving at 11pm. But...I could never do it. We are not night people and would wind up sleeping in a ditch by Hartford!

As far as 287 goes, I grew up in Ringwood, NJ...right in that area. Parents are still there so I drive that road a lot.

What you would do is go over the Tappan Zee Bridge but don't get on the Garden State Parkway. Go to... I believe it is Exit 14B which will be Route 287/ 17south. It will take you through Oakland, Wanaque, etc.. Not much traffic and will connect with 78 further down in NJ. Most of the traffic on 287 will be going in the other direction towards NYC.

We are planning on leaving around 3am on a Friday and will be taking it as well.

This route will definitely help you skirt all the New York and DC traffic.

My concern is hitting Charlotte, NC around 5 on a Friday. Anyone know how the rush hour there is?

Have a great trip!!! Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!!

Thank you Heather! Just mapped that route out on google. Comes out to 1,368 mi. & 22 hrs. 42 min. Taking 95 all the way is 1,302 mi. & 22 hrs. exactly. I'll take the extra 42 min. to avoid sitting in traffic.

I might just try this next drive. Is it the Garden state Parkway or the NJ Turnpike that turns into a parking lot on Saturday and Sunday afternoons? We always end up hitting NJ in the afternoon on the way BACK!

I'd like to know the answer to that too since we'll be coming home on Sat.

 

[BC1836]

We returned from Tennessee this evening and once again saw more big rigs on I-81 than I-95. Scenic, to be sure, but too many big rigs remain in the left lane and huff & puff on the hills which results in traffic slowdowns. That doesn't happen (except in a few spots) on I-95 during a WDW round-trip drive.

The tradeoff? Traffic was heavy at times on I-95 N in Maryland (once we arrived via the Beltway) but it was stop and go heading south. Super slow.

Still, our next drive to WDW will be I-95 all the way. But after we leave very, very early in the morning.

All the best.