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

[MeetingMickeyin2006]

Just wanted to say hello! We'll be driving from northeast Oklahoma in July. On the way, we're stopping in Jackson, MS and Tallahassee, FL and on the way back we'll be stopping in Pensacola, FL and Memphis, TN. For the four of us, flying would cost about $2000, so it's either drive or not go, so we're road trippin'!

 

[Rachel77]

I forgot to mention on our 1st day of driving we drive all the way to Cleveland, Tennessee for the evening and our 2nd of driving we stay in Valdosta, Georgia.

CR Resort Fan - how long does it typically take you from Valdosta to arrive in Disney? We're doing pretty much the same drive as you once you reach Detroit.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

CR Resort Fan - how long does it typically take you from Valdosta to arrive in Disney? We're doing pretty much the same drive as you once you reach Detroit.

It takes us about 4 hours and maybe a little less if we did not stop to eat lunch.

 

[Rachel77]

It takes us about 4 hours and maybe a little less if we did not stop to eat lunch.

Thanks - that sounds perfect! We were looking for a place about 3-5 hours away - so we wouldn't be too exhausted when we arrived. Time for me to start checking out hotels there!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks - that sounds perfect! We were looking for a place about 3-5 hours away - so we wouldn't be too exhausted when we arrived. Time for me to start checking out hotels there!

If you plan to stay in Valdosta I would highly recommend the Hampton Inn & Suites Valdosta/Conferene Center located off exit 16. That is where my family and I have stayed the past 3 years while in Valdosta and we already have our reservations there for this year, plus it's a great location after a long day of driving.
http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/...ionid=1IFXTJHHFJ45ICSGBIUMVCQ?ctyhocn=VLDCCHX

 

[Rachel77]

If you plan to stay in Valdosta I would highly recommend the Hampton Inn & Suites Valdosta/Conferene Center located off exit 16. That is where my family and I have stayed the past 3 years while in Valdosta and we already have our reservations there for this year, plus it's a great location after a long day of driving.
http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/...ionid=1IFXTJHHFJ45ICSGBIUMVCQ?ctyhocn=VLDCCHX

Thank you!! This is just what I was looking for. We're planning to do most of our driving through the night (HOPING DS will sleep through most of the drive), so wanted a nice place we wouldn't mind hanging out in if we arrive there early afternoon.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thank you!! This is just what I was looking for. We're planning to do most of our driving through the night (HOPING DS will sleep through most of the drive), so wanted a nice place we wouldn't mind hanging out in if we arrive there early afternoon.

You're welcome.

 

[angwill]

I am currently looking for our stopping place somewhere between cordele, GA (5 hrs to disney) and Valdosta, GA. There seems to be more hotels and at better prices in Cordele and Tifton (4 hours to Disney) If you would like a list of hotels and the prices I found let me know. Valdosta end of May all I got was Holiday Inn $115, Super 8 $59, Hampton Inn $100 and Courtyard Marriott $113.

 

[Rljcbalt]

We are always looking for great places to stop too. One trip we stopped in Savannah to see the Juliet Low house. She was the founder of Girl Scouts. We bought postcards and my daughter was able to purchase a special pin for her Girl Scout uniform. I think it meant more to the leader, but it was a nice diversion. The hours are something like 10-4 so plan accordingly. Another idea our family has done in the past is to buy a yearly membership to a science center or children's museum. It is tax deduction and enables you to visit almost any children's museum or science center for free for a year. We have planned our stops around those. I hope this helps.

 

[wdisneyaholic]

Does anyone know who far from savanna to Disney? We are driving down in June from Pittsburgh. Not quite 2000+ but close, 1800+ RT. I figured we would get the bulk of driving out of the way the first day and stay in Pooler GA, right by Savanna. Anyone ever stay here?

 

[BC1836]

Does anyone know who far from savanna to Disney? We are driving down in June from Pittsburgh. Not quite 2000+ but close, 1800+ RT. I figured we would get the bulk of driving out of the way the first day and stay in Pooler GA, right by Savanna. Anyone ever stay here?

It's approximately 300 miles from Pooler, GA to WDW (4 1/2 to 5 hours of driving). Staying in Pooler is convenient because there are enough motels/hotels to choose from. We stayed at the Econo Lodge in Pooler in 2004. A no-frills place, to be sure.

However, if you are able to, try to make it a little further on your first day of travel. If you can cross that FL border and stay in Jacksonville, your next day's journey will be much shorter.

All the best.

 

[DisneyQueen1320]

It's about 5hrs from Savannah, We drive last year from Pittsburgh, but we stop in Charlotte NC, it was 8hrs each way. This year we are driving and we might stop in Savannah so we can get to Disney sooner and eat at Paula Deen's resturant. Have fun and enjoy your trip

 

[wdisneyaholic]

Thanks for the replies. I thought about trying to make it to Jacksonville, my brother lives there. But, can't stand his wife!!! I think the lure of Savanna is calling me for the night!!

 

[wdisneyaholic]

BC1836 Do you happen to know what exits in JVille would be better? was looking at exit 341 or 344. Thanks for the info.

 

[BC1836]

BC1836 Do you happen to know what exits in JVille would be better? was looking at exit 341 or 344. Thanks for the info.

We usually stay at Holiday Inns (1-888-465-4329)
You can try these following exits:
GA: Exit #38 (Brunswick)
FL: Exit #373 (Yulee)
FL: Exit #341 (Jacksonville)
FL: Exit #318 (St. Augustine)
FL: Exit #284 (Palm Coast)

Note: Exit #260B on I-95 is the exit for I-4.

Remember: There are numerous other hotels/motels at nearly every exit. Make sure that your gas tank is filled when you enter GA. There are long stretches between gas stations in southern GA.


All the best.

 

[wdisneyaholic]

Thanks BC1836. I think I found a Holiday Inn Express at exit 344 in JVille. I think its one of the JVille Beach exits, says 12 miles to the beach from the hotel. I thought Savanna area would be a good place to stop cause I REALLY wanted to visit Savanna. But the call of my beloved Disney is just too strong. Plus who wants to drive 5 more hours thet next morning, I just want to be there. I want to smell that wonderful smell when you walk into the Yacht Club, take a dip in the pool at stormalong bay, have lunch at ESPN, see illuminations at Epcot. You get my point!!! You all are the best!!

 

[BC1836]

Thanks BC1836. I think I found a Holiday Inn Express at exit 344 in JVille. I think its one of the JVille Beach exits, says 12 miles to the beach from the hotel. I thought Savanna area would be a good place to stop cause I REALLY wanted to visit Savanna. But the call of my beloved Disney is just too strong. Plus who wants to drive 5 more hours thet next morning, I just want to be there. I want to smell that wonderful smell when you walk into the Yacht Club, take a dip in the pool at stormalong bay, have lunch at ESPN, see illuminations at Epcot. You get my point!!! You all are the best!!

Indeed! When you start to get closer to WDW a kind of magical magnetic force takes over. That's how we ended up driving straight through in May 2008.

 

[Calle&Jakesmom]

Thanks BC1836. I think I found a Holiday Inn Express at exit 344 in JVille. I think its one of the JVille Beach exits, says 12 miles to the beach from the hotel. I thought Savanna area would be a good place to stop cause I REALLY wanted to visit Savanna. But the call of my beloved Disney is just too strong. Plus who wants to drive 5 more hours thet next morning, I just want to be there. I want to smell that wonderful smell when you walk into the Yacht Club, take a dip in the pool at stormalong bay, have lunch at ESPN, see illuminations at Epcot. You get my point!!! You all are the best!!

We're planning to stop for our overnight in Brunswick, GA. This leaves us, I hope, with about 3 1/2 hours to Beach Club (and that wonderful smell!) and a Fish & Chips lunch (and a couple of pints) by noon time on Sunday Feb 22nd!

I'm not sure what to do on the way back. Should we leave Lake Buena Vista and drive to Savannah to spend a couple hours and then drive a couple more to stay overight somewhere near Sc/NC border?

 

[skatermom]

I will be driving to FL from MA in late Feb.....I have driven many times but always on a weekend.....because my teenage dayghter wants to be there for the weekend to hang out with friends we will be driving during the week..hope to drive straight thru (Weds or Thurs) is any weekday worse than the other and what time would be best to leave MA to avoid the NYC and DC traffic??????

 

[skatermom]

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