For those that have made the long drive w/kids...

[WantToGoNow]

We have always driven. First time with a small child was in a Dodge Neon -- but he was only 6 months old and slept most of the trip. Then dd came along and she hated car riding - later found out that the rear facing carseat was making her carsick. We have driven mini van the last two trips (rentals). Now we own a Ford Freestyle which seats 6 but we will be flying next fall for the first time. We are a group of 12 going and the other family of 6 can't drive straight through (due to seizures) and doesn't want to take 2 days to get there and 2 days back. When we drove, we always left about 6 pm. The kids would soon doze off and sleep until we hit the FL line the following morning.

 

[MyDizneyBoyz]

For anyone on the east coast that drives down I-95, this book is GREAT for planning stops (gas, rest rooms, places to let the kids stretch their legs) and can make the drive a LOT easier:

http://www.amazon.com/Drive-I-95-Ex...bs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218804807&sr=1-1

 

[#1 Pocahontas]

I'd say that if you have the extra cash go with whatever vehicle you feel most comfortable in.

Last January we drove about the same amount of miles you will be driving. We took our Mini Van and I was in heaven!! I don't ever want to fly again after having our van there. It was wonderful because we could pack whatever we wanted, and we were there 10 days so we packed a lot. It was also VERY nice to have coming home from the parks. It was roomy so we could just throw stuff in and go or do clothing or diaper changes.

 

[Fabinva]

We drove last April with two kids from Northern Virginia in a Nissan Armada, . Compare to flying was cheaper to drive and much easier too, also husband and son get terrible ear pain when flying and neither of them is willing to fly again to Disney. My kids were 7 and 5 then and I did find the need to climb to the back at least twice. I would take the bigger vehicle if you can afford it.
It was actually fun driving there, kids had no clue where we were taking them, we left late afternoon, drove until around 2am and then stopped at hotel to get some sleep. On the way back we left Orlando early afternoon and drove straight...bad idea and never again, we were were so tired around 1am, next time we will leave first thing in the morning, drive straight and get home at a decent time.

 

[Momvic5]

In December of 2005, we drove a surburban to Disney from Texas. We squeezed in 5 kids(10,9,7,6,and 4) and 3 adults and drove 18 hours straight through! We were squeezed in tight, but we made it! We had a great time and have very fond memories of the drive, but we will never do it like that again.

I say go with what will help you keep your sanity. Your sanity alone may be worth the extra $$$ spent on gas.

 

[Tammysue5]

We drove last year (and will be again this year) We opted to take the Yukon Denali XL.... LOVE IT! Me, DH, DS19, DS17, DD9 and DD6! THe extra room is nice for the cases of water we took down. (saved us $$) Mainly we drive that because like another poster said... I feel safer in that w/all the semi trucks. They just freak me out when I am passing them..or they are passing me.

 

[proteus]

We have driven in a Volvo 940 station wagon and a Toyota Corolla. Not a bit of difference for us.