Have I completely lost my mind to even consider this???

[drinkme]

Really research the pricing. If you get a good DING rate with SW, would driving still be cheaper?

If you do drive, pack a cooler with snacks, drinks, and lunches.

I think I would have more fun driving down to WDW with my bff than with my dh! lol.

Go to McDonalds' website. There is a trip planner there and you can put in your route and it will tell you all of the playlands along your trip.

Let us know what you decide to do.

 

[hanutedmansionmomma]

former family of flyers, driving everywhere now. (KS to: NM,NY,FL...)

my advice:
car/portable DVD player for the kids

books on cd for you

AAA or other roadside assistance # (ours comes "free" w/ our auto insurance)

a gps system or a nice road atlas just incase mapquest isn't quite right...

We stay at Hampton Hotels and earn points toward free stays -look into places you could stay that offer free breakfast and points. Hampton is a little more expensive per nite, but having to buy breakfast on the road plus staying at a cheaper hotel is about the same, so we go for comfort...

I too am a reluctant flyer. It's nice to not have to get up at 4 am and feel like you're going to miss your flight. Ah yes, and flying thru weather wasn't my favorite, "Mommy look! there's lightning outside the window"

Driving is a great way to see the country and have some control over when you stop, eat, etc. We used to spend $1000+ on 4 airline tix, now we drive and spend about half that on 2 hotel stays, gas and snacks. (KS to FL+ back)

good luck!!

 

[leagirl12]

I say go for it! I just did a 14 hr drive one way with my kids so that I could take them to visit with family in Iowa. DH couldn't get off work and I didn't want the kids to miss out on a chance to see their grandpa and other close family. It was my first time to take them by myself...before this the farthest I had taken them alone was 5 hrs. It really wasn't that bad of a trip...I did it all in one day! Of course my kids are no stranger to road trips...we drive everywhere on vacation and usually go to Iowa once a year. Pennsylvania was the furthest we have gone and that was 16 hrs in one day.

In fact I am actually glad you posted this. DH doesn't have alot of time to take off next year and I do so I told him about this post and he thinks it is a great idea for us. So me and the kiddos will be doing this next year when we go to the World and he will join us a few days later.

 

[ssdeverell]

We also drive because DH will not fly. Of course, we are only coming from TN, but we still stop on the way down for a night so that we arrive early our first day. We always get that hotel free because I have a visa for both Marriott's (Chase) and Choice Hotels (Bank of America). Many offer a free night when you get the card and use it once. Might be worth looking into to save a little money. We also do My Points and use those gift cards for our food.

Hope your friend agrees and it works out for you.

 

[mom2meiko]

Just wanted to thank you all for your replies. Unfortunately, according to BFF, I have completely lost my mind and she doesn't even want to consider a road trip to WDW without our DH's. Apparently we just aren't capable of handling things on our own - or so she thinks.

Oh well - it was worth a try. I hope those of you who are road tripping have a great time!

 

[stefplus3]

Not crazy at all....we drove down 2 years ago with our 3 kids and my brother flew. We're in Mass too, just south of Boston. We did it over 3 days, day one was here to Maryland, day two was from Maryland to South Carolina and day 3 was a short one, S. Carolina to Florida. The first 2 days were about 11hrs each and the last day was shorter, maybe 7 or 8? I forget, lol. PM me if you have any questions that I might be able to answer!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Is your bff aware of your situation?

If it ends up being less expensive and your situation still permits you to do the vacation--it really wouldn't matter to me what my bff had to say.

You *might* get cheap airfare--you might not.

I've traveled from Melbourne to DC and back, Melbourne through Atlanta (visiting family) to Dc by myself with children.

It isn't the end of the world that everyone thinks that it is nor is it not able to be managed. The only thing that I did is that my hotel reservations were in advance and were strictly indoor corridor hotels for security purposes.

I think if your BFF knows of your situation and still insists you fly--then she is the one who has lost her mind.

Ultimately the decision is yours, but I can't have friends wrecking my confidence at my financial expense.