Have you driven from Davenport, IA? Would you do it again?

[IowaGirl]

Hello all,
It has been a while since I have been on the boards---but I can't stop thinking of returning to Orlando!

Our last trip was a blast, despite the hurricanes in August 2004! We have always flown, but I was pondering driving from Davenport Iowa.

I have a company car, so I would not have to pay for my gas, and I would not have to pay to rent a car then. But my time is precious to me as well.

I drive a little fast , have a hubby and two kids (8 & 13)--what do you think?
Could we do it with only one overnight each way? How dead tired would we be? And in a Ford Taurus?
Thanks for your insight!

 

[siouxi31]

It's so funny you mention a company car and Ford Taurus. When I got my company car in 2000 (Ford Taurus), I packed up my niece (then 10), 9 year old son and 5 year old daughter and drove down to Orlando from Chicago (by myself). We stopped for about 3 hours in Tennessee to catch a nap and then went on our way. On the return the kids were very antsy, all had to go to bathroom at every exit, and there was a funky spider in the car. Because of all this, we stopped in northern GA for the night.
When we left and got to Southern Indiana, I thought to myself "What the heck have I done?" By then I was too far in to turn back and I was driven to see the mouse.
Yes, it's doable. Your idea is bringing back some memories.
If it's too difficult to get airfare you want, driving isn't so bad. I've driven to Florida several times. The drive home is when we really need to rest overnight. On the way there we are running on adrenaline.

 

[Jimdamedic]

We've driven down twice from southeast Iowa to Orlando. I prefer to stop on the way down just past Atlanta. You can drive straight down but then you'd be tired once you get there. We always drive straight home. It takes us almost exactly 18 hours of driving time, not counting stops and such.

 

[dzneelvr]

I guess I'll be the dissenter on this topic. We drove once and it took 21 hours. we went straight because it wasn't part of our plan to stay overnight at some motel along the interstate. We had a Town and Country van and a TV/video but still, it was cramped and we were all in agreement that we wouldn't be doing it again. Since my DH and I both work, our vacation time is very precious and so having a full 2 days in a car was the pits. We fly out of Rockford now and get to our resort 5 hours after leaving our front door in Illinois. Much better for this family!

 

[IowaGirl]

You all helped me make up my mind--I am pretty sure I will just hunt for a good airline deal.

I tried to block it out, but my DH and I drove down there 13 years ago from Des Moines when we used to live there, and it was really hard--can't imagine it with two kids. You are just so dog tired when you either arrive in Orlando or get back home.

Thanks!

 

[becjlek]

my sons just returned using Allegiant Air from DesMoines to Orlando. I got good fares... 69.00 each way. We would use Allegiant Air again if we ever get to go again.