Help, AC is out and we are driving 28 hrs

[deba]

How about stopping in Virginia Beach for the night and then heading south for Jacksonville Fl (where my DH worked a few yrs ago so he's familiar with the city) then head out to WDW with a pit stop in Daytona for lunch.

What do you think?

I think that sounds great! Just like someone mentioned earlier, make sure you are going through the Balto/Wash area (my neck of the woods) during off peak times. Rush hours are killers around here. Good strong misters (extra batteries) and the ice/melting for cool cloths and mister refills sound like terrific suggestions. I also agree with the poster that said that you sounded like a wonderful momma. I have a feeling that your family will have a wonderful time being together, and that you are the key to the mood of the whole thing.

Sometimes I see families that are obviously wealthy at WDW, and everyone looks so miserable. I always feel so sorry for them. We, on the other hand, are stretching our pennies and having the time of our lives just being together in the magic! Something tells me that you will be fine and have a ball! People are very nice and extremely helpful on this board (they've taught me tons of tricks to save money and go to WDW on a shoestring), but at the end of the day you just follow your heart and do what you feel is best for your family. You'll have a great time!

I'm a pastor's wife and am praying for a mid-August break in the heat just for you. Best wishes!

 

[sbelyo]

OK, we own a garage where we fix air conditioning and I might be able to help you out. I would suggest taking it to another repair facility for an estimate, someone that specializes in A/C work.

I second that... Also call around to see how much the compressor is. Find a cheap one (buy it yourself) and just pay the labor. I've seen mechanics make 100 - 200% profit on parts.

What's the year, make and model of the van? Also what's the absolute minimum budget if you could get this done?

 

[langin]

Thanks for all the advice & encouragement!

We really have looked at all the options re: flying and at best we could come out even but let me just say that I HATE flying and 2 of my 3 children have never flown. That being said we continue to investigate all options (and put my FOF aside!). We are not worried about the length of the trip, this is part of the adventure, we want to explore different parts of the US, count how many states we can get through all the way down to FL. We are actually looking forward to it, except for the no AC, everything is going to be a grand adventure!

 

[langin]

Well , we are in packing mode! The route is still up in the air but we are checking the I95 website daily and will have to decide soon enough!!


Thanks everyone!

 

[Tigger1]

You leave on the 16th right? What is your final plans? Be sure and give us a reply on how the trip went. Afterwood you can buy t-shirts " I survived no air for 3500 miles in August 2005 just to see Mickey".

Have fun

Tigger