Help! Do We Fly Or Drive From CT?

[minivanmomof2]

Our Disney vacation(FIRST) isn't until next summer so we're just beginning to get ideas,etc. We DO know that we want to spend 6-7 nights at The HIFS(KidSuite). We just assumed we would fly down and rent a car for a week but DH brought up a good point....maybe driving down(about 20 hr drive?) and staying on for another week(maybe further north at a less $$ hotel). We have a 2000 Grand Caravan so that would work and I told DH we would HAVE(LOL) to invest in an entertainment console to keep our sons preoccupied(they will be 5 1/2 and 9 at the time of our vac). Between airfare and car rental we would be saving approx. $1500(pretty significant). Has anyone driven down from CT and where did you stay along the way? My only concern is the packing/unpacking,etc and that it may get a bit crazy.......
On the other hand it would be nice to WDW first and get that out of the way and slow the pace down a bit by maybe staying someplace other than WDW?! I just don't want to be burned out very quickly.... and I think maybe by staying on for several days after WDW it would allow us to wind down? HELPPPPPPPPP.........I'm SO confused!

 

[Humpbacks1962]

I fly...

I have heard some people say that they make the trip in 15 - 18 hrs, driving non-stop.

I'd have to take several hours to rest after that one, anticipating going through same- ol- same-ol returning.

If I could not fly, I'd take the train. But it takes about as long, is more expensive and uncomfortable than just flying in the morning and riding Kali Water Rapids at noon.

Wanda

 

[Wish Upon A Star]

My DH won't even think of making the drive . . .we have a DD 12 and DS 8 1/2 and I cannot imagine them being in a car for that length of time (are we there yet?) As much as I hate to fly, its nice being there in about 3 hours rather than being in a car for 19 or 20. My DH has no patience with traffic and drivers who don't pay attention . . .he feels we are much safer flying.

Flying out of Bradley for our July trip is costing us $712 for the 4 of us.

Good luck with whatever you decide

 

[minivanmomof2]

Originally posted by Wish Upon A Star
My DH won't even think of making the drive . . .we have a DD 12 and DS 8 1/2 and I cannot imagine them being in a car for that length of time (are we there yet?) As much as I hate to fly, its nice being there in about 3 hours rather than being in a car for 19 or 20. My DH has no patience with traffic and drivers who don't pay attention . . .he feels we are much safer flying.

Flying out of Bradley for our July trip is costing us $712 for the 4 of us.

Good luck with whatever you decide

Hiya neighbor!
We're a stone's throw away in Meriden.
I think after giving this some more thought we'll probably end up flying too.........we have between now and next July to watch the airfare,etc......... Where are you staying and for how long are you going if I may ask?
Naomi

 

[Humpbacks1962]

Well, I was just checking out Amtrak's site and it costs far less than I thought to bring your car along to Florida.

The total expense almost compares to travel by air, and they are running some 30% off specials now that may tickle the fancy of anyone who needs a car down there, does not want to rent, does not want to fly and thinks the drive is overwhelming. Kids younger than 15 or 16 pay half price too.

But in my case, since the cost is almost comparable, I fly. Having a Delta Skymiles AMEX cards encourages has given me plenty of points for two free tickets to use next year, so considering a card that earns you air miles may be a good alternative too.



Wanda

 

[aero99]

I was born and raised in CT. I now live in VA. The drive to see my family is ~10 hours if DC/Balitmore isn't too bad. All I can say is FLY!!!! My fiancee has done the trip 2 times with me now and he can't stand it!! The only reason he joined me the second and third times was because we had the dogs with us and I will not put them on an airplane. Even if you stop in VA or NC, you will be burned out and that is definitely not the way to arrive at WDW. If you do decide to drive, avoid the NJ turnpike and DC and Balitmore (if possible).

Good Luck!
Melissa

ps. I was born in Meriden. All my grandparents lived and died there. My family moved to Madison when I went into 1st grade.

 

[minivanmomof2]

Originally posted by aero99
I was born and raised in CT. I now live in VA. The drive to see my family is ~10 hours if DC/Balitmore isn't too bad. All I can say is FLY!!!! My fiancee has done the trip 2 times with me now and he can't stand it!! The only reason he joined me the second and third times was because we had the dogs with us and I will not put them on an airplane. Even if you stop in VA or NC, you will be burned out and that is definitely not the way to arrive at WDW. If you do decide to drive, avoid the NJ turnpike and DC and Balitmore (if possible).

Good Luck!
Melissa

ps. I was born in Meriden. All my grandparents lived and died there. My family moved to Madison when I went into 1st grade.

Meriden, huh? It's a small world after all.......LOL......couldn't resist!
Honestly, at this stage of the game, I'm leaning towards flying and staying at the HIFS for 6-7 nights. I just think the drive would be miserable and I would probably kick myself midway.
Plus, I don't think I could leave my "baby"(our dog aka our 4-legged daughter) for two weeks. I'd miss her terribly. One week will be hard enough!
Thanks for your input. I'm taking EVERYTHING into consideration!

 

[PennConn]

Great to see so many Connecticut natives here (I was born in Hartford and raised in Windsor and Farmington)

In September I will be driving from Philadelphia for the fourth time ...... a 16 hour trip .... I just like the convenience of being able to set my own time and schedule, plus as a AAA member it does not cost much at all for a hotel room ....

(Plus it's not all like driving down with my family in 1976, back before I-95 was finished being built in NC and SC)

Here are my hints for those driving from CT to FL:

1). Use I-691, I-84, I-684, the Tappan Zee Bridge, and the Garden State Parkway to get around New York City, vs. I-91, I-95, and the Geo Washington Bridge

2). ALWAYS take the beltways from I-95 around major cities:

I-895 around Baltimore (a best kept secret, much shorter and less crowded than the more popular I-695)

I-495 around Washington DC

I-295 around Richmond

I-295 around Jacksonville

3). I-95 Exit 164 in Florence, SC is a goldmine of reasonably priced hotels, and a great stopover point .... check it out! (I usually leave around 8 AM from Philadelphia and get to Florence around 6 PM or so, you would have to add 3 or 4 hours from Hartford)

Hope this helps!

 

[PennConn]

***BUMP****

 

[momoftwins]

I would say fly. We are going in two weeks and with Southwest's Friends Fly Free special, we are paying $440 - which includes all taxes and fees for myself, DH, and our 6-yr old twins.

We are flying out of Providence.

So, for me I vote flying!

Good luck.

 

[minivanmomof2]

Originally posted by momoftwins
I would say fly. We are going in two weeks and with Southwest's Friends Fly Free special, we are paying $440 - which includes all taxes and fees for myself, DH, and our 6-yr old twins.

We are flying out of Providence.

So, for me I vote flying!

Good luck.

WOW that is a phenominal deal. Will have to check that out.
Thanks so much!

 

[lisa000]

Hi,
We are leaving on April 12 and we are driving from MA. This will be our 5th time driving to FL. Usually we take turns driving and go strait thru in about 24 hours. Maybe will will stop this time, we will see how it goes. My 9 year old just brings her headphones and gameboy and is fine, sleeps most of the way! Coming home is fun. We always do side things (since we are in the neighborhood) like check out Daytona Beach, stop at South of the Border, Drive thru Washington DC, and one time we even stopped and walked up to the gates of the White House. It makes for a longer time to get home depending on how long the stops are, but to us those extra memories were priceless! If you don't mind the long drive, I would suggest driving because you can see so much along the way.

 

[barbnbrian]

No way would I drive when I can be there in less than three hrs. Last Aug. we flew SWA from Bradley for $93 per person.

This July we're flying SWA on the Friends Fly Free promo and the total for four is $454 nonstop with all taxes and fees.

Sit tight and keep watching Southwest's website. I was checking for specials daily. Something cheap will show up. Just be patient.

 

[minivanmomof2]

Originally posted by barbnbrian
No way would I drive when I can be there in less than three hrs. Last Aug. we flew SWA from Bradley for $93 per person.

This July we're flying SWA on the Friends Fly Free promo and the total for four is $454 nonstop with all taxes and fees.

Sit tight and keep watching Southwest's website. I was checking for specials daily. Something cheap will show up. Just be patient.

WOW, another SWA DEAL! Gonna bookmark that site for sure! I take it you were pleased with the airline? I've never flown with them but their rates seem very reasonable!
Thanks for your help, I appreciate it!

 

[Babblin'Boo]

I just went to that site and priced a "discounted" reservation with the dates I am flying in August, for exactly the same number of persons. It came up to almost $200 over.

I am flying Delta, and it pays to look at their Internat fares. They are always lower than buying even from Expedia.

If you plan to come back, you have to look at roundtrip fares and it seems like their best prices are one way trips. Then all these fees bring up the price by at least $20 - $30 over the "discounted" price. So, I am confused about this SWA deal...

 

[CherylA]

Another CT native here. I don't see how driving will save you $1500. I'm trying to make the fly/drive decision myself and the money really doesn't work out to be that much of a factor. Tickets out of BDL direct to MCO are no more than $200 . I'm sure your boys would probably enjoy the ride especially with a tv unit. They are a good age for the drive. If I were you I would do a more realistic figuring of your costs of fly vs drive though. Include things like gas, wear and tear on the car, fees to maintain the car before the trip, meals and hotels while on the road. When figuring flying include rental car, skycab tips, airport parking fees as well as the cost of the cheapest tickets you can find (that you would consider using). i don't think driving will save you any money, it will probably end up costing you since you will have to pay for an extra week of hotel and food but you will be getting a much longer vacation out of the deal. if you have your heart set on 2 weeks in FL then yes driving is probably the way to go but if you are just doing Disney then it probably makes sense to fly.

 

[ghcoughlin]

Hi!I too am a Ct native,Ansonia.You couldn't pay me to drive either.We drive to Bradley(we meet my Mom for the trip)stay over at The International Inn,$99 for 5 people,3 queen size beds and parking for 8 days.This is an unbelievable deal and a nice hotel.We fly Delta depart at 7:00 arrive 10:30 and we're at FW by noon.Our rate is $185. per person.We know we could do better but we like the times of this flight and it is NON STOP.We have driven from Vermont to Myrtle Beach for many years that is a 19 hour drive and that just about wipes us out on the return.We would stop for one night on the way back too.When you hit Jersey,NY etc it is horrible!!!!
Have a great time which ever way you go.
Heidi

 

[Tense]

Hi... I'm from Ct also, and we always fly. SWA out of Bradley or Providence... you can usually find great rates. We're going in 3 days, and got rt for 142.00. Our rent a car is 150.00 for 8 days. The trick is to WATCH the internet specials and car deals at least 6 months in advance of your trip. AND don't stop checking the prices because you get the lower price if it goes down. I might suggest the Vistana instead of hifs. Even if you get a 1 bedroom suite at Vistana, you'll have MUCH more room and a full kitchen. The rates through Hotelkingdom.com run 74.00 1 bedroom and around 129.00 for a 2 bedroom 2 bath. I speak from experience.once you stay there, you'll never want a regualr 'suite' or hotel room again, especially with kids! I too have driven from Long Isand to Florida BC(before children!) and the drive down is ok cause you work on adrenaline!(non stop). BUT.... OHHH coming home.. well, traffic (around DC)and the fact that you're vacation is over, well not a great combo. I'd advice flying!

 

[CherylA]

ghcolghlin, I live in Ansonia!!! Thats why we need so many trips to Disney

 

[DMRick]

I just went to that site and priced a "discounted" reservation with the dates I am flying in August, for exactly the same number of persons. It came up to almost $200 over.

Discounted isn't the great sale all are talking about. It's the "friends fly free". Maybe it's sold out for the days you are looking for. We are flying four for $448 from Albany, NY.
We've done the drive "to save money". We never did. By the time you pay the tolls, and the gas, and the extra days you need for vacation, and the tried dragged out feeling for the first couple of days..it's not worth it. Then all you think about on the vacation, is the long tedious drive home.
This trip was a little more last miinute and we are paying $238 for a full size car for 8 days..when we went in September and January ($78 round trip...yep, that's round trip each..less than the cost of gas), the car was just $134 and $158 for a week and one for 8 day. So I really don't think you would be saving anywhere near what you think (by the way, our room at the Allstars both visits was $54 with tax..it's $94 without at POR this trip). With great planning ahead, you can fly and save!