Help! Driving from PA to Orlando with stop in NC.

[walkdmc]

We are checking into BLT on a Sunday. We were going to leave Saturday (from Phila.), stay over in NC, where we're picking up the rest of our party. Then, Sunday morning, driving from Fayetteville, NC to Orlando. However, this will put us into Orlando late Sunday (too late to enjoy the parks). We have flexibility in scheduling and would like to arrive early on Sunday. WWYD?

The ages of our travelers are:
3, 6, 6, 9, 39, 60

We have a minivan and a DVD player. Everyone is potty trained, lol. The adults are myself and my mom and we've never attempted this long of a drive. We usually drive to the OBX every year (about 8 hours drive).

TIA!

 

[walkdmc]

Oh, and should I make overnight hotel reservations in advance? For example, if you think we should stop in VA, should I make ressies now? Or, do you usually just roll up to a decent (safe) looking place and inquire about availability?

 

[Hendoendo]

I would leave earlier on Saturday and drive a little farther than NC. Maybe to SC. That will make your drive shorter on Sunday. What part of Pa do you live in. That also makes a difference. The trip is definitely longer from Western PA. Eastern Pa you can go straight down 95

 

[walkdmc]

We're leaving from the Philadelphia 'burbs, about 30 minutes from 95. Thanks.

 

[sharadoc]

Hi. We stop in Walterboro SC which gives you about 5 hours on day two. Can you just pick up your party in NC on the road? You should be there in the afternoon. Maybe you can stop for a later lunch with them, then start the caravan to SC.

Or just plan to meet them in Disney World. Do you need to drive together?

 

[walkdmc]

Thank you. I think that's what we'll do. We'll leave around 12am Saturday, arriving in Fayetteville, around 8am, pick up the rest of our party, and continue traveling until around 3-4 pm, rest for the night, then have a short drive to WDW.

I'm not far from Limerick!

 

[cranbiz]

You do realize that Fayetteville is only about 8 1/2 hours from WDW.

If you pick everyone up at 8am and drive until 4pm you will probably be there at that time. If you can't (or don't want to) get an extra night at BLT there is a Comfort Inn just outside WDW on SR535/Palm Parkway (exit 68) that usually has a decent Sat rate (around $70) and they offer a free continental breakfast or a discounted hot buffet.

If you are running a little behind, you can find decent lodging in Daytona which would leave you about an hour or so from WDW or you can stop in Sanford/Lake Mary (about 30-45 minutes away)