Help me, I'm dreading driving from Syr to Orlando in July

[Guzzi]

I have never driven to Fla and unfortunately we waited too long to decide to buy DVC and thus missed the 89$ one way fares on Jet Blue from Syr to Orlando, so now we have to drive. Its gonna be a long time in the car......... Now it would cost about 1400$ to fly.

I found two best westerns (going and comming home, about 15 hrs into the trip, if figure thats the limit of my driving endurance) at 90$/nt, thats 180 for hotels (both free breakfasts), so that leaves me 1200$ for gas. Cost to drive .com figures 53 gallons of gas each way, 106 x 4.25/gal (hope my estimate is high) = 450$ for gas round trip, an 800$ savings, and we will be splitting the gas with my Sis in Law, so, only 225 for gas (this math is an attempt to make myself feel better)

Is it gonna be as bad as I think it will be?

 

[kimkoz]

I'm not a driver, prefer to fly anywhere over driving but it sounds like you have no choice now. Just keep the right attitude and you'll be fine.

I'm like you and would break down cost too to justify. Does driving limit your fun time? or do you have to take additional days off of work to make the drive work. Those are other things I'd think of. I'd probably think of the cost of travel expenses too - lunchs and such.

How many people in 1 car - Do you have to buy a luggage rack for your car. Those are things friends of ours have bought for these kids of trips.

Sorry about Jetblue. I'm feeling your pain. This is the 1st trip we're not flying out of Syracuse. Man, its annoying since we live so close and its an easy airport but for us it was much cheaper (even with gas, parking) to fly out of Buffalo this time. Did you price out other airports just in case?

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Hello neighbor. I drove once to Disney from Syracuse when I was 18, I seriously don't think I could do it again, it's just too long for my taste.

I don't know how many people you have going (guessing 4?) so it's hard to say if the price would be prohibitive to me going by plane, but I still don't think it would matter.

Also, don't forget wear and tear on your vehicle, I know it doesn't seem like "real" dollars as you're probably not going to be paying out of pocket during the trip for things, but miles do add up and they do require you to make additional repairs.

 

[momtobrynncess]

We are in Rochester, and we are seriously considering doing the same thing as you. I simply cannot justify almost $1000 for flights! I keep hoping and praying that as we get closer, the prices will come down. I can't help but believe that the airlines will have to make some price adjustments to stay above water financially. I have to think that there are millions more of us who simply will not pay those prices to fly.

I am definitely not looking forward to it, but there are 3 of us to share in the driving responsibility. We will have to use more days to do it, as I am not willing to cut into my time at the World to drive.

Maybe if we all keep praying.......

 

[jlewisinsyr]

We are in Rochester, and we are seriously considering doing the same thing as you. I simply cannot justify almost $1000 for flights! I keep hoping and praying that as we get closer, the prices will come down. I can't help but believe that the airlines will have to make some price adjustments to stay above water financially. I have to think that there are millions more of us who simply will not pay those prices to fly.

Airlines are making price adjustments, up, and they are not having much difficulties filling their planes.

The days of the dirt cheap fares are just not that common anymore as the low fares that many leisure travelers booked actually were sold for a loss and were subsidized by those paying for full fare tickets, refundable tickets, etc. Airlines are able to stay above water financially by not offering those low fares anymore.

The airlines, like rental car companies, learned that it's better to reduce capacity and allow the demand to creep up versus just constantly increasing capacity.

 

[Tony NY]

I have doen the ride from NYC to FLL & Disney and it is a long drive and you will see south of the border a lot I for one would never do that drive again not unless it an emergency I would serguset you start your drive @ 3AM so you can make the most out your drive and stop in NC for a over nighter and another early start so you reach Disney by night fall .... how do you fell about flying out of Newburg Airport you might find a good price if you realy don't want to do the drive.

 

[happily single]

I[m not from NY, but RI (which some people confuse as a part of NY). We made the drive last April and are doing it again in 2 weeks. I second the leaving very early suggestion. We left RI about 3a.m. and after numerous stops for gas, bathroom, snacks and lunch, made it to Fayetville, NC about 4:00 pm. I could have driven further but the kiddos needed a break.

Its not that bad or I wouldn't be doing it again!

The one thing I didn't factor into my "budget" was the cost of tolls. I hit most tolls in NYC area, Deleware and maybe NJ? You may be able to by-pass those tollls. We took 95 South down. This time I"m taking the ROute 77/81 path that has been discussed here.

Last year I got such a great deal on the Nick Hotel, and didn't buy park tickets that my theory was "All right. We'll head down and if its too bad of a drive I'll turn around and come home". Luckily I didn't need to do that.

You can do this. Maybe make some shirts to commerate your trip?

 

[sharadoc]

You'll be fine! You're on the 2000+ miles thread and that's a big help. Folks there will be able to help you with any questions you may have.

Just don't get yourself all worked up about the distance in advance. If you KNOW you'll be in the car for that many hours, then you'll be able to mentally handle it. Physically, just make sure you stop every couple of hours for potty and mental health breaks. Bring snacks and water in the car - don't fill up on fatty or extra-sugary snacks or everyone will be too wound up. Also don't bring lots of messy stuff, or your vehicle will be full of crumbs and trash.

 

[alwaysmom]

Don't think about it with dread. We've done it many many times from Buffalo area. It's not horrible, long yes but you can see and do so much along the way. Don't think of it as such and such hours. Think 1 day! Definately leave in the wee hours (2am-4am) Now I'll admit, now a days DH drives and I sleep but I'm not asleep the whole way. I have in the past driven myself with a 2 year old. You should be able to make it within 22 hours max (probably less) with plenty stops along the way.

#1 Keep the option open that should airfare drop and it does occassionaly, you can fly even last minute. I just got flights to Texas for early July for $89 each way (Airtran) while every one else was $200 to over $400 oneway. Check other airports.

#2 Don't make reservations anywhere. There are plenty of places along the way to stay. You can even haggle better with the prices. Drive as long as you can, then find a place if need be. You probably will find yourself closer to your destination, reducing travel the next day. We drive straight through now.

#3 If you arrive during the day, plan to just relax around the resort. If you arrive in the evening (we always do) you can plan a relaxing next day & do all the misc things you wanted to do. We do this then have a nice dinner. You will be tired from the drive even though you sat the whole time LOL.

#4 Coming home is a bit harder. You never leave early so plan on stopping for the night on the way home. Stop when you want or need to stop.

 

[DSLRuser]

@ only a 22 hour drive. I would leave at noon on Friday for example, drive straight through. The kids will fall asleep friday night and wake up in Florida. you would arrive at Disney around 1pm Saturday afternoon. Perfect timing for an early check in. then spend the day at the resort pool resting from the long drive and getting ready for the vacation.

We drive 1,000 miles for 16 hours from st. louis. We always time our trip to arrive at 11am. The kids have no problem sleeping through the night. And when they are asleep for 8 hours of a 16 hour trip, mom and dad have less to be stressed over. My wife usually drives the first 3 hours, I do the next 10, then she finishes the final 3. But I did do all 16 straight myself 1 time when she was sick.

Bottom line, drive straight through, save money on a bed you will only use for about 8 hours.

 

[pepe of ohio]

We're Amtrak travelers, and 1100 miles from WDW and hate the drive and wear and tear on the car...plus I will not fly.....

Amtrak from Sry. NY to Kissimmee Florida, round trip, 2 adults with AAA discount, month of September ia about 600.00 total for both...about the same time span, alittle longer really....no motels needed....one night aboard each way and no wear and tear, stress or navigation needed....ever consider the train over driving? Doing coach for the trip is very doable...sleepers are too much money and not needed for one night aboard....pleasant ride, roomy seats, no TSA scans or getting to the train station 2 hours early for security...

 

[DSLRuser]

2,500 miles is no wear and tear on a modern car. It's not even an oil change. People, you bought your cars, use them.

 

[Rpsemont]

#1 Keep the option open that should airfare drop and it does occassionaly, you can fly even last minute. I just got flights to Texas for early July for $89 each way (Airtran) while every one else was $200 to over $400 oneway. Check other airports.

#2 Don't make reservations anywhere. There are plenty of places along the way to stay. You can even haggle better with the prices. Drive as long as you can, then find a place if need be. You probably will find yourself closer to your destination, reducing travel the next day. We drive straight through now.

#3 If you arrive during the day, plan to just relax around the resort. If you arrive in the evening (we always do) you can plan a relaxing next day & do all the misc things you wanted to do. We do this then have a nice dinner. You will be tired from the drive even though you sat the whole time LOL.

#4 Coming home is a bit harder. You never leave early so plan on stopping for the night on the way home. Stop when you want or need to stop

We have never driven, but I second all of these good tips. Particularly, stay flexible - air prices may drop. Would you ever consider flying out of ALB?

Also, if anyone has a smartphone or laptop, I would think about trying to priceline for your rooms on the way down. DO NOT DO in advance. Just decide around 3PM how much longer you can drive, and start doing internet homework. If you need a hotspot to connect, then do some base homework before you go based on best exits to stop at (those with the most hotel rooms).

I've heard coming home is the pits!

 

[Robert P]

The one thing I didn't factor into my "budget" was the cost of tolls. I hit most tolls in NYC area, Deleware and maybe NJ? You may be able to by-pass those tollls. We took 95 South down. This time I"m taking the ROute 77/81 path that has been discussed here.

The tolls from Providence, taking 95 to NY, up to the Tappanzee, then on 287 down to 78 across by Allentown, to pick up 81 South, then on to 77-26-95-4, are minimal. Unless it has changed since last Summer, the only toll is at the NJ/PA line on 78 West. It's @ $1-2. The 'inland' route is a huge toll savings, and it takes many of the major traffic concerns out of the way.

We do the NC to MA drive annually, and the NC to FL as well, so I have more info if you need it. Feel free to PM me.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

What about driving to Youngstown Ohio and fly on Alligent airlines. They have some great fares?

 

[alwaysmom]

Check out Direct Air or other lines that go out of Niagara Falls International Airport (not Buffalo). Tiny airport, big planes and great fares. Doesn't go everywhere but it does go to Orlando.

 

[Sprockie]

Or try Plattsburg - they have allegiant and direct air from there.

 

[webworm]

I have never driven to Fla and unfortunately we waited too long to decide to buy DVC and thus missed the 89$ one way fares on Jet Blue from Syr to Orlando, so now we have to drive. Its gonna be a long time in the car......... Now it would cost about 1400$ to fly.

I found two best westerns (going and comming home, about 15 hrs into the trip, if figure thats the limit of my driving endurance) at 90$/nt, thats 180 for hotels (both free breakfasts), so that leaves me 1200$ for gas. Cost to drive .com figures 53 gallons of gas each way, 106 x 4.25/gal (hope my estimate is high) = 450$ for gas round trip, an 800$ savings, and we will be splitting the gas with my Sis in Law, so, only 225 for gas (this math is an attempt to make myself feel better)

Is it gonna be as bad as I think it will be?

Might be worth the 3hr drive to Allentown and fly with Continental. Lots of one way fares in July with 1 stop for $77.00 + tax. Total return inc taxes $175.05.

 

[thumperjr9]

Check out Direct Air or other lines that go out of Niagara Falls International Airport (not Buffalo). Tiny airport, big planes and great fares. Doesn't go everywhere but it does go to Orlando.

That's interesting...never heard of Direct Air or ever considered flying out of Niagara Falls. However since we live about an hour away I will have to look into that.

To OP - I would never consider driving from Western NY....correction would not consider it with my DS11. We wouldn't even make it out of NY state and he would be saying "are we there yet?? But if your kids are good on road trips it would probably work. Then you would have the flexibilty of having a car while in WDW without the added expense.

Still, I would keep checking fares, there is a AirTran sale right now with flights under $100 in July from ROC and BUF.

 

[alwaysmom]

That's interesting...never heard of Direct Air or ever considered flying out of Niagara Falls. However since we live about an hour away I will have to look into that.

To OP - I would never consider driving from Western NY....correction would not consider it with my DS11. We wouldn't even make it out of NY state and he would be saying "are we there yet?? But if your kids are good on road trips it would probably work. Then you would have the flexibilty of having a car while in WDW without the added expense.

Still, I would keep checking fares, there is a AirTran sale right now with flights under $100 in July from ROC and BUF.

I flew to Cancun out of Niagara Falls years ago. Very small terminal! Back then you had to walk out onto the runway and up the stairs to get on the plane. Biggest plane I have ever been on. I've heard good reports recently. A quick check for July has lots of $79 each way. The downside is flights aren't available everyday & flight times are limited.

Our DS's have always been good car travelers but of course they have a TV, video games, munchies & beverages, pillows and ipod. What more do they need LOL.