some are much too "remote" ie maybe just one or two motels/hotels that look like they have seen better days & very little in the way of places to eat. Having made this trip via I95 with our kids from NYC area 10 times in past few years you start to get a good sense of preferred exits to stop at...
beginning with North Carolina we prefer:
Rocky Mount (exit that is Route 64 - think its #138)
- you will drive east a bit off exit and see signs for Hospital. There is a nice Hampton Inn adjacent to hospital (don't worry it is quite location) and also on this stretch of road our other decent properties too as well as a number of places to eat a good meal (Outback, Route 64 diner which is a really fun place adjacent to Harley Davidson). Try to check out Sonic too.
Fayetteville (EXIT 49 ONLY - we don't particularly like other Fayetteville exits)
- you can see Cracker Barrel sign visible from I-95 at exit 49; it is a good place to eat too and there is also a Denny's or Shoney's to right off exit ramp. Hampton Inn and Econo Lodge to right of exit are well kept and there are also quite a few other good places too.
South Carolina:
- Florence (Exit 164 southbound)
Country Inn & Suites or Hampton Inn. Cracker Barrel, Denny's, plenty of fast food and additional hotel/motels.
There is also another Florence exit one or two exits further than Exit 164 I believe it is noted 'convenion center' that has a Hampton Inn as well and is across road from shopping mall.
- Santee/Lake Marion: (between exits 115 and 93)
Popular vacation area so you may find it difficult to find a room around here during peak travel times. Many good places to pick from, outlet mall, dining choices.
- Hilton Head (our definite favorite although it is 20 minute drive from I95 to the island)
Sometimes we stop at Disney's resort if the price is right (either via renting points from a DVC member or with 'Birnbaum coupon' offer which is 20% discount or we will bid a room on Priceline at the 'Resort level'. We have gotten the oceanfront Westin here for $55. You can research winning bids on biddingfortravel.com (scroll back on the South Caro board for last years dates that reflect the dates you'll be travelling this year too). But be advised if your bid is accepted there is no cancelling on a Priceline reservation. Just be sure that you will be able to leave early enough to reach HH Island late afternoon/early evening. From where we live in southern NY it takes us 12 hours.
It really takes you out of the "I95 driving-funk" as we call it and is a fun place to explore, countless dining options, great beach, etc.
From Hilton Head Island to WDW it is about a 5 hour drive.
