How far is too far to drive?

[Dobby]

I was wondering, for those that have driven, what is the farthest you have driven (or would) to get to Disneyland or Disney World? I live 800km north of Winnipeg, so that adds another almost 8 hours onto any road trip. I figured it would take me at least 30 hours to get to Disneyland, plus any pit stops along the way. The World is probably a little further.

Am I crazy to consider it? For what it's worth, I'm a single mom of 2.

 

[penguinkimberly]

We live 23 hours way from Disney World and have driven multiple times. Just make a few stops and enjoy the drive

 

[tribus121]

1800 miles to WDW alone in just over 30 hrs spread over 2 days would love to to it again but not with with wife and 7 year old DD

 

[dancin Disney style]

We are 21 hours away from WDW and have done the drive for the last 2 years. This year we are flying to give the car a break. We have made the drive down in about 24hours and have driven straight home. We usually stop one night in each direction but sometimes we make good time and end up only about 3-4 hours from home so we carry on.

It's about 2100km each way for us.

 

[mommytodarlings]

We live about 23-24 hours away.

We drive straight through with the 4 dks. That is with dh & myself switching drivers every gas stop. We stop about every 4 hrs and that gives us a break so neither of us are driving for a really long period.

We thought about stopping for a few hours on this next trip, but we are just going to see how it goes.

 

[DisneyStiles]

I've driven 30 hours (2 adults) to WDW and we've driven 55 hours across Canada with 2 kids. That being said I would drive myself in a heartbeat, but you need to know your kids. WDW itself can be tiring and unless you have tons of time to break up your drive it could be very hard on your family not to mention you since it appears you are the only driver. If you love to drive (as I do) and your kids love to be in the car I would fly from at least Winnipeg. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Ham Ham]

Winnipeg to WDW is at least 30+ hours of driving time. Add another 8 hours and you're pushing 40 hours of driving time.

As for if it is too far... if you have the time why not?

 

[Reese]

We've driven several times now. It takes us 24 hrs straight through. We've decided it's only worth it if we can stay for atleast five days once we're there (we drove spur of the moment for four days).

 

[murcor]

Thinking of driving this winter...mapquest says 32 hours....

It would be our first road trip as we usually fly each winter......I ask myself the same question "how far is too far to drive?"

I have 2 kids 10 & 9

 

[firefox2]

Before moving to BC, I lived in Ontario, we use to go to WDW every year, usually driving. One year we decided it was Disneyland for a change. We drove all the way out to BC, and then down to Anaheim. We cheated and had a 2 day rest in San Francisco though, but it was awesome, and before heading home, went down to San Diego for a few days. After being to Disneyland, I have not been back to WDW since LOL

 

[nepean]

We drive at least once a year and it takes 26 hours including gas and restroom breaks. We pack a plug in cooler and drive straight through with two drivers. LaSt year for the first time DD was able to drive and she drove for about 3 hours. Coming home is the hardest since you are driving into the cold and snow. It is harder to stop of an hour and just close your eyes if you get tired.

We love the drive and the scenery. Also, having our own car and taking whatever we like is a big advantage.

Linda

 

[Dragonfly*Tink]

I live about 26 hours away from Disneyland and I have driven it once, in about 2 weeks, I am driving it again!

If you split up the drive and stop at places, it can be very relaxing as well as educational for the kids. I roadtripped with my parents as a kid and I have alot of memories of different places, and was able to see alot of North America that I wouldn't have seen in a plane.

If you have the time, I would definately do it! I would "google" it and see what route works best for you, you can always float in the Great Salt Lake, see the strip in Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, and even take in the Grand Canyon!

My trip as it stands now is about 7,000 km and I have 2 1/2 weeks to do it!

Enjoy - you won't regret it!

 

[Dragonfly*Tink]

Forgot to mention - check out the Disneyland thread - there are other sub-forums in there for the west and lots of road trippers!

 

[tribus121]

Thinking of driving this winter...mapquest says 32 hours....

It would be our first road trip as we usually fly each winter......I ask myself the same question "how far is too far to drive?"

I have 2 kids 10 & 9

i have driven several times from Fredericton NB and it is at least 30 hrs driving time from here

 

[MamaLema]

Just my opinion, but I think there is NOWHERE too far to drive!

My neighbours have driven to Guatemala from Toronto 3 times!! Yes, they drove through the entire U.S. and Mexico!

DH really wants to drive to San Diego from Toronto, but I am unsure. BTW, we have 3 kids and they are awsome in the car for long distance driving.

 

[FLVacationGirl]

What about driving to Minneapolis? They have flights for $170 roundtrip to Orlando for part of the fall? That would make your drive only about 16 hours one-way. (NWA.com)

I agree that it depends on your kids and how well they travel.

 

[SplashMom]

We drove a few years back and it was approx 36 hours. We didn't mind at all as long as you have lots of time for stopping. It took five days on the way down and four on the way back but I'd do it again in a minute if I had that much time. We went in the summer so the road conditions were great--not so sure about winter driving.

 

[Cinderella]

If it's going to save you a whole lot of money as opposed to flying, you feel comfortable driving that far and you have the time - you should go for it.

I'm seriously considering emigrating to Canada right now and one thing I'm really looking forward to, if we get to go is all the great places you're able to drive to. Plus fuel costs are way less than we pay in the UK, which makes travel much more economical.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Funny...we think we pay a lot for gas.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

Consider the time of year, weather and other local factors (such as forest fire smoke) that could affect your drive.

How comfortable are you with mountain driving? Both routes will take you through mountain ranges on your 2nd or 3rd day, when you might feel tired. Mountain driving, even in good weather, can be exhausting or exhilerating, depending on your personality. Going to Florida, you can cross the Appalachian mountains in a couple hours, but going to California, you'll spend at least half a day navigating some substantial mountain ranges.

And take time to rest after making long drives. It can be hard to spend a day by the pool at a Disney resort, but consider this: If you're tired from driving, your immune system will likely be slightly weakened. Thousands of tourists are bringing minor germs to Disney resorts, and if your immune system isn't 100%, you find yourself going bathroom to bathroom instead of attraction to attraction. (That happened to me at both WDW and DL -- not fun!)