How long from Baltimore area to WDW?

[JenB]

The more I find out that paying huge bucks for an airline ticket with assigned seating doesn't count for very much, the more the idea of driving is tempting me. Maybe tempting is a strong word (I have a 2 year old), but I am willing to reasearch it.
So who has driven this route (actually coming from the Eastern Shore), how long did it take you, and was it a total nightmare?
Thanks in advance,
Jen

 

[ducklite]

About 16 hours, more with a younger kid.

IMHO not a good way to start a vacation. You WILL be seated with your younger kids, believe me, NO one wants to be seated next to them BUT you, and will gladly rearrange to accomodate. You might not all be seated together, but no kid will be separated from a parent.

Worst case is that if you have two kids each will be seated with one of you, but the two groups might not be seated together. I hope that makes sense.

Anne

 

[amyhwang]

From DC area. With 2 and 4 year olds in December. We figured on 16 hours or so, but doing it in one night (after work) and then stopping near Fayetteville NC, then the next morning finishing it. It's such a hassle to fly with children, and at BWI you're supposed to be there over 2 hours early for a flight. I can't imagine how grumpy we'll all be after flying, and with driving we can bring so much stuff. Maybe we're crazy but it sounds like a good idea to me. I like the idea of packing the van full of stuff, including food for the week, and they'll be more comfy in the car than an airplane.

Is it just you and your 2 year old? As long as you're careful I think you'd be fine, but just be especially cautious about where you stop.

Good luck.

 

[JenB]

Amyhwang-It's actually my dh and 6 year old too. Dh is really good about driving and we keep each other awake. The 6 year old is a trooper too. We have a DVD player in the van but that only works for so long.
We figured we would leave at about 8:00 P.M. and hopefully the kids will sleep through the night. I have gotten so many conflicting reports on how long but it's 890 miles. Considering most of that is interstate and 75 MPH, I figured between 12-14 hours with minimal stops because hopefully the kids will be sleeping.
If it was just the ride down, I would do it in a second but coming back (you know, when you are tired and just plain done? ), I bet it lasts twice as long
Also, we can't leave at bedtime coming back because we will have to check out of the resort so early.
You are right, the thought of packing whatever I want and NOT dealing with BWI is so tempting.

I'm so confused!!!!!
Where are you staying?

 

[TinkerbellRules]

Check www.freetrip.com It's a great site and very accurate. We were only about 15 mins off their time. We took a little longer stop one time.

 

[InnoventionsGuy]

I recently moved to Orlando from the Washington DC area. DW and I have driven back a few times, taking anywhere from 15 to 16 hours each way.

We drive through the night, taking turns driving and sleeping, switching about every 1-2 hours whenever the driver gets even a little bit tired. I would only recommend this with someone you trust to wake you and switch drivers before they get sleepy. The advantage is that the trip only seems half as long (since you are sleeping the other half). Also, we avoid the traffic and congestion.

We also drove this summer to Cape May, NJ by way of the Chesapeake bridge/tunnel and up the Eastern Shore to the ferry. It took a few extra hours.

I just flew to/from BWI with some relatives on Southwest. All of the seating is unassigned. Since they had a child under 4 years old, the entire family (including me) was allowed to pre-board the plane, so we got our choice of seats before anyone else. I really would fly if possible; it does save a lot of time.

I'm not sure if you knew this but at checkout, you can leave your luggage with the bellhops at the hotel. They will give you a receipt. You can then spend the rest of the day in the parks, and come back for your luggage afterwards. There is no charge for this, but tipping is expected.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[amyhwang]

Jen B,
Sounds like we're in the same boat! Two parents and two small children - we got a great deal at the BVW in a 1br unit. It's normally almost $400/nt (which is too much for me!) but only $219 with the code from mousesavers.com. That way, we're bringing a box of nonperishable food that the kids like, and a cooler too. I think the stuff will stay cold enough in the cooler if there are those blue ice packs and we don't open it until we get there. Some nights I know the kids will be tired and rather have a pbj in the room or something. I spoke to someone at the bw, and they also have a small grocery store there too. We just bought a minivan, and I'm putting a dvd player in it within the next week or two.

Speaking of, are you happy with your dvd? Did you go with the one from a dealer or outside? The dealer charges more than some places, but mainly I want a good one.

I agree, the drive back will be long, but we're going to break it up again into two days. Probably stop around Fayetteville NC I think.

Good luck!

 

[Rabbittsz]

JenB.
Im from Fairfax and years ago I was in the Army in Fayetteville N.C. Like every one said its about 14 to 16 hr. I did do the AutoTrain one time to Orlando. And with kids that's fun. Its also a good way to see the county side. And the train ends up in Sanford. But I don't
remember how much it cost! But you have your Car with you. Have nice and safety Trip!!
http://www.Yourride.net

 

[TerriBelle]

We flew last month out of BWI (oct 13 - Oct 20) on Southwest and it was fast and easy. I was very worried about the whole thing but I have no regrets. We have a 8 yr DD and twin DS that are 3 1/2. It was great to be there in 2 hours!!!!