How many people drive to Disney?

[Good Ol Gal]

we've driven for the last 3 trips.

It's about 17 hours.

Me, dh, ds11, dd9, ds7, ds6.

We stopped in Gainesville for two trips and spent the night. This past trip we left at 2:30am drove straight through and got to WDW by 7:30pm. It was GREAT to wake up in OH and go to bed at WDW.

 

[MikeyA50]

We drive because we always stay at least a month in Orlando each time we go. It's a 25 hour drive, done in two days. It's cheaper considering you have your own vehicle to get around. Last October we were gone 32 days, 4 days driving and the other 28 days spent at the Disney parks and the Universal parks. This year we plan on spending 3 days at the beach and the rest of the time in Orlando.

 

[ReggieB]

We used to fly, but it was so stressful, plus I hate flying. We've taken the autotrain twice, and driven twice. It is about a 14 hour drive from MD.

 

[Quasi123]

We always drive. Disney is 8 hours away.

 

[DopeyKel]

We've done both but prefer driving.

Sometimes we stop south of Nashville and sleep. But this year with three drivers the plan is to drive straight down (about 20 hours). We have DVD player and the kids bring the Ninetendo to play. Plus they all have MP3 players and handheld games.

 

[I Love Pluto]

We drive from PA - north of Phila - each year. We set aside 2 days for travel. We enjoy the road trip, and we try to do something new each time.

 

[Karibeth19]

We've been 5 times in the past 4 years, and are planning another trip in June, and we always drive. If we flew, we couldn't afford to go so often. We drive about 10-11 hours the first day, and about 7 the next and we save up our AmEx reward points and trade them in for HiltonHonors points, so the hotels we stay in on the road are free. I pack lots of snacks and a cooler with drinks, and DD has her MP3 player, DVD player, Nintendo DS, art stuff, books (homework, if we go during the school year), and Radio Disney to keep her entertained. Actually, we see it as a great opportunity for our family to enjoy being together, and we love the drive.

 

[ufgator]

We do, but we only live 2 1/2 hours away.

 

[NC State]

We're about 9 hours away, so we drive everytime.

 

[dlaushey]

It takes us about 7 hours from North Atlanta so we are too close to fly. The kids 11, 9 & 2 watch movies and play video games. We usually stop 2 or 3 times and eat in the car (which also helps pass time).

We've bought annual passes 2 times the past 3 years. The 1st time we had passes we made 10 trips for a total of 30 park days. This time we will make 7 trips for about 25 park days before they expire.

 

[pha1226]

We're driving this time. We're driving from South Jersey and will try to make it to Jacksonville in one shot (12-13 hrs) and will stay overnight. Then we're driving to Clearwater Beach for a few days, then to Orlando.

Two years ago, I drove to Jacksonville by myself with 2 dd's (and the youngest still in diapers) because dh was working at the Super Bowl. Even though it's further this time, we should be fine with 2 drivers. We have a dvd player in our van and lots of activities to keep the kids busy. I'm not looking forward to it but plane tickets for 4 and car rental fees would probably add $1,500 to our trip budget.

 

[cm wannabe]

we live outside of albany ny and it takes us 18 hours to the fl. border and 2or 3 to wdw. we stop for gas and meals but not much else just two adults taking turns driving

 

[honeybee30]

Usually we fly, but this May we're driving down because we're getting a new car that will actually make the 10 hour drive in one piece! I actually enjoy road trips, so I'm pretty excited about it.

Although flying has its bonuses, driving will be cheaper, and we can pack as many ounces of toothpaste and other liquids as we want. Plus, at the end of our trip, we won't have to wonder how in the world we will get all of our souvenirs home, so we can buy even more stuff!

So far, we are planning to drive down to Orlando in 1 day, but on the way home, we are going to stop at Amelia Island in N. Florida and spend a few days at the beach.

 

[BC1836]

In 2002, when a power outage in our neighborhoold forced us to miss our flight (in this age of non-refundable fares), we decided to drive. And we've done it every year since, including multiple trips in a given year. [the first 20 times we flew; the next seven we drove.]

Every state border crossed is a marker closer to Walt Disney World. Sure, it takes a lot longer than an air flight, but the freedom and flexibility is a definite positive. Usually day one consists of a 14-15 drive. At best we can make it from the Jersey Shore to Jacksonville. The next morning's wakeup signals just a 2 3/4-hour drive to the entrance of Walt Disney World (with the "Spectromagic" soundtrack blasting away!). The only negative aspect
about the drive is the return trip since we need one overnight stay---at some non-descript motel off I-95. It's a definite downer, especially after staying at the Grand Floridian.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

My very first trip to WDW with my family (I was a teen) we drove, nonstop from Pa. I haven't tried that with DS and DD but think I may one of these trips. It's just that we always find such good deals on airfare that it's cheaper to fly for us.

 

[Renysmom]

We drive from Richmond VA. Takes about 11 hours depending on how often we stop. DH and I share the drive and then we have the car to use at WDW.. I love the drive, plus we can pack anyway we want and buy what we want.

 

[Laz]

18 hour drive for me, but that is okay, because I can take what I want, have a car down in the parks, and save money.

 

[kahliasmom]

I plan to drive with DD5 and myself from Dutchess County, NY about an hour north of NYC. I drove to Port Richey, north of Tampa two years ago with DF and DD3 and it was a two day drive. We left about 5 in the morning and made it all the way to Florence, SC. Got to Port Richey the next day in the mid-afternoon. I drove back from Fl with just DD3 and myself so I feel confident about being able to drive to Florida. I could fly but don't really like being in a plane anymore. I grew up traveling all around the eastern US in a car so I actually enjoy taking long road trips. I love counting the South of the Border signs when I get into NC. It reminds me of all the trips we took to Fl and Myrtle Beach growing up.

This year I plan to leave about 4am and have snacks and lunch already packed so we will make a minimum of stops. I have a DVD player, magnetic games and other activities for DD to keep her entertained. Hopefully, we can get close to the Ga. border. I'd like to get to WDW as early as possible on day two. I have a 6:30 ADR at Liberty Town Tavern.

 

[Julieh22]

We drive from Knoxville, TN (DH hates to fly).

 

[crystalblue705]

We drive down from CT and it takes about 21-22 hours. My daughter and I switch off driving because we don't stay over anywhere, we drive straight thru. We don't want to waste any time, besides we're too excited! Next year we'll have 3 drivers because my husband will go too.