Is $700 IN GAS for driving RT Canada-FLA too much?????????????????????

[binwinbinwin]

Is it worth spending $700 in gas to drive from Toronto to Orlando roundtrip? Five of us are thinking of going down to Orlando in one minivan. However, the thought of paying $700 in gas roundtrip is tough to swallow. Moreover, the four days of driving (2 days down and 2 days back), motel and meal costs are also a bit of a turn off. Would you drive down and spend the $700 gas roundtrip?

 

[pigletto]

Honestly.. NO!!
If you have priced it accurately at 700.... plus food.. plus lodging.. plus the lost days driving.
No way.
I have been pricing flights like a madwoman on every airline I can think of for awhile now.
Sadly flights are alot higher now that I am ready to purchase than they were a few months ago. However I can still get my family of 4 to Orlando from Buffalo and back (I live about an hour and half from you) for a little under 800 right now.
That is non stop flights.. at decent times. We'd be there in 3 hours or so.
The drive and extra expenses just aren't worth it to me.

 

[fivebyfive]

We drive all of the time, in fact I just got back from driving to WDW. I live North of Toronto.

It took us 2 days to get there (stopped in TN) and 2 days to get back. It cost us $796 for gas, food and lodging for four adults round trip. That's $199 per person.

As an added bonus, we had our car with us in WDW. No matter how great Disney's transportation is, you can't beat having your own vehicle when going from one resort to another.

 

[Disneydaddycanada]

How about driving down to detroit, buffalo, or Pittsburgh. We are flying from Pittsburgh. For 3 tickets swa the cost is $607.00 return for the end of Aug. Sure it 4 hrs away but we are just adding a couples days to the front of the trip to do some shopping in PA as they have no tax on clothing (kids). We used airmiles for a hotel I think it was 625 air miles.

The family is excited about the different way of going. Flight out of Toronto is just silly. The last quote was last week $2700+ west jet.

 

[sejeta]

We drove from Pickering ont. It cost us about about 460 in gas and another 240 in hotels. We had 3 adults and 2 kids in a venture extended minivan. It was packed full. I really doubt we could have found flights that cheap. We drove but I'm not sure I would do it again or I would take an extra day, which adds to the price. However, we do normally enjoy driving, we drive down east every summer which isn't as far, its about a 16 hour drive which we do in two 8 hour days. The drive to WDW seemed to take longer then I thought it should. The first day was 17 hours! The second 11. My kids both got car sick though and we drove the speed limit. We stopped in Charlotte North Carolina. I would stop sooner next time plus we won't have the extra adult.

We loved having the car in Florida, we stocked up at Wal-mart, bought t-shirts and souvineers. We also drove to another resort for a character meal and to a couple of the parks when the lines for the bus was too long and we needed to get to a ADR. That part I would miss if I flew but we may go in January next time so we may have to fly. I wouldn't let the high cost of gas discourage you because gas prices are much cheaper in the states but if you don't enjoy driving and can afford it, Fly!!!

HTH

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

Last year we drove just around $480 in fuel plus 2 nights down and 1 nights back. That's from Oakville ont. First day we drove 14 hrs over and through the VA mountains. We stopped in South Carolina just before we hit I95. Second day we drove into Daytona 5 hrs that day and stayed on the beach. We also did Daytona USA site seeing and shopping. The following morning we got up and 1 hr later we were at Disney. We checked in bags in room before noon. We were in Magic Kingdom by 1pm. Was awesome. On the way back after 10 days at Disney we went to the Space center then over to the other side for 2 nights in Clearwater on the beach. We then drove back to Disney and spent the day at the Water park and went to Downtown Disney again for shopping. After that we drove up into GA 2 hrs from disney that evening. We then drove 10 hrs the next day back stopped for the night just outside of Pittsburgh. Then the last day we drove 8 hrs until we got home. We also were able to purchase lots more stuff than you could if you fly on a plane. Now the reason for the story we dont think of driving time as a waste. We use it as part of our vacation also. 2 days down and back isn't a waste of time it's a adventure. Oh yeah we drove our Chevy Astro van. So it's about the same on fuel.

 

[cslittle999]

What kind of van are you driving? We drove down last August in a Dodge Grand Caravan and it only cost us $300 (six tanks of gas plus starting with a full tank).

 

[laura001]

We drive all of the time, in fact I just got back from driving to WDW. I live North of Toronto.

It took us 2 days to get there (stopped in TN) and 2 days to get back. It cost us $796 for gas, food and lodging for four adults round trip. That's $199 per person.

As an added bonus, we had our car with us in WDW. No matter how great Disney's transportation is, you can't beat having your own vehicle when going from one resort to another.

Wow! You did great with the cost of gas, can you separate the costs for us?

I am all for the flying vs. driving. To us, there is nothing better than getting there in 2 hours 40 minutes, we can leave the airport on an early morning flight and be at the water park by lunch When our kids were young we always drove, the trip down wasn't bad, but always hated coming home. If we were staying right in WDW we never used our car while we were there, almost always used Disney Transportation.

 

[michelle1]

You couldn't pay me to drive to Florida! When I was a kid my family did long trips all of the time without portable tvs, gameboys etc (I keep reminding my kids that!) but my kids hate being in the car and we just did 9 hrs to NYC which was enough for them. I actually enjoy long drives but my DH who's in his car for work constantly insists on flying. We have an SUV so for us it's more economical to fly anyway until airfare becomes outrageous. We also only have 2 kids but for larger families I'm sure it's cheaper to drive. We just booked airfare from Buffalo for $160 return which is more than we have ever paid (last summer we paid $70 return ) but still very resonable.

 

[digskat]

ouch....your van gets 14mpg? We got 32mpg from our Escape the last 3 years, and for our trip (1300 miles each way) it cost us $320 round trip. We pre-booked our hotels, and paid $65 USD each night for Country Inn and Suites. We packed some snacks, ate the free breakfast, and paid less than $55 total for 2 meals at the Cracker Barrel (2 adults 2 kids). It was $500 total.
Using fuel calculator, we estimate that our Montana will cost us $325 (at $4/gal). One night (again pre-booked) each way is another $134, and meals and tolls maybe $100 (no cooler this year). Total $560.
We priced flights for the 4 of us and were quoted $1146 USD incl taxes and fees on Airtran out of Detroit. add $50 for gas to/from airport, parking at airport, and rental car fees and we were looking at over $1600.
Bonus is we have our own vehicle, and no limit on baggage.

 

[F4disneyfan]

Is it worth spending $700 in gas to drive from Toronto to Orlando roundtrip? Five of us are thinking of going down to Orlando in one minivan. However, the thought of paying $700 in gas roundtrip is tough to swallow. Moreover, the four days of driving (2 days down and 2 days back), motel and meal costs are also a bit of a turn off. Would you drive down and spend the $700 gas roundtrip?

Wow 700 what van are you driving the max I can figure for gas there and back in our 05 Montanna is just a tad over 250 return so unless you are always driving at 80+ MPH you should never use 700 in gas not even return.

 

[F4disneyfan]

Wow! You did great with the cost of gas, can you separate the costs for us?

I am all for the flying vs. driving. To us, there is nothing better than getting there in 2 hours 40 minutes, we can leave the airport on an early morning flight and be at the water park by lunch When our kids were young we always drove, the trip down wasn't bad, but always hated coming home. If we were staying right in WDW we never used our car while we were there, almost always used Disney Transportation.

I have a breakdown of our last drive down with each stop and how much it was to fill the tank. Now we only ever let teh tank get to half then stopped but we were getting 600+ kilometers from that half tank mind you we also only drove at 105KPH we find that is our best cruising speed for mileage on our 05 montanna. I think our total for gas was just a tad over 150. Plus we take an electric cooler for milk and juiceboxes and some pop and a few other food items. This cuts our food costs and eating out to almost nothing.

Here is the breakdown with hotel
On the way down
Beaverdam Ohio 24.00
Exit 141 in Tenn 28.00
Resaca GA 23.00
Valdosta GA 26.00
Quality Inn Valdosta 39.00 (roomsavers)

On the way home
Cordele GA 27.00
Athens TN 26.00
Dry Ridge KY 27.00

No hotel on the way home

Total for drive and hotel
$220.00 US

 

[fivebyfive]

You did great with the cost of gas, can you separate the costs for us?

What did your last slave die of? I have the break down at home, so I'll have to answer this later.

The other reason we like driving so much is the freedom to bring stuff back. We do a LOT of shopping in WDW so this is a big deal for us. So, it's not just about cost (at least not for me anyhow).

 

[slapwhitey]

For me it would be a resounding NO. When you think you can probably fly out of BUF for about $1000 if you book at the right time. My big thing is time is money. I can't afford the extra 4 days travel. If you're folks that have to work for a living (I'm assuming most of us are) you are looking at an extra 4 days lost time....that counts for something. As far as it being nice to have a vehicle while down there, I agree 100%, if you shop around we've been able to find minivan or SUV's for $25/day or less. You also have to look at the wear on the vehicle as well. You're probably looking minimum oil change, assuming everything else goes perfect. Too many what ifs when driving down. I'd love to do it but only if time wasn't a factor and cost wasn't a factor. Otherwise it's the skyway for me. Just my .02.

 

[endy]

I'm all for driving. Well I'd fly if I could afford it.
We are driving to San Diego again this summer. Yes gas is up but the cheapest tickets I 've seen are $1000 return to LAX for both of us. Then you have to rent a car (at least I would) stay in a motel (we tent camp) not have a cooler for cold drinks. I figured it would cost me double at least to fly.
Looks like between 600-700 for gas this year. We camp 30-40/night. It has never rained in our 8-9 trips.
And best of all no tv for my son to be glued to, no 'wait til this show is over'.

Last year in Anaheim my son bought hockey goalie gear, at least half the price as here. If we were flying we would have to pay for extra luggage & it's kinda hard to pack goalie pads. He has a hockey list started for this summer already.

Not to mention the scenery and changes in landscape you see when driving. We finds lots of little stops and side trips to check out. Not sure if its the same going to Florida tho. Heading south we go from foothills, to farm land, to desert to the ocean.

 

[PanamaMike]

Here's my Feb/March Toronto/Orlando trip
2002 Mazda Protege
Left Toronto with a full tank
Windsor, ON - 105.8/l 31.25
Richmond, KY -3.19/g 30.01
Athens, TN -3.11/g 21.84
Motel 6 in Athens 38.75

White Springs,FL 3.31/g 40.00
Orlando, FL (including 3 days in
Orlando before re-fueling)- 3.16/g 37.84

Columbia, SC - 3.09/g 36.00
Jonestown, NC Comfort Inn 92.17 (and only because I was tired and they had a pool, otherwise I'd have looked for somewhere cheaper)
Elkview, WV - 3.42/g 39.67
Angola, NY - 3.40/g 38.00

Gas Total (avg 3.24/g) 274.61
Hotel Total 130.92

Round trip Total 405.53

Food & drinks were in my cooler,
so no meal costs.

 

[digskat]

I'll bite on the wear and tear, and time points.
We traded in our 2006 Escape after 3 years (and 3 WDW trips), with 36000km. We were getting our oil changes every 3 months, without coming close to the mileage required. It was under warranty, and came wit Ford roadside coverage. We were well under the blackbook mileage allowance, and the dealership advertised the highway mileage.
Time........the quote for our flight had us departing Detroit at 6:30am, meaning either staying overnight, or leaving home by midnight. With a stop in Atlanta, we were to arrive at 3pm in Orlando. Expecting to arrive at our condo around 4pm. Without the overnight, and additional $100+, it would be 16 hours door to door. Then we would be dealing with getting our rental car. Return was 2pm (airport by noon), with another stop, returning to Detroit at 9pm. Getting to our vehicle, crossing the border and getting home around 2am. 16 hours there, 12 back. Driving, we leave at 4am, and are in Orlando by noon the next day (32 hours), and leave WDW at 8am and arrive home by 4pm day 2 (32 hours). It means an additional 36 hours.......not 4 days, if we don't stay in Detroit, amd 29 if we do. The last time I checked, those days were also vacation, and well worth the $900+.

 

[Sheribo]

We drive twice a year from Ottawa. It was a little more expensive this past March but still cheaper than a flight for for 5 people. $300 in gas. We do not stay at a hotel and prefer to drive through. With 3 drivers, it can be done easily. We pack a cooler and only stop for gas/bathroom breaks.

 

[tmli]

I'll bite on the wear and tear, and time points.
We traded in our 2006 Escape after 3 years (and 3 WDW trips), with 36000km. We were getting our oil changes every 3 months, without coming close to the mileage required. It was under warranty, and came wit Ford roadside coverage. We were well under the blackbook mileage allowance, and the dealership advertised the highway mileage.
Time........the quote for our flight had us departing Detroit at 6:30am, meaning either staying overnight, or leaving home by midnight. With a stop in Atlanta, we were to arrive at 3pm in Orlando. Expecting to arrive at our condo around 4pm. Without the overnight, and additional $100+, it would be 16 hours door to door. Then we would be dealing with getting our rental car. Return was 2pm (airport by noon), with another stop, returning to Detroit at 9pm. Getting to our vehicle, crossing the border and getting home around 2am. 16 hours there, 12 back. Driving, we leave at 4am, and are in Orlando by noon the next day (32 hours), and leave WDW at 8am and arrive home by 4pm day 2 (32 hours). It means an additional 36 hours.......not 4 days, if we don't stay in Detroit, amd 29 if we do. The last time I checked, those days were also vacation, and well worth the $900+.

You are comparing apples and oranges to slapwhitey's post.....first he mentioned flying from Buffalo, not Detroit. Also assuming a direct flight, not a stop in Atlanta. Doesn't matter how fancy your math gets driving is two days, flying is one. Perhaps for you the extra days are vacation, for some they are not. Therefore the extra days off work have to be calculated as expense.....even using your calculation of an extra 36 hrs not 4 days (as you so politely stated), that still equals an extra 2 days off work or off my vacation. If I have 7 days of vacation, I would rather they all be spent on vacation and not in a car.

Having done the drive many times, after 32 hours on the road, the first day of my vacation is a write off.

The bottom line is do what's best for your family. A thread like this is helpful to hear both sides of the argument and make your own decisions. I have driven and flown several times, depending on what is best for me at the time. I know what I prefer and wouldn't presume to know what is best for anyone else!

 

[digskat]

you are making alot of assumptions, including the ability to presume what my intentions were.......I am impressed with that talent. I was merely giving my experience, not making ASSumptions. I replied on the comment that it is an extra 4 days, with our experiences and the ticket package we were offered, it wasn't as big a difference in times. I never quoted any post, but commented on a general response, with my situation........hence;
"we traded...."
"our flight....."
"then we would..."
"if we stayed...."
I didn't say 'if you fly out of Detroit.......' I gave our situation. As you so eloquently stated, the board is for people to do just that, not presume to know anyone else's situation.