Just Back...drove from Upstate NY

[kristielee]

HI Friends,

Just back...what a fantastic trip. We drove down on 10/17, left about 3 PM. Decided not to take I-95 down because of all the sniper shootings. We took Rt 84 west to Rt 81 South. Stopped in Wilkes Barre (Didn't tell anyone we were Albany River Rat season tix holders....BOOO PENS!!!!) and had a nice dinner at a Perkins family Restaurant. Stopped just below Harrisburg at a brand new, very clean Ramada Inn off Rt 81 about 8PM.

Next morning we left at 6:45 AM. Drove Rt 81 south to Rt 77 and then on to Rt 26 across South Carolina. The only traffic we hit (which wasn't much) was in Charlotte around 3PM.

Stopped at a Cracker Barrel on I-95 in SC, planning to find a hotel at the GA state line. However kids fell asleep (ages 2 and 4), so DH and I decided to push it all the way. Made WDW at 1 AM. We didn't have any ressie for that night, but were able to get a room at CSR. The kids were so surprised to wake up in the AM and find themselves at WDW.

We left Orlando on 10/26 and drove to Charleston. We spent 2 nights with family there. We left to drive home on 10/29. This time we opted for I 95 (As an aside, we found Rt 84, to 81, to 77 a much nicer and easier ride. Also it was only 50 mi more)

We planned on driving all the way home that night, but hit terrible thunderstorms in Va. So we decided to call it a night in Fredricksburg. Stopped at a Best Western right off 95. Very clean and comfortable. ($ 64.00 with AAA). Left Va at 5 AM (still hit traffic on Beltway, UGH) and pulled into our driveway at 12:30 PM.

This being our first roadtrip down I must say it was easier than I expected. The only construction we hit was in GA (and it wasn't bad). Pretty much breezed right through Jax and Richmond (Did take 295 around Richmond). I would definately drive it again, as long as we had the time. I wouldn't do it if we were only staying a week. Last year we took the Auto Train and I think that was more restful, but still the drive was fun. Any ? I'd be glad to answer

 

[lazarru]

Actually I have some questions from your last trip when you used the Auto Train. How did it work out? I guess your kids were 1 & 3 which is how old mine are now and we're trying to decide on using the AutoTrain. Did you get a room on it or just stay in coach? Did you see people that just used coach? How did it seem to work out for them? How did it work out for your kids? I would love to get an actual room but at $1800 it's a very tough decision.

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[Bob NC]

81 / 84 / 77 is slightly longer than taking I-95 all the way, BUT, I'm sure you discovered that while longer mileage-wise, it is shorter time-wise.

Very few cities to drive thru, much less traffic, prettier scenery.

Mileage doesn't tell the whole story, you save time the other way.

 

[kristielee]

Hi Lazarru and Bob,

First, yes, Bob, you are so right. Rt 81 south to rt 77 is the only way I'd go. There is no question it is such a nicer drive. You totally avoid the whole east coast mess from Richmond to NY. I'm glad we tried both, just so we know. Nevertheless, I 95 is not worth the headache.

Lazarru, unfortunately we didn't take the kids on the autotrain. It was a week after 9/11 and I had a meeting in Orlando. We went with a standard sleeper on the way down. It is small, and a bit tight for 2 adults, but none the lee, comfortable. Coming home, we upgraded to a deluxe sleeper. This was considerrably more comfortable and had about twice as much room. Also the deluxe sleepers are upstairs. The view is better, and so is the ride. However, I still don't think a deluxe sleeper is big enough for 2 adults and 2 kids. There are family sleepers available on the lower level that would probably work better for a family with kids (either that or 2 standard sleepers). I wouldn't go coach, but that is just me. I'd rather have the ability to lay down. We'll probably do the autotrain next year. I'd love to do 2 deluxe adjoining sleepers, but I'm sure the cost is prohibative. Let me know if I can answer any other ?'s. Enjoy your trip

 

[cindala]

kristielee,
We stayed in the same Best Western in Fredricksburg several years ago! Very nice, clean and a AAA discount too! Glad you had a safe trip.

 

[Prince Eric1]

You have more patience than I. I live in central ny and I don't think i would have the patience for the kids in the car for two days on the way back. I would think that going down would be ok, but the thrill would be gone on the return trip.

 

[mryder]

Kristielee,

You drove right through my area. And I am not a Penguins fan, Flyers and Phantoms all the way!

The 81 south ride is usually not bad at all. Not much traffic until you hit the Harrisburg/Hershey area.

 

[kristielee]

Hi Prince Erik,

Actually the drive was great! We had a ball. Of course we had a TV in the minivan, which made it easier. I packed surprises in the kids' backpacks, and we made lots of stops. To tell the truth, they did better than I thought they would. (In fact, they did a lot better than DH, LOL). I guess my DD said it best on the drive home. She said, "Mommy, the best part of our vacation was spending time with you". Well don't think THAT didn't just start me blubbering. I think that's what it's all about. Not where you go, or what you do....just spending time as a family. Our lives get so crazy and full of pressure and deadlines that sometimes I think we forget the "little people" (aka our kids) and just how much they need our time and attention, not necessarily material things (OK I'll get off my soapbox). The drive was reall a fun way for us to sing songs, tell silly jokes, and see lots of neat things together. I'll admit, I had reservations initially too, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat

 

[Prince Eric1]

Very well said. I have driven as far south as virginia with my kids, and i have the tv/vcr. It is about the kids, and you are smart to make frequent stops to keep it interesting.