Looking for input re: driving plan

[Phelia325]

This is our first year with APs, and I have to admit that they are burning a hole in my pocket. I have this crazy idea to plan a quickie trip over Easter weekend and drive from NJ. My timeframe is rather limited and, at flights anywhere between 450-600 p/p, we will not be able to swing it if flying is the only option. (I also looked into Amtrak which was 500-700). So I'm kicking around the idea of driving down late on Wednesday night and coming home Sunday night. Since we don't have a lot of time, they thought would be to drive straight through at least on the way down. I have two children 15 months and 4. They are decent "car sleepers," although we never ventured a long overnight trip.

Realistically, is this doable? And if so, it is worth it? (I, mean, I've been following disneyfoodblog, and rum laced dole whips seems totally worth it). I recognize that it's going to be extremely heavy crowds, but we go frequently enough that I'm okay to passing on certain attractions "for the next trip." I'm really interested in the EPCOT F&GF. We just love being there and walking around the parks. Get my 4 y/o a cotton candy/ice pop/glow sword and he's in heaven

 

[MarissaHershkowitz]

I would definitely do it myself(if my hubby could get off work). I live on Long Island NY and we go often too, my kids are 7 and 6. If your willing to skip rides and just enjoy being in Disney as I do. I say ROAD TRIP. LOL

 

[Familytradition]

While I am a HUGE fan of driving (done it 7 times in the last 9 years) I think driving all that way for such a short time might be a bit too much to take. Have you ever driven before ?

By my count you're only going to be there for three days cause you won't get there till late Thursday night.

 

[Phelia325]

We have never driven before. I thought if we left around 6 pm on Wednesday we could make it to disney by mid afternoon if we drive through with nothing but bathroom breaks and maybe a quick breakfast. We are in south jersey so I think we are about 17 hours away. We could squeeze in a short early night at the park on Thursday and then have all day Friday, sat and leave in the early evening Sunday. I think our best bet is to do the bulk of the driving while the kids sleep. We always take a spring trip but this year my brother is getting married in Chicago in may, so we had to plan around that and there just aren't enough weekends during the spring it seems! I'm going to watch airfare and see if something comes up but it's not looking too hopeful being Easter weekend. If I get my butt in gear at work I could possibly leave a day earlier. So that could be an option to squeeze in another disney day if we drive.

 

[monorailsilver]

Um...no I wouldn't do it.

Would you & your dh be tired from driving & then do a pary for 2 1/2 days with little to no rest?

I mean just from flying I am jet lagged & that is only about a 3 hour flight. We don't do parks that day either (or on the day we leave) because we are tired from waking around 5 & basically sitting for the next 6 hours-drive to airport, wait in airport, flight in plane, DME.

I as much as anyone want a Disney fix but not enough to drive all that way for basically 2 full days of fun & the rest would be crying..not only from my kids but from me being so tired.

Oh & I will never ever ever ever go Easter week again. We went in 1999, our engagement trip. The internet wasn't what it is now so I couldn't check to see how bad the crowds were going to be. They weren't too bad the Saturday before Easter (Palm Sunday w/e) but as Thursday came the crowds got worse & Saturday before Easter it was so crowded in the MK & I never ever left a park before it closed pre kids, we left at 10 & it was open til midnight or 1am.

Anyways, so I say I wouldn't do it.

Oh & here is our driving experience with 3 kids from 2 years ago. They were 10, 7 & 5. We drove from CT to OC, MD. Not a far drive, maybe 5 hours. We only made one stop on the way on the NJP so it was pretty quick.

The way home we left at about 11 & didn't get home to CT until about 10 or so. Why so long? We took the Cape May ferry & walked around in Cape May too. Then as soon as we got on the Garden State, my kids were hungry for dinner. It was a LONG drive home.

 

[ParrotBill]

As a dedicated DIS-er with Annual Passes... if I lived in South Jersey I'd do it.

I am guessing on Google Maps at a 16 hour drive? Switch off, sleep when resting, and make the kids comfortable to sleep.

Take it easy on arrival day and get a good night's sleep. That gives you Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Biggest concern is being in good shape for the drive home.

Enjoy if you do it!

 

[Buzz's Buddy]

We live in Florence, NJ, just south of Trenton, and have made the drive several times. The shortest trip was 16 hours driving straight through with very limited stops.

What are your plans for Wednesday during the day? Since you're leaving Wednesday night, I would hope that you can sleep before leaving. Trust me, 16 hours is a long trip and you will get tired behind the wheel. While you may plan to alternate drivers and sleep when it's not your turn, your children may have other ideas and may require attention that keep you from sleeping.

Sunday will be your tougher day. After being at the parks all day, you're going to be tired. You'll probably want to start driving and then stop somewhere overnight.

As a fellow New Jerseyean, and former annual passmember, I certainly know the pull to go and visit as often as possible. Just make sure you are realistic and know when to pull off the road.

 

[ParrotBill]

rum laced dole whips seems totally worth it

Wait, what was that? I would definitely be going. And now I am packing rum and a little flask for my drive there in August. Thanks for that suggestion!

 

[nono]

We have never driven before.

Look, I love driving to FL. But we don't know yet if you do. For such a short trip, I gotta vote no. Keep checking the airfare.

Plan your inaugural drive when you are ready for a 7 day or more trip.

Or drive down and AutoTrain back. That might work...

 

[Phelia325]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts...we nixed the driving plan and are trying to work on work schedules to go the weekend of 4/12 and FLY!

 

[gritzel4]

I am not sure how far South in NJ you are, but Frontier Airlines is at Trenton Mercer Airport and you may be able to get a great fare from them. Free parking and close by (only negatives are limited flight schedule and no bathrooms/drinks past security). Best of luck in your planning!