Michigan to Orlando - spring break advice

[DonaldnDaisy5]

Airline tickets double our trip cost - so driving it is - we've made the trip before from Detroit area to Orlando when kids were much younger, so in theory this should be easier.

We have a car (same model as we drive) rented through Costco from Budget with the free extra driver. We could've saved a bit (maybe 100) with a smaller rental car, but I thought having the same model we are comfortable driving along with the extra space may help. DH was worried about miles and any possible car problems on the way down. The price is comfortable and it includes unlimited miles and state to state travel.

In the past when we've driven we'd side tracked a day or two to relatives in the Savannah area on the way down. That is not the plan this time. We are planning on driving straight through - with stops for food, stretches, etc...and most likely stopping on the way back at a hotel - not at relatives unless DH decides to spring this option on us.

What do I need to know about spring break travel on 75? Cool places to stop? Places to avoid? Favorites? Traveling with DD 17 and 13.

 

[johnsbelt]

Agree better having a car you are familiar with instead of driving something else.

We are driving from Dayton OH (right on your route) next week. If I remember I'll let you know of any issues that might hinder your driving.

For pit stops we used to favor the local rest stops for safety and convenience. Last year for our trips, we started stopping at Costco for a gas and pit stops. Gas is cheaper, although you might have to wait in line for 10 minutes because of the prices. You might not be able to do this because of the time of day you'll be traveling. Make sure you have the Costco and Gas Buddy apps. They are worth every second it takes to download them.

The Costcos that are close to 75 are close to Lexington KY (just south of the 64/75 split), GA/TN state line, a couple around Atlanta (both north and south - I'm planning on a stop just south of 285). If you need a food stop, there are a couple not to far from Disney. We usually do a couple of meals in the room (we are DVC members with a full kitchen), but even in a regular room, picking up bagels or other breakfast food is great..

Over the past year, we started to eliminate Atlanta completely. Our route was US35/I-77/I-26/I-95/I-4. It's about 60 miles further but actually not much more on time because of no backups around Atlanta. This time we are stopping at a friend's house in Cape Coral and need to battle 75 and Atlanta. We will be coming back our new route though.

If going through Atlanta, don't forget to use the HOV lanes. They move much better and with a car full, you can use them. Also plan on hitting Atlanta either close to noon or very late/early to avoid rush (really stop) hour. I also have my wife check the traffic on Google maps every hour or so and will plan detours when I see the dreaded dark red stopped traffic.

Good luck.

John

P.S. If I don't get back to you, message me after Valentine's Day as we will be home by then. Immediately after our trip we are headed to Findlay to watch the grands and their friends' kids so the adult kids can have a night out. After this we are usually beat,

 

[DonaldnDaisy5]

Agree better having a car you are familiar with instead of driving something else.

We are driving from Dayton OH (right on your route) next week. If I remember I'll let you know of any issues that might hinder your driving.

For pit stops we used to favor the local rest stops for safety and convenience. Last year for our trips, we started stopping at Costco for a gas and pit stops. Gas is cheaper, although you might have to wait in line for 10 minutes because of the prices. You might not be able to do this because of the time of day you'll be traveling. Make sure you have the Costco and Gas Buddy apps. They are worth every second it takes to download them.

The Costcos that are close to 75 are close to Lexington KY (just south of the 64/75 split), GA/TN state line, a couple around Atlanta (both north and south - I'm planning on a stop just south of 285). If you need a food stop, there are a couple not to far from Disney. We usually do a couple of meals in the room (we are DVC members with a full kitchen), but even in a regular room, picking up bagels or other breakfast food is great..

Over the past year, we started to eliminate Atlanta completely. Our route was US35/I-77/I-26/I-95/I-4. It's about 60 miles further but actually not much more on time because of no backups around Atlanta. This time we are stopping at a friend's house in Cape Coral and need to battle 75 and Atlanta. We will be coming back our new route though.

If going through Atlanta, don't forget to use the HOV lanes. They move much better and with a car full, you can use them. Also plan on hitting Atlanta either close to noon or very late/early to avoid rush (really stop) hour. I also have my wife check the traffic on Google maps every hour or so and will plan detours when I see the dreaded dark red stopped traffic.

Good luck.

John

P.S. If I don't get back to you, message me after Valentine's Day as we will be home by then. Immediately after our trip we are headed to Findlay to watch the grands and their friends' kids so the adult kids can have a night out. After this we are usually beat,

Thank you!!! I am dreading the drive after hearing about the traffic nightmares on 75, but I am not sure I want to try the 77/95 route due to encouraging an extra stop at relatives.

 

[loves to dive]

Atlanta traffic is pretty much busy all day. Sunday mornings are the best/easiest time to go through but really if you avoid early morning rush hours and after about 3:30 or 4 when evening rush hour starts, it flows pretty o.k. We live in Athens and have gone through I85/75/285 many times pulling our fifth wheel. You could bi-pass it and go through the mountains but it's a tad longer and boring.

 

[LadyBeBop]

There are also Costco gas stations just north of Cincinnati, in Liberty Township and south of Cincinnati, in Florence.

Remember, I don’t think Costco gas is 24 hours. So plan accordingly.

If you want an experience with your gas, they opened up a new Buc-ees in Richmond KY, about 20 miles south of Lexington. There’s also one about halfway between Chattanooga and Atlanta. And I think both are 24/7.

If you’re driving through the Cincinnati area during lunch or supper time, make sure you stop at a Skyline or Gold Star Chili for some cheese coneys or chili-topped spaghetti.

And, stop at the border at the Florida Welcome Center. Looks like the free orange juice is back.

 

[FD_Man24]

We are from Michigan as well and strongly considering driving next trip due to airline prices.

I don't have much to add, other than to say I wouldn't count on receiving the exact same car. Each car class will likely have different models that are considered equivalent. So they may advertise a Ford F-150 but you get a Ram 1500. Also not uncommon to receive a different class of vehicle entirely (ie you reserve a full size but they give you a premium).

 

[sam_gordon]

That's got to be about a 17 hour drive. So at least 3 days of driving RT (assuming 1/2 day of "recovery" if you do it all non-stop).

You need to look out for Cincinnati traffic. It can get bad (or be clear) from about the OH 11 mm to the KY 184 mm. If there are weather issues, the Ky/Tn border can be "interesting". After that, relatively clear sailing until Atlanta. After Atlanta, should be relatively clear until WDW.

Figure out what time you want to hit Atlanta & Cincinnati. Here's my rough thought...

Cincinnati (+4 hours from departure)
Atlanta (+11 hours from departure)
WDW (+17 hours from departure)

That REALLY sucks IMO. I'd think you'd want to go through Atlanta either 9a-3p or 6p-m. But you've still got 6 hours to go after that.

Hitting Atlanta at 3P would mean getting to Disney about 9p (not bad), but that would mean leaving Detroit at 4a. So Cincinnati at 8a, right in time for morning rush.
Hitting Atlanta at 6p would mean getting to Disney about Midnight, and would mean leaving Detroit at 7a. That's Cinci at 11a, so this might be the best.

Then figure the return trip...

Atlanta (+6 hours from departure)
Cincinnati (+13 hours from departure)
Detroit: (+17 hours from departure)

Atlanta at Noon would be Cinci at 7p and Detroit at 11p. Leave WDW at 6am.

Sorry, I'd suck up the cost and fly.

 

[sam_gordon]

I don't have much to add, other than to say I wouldn't count on receiving the exact same car. Each car class will likely have different models that are considered equivalent. So they may advertise a Ford F-150 but you get a Ram 1500. Also not uncommon to receive a different class of vehicle entirely (ie you reserve a full size but they give you a premium).

This. There's no guarantee you get the same model car as what's listed. That's an "example". However, if you're assigned something different, you can ask at the counter if they have the preferred model.

 

[FD_Man24]

All good points @sam_gordon

Definitely need to hit Atlanta at a non-peak time. Good to know about Cinci. It's been a few years since we've driven through there. We will get to experience it though in May on our way to Louisville.

In our case, we will be in Florida for two weeks (not all at Disney) and will need a car. So the cost equation is tough given the length of time and the need for a rental car.

We are considering leaving Saturday mid morning, and then drive straight through with stops about every 2 hours. Would put us through Cinci Saturday afternoon and Atlanta overnight. Rotating drivers of course.

Our first choice is to fly, but if airfare stays high, driving will be our backup.

 

[sam_gordon]

In our case, we will be in Florida for two weeks (not all at Disney) and will need a car. So the cost equation is tough given the length of time and the need for a rental car.

That definitely changes the equation.

Take whatever time you want to leave and add 17. To me, "mid morning" is between 9-11a. That would mean getting to Disney 1a-3a the next day.

I usually end up getting 300-350 miles between stops (I start planning stops when the car says I have ~100 miles left in the tank). I think the last time we made the drive from Central Ky, we stopped 3 times... usually around Knoxville, just south of Atlanta, then Southern Ga/Northern Florida. That was a 13 hour drive (we were going just south of Disney).

On a 17 hour drive, every two hours would be 8-9 stops. That would add an hour or two of time. Don't get me wrong, that might be fine for you, I'm just the kind who doesn't "enjoy the drive".

 

[DonaldnDaisy5]

Yeah spring break ticket prices plus already high airfare - we are driving.



I'm not super concerned about the model of car - more the size being the same we are used to - although model the same would be awesome.

We have family about 14 hours south so could stop there but not sure I want to do that. Figure worse case we drive straight through and dh and I nap while girls hit the pool and lazy river or parks.

 

[FD_Man24]

@DonaldnDaisy5 As much as I hate to encourage it, my 8 year old daughter could sit contently and watch her iPad for hours upon hours.

Not sure if your route takes you down 75, but there are a couple of Buc-ee's along the way. I have them mapped as a pit stops for us along the way. I've never been to one but heard they are good stops.

 

[LadyBeBop]

Does DD 17 have her full license yet?

If so, and she does OK on the interstate, I'd give her a shift. Best shift to give her is south of Macon. That's an easy drive with no cities between there and....probably close to Orlando. I'd also think about south of Cincinnati to the KY/TN border (don't have her drive the mountains....also Lexington is not bad), or south of Toledo to north of Dayton.

That way, you can have a little rest (not nap...just rest from driving).

 

[DonaldnDaisy5]

She can but not with a rental car. But with 2 drivers I think we'll be ok - kids are old enough to amuse themselves and manage their own snacks.

 

[sam_gordon]

Does DD 17 have her full license yet?

If so, and she does OK on the interstate, I'd give her a shift. Best shift to give her is south of Macon. That's an easy drive with no cities between there and....probably close to Orlando. I'd also think about south of Cincinnati to the KY/TN border (don't have her drive the mountains....also Lexington is not bad), or south of Toledo to north of Dayton.

That way, you can have a little rest (not nap...just rest from driving).

Why would you need a full license to do so? One of our trips to Florida, DS still had his permit. So I was able to sit in the passenger seat and let him drive. I think he actually had the 1st shift, which included the Ky/Tn border and getting around Knoxville.

 

[5kidsmommy]

Don't really have any advice. I will just say we almost always drive. We are in Cleveland, so it's a good day and a half drive. We do not like the non-stop drive and even with one night in a hotel each way it still works out significantly cheaper to drive. Good luck. Just make sure to get out and stretch your legs. We also pack food because I can't do all that fast food. We usually stop and get a sit down dinner. It helps to get out of the car for a bit.

 

[LadyBeBop]

Why would you need a full license to do so? One of our trips to Florida, DS still had his permit. So I was able to sit in the passenger seat and let him drive. I think he actually had the 1st shift, which included the Ky/Tn border and getting around Knoxville.

Are you sure you don't need the full license? I can't remember if this was an Ohio or Kentucky family. But someone commented they let their 16-year old daughter, who still had her learner's permit, drive part of the way to Florida. Someone stated they were lucky they weren't pulled over. A new driver cannot drive out of state with just a learner's permit.

In some states (and I think Kentucky will go this route), someone with a learner's permit can only have adults in the car with them. So she couldn't drive with her 13-year old sister in the car.

She can but not with a rental car. But with 2 drivers I think we'll be ok - kids are old enough to amuse themselves and manage their own snacks.

Oops. I forgot about the part with the rental car. OK, carry on. But don't be surprised if she asks, "Can I drive?"

 

[sam_gordon]

Are you sure you don't need the full license? I can't remember if this was an Ohio or Kentucky family. But someone commented they let their 16-year old daughter, who still had her learner's permit, drive part of the way to Florida. Someone stated they were lucky they weren't pulled over. A new driver cannot drive out of state with just a learner's permit.

Nope. Ky's limits for permit drivers are:
* Must have someone 21+ with valid license in front passenger seat
* Can't drive between 12m-6a unless for "good cause" (work, school, emergency)

ETA: Here's a breakdown of state's rules regarding out of state permits... https://www.drivingguide.com/does-your-learners-permit-work-out-of-state/. Looks like only a handful don't allow out of state permit drivers.

In some states (and I think Kentucky will go this route), someone with a learner's permit can only have adults in the car with them. So she couldn't drive with her 13-year old sister in the car.

Nope again. Until they get their unrestricted (there's a six month "intermediate" license after passing the driving test) license, you're limited to one UNRELATED passenger under 20. So someone holding a permit or intermediate license can drive ALL of their siblings.

 

[GDUL]

What do I need to know about spring break travel on 75? Cool places to stop? Places to avoid? Favorites? Traveling with DD 17 and 13.

If you're driving down I-75, these books are great! The "Along I-75" book breaks up the Interstate into sections (ie, pages of the book). It covers Michigan through Georgia. On each page, they show the exit number, what lodging, food choices, and gas stations are available and on which side of the Interstate. There is also a section in the book where the pages are sectioned off by state and they highlight exits and mile markers as to what you can visit or read about historical sites and interesting information.

The "Along Florida's Expressways" also covers I-75 once you cross the Florida state line and follows the same format as the "Along I-75" book.

We find these very helpful! Both books are available on Amazon and there are newer editions than the pictures that I attached.

 

[kydisneyfans]

Reprice the flight tickets. I'm going right after Easter and the flights dropped over $100 yesterday from Louisville. I'm finding lately that some of the flight prices are collapsing right before the date of the flight. For the drive, at least from recent experience, I detest Cincy more than Atlanta anymore. Construction and backups. There is widening in Lexington that gets really ugly if an accident occurs. Also-the Speedway/Thorntons/Murphy Oil at the exit just before Costco in Lexington(exit 110) are often the same price or within a few pennies of the Costco price without the wait. Bu-cees is 20 minutes south of there and has been cheaper than Costco on fuel since they opened.