Need a good place to stay on I-75 about 5 hrs from WDW?

[disneygrandma]

We'll be driving for the first time on this trip. We're hoping to find a place to stay that's about a 5 hr drive from WDW. For those experienced in driving I-75, which city would be about a 5 hr drive away? Any suggestions for hotels to stay? I also would appreciate hearing about places to avoid along I-75.

Thank you!

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

Macon is 5-6 hours away. The drive is "easy" from that point to WDW.

I would think all the major chain hotels should be available. Someone will probably give specifics soon.

 

[Poohs Pal]

I have on previous trips stayed in Perry exit 136. I do not remember which hotel I stayed in.
I have also stopped in Cordele exit 101. Stayed at the Fairfield Inn. These are both about 5 hours out.

I have also stayed in Tifton exit 62 which is about 4 hours out. Again stayed at a Fairfield Inn.
Most recently stayed in Valdosta exit 18 at the newer Holiday Inn Express. This is about 3 hours out.

Each time I drive I am always amazed by the amount of new hotels going up considering the economy. I also always bring along the book Along I-75 by Dave Hunter. A lot of good info in this book. I drive from Michigan so I am spending a lot of time on I-75. I also prefer to drive through Atlanta rather than around it. I use the HOV lane during rush hour. I always drive the by-pass through Macon. The by pass is less miles than staying on I-75. Susan

 

[disneygrandma]

We will be "picking up" I-75 in the Chattanooga area. Our drive thru Atlanta will be in the dark. Hopefully it will be well lit & well marked. I think we will try & make it to Cordele. Were you happy with the Fairfield Inn there?

Originally, we had planned to stay around Calhoun, and then drive thru Atlanta in the daytime. This would be Thanksgiving morning, so the traffic shouldn't be too heavy. We are concerned about driving this far on Thanksgiving Day, whether or not we would have problems finding gas on the holiday. And of course, that would put our arrival at WDW much later that day. What is the approx drive time from Calhoun? Also, what is this area like for hotels?

We're just really unsure as to what would be best. I've considered making resv's in a couple of cities, and then make a decision by the cancellation time. We're totally unfamiliar with this region. What would you suggest?

Thanks for the help!

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

It ain't like the ole days.......... finding gas on Thankgiving should not be a problem. Now when we were little kids in the 60's,that was a different story.

You can use Mapquest to figure out the drive from city to city.
Calhoun Ga to WDW is about 8 hurs

Once you get south of Macon, you will find "pockets" of towns with hotels every so often as you travel south. You just have to balance out how long you want the first leg and second leg of your trip to be.

Driving south through Atlanta on 75 is well marked. Day or night you should have no problem being in the correct lane.

What are you guys doing for breakfast? I suggest you call each hotel fron desk and ask them what they offer for their free breakfast and how close the fast food places are that serve breakfast items.

We made last minute reservations at the Days Inn in Tifton (last June) about 7 hours before our actual arrival time. The AAA rate was 70 bucks and all the rooms were connected by an interior hallway...........not outside the parking lot.

Mapquest says 4 hours from Tifton to WDW.

I was told by the hotel I talked to in Cordel that there are train tracks there and some people are bothered by the freight train traffic.

 

[DC7800]

The Fairfield Inn in Cordele is nice, just a couple years old, and impeccably maintained. If you don't want a view of the train tracks (the noise really is minimal), there is an even newer Country inn & Suites in Cordele at exit 99.

Personally, I'd go with the Fairfield Inn.

 

[disneygrandma]

My husband is the one who is more concerned about the gas situation. In this day of "pay at the pump" I didn't think it would be a big problem. However, I didn't want to push it, just in case there was a problem getting gas. I'm more concerned about traveling a long time that day, and what time we will be getting to WDW.

Neither of us is a big breakfast eater. We are just planning on staying at a hotel that offers a free breakfast. He's fine with coffee. I like some cereal & fruit. Maybe yogurt. However, we love eating lunch & dinner at local diners that offer great food, and something different. Since you brought up eating, I was wondering if anyone has suggestions for lunch or dinner on this trip. We hope to stay away from the national chain locations. Would love to find one of those places that are a favorite of the locals.

Suggestions anyone? Thanks!

 

[kydisneyfans]

Just made the drive yesterday.

I would not worry about fuel on Thanksgiving Day. Just don't go below a quarter tank. There are Pilot and other truck stops every 25 miles or so down 75. That doesn't include QTs, Racetraks, etc.

As for hotels, it seemed that every 35 miles or so had a town with many chain hotels clustered at exits. Somewhere from Macon to South Atlanta is 6 hours out for us. I figure 3 hours from the FL border to Disney property.

Enjoy the trip.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would highly recommend the Hampton Inn & Suites Valdosta/Conferene Center, which is located off exit 16. Valdosta is about 15 minutes away from the Florida state line and is around 4 hour drive to WDW.
http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/...ionid=KPBC00EPH51XSCSGBJBNMQQ?ctyhocn=VLDCCHX