Need help figuring out if this is doable

[jodim]

My other half is stationed at Dover AFB for 3 months we are planning to fly and see him the beginning of October to visit.

They put him offbase at a extended stay hotel - we have a fridge, microwave and a pull out couch for the kiddos to sleep on.

He called today and said they approved a rental car for him (they're footing the bill - )

We were only going to go and stay for 4-5 days because we thought our airline tickets would be costly and we would have to rent a car and possibly a hotel. Since we no longer have to rent a hotel, pay for a rental car and I found killer deals on airline tickets ($650 for me and the 3 littles round trip from St. Louis ) I am considering staying longer.

Dover AFB is located in Dover, DE - it is centrally located to a ton of things we have never seen/done on the East coast. We are all dying to go to Washington DC and to see the Statue of Liberty... and I would love to go to Niagra Falls too if possible, but that may be another trip.

So here's my dilemma, we are broke from our disney trip this year. I can scrape up close to $1500 over our airline tickets, possibly $1500 if I juggle enough. I can work overtime here to make up for the days I would be off and can probably get mine advanced from next year if I need more since it's so close to the end of the year.

Do you think I can pull off a decent enough trip on $1500 spending money?? We have no problem cooking in a crock pot or microwave and eating sandwiches during the week while he's working.

And if you think I can pull it off, where do you recommend we go? What are must see's?

 

[msmama]

DC is about a 2 hour drive from Dover. NYC is about 3 hours. Niagara Falls is far - like 6 hours from NYC.

Sounds like you're a family of 5 so you are going to have to pay a bit more for hotels probably. I've done hotels in NYC and DC for $150 midweek. You could probably pay less if you're willing to stay outside the city and commute in (you could stay in NJ if all you want to do is see the Statue of Liberty). Obviously the further you go from "home", the more money you're going to spend.

I think $1500 is doable, but don't know if it's necessarily a good idea. I'm sure you could find lots of things to do cheaper and more local to Dover (or even the eastern shore of Maryland) that would still be fun as a family.

 

[bsiev1977]

While DC is two hours from Dover, the upside is a lot of the good stuff is free.

The Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, the the famous monuments don't charge admission.

Certain other museums, like the Newseum, do charge admission.

Also, if you want to guarantee being able to go up in the Washington Monument you have to pre-book a particular time. You do that through a Parks Service website. The admission to that is technically free, but booking through the website carries a small processing fee. If you don't prebook, tickets are first come first served at a building near the Monument.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I would focus on one area or one or two states.

Baltimore - Inner Harbor
DC - so many museums and historical places, zoo etc.
Virginia - Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens

Niagara Falls is pretty far.

 

[mhf]

If you can find an inexpensive hotel in Baltimore (check military rates and AAA rates), you can take the MARC train to DC for a day or two from Baltimore. Or drive to New Carrollton metro (subway) and take metro in to DC. Parking and driving in DC is a pain. Most everything is walkable from the metro: Capitol, Smithsonian museums, zoo...

As someone else mentioned, it's easy to stay just outside DC in VA or MD and hop the metro in. Just calculate the metro/MARC costs on their websites, add it up for the number of little and big people you have, and compare that to the cost of the closer hotels.

Be aware that most hotels in Baltimore and in DC charge for parking. So you're looking at another $25 or more a day on top of the room rate. And taxes…always taxes…

THe Aquarium in Baltimore is fabulous: you can order timed tickets online.

October…Nats and O's might still be playing baseball and the Redskins and Ravens will be playing football.

Melissa…in Maryland but near DC

 

[thiabelle]

I think you could do the Statue of Liberty in a day (a long day!). I would go on a weekend so there is less traffic. You have to get tickets ahead of time but they are usually easier to get from the New Jersey side than the NYC side. You could also do a very nice day in Philly. See the liberty bell and independence hall- I don't think there is much cost for those.

 

[mjkacmom]

I think you could do the Statue of Liberty in a day (a long day!). I would go on a weekend so there is less traffic. You have to get tickets ahead of time but they are usually easier to get from the New Jersey side than the NYC side. You could also do a very nice day in Philly. See the liberty bell and independence hall- I don't think there is much cost for those.

Yes, it's 2 1/2 hours to Liberty State Park. Even weekdays are doable, if you avoid driving during rush hour (7 - 9, 5 - 7, try to stay far away from exit 8 on the turnpike at peak times - always a mess at the merge). There is a great science museum there, too. It's easier to get to the SOL and Ellis Island from NJ than NY - fewer lines.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I would do Philadelphia. There is so much to do there and easy to drive to. Even if you start there, then on to Lancaster/Hershey area for an over night stay is a wonderful memorable trip for kids. Scout the Internet for admission discounts, make sandwiches with a cooler.
We've done a three day for $500 with the kids.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I think you could do the Statue of Liberty in a day (a long day!). I would go on a weekend so there is less traffic. You have to get tickets ahead of time but they are usually easier to get from the New Jersey side than the NYC side. You could also do a very nice day in Philly. See the liberty bell and independence hall- I don't think there is much cost for those.

This!
SoL is not a far drive from Dover and can easily do as a day trip. No need to pay to drive into NY and pay bridge toll & parking. Liberty State Park in NJ is right off the NJ Turnpike near Newark Airport and just a few turns from the exit. From there you can hop the ferry to Ellis Island, SoL and if you wanted you could take the ferry to Battery Park in NY. In that case you would have to pay separate ferry fare to return to NJ at the end. (From SoL you choose either NY or Nj to end your tour.)
We spent an entire day so I dont know how much time you would have to squeeze in more in NYC in one day.
Be prepared/warned about NJ TP drivers: southern part of NJ is more rural coming up from DE and the closer you get to NY, the more built up it is and more aggressive the drivers become and more traffic. I find I always prefer driving south than north.
I would also try squeeze in some time in Williamsburg and Philly if you can. Libery Bell Independance Hall etc.
4-5 days is not enough to fit it all in but you know your kids and how much touring they can tolerate.

 

[jodim]

Thanks so much for all your help!

DC is about a 2 hour drive from Dover. NYC is about 3 hours. Niagara Falls is far - like 6 hours from NYC.

Sounds like you're a family of 5 so you are going to have to pay a bit more for hotels probably. I've done hotels in NYC and DC for $150 midweek. You could probably pay less if you're willing to stay outside the city and commute in (you could stay in NJ if all you want to do is see the Statue of Liberty). Obviously the further you go from "home", the more money you're going to spend.

I think $1500 is doable, but don't know if it's necessarily a good idea. I'm sure you could find lots of things to do cheaper and more local to Dover (or even the eastern shore of Maryland) that would still be fun as a family.

Yes, it will be us and 3 kids (ages 12, 10 & 5) - and possibly only 2 kids, depending on if his ex lets us have our son for the trip.

This!
SoL is not a far drive from Dover and can easily do as a day trip. No need to pay to drive into NY and pay bridge toll & parking. Liberty State Park in NJ is right off the NJ Turnpike near Newark Airport and just a few turns from the exit. From there you can hop the ferry to Ellis Island, SoL and if you wanted you could take the ferry to Battery Park in NY. In that case you would have to pay separate ferry fare to return to NJ at the end. (From SoL you choose either NY or Nj to end your tour.)
We spent an entire day so I dont know how much time you would have to squeeze in more in NYC in one day.
Be prepared/warned about NJ TP drivers: southern part of NJ is more rural coming up from DE and the closer you get to NY, the more built up it is and more aggressive the drivers become and more traffic. I find I always prefer driving south than north.
I would also try squeeze in some time in Williamsburg and Philly if you can. Libery Bell Independance Hall etc.
4-5 days is not enough to fit it all in but you know your kids and how much touring they can tolerate.

Awesome, thanks so much for the info. If we plan right we will actually end up with 5 days and possibly even 6 to site see / do things with.

A friend said we could do Philly in a few evening trips if we wanted to, since we probably wont go to the amusement park. After a trip to WDW this year we want this to be more geared towards education and family time while site seeing - not fighting crowds to go on a ride.

We are thinking about staying the night in NY or NJ one night - possibly and then possibly in DC also. Just not sure. I may just pack a bag and if we feel we need to stay we can.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

Thanks so much for all your help!

A friend said we could do Philly in a few evening trips if we wanted to, since we probably wont go to the amusement park. After a trip to WDW this year we want this to be more geared towards education and family time while site seeing - not fighting crowds to go on a ride.

We are thinking about staying the night in NY or NJ one night - possibly and then possibly in DC also. Just not sure. I may just pack a bag and if we feel we need to stay we can.

Philly attractions close at 5:00 PM. There is really nothing to do. But during the day Liberty Bell, Independance Hall, Betsy Ross house, the zoo and many museums are available. Even if it rains you can do philly, exceptt he zoo.

 

[mjkacmom]

Thanks so much for all your help!



Yes, it will be us and 3 kids (ages 12, 10 & 5) - and possibly only 2 kids, depending on if his ex lets us have our son for the trip.


Awesome, thanks so much for the info. If we plan right we will actually end up with 5 days and possibly even 6 to site see / do things with.

A friend said we could do Philly in a few evening trips if we wanted to, since we probably wont go to the amusement park. After a trip to WDW this year we want this to be more geared towards education and family time while site seeing - not fighting crowds to go on a ride.

We are thinking about staying the night in NY or NJ one night - possibly and then possibly in DC also. Just not sure. I may just pack a bag and if we feel we need to stay we can.

If you plan on deciding to stay in NJ or NY, make sure you have hotels in mind. They are pricy, and some can be scary. You really have to research.

 

[Glenn]

I would agree with others here that you should stick with 1 area for your trip. DC is wonderful, full of history and fun. Most museums are free, same with the zoo. The kids might love the Lincoln Memorial since theyve probably seen pictures of it. It might be too late but check with your representative about tickets to the White House. Staying outside of DC is cheaper. Known some that stayed in Alexanderia and Crystal City.
Trying to go to DC, NY and Niagra falls will add lots to costs and eat up lots of time traveling.
Last thing do not borrow against future income.
Hope the family has fun. Oh wonder if any hotels have discounts for the military?

 

[java]

To me Dc would be cheaper. But some freebie nyc things

There is a newer walkway (name is escaping me) along the old train tracks) that has some kiosks and stands along the path. Pretty. I think it starts near Jane street up to 30th? I think

If you go into the city. Take he Staten Island Ferry to see th Statue of liberty from the boat. Then you could walk along oh its called the highline! remembered.....


Forget about niagra falls that is too far.


Another option dpending on hen exactly you are comng is Hersheypark i think its called Park in the Dark for Halloween. It runs. A couple weekends. I think it would be abput 2.5 hours to get there up the PA tpk and then over to Hershey.

Just wanted to throw another one out there.

 

[danygirl]

Dover is not that far from the absolutely awesome Delaware beaches. Very family friendly and could be warm enough to spend time playing on the beach, playing putt putt etc

You could go to chincoteague and see the beach ponies

DC is a good 2-3 hour drive but after you pay for hotel and food lots of stuff is free

 

[PlutoPony]

We are thinking about staying the night in NY or NJ one night - possibly and then possibly in DC also. Just not sure. I may just pack a bag and if we feel we need to stay we can.

DC Hotels will be MUCH cheaper on the weekend than during the week.