Need some good advice???

[bearville]

We are going to VWL on April 20 and our flight gets in at midnight. I'm not too happy about that but it worked for other reasons! We have one nite before we check in at VWL- or part of a night. And we want to go to Daytona to the museum at the race track. How far is it and is there much traffic? What about hotels up that way? Should we try to drive it that night or get a place to stay and drive next day. Also any ideas for a less expensive hotel. I'm a little apprehensive about looking for a hotel if I don't know the area and have never been to Daytona. Also, our 5 year old will be with us. Should we even try to do this in a day and still get back to VWL to check in that evening??? Would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!......Bearville

 

[BVC4us]

Daytona Beach is about 1- 1 1/2 hours away from Disney depending on the traffic. We always stop there for 1 or 2 nights before going on to Disney. There are alot of nice hotels there. We always stay at Perry's Ocean Edge. It is a beautiful hotel...3 swimming pools and right on the ocean. Good luck and have fun!

 

[PamOKW]

I think I'd plan on staying in the Orlando area and then head out in the morning. You may hit some rush hour traffic around Orlando depending on where you are starting from but then it should clear up and be pretty smooth sailing. However, if you take the Beeline you are driving through pretty desolate country, primarily ranch land. That's why I wouldn't recommend tackling it at night after a flight. There is no where to stop along the way, it's Orlando or the coast. There are one or two tolls but not as many as you hit on the drive from MCO to WDW.

 

[Werner Weiss]

So you're arriving at midnight with a tired little 5-year old...

There's Hyatt right in Orlando Airport -- right in the terminal. I've never stayed there, but if I were arriving under similar circumstances, the Hyatt would be my first choice. You may even be able to get a decent weekend rate.

Then, the next morning, rent a car and drive well-rested in daylight.

There are a bunch of other first class hotels near Orlando Airport -- brands such as Marriott, Four Points, and Renaissance. They primarily cater to business travelers, so they often offer good weekend rates on Friday and Saturday nights. But with these you'll first need to rent a car or be picked up by the hotel shuttle (if the hotel even offers a shuttle after midnight).

Enjoy VWL!

-----
Werner Weiss, Curator of Yesterland, featuring discontinued Disneyland attractions

 

[WEBMICKEY]

How's this for a suggestion. Get a room at the Amerisuites which is very close to the airport(using priceline some people are only paying 40$) and then after a good night sleep get up and drive to Daytona in the light of day.

Why? Because we like you.!

 

[baileybrad]

between Orlando and Daytona Beach, if you have you heart set on visiting the raceway museum, I too would stay near the Orlando airport and get a fresh start in the morning. By the time you get luggage, rental car, etc. it will probably closer to 1:00 a.m.

 

[slimplaw]

Our friend's stayed at the Hyatt in the Orlando airport for one night. I don't know the cost, but they said they would do it again and the husband is very picky about which hotels he stays at.