I noticed that you are from Scarborough....we live in North Brampton! Hubby wants to drive down next summer for a golf vacation, but I'm unsure with 3 kids (12, 10 & 8). How's the drive down? It's about 24 hours right? Where/when do you stop, and how long does that normally take you?
It's about 24 hours but generally we find it a little less. We've been driving to Florida since I was a child so it's a drive I'm very used to.
Recently what we've found works well is to drive two days and a bit (for example for a Sunday evening arrival you'd leave on Friday) on Friday, leave immediately after work (for me that's 5pm) and drive to either Sarnia or Detroit depending on where you want to cross the border and stay the night just after crossing the border. It shaves a few hours off of your two day drive (actually - it saves about 4 hours off of your two day drive). We always pack food for that first evening so we have dinner in the car but make sure that all the fresh foods are either eaten or tossed before crossing the border.
Saturday it's up early (after staying at a hotel where they offer a free breakfast so it's quick to get on the road) and then drive and stop in Georgia past Atlanta.
Sunday we cross into Florida and finish the drive and are generally in Disney by mid to late afternoon.
A couple of tips:
We always take the I-75 route. Other people say that the other route is faster but that hasn't been our experience. We also like to avoid the mountains (especially late at night). There is a book called "Along I-75" which tells you what is at each exit - this is invaluable to find gas, lodging and food (I hate stopping at one exit and then the next morning you get up and find at the next exit was all of the good motels and food). It also helps when you're looking for the nicer gas stations which have the big, clean restrooms.
Pack a bag that is only for the travel nights (clothes, pjs and toiletries). That way when you stop for the night, you're only bringing in one bag not everyone's suitcases.
When I was a child the rule was you had to at least try to go to the washroom when we stopped (my mom used to tell us to "try to make a little pee"). Even if they don't want to, it's important to get out and stretch your legs. Going along with that, it was always that we would get drinks at the same time (i.e. if everyone drinks at the same time, good chance you're going to go at the same time - if everyone is drinking "at will" things won't sync up - not that my parents were unreasonable or deprived us, it just does make sense).
Some food differences: KFC in the states is completely different than up here - especially in the South. They serve real food and some of them offer buffets. Sonic is a cool experience because it's a drive in (but they usually have tables if you want out of the car). Don't stick to McD's as you'll miss some great fast food places that you just won't see here.
Many of the gas stations are really full rest stop areas - gas, washrooms, restaurants, stores, fast food and drinks. It's easy to spend more time than you anticipate in these places but it's also great if you need a short break from the car.
Plan that when you stop for the night - whoever was the last driver, has time to unwind. After a long drive, it will feel like they are still moving/driving. In our family, that person hasn't been able to just drop off to sleep like the rest of the passengers.
Hope this stuff helps. Any specific questions, let me know.
Jen
, but I'll make a treat so if his reaction isn't the best then hopefully some cake & frosting will ease your frustration & his nerves about "the boat" and if Beth makes it out with her girls he'll be surrounded by excitement and have no choice buy to join in. 
) So I made my own. I printed the pages in the 7x5 size and punched the holes and it worked like a charm!
