Opinions about Driving vs. Flying

[razamataz]

We are planning to go in September. We are trying to decide whether we would rather fly than drive. Because this will be hurricane season, we are trying to plan for the worst, but are hoping for the best!!!

We have purchased trip insurance from Disney, in case, a hurricane is supposed to get there at the same time we do. However,I am just in need some opinions:

Would be better to fly or drive? If we drive and hurricane comes, we could always leave a day or two early and be no worse for wear. However, I know the gridlock on the road that occurs whenever this happens.

But, what would happen if we flew? Would we be allowed to re-schedule our flight without having to pay to do so? or would be stuck and have to ride it out? Have the Orlando airports ever had to close because of hurricane? Has Disney ever had to close down?

Being from Mississippi and having ridden out Katrina last year, I am a bit gun-shy of being stuck in another hurricane.

Thanks for your help.
razamataz

 

[MidgeD79]

Who is all going? It may make a difference if you have alot of people or very young kids.

 

[hvivona]

As a kid, one of my favorite parts of vacation time was the trip there. You are a in a small space with those you love the most. No big distractions...just quality time!!!! Songs, road games, I spy, sing alongs... how much fun is that!!! We are heading for Disney World with our 3 girls-ages 3,5 & 8 in 20days. We are looking at about a 9hr trip and we are all super stoked. Plus, you get to have a mile by mile count down as you get close and then super awesome cheer when you pull up to the property....think of like the new years eve count down...so much fun.

 

[seashoreCM]

If your flight is cancelled, the airline must put you on a flight with room (in the same part of the plane) and convenient for you, ignoring fare rules, capacity controls, etc.

Given today's airport hassles including getting to and from airports, seriously consider driving when the distance is 500 miles or less.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[razamataz]

Actually, it is my sister's sister-in-law who will be driving with me. (Is that confusing, or what?) There are only going to be two of us (both of us drive) and we are approximately 800 miles from home to WDW.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Micker]

I love it! Disaster recovery planning by a disney traveler! I would drive if that's what makes you comfortable and you like driving. I agree that driving can be good family time. On the other hand, if the time requirement will be a problem and you really don't like driving I would fly. You can rent a car and have it reserved for when you get here and then you have a car should you need to drive home. If you fly, you should be able to get a refund for an unused ticket, however if you fly one way and drive back, you probably wouldn't get anything. Ask the airline how that works -- it depends on the type of ticket you buy. If you drive, then you will have the convenience of having your own car to use and it is less expensive than flying and renting.

 

[rie'smom]

We live in Louisiana and used to drive-now we fly-can't stand sitting down for a long time. Because we go around Memorial Day every year,I don't think about hurricanes. I would fly. If there is a hurricane and you're driving:
you'll sit in traffic
won't find a hotel room
have to detour and navigate through unfamiliar territory
worry about the weather you'll have to drive(make that sit)through

Yes,MCO did close for hurricanes and has suffered damage,but not horrible.

 

[PlutoLuvr]

We've always driven, so I can't compare it to flying. We used to live three hours south of the world; now we live two hours north. We've always lived on the coast, so we worry about our homes when we go away.

Our anniversary is in September, so we always go to Orlando at least then.

Driving through potential hurricane routes can be a giant headache! It's not only before or during the hurricane path you want to avoid, but after, too.

However, twice I can remember being "stuck" in Orlando, once at the Poly after Andrew hit Miami in '92 and once at the Hard Rock Hotel two years ago. Not because 'canes were hitting Orlando, but the paths were directed at our home areas.

In my experience, if you are already staying at a hotel and you need to extend your trip a day or two because you would otherwise have to be driving through a hurricane, the hotels you're currently staying at will absolutely put you up for another night or two. HRH charged us FL resident/AP rates, but back in '92 after Andrew when we stayed at the Poly, they gave us and a few others who couldn't drive back south an incredible rate...I can't remember what it was so long ago, but it was about 50 percent less than what we had paid for the first few nights.

Get gas every chance you can. Don't wait. Keep in mind half the state might be evacuating north and in search of gas during your vacation. You know the timeframe we have to "prepare." We had a heck of a time once finding gas to get home. I wished we had filled up at that Hess leaving WDW every day!

Bring a photocopy of any important documents in a small lock box with you just in case something happens to your hometown while you're gone. We also bring phone contact numbers, i.e., neighbors, bosses (home numbers), insurance agent, city hotline number, etc.

If you drive, be flexible. Last September, there was a tropical storm slated to hit Daytona through Jacksonville (we're in Jax and have to drive south to Daytona to get to I-4). DH & I were already in Orlando, but my mother was planning to join us about four days after we arrived, on a Thursday. Well, Thursday this storm was scheduled to be going up the coast. Well, she just had to come two days early...she wasn't too bummed

Good luck!

 

[TIGGERGUY]

It is about 7 hour drive for me, so I always drive. It is cheaper than multiple plane tickets. Having your car gives you a sense of freedom. The park shuttles are waaayyy too slow for my taste. However, make sure your vehicle is in good working order before departing. Have car emergency supplies on hand. AAA is worth its weight in gold.

 

[STEAMBOAT209]

I have done both, drive and flew from so. Jersey, and we are approx 1010 miles from home to WDW. The first 5 years we drove, really enjoyed the drive and stayed over night mid way. The problem came into play on the way home, it took twice as long, the drive was boring and not looking forward to getting back to the same old, same old. Now we fly, its much better, we there in 2 hrs, and home in 2 hrs, not that long drive to think about getting home for 3 - 4 days.

As far as the hurricanes, our God Daughter got married last year and the honeymoon was at WDW, only problem, hurricane, they could not fly into Orlando, it was closed. Phila changed their flight to fly into Tampa, there they got a rental car and drove to WDW. Worked out for them, and the airports will try to accommodate if possible.

 

[Belle1962]

Agree with everything PlutoLvr said. If you are at a hotel--consider staying put! Having been stuck at airports in bad weather bear in mind that yes the airline does have to re-accomodate you--as they will they the other 10,00+ plus people who were also stranded. By next available flight they mean the next one we can get you on--not the VERY VERY VERY next one. And you are not entitled to any compensation--meals, etc. You are on your own. Once you check out of your hotel and go the airport--you are stuck at the airport--you will not be able to find another hotel room!!!!

I would drive, and if a hurricane was coming either bunker it at Disney--you can search and see posts about their guests were treated during last years storms--or immediately get on the 800 number of the big hotel chains and book a hotel "out of the path" and drive there. But mostly--I would just bunker at Disney.

 

[Atchley]

It is a 16 hour drive for us. Even with gas prices the way they are I cannot justify paying over $1000.00 to fly to a place we can drive to in a days time. I'm not cheap. I just feel that I should get the most for my money and with the money I save by not flying I can do more things in the parks and around them with my kids. Not to mention that I have a larger space to bring home all the souvieneers that I purchased with my savings!

 

[JPN4265]

If I can drive it in less then a day, I drive, if not, I fly.

 

[tribus121]

I the past i have both diven the 30 hrs ( from eastern canada )and flown always in feb and alone . This year we are flying ( Dont trust my 14 year old car )we are going in september this year for free dining .