Overnight Stop on the Way to/from WDW

[NALA 24]

I need advice on if we should make reservations for our overnight stops on the way to and from WDW. When driving to South Carolina before, we made resrvations. The first time when we got to the hotel we thought we could have driven more miles and the second time, because of construction delays, we really had to push it, to make it to the hotel we reserved. What should we do?

 

[momof2sons]

I have never made reservations on the way down or back. You just don't know how the traffic will flow. We take our chances and if we need to stop then we just do. Only had one time in 10 years we had to drive a little farther (do to car races that weekend) to find a room. We usually drive straight through.

 

[PammyK]

This might work if you have a cell phone...
Get an AAA triptik and tourbooks for the route, figure out where you think you might stop, and then note which hotels you would prefer at each major exit. About 30-60 minutes from calling it a day, call your preferred hotel to check availability and if no availability, check at the previous or next exit. This way you won't have to worry about driving from hotel to hotel looking for a room after you get off the interstate.

 

[DC7800]

Originally posted by PammyK
...you won't have to worry about driving from hotel to hotel looking for a room after you get off the interstate.

Which I've seen happen several times, most recently in Lake City, Florida just before midnight last July. Fortunately we had reservations. Less-fortunate families were going door to door looking for a room (as a recall, 3-4 parties showed up at the Hampton Inn as we claimed our room) at that late hour, with everywhere booked up. Not a very pleasant way to spend the first night of your vacation. I'd always assumed at least a few people must have ended up without a place to stay, not without driving a few more hours anyway.

I've learned never to take that chance, so I would definitely call ahead before it gets too late (early enough that rooms will still be available). You might even have a range of tentative locations picked out ahead of time with phone numbers ready, to call depending on how far south you make it.

 

[deb305]

It really depends on the time of day you decide to stop. If it is after 7:00 (or after dark) expect a hard time. We usually stop around 6:00 and get one of the last rooms. Around 3:00 we start calling hotels at our target stop and get a confirmed reservation.
We usually try to stay at Hampton Inns, Fairfield Inns or Holiday Inn Express, and they seem to fill up fast.

 

[NALA 24]

Thanks for the advice. I think calling ahead from the car is the answer.
Does anyone know a good exit to stop at in South Carolina along I-95?

 

[OKW91]

We usually stay overnight in GA. but we did stay once at a Country Inn & Suites at Florence SC. It's at exit 164 right off I95, there is also one in Santee SC at exit 98. We find these to be very nice and clean, usually come with a continental breakfast.

 

[DianeV]

OKW: Where do you usually stop in Georgia?

 

[JudithM]

Last night we stopped at exit 164 - US 52 in Florence, SC & stayed at a Sleep Inn. I made the reservations from the car after we picked up the SC hotel guides at the Welcome Center. In the past we have also stayed at Clark's in Santee, SC, exit 98, I believe.

In Georgia we frequently stay at the Hampton Inn in Richmond Hills, exit 87 or the Hampton Inn in Darien, exit 49. Again I make reservations from the car after we have some idea how far we might get. Weather & traffic frequently play roles in how long we will drive.