Please tell me about driving from Boston...

[Shreggor]

So my FI & I are mega ToT fans (like I've considered getting the HTH logo tattooed on my shoulder... we are hardcore fans here!) and we want desperately to see the changes to ToT which from my understanding WILL be gone after 8/14.

We are getting married in October and honeymoon is set for first week of Nov. No set plans for that yet. (No set plans for our wedding either, other than the date and location is book. We are not good planners, as you can see. )

Anyway, after that week off in Nov, we each have:

me 3 vaca days
him 4 vaca days

We are in our mid 30's and in good physical shape. Summer heat and crowds are something we could deal with.

Anyway, the only way we can justify the cost to do this is to drive. The airfare from Boston or Manchester to Orlando is 4 times the cost to drive in my little fuel efficient car.

We've done very long road trips but always had more time. But we've never driven to FL. Maps say 22 hours. I realize traffic happens, breaks are needed etc. but the need would be to drive straight, switching off for rest. I routinely stay away for 2 straight days with no sleep and function fine. He would need more rest than me. We are both capable of sleeping in a moving car.

We'd leave middle of night on Weds night, after working and a nap. Then we'd drive all day Thursday. stay on 4 somewhere and then go to HS on Friday & Saturday. Stay at POP for sure on Friday. See how we feel on Saturday and if need be, book a motel for a few hours to nap before driving all day Sunday.

The hope would be to get back to work for Monday (I work in an office and have worked after being awake for 24 straight hours with no problems in the past) so I could go in and save a last vaca day for any emergencies later in the year. FI would not be capable of this and would need to take Monday off.

Is this doable on any level? I realize it's insane, but is it even theoretically plausible?

Thanks!

ETA : I really don't want people preaching to me that we're putting moroists at risk. We plan to switch off driving and I literally do not need to sleep every day, my body is just weird and doesn't get tired like normal people's do. It's not unusual for me to function on no sleep for 2, sometimes 3 days before I even feel tired. We aren't morons and we aren't putting anyone at risk. I just want info on driving time, traffic, construction, etc. So any helpful info you have would be great!

 

[disneydiva0729]

Drove from Cape Cod a few years ago. If you are really able to go without sleep like you say you can, it is def. possible. The way down, we stopped in S. Carolina for a 4 hour nap, but on the way back we went straight through and made it home in about 24 hours, including stops for bathroom and food. I must say though you are very brave, there is no way I could do it. I noticed you mentioned flying out of boston and manchester... did you check tf greene in RI... that's usually where we fly out of and sometimes we can get Southwest for $89 each (don't know what you gas budget is). Good luck!! Have fun!! And drive safe!!

 

[DisCopper]

I've made the trip from Boston to Orlando many times over the years. In reality, I'd give it 24 hours. Unless you time it perfectly, there are all kinds of places where you can hit rush hour traffic snags, never mind long stretches of construction.

Although you've stayed awake for 24 hours before, driving while sleepy is a totally different story. Also, you're not going to lounge around the house after staying awake long periods.. you'll be trying to see a lot of Disney in a short period of time, and that's tiring under the best circumstances.

I think your idea is probably doable, but both drivers need to be very careful. I'd say if you both can easily sleep (well) while the other drives, you might be ok. Just please stop if you find yourself drifting.

 

[Shreggor]

I should also stress that we were just there in January, are very likely going back in Nov and the only purpose of this trip would be to see the special ToT changes before they revert back to normal. We won't be running around all over the place and will have early nights, after HS closes, we go back to bed.

Flying would end up costing 4 times what driving would. There is no way we could justify spending the $$ to fly.

Has anyone who is really into ToT seen the new ToT changes? Are they worth it?

 

[stacyp9]

My vote is really bad idea. Not impossible of course, just a bad idea. I've done the drive several times from Chicago. It is exhausting. Disney in the summer is also exhausting, in shape or not. You will both be train wrecks for the ride home and it won't be safe for you to try another 22 hour marathon on the road. I would wait. Get a couple more vacation days so you can really enjoy the break and then go for it. Sorry!

PS: Oh and don't believe the estimated drive time from Mapquest etc for summer drives. Summer is construction season.

 

[Mom2m&k]

It does not sound like a great idea to me...sorry! I read a blog the other day about the changes and frankly they did not seem all that great. Not worth the torture of driving 48hrs for a weekend. I would bet that the changes will still be there in November but that is just my guess! Congratulations on your wedding!

 

[DisneyNeophite]

go to the jetblue website. If you drive to White Plains NEw York via Rt 84 (not too far from Boston AND EASY to get in and out of) you can get a flight for less than $100 each way. I got tickets for $160 Round trip from LaGuardia and there are cheaper parking places in White plains.

Driving bites the big dog. You would be happier spending time in Disney than on the highway

 

[Clare Voince]

Working on little sleep is very different than doing the same while driving. One mistake and you and some innocent person is dead. I don't think anyone would die if you were sleepy at work. This is not a 'oh, we're so daring, wild and crazy' idea. This is a dangerous, moronic idea.

 

[BenA81]

What time is middle of the night? If midnight, you'd want to try and leave earlier so that you won't hit DC morning traffic. (Boston to DC is 8 hours). So you'd want to leave before 10PM.

I'd have to agree with what is said above though with respect to driving while extremely sleepy. Driving on little to no sleep is as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.

 

[d1gitman]

honestly, i can see flying down for 3-4 days of WDW, but not driving 24 hrs straight each way.

since you mention that airfare is too much, a few things to ask yourself...what if you have flat tires or car trouble, can you cover those expenses on the road? what if you get too tired an have to check into a hotel, can you afford checking into a hotel that is available while on the road? what if you can't make it back to work in the time frame you alot yourself, what are the consequences of not getting to work on time. what if you get sick from all the stress on your body?

you state you are able to endure 24 and 48 hr stretches awake. however, driving for those periods is very tough and outright dangerous. i don't think it is wise or fair to other motorists on the road to put them in that type of potential risk.

not to burst your bubble, but i'd really think twice about it.

 

[Looking4themouse]

Working on little sleep is very different than doing the same while driving. One mistake and you and some innocent person is dead. I don't think anyone would die if you were sleepy at work. This is not a 'oh, we're so daring, wild and crazy' idea. This is a dangerous, moronic idea.

I tend to disagree with the no one would die if you are sleeping at work statement, it really depends on what you do. Doctors and nurses do this all the time on no sleep and honestly they could kill someone quicker than anyone if they make a mistake. However that being said it is a lot of driving and I've taken the drive from NH on no sleep and it's no fun truthfully. It still can be done and it can be done safely if you have someone to switch off with you, while you get some rest. Just do what others have said and get off the road if you are tired...Be safe and have fun if you do decide to go through with it.

 

[Shreggor]

Working on little sleep is very different than doing the same while driving. One mistake and you and some innocent person is dead. I don't think anyone would die if you were sleepy at work. This is not a 'oh, we're so daring, wild and crazy' idea. This is a dangerous, moronic idea.

Wow. LOL where are you getting that we're daring wild and crazy? Putting words in my post that weren't there is just silly.

Really? Are you serious? Sounds like an overreaction. Honestly, reactions like this are NOT helpful. I have driven on no sleep before numerous times with no problems. Jump to conclusions much?

But thank you to all the helpful answers about actual time and construction info. Does anyone know where any major construction is set for the next few weeks?

 

[Looking4themouse]

Wow. Really? Are you serious? Sounds like an overreaction. Honestly, reactions like this annoy me and just make me want to do it to prove a point. I have driven on no sleep before numerous times with no problems. Jump to conclusions much?

But thank you to all the helpful answers about actual time and construction info. Does anyone know where any major construction is set for the next few weeks?

I don't know if there is any major construction on 95 personally but here is a link I found super helpful.

http://www.i95exitguide.com/alert/index.php

 

[Shreggor]

honestly, i can see flying down for 3-4 days of WDW, but not driving 24 hrs straight each way.

since you mention that airfare is too much, a few things to ask yourself...what if you have flat tires or car trouble, can you cover those expenses on the road? what if you get too tired an have to check into a hotel, can you afford checking into a hotel that is available while on the road? what if you can't make it back to work in the time frame you alot yourself, what are the consequences of not getting to work on time. what if you get sick from all the stress on your body?

you state you are able to endure 24 and 48 hr stretches awake. however, driving for those periods is very tough and outright dangerous. i don't think it is wise or fair to other motorists on the road to put them in that type of potential risk.

not to burst your bubble, but i'd really think twice about it.

We have PLENTY of dollars in the bank, not to gloat but we are major savers who pay cash for everything. I shouldn't have said we "can't afford" to fly. We could, but we'd prefer not to since we just did in Jan and will again in Nov. If there was an emergency on the road, both my FI and I are schooled in car repair and could pay for and cover most emergencies, and pay for major emergencies if, god forbid, one happened.

I honestly have to laugh at some of these comments about putting other people at risk. Um? We are both fantastic drivers. I actually work in car insurance. I don't drive like a moron, thanks. I stated pretty clearly that we would be switching driving and neither of us would be driving 24 hours straight.

We've decided to go for it. And I'd venture a guess we're both safer drivers than half the people on the road.

Thanks all. If anyone has any advice about where traffic might be and what times are the best to avoid certain areas, we'd appreciate it!

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Transportation board.

 

[Shreggor]

I don't know if there is any major construction on 95 personally but here is a link I found super helpful.

http://www.i95exitguide.com/alert/index.php

Awesome! Thanks this will be great help!!

 

[Shreggor]

I've moved this thread to the Transportation board.

Thanks! I forgot that there was a trans board!

 

[Shreggor]

It does not sound like a great idea to me...sorry! I read a blog the other day about the changes and frankly they did not seem all that great. Not worth the torture of driving 48hrs for a weekend. I would bet that the changes will still be there in November but that is just my guess! Congratulations on your wedding!

Thanks! Can you send me a link to that blog?

 

[d1gitman]

We have PLENTY of dollars in the bank, not to gloat but we are major savers who pay cash for everything. I shouldn't have said we "can't afford" to fly. We could, but we'd prefer not to since we just did in Jan and will again in Nov. If there was an emergency on the road, both my FI and I are schooled in car repair and could pay for and cover most emergencies, and pay for major emergencies if, god forbid, one happened. Okay Rockefeller, got it. Apparently your time and sanity isn't worth much.

I honestly have to laugh at some of these comments about putting other people at risk. Um? We are both fantastic drivers. How naive. I actually work in car insurance. I don't drive like a moron, I dunno, your a fellow M@$$-h0le driver like me : thanks. I stated pretty clearly that we would be switching driving and neither of us would be driving 24 hours straight. Oh, okay, then i feel better.
We've decided to go for it. And I'd venture a guess we're both safer drivers than half the people on the road. Most people feel they are, yet how many of us go our entire driving career without getting into some sort of an accident? not many. Being in the insurance industry, i'm sure it doesn't advocate driving those kind of hours. There's a reason why truck drivers are regulated for their hours. Then again, i forgot, Superman is made of Steel.
Thanks all. If anyone has any advice about where traffic might be and what times are the best to avoid certain areas, we'd appreciate it!

Good luck with your trip and be safe, for everyone else's sake.

 

[allshookup]

We've done this trip many times, and quite honestly I think you are really underestimating just how tired you will be. I'm not going to preach to you about driving while tired, especially since you can nap while the other drives, which is what we try to do. However, I will tell you that it takes about a day just to recover from that drive & I think you will be too wiped out to enjoy WDW. For that reason alone I would say it's NOT doable and would choose a time when you have more vaca time to enjoy or fly. If you only have a long weekend a 3 hr trip just makes so much more sense then a 24hr trip.

If you are choosing to drive, I'm sure you know this anyway, but make sure you go 90 to 84 before getting on 95...it's a much shorter route. We always went further out & took the 81 rt to avoid major cities & traffic (longer but shorter time wise) but if you are driving at night that shouldn't be a problem. Keep in mind though, that major accidents do happen & we got stuck in Virginia for hours once, due to a rollover accident.

Good luck with whatever you choose.