Pros and cons of driving/flying/train

[Angel717]

I am planning our next trip for August 2005 and am undecided about how we are going to get there. We've always flown before and rented a car, but am wondering if next time we could save a little money by taking an alternate form of transportation. I've thought about driving (we would be coming from SE Penna.) or taking the auto train. We are a family of 7 and flying and renting a car eats up a big part of our vacation budget. I haven't ruled it out, but was hoping any one who's done both (or all three) could share their experiences.

 

[papopup]

We're from the State College area and we have always flown in the past,this year we drove and pulled our camper down.I did all of the driving and did not mind it at all.With the money we saved by driving we are that much closer to going back,we tow with an Expedition and gas down and back was under $200.We left at 2:00 AM and were at the entrance to Fort Wilderness at around 9:00PM.When we go back I plan on doing the same thing,it worked very well for me but it might not for others.

 

[Kathy5]

We live in southeast Pennsylvania, too. My first trip to Disney was with my family when I was 18 (I'm now 45), and we drove to Virginia and took the auto train. Don't remember tons, but I do remember that the trip was long, and the train wasn't that clean. Our first trip to Disney when I was married and with two kids- we went into Philadelphia and took Amtrak-the biggest mistake of the entire trip. The trip took 22 hours due to numerous delays, the food was terrible, and the bathrooms dirty. My husband also had trouble sleeping on the chairs. Since then, we either fly or drive. Personally, we like driving. We leave at about 1:30 in the middle of the night, in order to go on I-95, but miss the traffic through Philadelphia, the beltway, etc. Now, I know that there are other, less traveled routes to take if you are not into middle of the night trips-(one is around Harrisburg-not sure of the route numbers). This gets us into Georgia where we stay the night and then we arrive in Orlando by early afternoon the next day. We are a family that stops a lot-bathrooms beckon me, and we stop to eat and relax at mealtimes. Another nice thing about this-at least to us-upon arrival we check in to our room and relax until late afternoon. Then, we do a character meal, etc, go back to our room and relax for thr parks the next day.

Now, I have seen flights out of ABE for $59 one way. We have also flown. I like that, too, but after 9-11 I just feel that air travel is a hassle to avoid if possible.

Keep in mind when you fly that you still have to get to Disney. We have never rented a car, because we never felt like we needed one, but there is still the cost of the bus, town car, etc.

Hope this helps.
Kathy

 

[zurgswife]

We usually fly...but for the upcoming Christmas trip I had the auto train booked because airfare was sooo high...just today I booke Southeast out of Allentown for $131 per person...we are a family of 6. We are flying into St pete and driving over but there is a flight into Sanford but it was already book for the cheap flights but I figured 1.5 hour drivnig from st pete wasn't as bad as the auto train...

 

[Dumbo]

Take the Auto Train. For a family of 7 you will have too much luggage to haul through airports. By takeing the Auto Train you can take more things with you than you would if you had to fly. You will also have your own car with you when you arrive.

And remember, kids are half price on Amtrak.

Dumbo

 

[Angel717]

Thanks for the input. The last time we went, a third of our money went towards the flight and rental car. We've always flown out of PHL, but I never thought of Allentown. I'm going to keep an eye on ticket prices and see what happens. I'm leaning towards driving or taking the auto train. I'm not afraid to fly, but it is a hassle hauling luggage, 1 or 2 carseats and waiting with 5 kids in the airport. BTDT! LOL

 

[erikthewise]

With a family of seven it certainly makes sense to consider driving. You don't say how long you'll be staying, but 7 tickets plus a minivan rental are not cheap.

Just as a reminder, some of the disadvantages of driving:

-- if you have a limited time available for your vacation, driving means spending 1 or 2 days less of it at WDW.

-- flying is a LOT safer than driving.

-- you'll have 5 kids in the car for 30-36 hours. Will you have to entertain them, or will they travel peacefully?

-- Do you believe in operating costs? Some people believe that driving is free except for gas. Others believe there is a certain cost per mile to operate a vehicle. If you factor that in, it can be considerable when multiplied by 2000+ miles.

-- While flying has its hassles, so does driving, e.g. construction, backups, detours, etc.

-- Unless you drive straight through (not for everyone!), you'll have two additional nights of lodging and meal costs to consider.

 

[Kathy5]

Something else I thought I'd mention. We are flying our daughter to Florida for a few days. I noticed the advertisement in the paper on Sunday that has Southeast goijng from ABE to "Orlando" for $59. Well, I called-the $59 was to Tampa, and the "Orlando" was to the Orlando/Sanford airport. This airport is an additional 40 minute drive north of the Orlando International Airport, and transportation costs to get to Disney were huge. No buses like Mears. Towncars - more than $100 one way. We opted for a flight to the Orlando International. Good luck.

 

[FloridaCat]

If you are driving down here is a good WDW map.

http://www.trakkermaps.com/product....ategory_name=Florida&product_id=2-8315-7171-5