Question for those that drive

[Kim2430]

There will be 3 adults possible 4 and one child going. We have about 430 miles to get to Disney. We have a car and MIL has a car-I'm not sure either of them are big enough. She has a Sable and I have a Malibu. There will be luggage for all of us plus a stroller. Does anyone think that will work in either car? I'm beginning to think it won't. MIL wants us to rent a minivan but that adds another expense to our trip. I checked online and it's about $430 to rent one for 7 days.

What do you think?

 

[geniegirl]

Can you use a soft roof top carrier, or pack in duffles that may cut down on space. You could also just pick up a cheap stroller down there if you dont need a specific one. It may be tight but you are right what you are saving will be used up in the rental. Oh you could also ship some stuff to the resort first to save on space.

 

[Janet Hill]

I would use a soft cartop carrier. A minivan while more comfortable seating does not really offer up much more storage space than a car. If you take a car, and a mishap occurs, you would have all potential projectiles on the cartop or in the trunk. Whereas in a mini van you could be a potential target. (Can you tell I have a phobia?)

 

[motocrossmom]

have you tried checking on airline invoices

 

[hoosiergirl7]

I agree with the the PP. Duffle bags help make it easier to pack. We try to take them as often as we can. Especially when we're driving even though we have a minivan & a mid-size SUV.

We are headed to Disney in October and are renting a car. We have a slightly longer journey. We have to drive 950 miles. There is no way I want to put about 2000 miles on my own car. It'll cost us a little over $300 to rent but that's way cheaper than airfare. Plus I avoid the miles on my own vehicle.

It also depends on what kind of stroller you're planning on taking. If it's an umbrella stroller then I think you'll be fine. If you're taking a big bulky stroller then renting is a better option. But you might consider renting a full size vehicle rather than a mini-van.

Hope you find a solution.

 

[coltfan]

Why don't you try test packing the vehicle? The suitcases fit differently loaded vs empty so load them. Just grab the number of shirts, shorts, etc you plan to take. You don't need to waste time packing the actual outfits, just grab the top 5 or 7 or whatever. We did this prior to a trip to make sure we had enough space. You may also find it helpful to look at websites for packing tips. Rolling your clothes versus folding them saves a lot of space!!

Your travel partners may think your nuts, but if it saves $430 renting a vehicle, try it. Have them bring the suitcase they plan to take on the trip packed for the test. Make it fun by asking them to come over for dinner and to watch a Disney movie or planning video. Perhaps if you are successful in fitting everything, you can call that night to book an additional ADR somewhere special with the car rental savings. That would be an incentive for me!!

 

[srwarden1928]

Youre going to have to pack the cars to see if everything fits. One of the MANY reasons I like to drive is that I dont have to worry about what I take. But I have a minivan. Two adults in a minivan have lots of room. The year we took five adults and a child it was crowded in a seven person minivan. Four adults and a child and a stroller in a regular car might just be too much.

 

[DevilDuckie]

I would use a soft cartop carrier.

I agree. Cheaper than renting a car or paying for gas for a second vehicle even for one trip and it will be a lasting asset.

 

[Karlzmom]

There will be 3 adults possible 4 and one child going. We have about 430 miles to get to Disney. We have a car and MIL has a car-I'm not sure either of them are big enough. She has a Sable and I have a Malibu. There will be luggage for all of us plus a stroller. Does anyone think that will work in either car? I'm beginning to think it won't. MIL wants us to rent a minivan but that adds another expense to our trip. I checked online and it's about $430 to rent one for 7 days.

What do you think?

While the minivan is a cost, how much will 2 cars worth of gas cost? If you try to cram everyone into one and you are all miserable, is it really the best cost savings?