Safe rest stops to sleep in car?

[disneyadv]

We drive to Disney 1 - 2 times per year. We usually drive from NJ and stop about 11pm or midnight for about 5 hours and a hotel costs us around $90-$100. It seems like such a waste to me since we literally use the room for 5 hours. Does anyone know of any safe rest stops to park the car and sleep there for a few hours? Has anyone done this before? Maybe somewhere with security, even if it is a campground?

 

[siskaren]

I can't imagine it would be comfortable to sleep in a car even if the area was safe. $100 seems a small price to pay to sleep in an actual bed.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

its not always the bed that makes me want to stop at a hotel - but a nice warm shower!

 

[shafke]

About where do you stop?

The last time we drove we made a pit stop at the 2nd rest area in VA on I95. This was around 2am or so. The entire parking lot was full with people sleeping in their cars so I would say this is a fairly safe place to stop and catch a few winks.

 

[darnheather]

In many rest areas it is illegal to park overnight. I don't think you'd get a ticket but you might get a sharp rap on the window and a request to move on. $90 is worth the peace of mind and being able to stretch out for me.

 

[Zooshoveller]

Find a Walmart.

 

[Missytara]

Find a Walmart.

This.

My best friend and her husband drive down to her mom and dad's place in Florida (almost 3/4 of the way down at the end of the state). They got as far as Daytona and decided to give up for the night.

They couldn't even get near any hotels; and suddenly realized it was race weekend.

So we live in Dover, which has two races a year and hotels are booked for up to 2-1/2 hours from our house some years. Yet it never crossed her mind.

They ended up pulling into a Walmart and catching a couple of hours sleep. It was just enough to get them rejuvanated and back on the road.

 

[maxiesmom]

The first time you hit a rest area, pick up one of those little hotel coupon booklets. You can find great deals on decent hotels. No way would I sleep in the car. NO WAY would I sleep in a Walmart parking lot.

 

[bumbershoot]

Even if other people do it, there is no rest stop safe enough to sleep in a car. Please don't do this.

I used to do it, when I was young and really really not very bright in the ways of the world, and thought no one could see me (didn't think of my breath fogging up the car) and that no one would bug me (single young female, alone?), etc. I was lucky beyond belief that I was never bothered by anyone.

Please just get a hotel.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Unsafe rest stops are bologna... Most post nightly security..

We've stopped at state Welcome Stations and asked if its allowed.. They said sure and nightly security is patrolling...

We stopped at the Florida Welcome Station, security person makes the rounds and stays on property...no problem!

All we needed was a 3 hour power nap, got to POFQ at 6am, had breakfast at 7 am and made RD at EPCOT at 8:30... It was like another extra day and saved 100.00 from a motel..

Will do it again in a heart beat... What makes everyone thing motel rooms are safe and secure?

 

[maxiesmom]

Will do it again in a heart beat... What makes everyone thing motel rooms are safe and secure?

Are motel rooms 100% safe? Nope. Are they safer than sleeping in your car where anyone can walk by and see you? Yep.

Not to mention a bed is more comfortable than sleeping in a car. There is rest, and then there is REST. A good quality rest is head and shoulders above a cramped, non secluded, uncomfortable rest.

 

[darnheather]

The first time you hit a rest area, pick up one of those little hotel coupon booklets. You can find great deals on decent hotels. No way would I sleep in the car. NO WAY would I sleep in a Walmart parking lot.

And this. I've gotten great deals for $40. I travel A LOT alone with two children so maybe that's part of my deal, but I can't see spending $1000's on a vacation and then risking your life for $50-$100 on a hotel room. If your budget is that tight maybe you should rethink a Disney vacation.

ETA: This article is a bit out of date but does mention it being illegal and unwise.

 

[kathie859]

This plan reminds me of the old saying "Penny wise and pound foolish!"

Spring for the few bucks and sleep (and shower, etc) in a safe(r) environment. You'll arrive in a better frame of mind and rested.

 

[Zooshoveller]

Most Walmart stores allow and encourage overnight parking, especially RVs. As long as the store is open 24 hours, it will have constant security personnel and cameras.

 

[quirty30]

Book something on Priceline or Hotwire. I consider myself somewhat of a Priceline expert and I rarely pay more than $50 a night and I stay at nice hotels, all 3 & 4 stars. You can do even better than that for lower star ratings if you're just looking for a place to sleep.

I have pulled over at rest stops in a pinch - I'm a single mom and sometimes on road trips I just get really tired and need to rest my eyes for a while, but I can't imagine trying to get substantial rest while sleeping in my car.

 

[maxiesmom]

Most Walmart stores allow and encourage overnight parking, especially RVs. As long as the store is open 24 hours, it will have constant security personnel and cameras.

Many of them are not allowing it any more, from what I have heard.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

something that we have done in the past is stop at a campground that has a late check in desk pay for a tent site and sleep in the car. use the comfort station to freshen up in morning and head out in the early morning. desk will most likely be just a desk and drop box. was less than motel

 

[Lewisc]

The rest stops have those newspaper like flyers with ads for motels near exits.

Some places have unpublished "manager" rates. By 9-10p the hotel knows the room will probably not be rented. Say you haven't driven as far as you planned and you need a room for the night. You hope they can give you the right rate so you don't have to drive around looking. Works even better when you confirm you'll be checking out after an early breakfast.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Most Walmart stores allow and encourage overnight parking, especially RVs. As long as the store is open 24 hours, it will have constant security personnel and cameras.

Lots of WalMarts no longer allow overnight parking. You can find a list of those which do here:

http://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations.htm

 

[NotUrsula]

If you feel that you absolutely must sleep in the car, the PP who suggested a campground is on the money. Most of the time a tent site at a campground near a highway will cost around $30, and you will have a place to shower in the morning.

Just Google "campgrounds near I-##" and you will get plenty of info on locations and prices.