Thinking about driving to Disney the day after Christmas

[cwnhokie]

Is that crazy? We are near DC. We want to do something fun with the kids on their Christmas break and we are considering Disney. The airfare is outrageous so we would have to drive. We've been to Disney several times but we've never driven. The furthest we have driven with the kids is the almost 9 hours to Myrtle Beach. They are 4,9, and 10. We could try to leave Monday afternoon/evening arriving in Orlando Tuesday. Then leave to drive back on the 31st or 1st to get the kids back in time for school on the 3rd. Is it worth it?

 

[Alesia]

I wouldn't be as concerned about the drive as I would be about taking a spur of the minute trip during the busiest and most expensive week of the year.

 

[backyardponder]

Have you checked if rooms are available and affordable?

Personally, I wouldn't drive nearly 1,000 miles each way for 5 nights at one of the busiest time of the year.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

As others have said, you have a lot working against you other than the drive. If you and your family are up for massive crowds then I wouldn't let the drive hold you back.

 

[Missytara]

I think everyone has been forthcoming, but I will add my two cents.

Don't do it.

For people who only have off Christmas day, Monday will be a holiday. They will be traveling home that day. The traffic will be horrific.

You are heading to a place where it is the busiest the entire year. All hotels will be booked; can you even concieve of getting a room anywhere??????? You will be dealing with people who have off the entire week (a lot of manufacturing facilities will shut down that week) and hotels will be filled to the max.

You will be traveling home on an equally busy day. Again, since New Year's day falls on a Sunday, Monday will be a holiday for most and the traffic will be horrific as well coming home. Everyone will be heading home the same day to get the kids back to school and family back to work.

I wouldn't even dream of thinking about it, let alone actually doing it.

 

[minnierocks]

I would do it! I guess I am crazy but if I was sure that I had a room, could afford to pay the premium price and was extremely flexible with what I wanted to see/do...then I would definitely go! Your kids will never forget a spur of the moment trip to WDW...mine would be super excited.
As long as you go with the clear understanding that the parks are going to be busy, restaurant availability is going to slim to none and you may not get to do everything that you want...I don't see why it could not be a great trip! I would absolutely never turn down a chance to visit WDW!

 

[amylevan]

You're considering THIS christmas? You do realize it is already the middle of December right? You'd be lucky to get a room, won't get any restaurant reservations, and.... Nevermind driving on some of the busiest travel days of the year. Yikes.

I wish you the best if you decide to try, but aye....

 

[edbo77]

I'm not making the drive at that time of year, but how bad do you think that traffic will be headed down 95 from New England on the 26th? I have friends that are doing it and they're asking me for advice.

 

[sam_gordon]

Just FYI, we checked in to the Poly the day after Christmas in 2009. It was at about 50% occupancy.

Disney.com shows optionS, I didn't click far enough through to confirm availability, but getting the room is the easy part (IMO). I simply wouldn't plan such a long drive for winter when you don't know what the roads are going to be like.

 

[Lcaemom]

If you go to the website, I'd bet you could find something...I'm sure there will be availability somewhere!?! Yes, it will be sooooooooo busy...don't know about traffic but, if you can be flexible, with realistic expectations of the crowds and lines...I agree what could more exciting than that??? I'd go just to be there on New Year's Eve...you'd have all day to get yourself set up for that somewhere. Looking forward to hearing how things turn out and what you decide!

 

[Missytara]

I'm not making the drive at that time of year, but how bad do you think that traffic will be headed down 95 from New England on the 26th? I have friends that are doing it and they're asking me for advice.

The 26th is a state and federal holiday; a lot of people will be traveling home, if they only have off Christmas day. The DC crowd will be heading back as well. Traffic down 95 will be sluggish at best.

Expect huge delays.

 

[JennSaint]

If you are prepared to have parks at full capacity(extremely long lines) and possible parks closing because of it then go for it. I would only go if you can stay onsite and take advantage of Extra Magic Hours. Oh and like others have said getting dining ressies this late might be impossible so you would have to be ready to eat counterservice in the parks and at offsite restaurants.

 

[cwnhokie]

Well I think you all talked sense into me. We just have these left over tickets burning holes in our pockets. But we are going to go to Ocean City for a couple night to a hotel with an indoor pool and then go to Disney early in March when the boys have a couple days off school. It's the second weekend in March, it's before Easter so hopefully not too crowded yet.

 

[kaffinito]

Well I think you all talked sense into me. We just have these left over tickets burning holes in our pockets. But we are going to go to Ocean City for a couple night to a hotel with an indoor pool and then go to Disney early in March when the boys have a couple days off school. It's the second weekend in March, it's before Easter so hopefully not too crowded yet.

Now that sounds like a plan.

 

[stitch34]

I think you're better of skipping it and just staying put!
Granted.... I feel the same... want sooo badly to just jump in the car.
Happens to me every year.... we watch the Disney Christmas parade on TV as opening up gifts.... and am like ohhhh, let's just go NOW!
But to think of driving and traffic and the crowds and it being so expensive then.... just never happens for us.

 

[nono]

Well I think you all talked sense into me. We just have these left over tickets burning holes in our pockets. But we are going to go to Ocean City for a couple night to a hotel with an indoor pool and then go to Disney early in March when the boys have a couple days off school. It's the second weekend in March, it's before Easter so hopefully not too crowded yet.

March weather's usually more predictable too. Have fun in Ocean City!

 

[cwnhokie]

Thanks everyone! We had a wonderful time in Ocean City. And I heard all about the horrible crowds at Disney but also saw some friends wonderful pictures. So now I'm trying to nail down a March trip. Just trying to decide if we want to add on a little cruise or just spend the whole time at Disney.