Tips for staying alert while driving to WDW on the interstate.

[ellenmiele]

DH and I have done the overnight drive straight through from central NJ three times now and each time we left NJ at about 6pm and were in our WDW resort just before noon. We take turns driving and the kids sleep. And there is so much less traffic at night! I try to get extra sleep for the few nights before we leave and usually DH sleeps during the day that we leave. And it works well for us because he prefers driving the first part of the trip (until about 3 am) and then I drive until about 7 or 8am then we switch again. Personally I like to eat if I'm driving at night -- things like mini jelly beans or peanuts. Probably the same idea as the sunflower seeds. And hard candies or lollipops are good too. And Starbucks! But at the very first sign of yawning we switch drivers. All the caffiene and sugar can't make anyone a safe driver if you are tired.

 

[Madi100]

Oh! Listening to Harry Potter might be the perfect solution for my DH. He is driving to Wyoming for a vacation that we will already be on. It wouldn't be bad, but he has a really long day the day before he drives out. I'm thinking that if he can drive a couple hours when he gets off work (he is NEVER tired when he gets off work) and then sleep for 6 hours. Then drive with a two hour stop somewhere he'll be good. But, Harry Potter would definitely keep him going!

 

[Kerlynne]

We have drove now 3 times, and probably will again this October, straight through. I start off the trip, till we get to DC traffic. While I'm driving, DH naps. (also we leave after dinner, around 7pm, so he also naps from4-7p). So when it's his turn to drive, I take the PM Tylenol (Need it, since body cramps from all the sitting anyway.) DH takes Caffeine Pills. And then we he gets tired, I wake up then take over again. We go back and forth, taking the uppers and downers. LOL
What has worked for us is, to keep the heaters on, in the seats, helps the butt and lower back from cramping. and also keeping the air on, in the face. I force myself to sing along with the music. And I also force myself to read the signs we pass, as well as others license plates, to keep my eyes "working." We also have a dvd player, so I leave that in the back seat, so I'm not tempted to look at it, and it forces your brain to overwork, to listen to it, and imagine the pictues.I course, we take tons of pee stops and we use that time to refuel with coke, and eating protein. (peanuts, or crackers) . We also bring mint hard candy, helps the tummy. And we go through lots of gum.

 

[MOmousefan]

Myself and my two adult daughters drove nonstop from Central Missouri to WDW in 18 hours. We left at 3:00PM and drove through the night. We left WDW at 7:30 in the morning and arrived at home around midnight. I will never travel through the night again. A daughter relieved me twice for two hours while I napped going South, but I was able to drive all of the way home. The others are right in saying stop as soon you feel tired. The tempation to go a little bit farther is great, but think of your family.
I love driving and there is lots of beaultiful scenery we we miss atnight. Have a safe trip.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

I don't know if this has already been said but the best beverage for staying awake is COLD WATER. It stimulates the brain and is good for you.

Lori

 

[bubba73]

I also have a tendency to read all the billboards, looking at the car tags to see the different states, and drink lots of water.



Leaving in 6 days to go to POP