Trying to decide to fly or drive - need help!

[Twirly41]

My mother, 17 year old daughter and myself are going in June. We were originally planning on flying but now are considering driving. We live in Austin, TX so it would take a couple of days getting down there and back. One advantage to driving is that I will be saving some money (the cost of airline tickets and town car service to the resort would add up to almost $1,000). The only drawback I have is that I am kind of leary of 3 women making the trip alone. I would definitely enroll in AAA and take my cell phone but I'm still concerned if we have car trouble. I have these thoughts of being stranded on the side of the highway. My question, what is your opinion - am I just being overly paranoid? There are a couple of other advantages to driving but I just can't decide. Any opinions out there?

 

[BWgirl]

Would you really save that much money driving? Not sure how many nights you'd have to stay in a hotel on the way, but you'd have to count gas both ways (and it is on the rise!!) as well as lodging, meals, etc. That could add up!!

I don't think you're being paranoid, just precautious

 

[Aimeedyan]

We are driving from Texas in May. We added it up and found that it was cheaper for us only because we are taking 3 adults. With 2 adults, it was cheaper or the same to fly. But we are renting a van, you didn't mention renting (we would have had to rent one once we got there anyways because we're doing Vero and other things).

I never stress about driving, because I figure the car is in good shape and I always have a cell phone. I guess it depends on how reliable your transporation is. I wouldnt worry about that, personally, but I know others do, and I think your worries have some merit and shouldnt be just brushed off as paranoia. It is a little daunting.

For us, we are driving straight through, so we dont have added cost of hotel and food. Plus time off work - time is money, IMO, and if you have to waste two more days off work to drive for 2 days on each end, then you add that into your figures. Once you add up all that food, hotel, gas, wear and tear on car, time off work, etc, you may find that its cheaper and easier to just fly.

Not sure if that helps any! We just sat down and did the figures, and since we dont believe in stopping on long trips (LOL), it was worth saving the money. We're leaving late one night from San Marcos and driving straight through. Should be there around dinner the next day! =)

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

 

[dzneelvr]

If it's going to take a couple days to get there, that's 4 days of your vacation spent driving....not my cup of tea.
We drove from Illinois once--straight shot of 21 hours--and won't do it again.
Check around for flights, there may be something out there less than the $250 pp you are currently seeing.
If it were my choice, I'd get to WDW asap ! Sounds like you don't want to drive straight through--is that an option?

 

[Twirly41]

Thanks everyone! I'm now leaning more towards flying. You're right, the extra 4 days of vacation time and the fact that we would probably all get tired before we even get there has made me decide the extra money spent on flying would be worth it.
Of course, the way I have changed my mind so many times about this trip so far - I could be changing my mind again by this afternoon! Thanks again!

 

[midge dionne]

We will be driving to WDW from south of Detroit. The last time we drove (4/02) roundtrip gas was less than $200. We plan on picnicing alot and hotel rates around $60 to help reduce costs. Altogether i'm budgeting around $600 for the trip. I work for the school so time is not an issus for me. Getting there will be part of the experience for myself, daughter,2 sons and grandaughter.