we are thinking of driving straight through from Maine. 24hr drive

[canwegosoon]

I have done it-when I was 22yo. Could I do it now- no(since DH wants me to stay awake with him when he drives, but sleeps when I drive )....would I want to do it now(with all the unsafe, cell phone talking, eating while driving and excessive speeding drivers)-still no. But EPOOL the choice is up to you--I would take frequent stops (every 4 hours or so) to switch drivers and let the diabetic test/ perhaps eat.

My biggest worry would be your condition to vacation at parks-without crashing, and then the drive home(espically if within the week) will be tough. Presidents week will have many more drivers on the roads...keep your options open, you might still be able to snag a good airfare...an I just got a rental car for 8 days for 223 midsize(see the national thread).

Good luck OP.

 

[Ham Ham]

OK this thread is really slowing down.

To slow things down more let's discuss the following benign topics.

Gun Control
Men refusing to ask for directions.
Iraq
Lowering 21 year old drinking age
The metric system
Men who think the laundry fairy lives in their house
Taxes
Who does more house work?
Talking on the phone while __________
Young people driving
Old people driving
Welfare
Teen age pregnancy
How to park at DTD to avoid paying parking fees at the parks
Staying on or off site
Religion
Busing
Reusing the same disposable cup during your whole rip to WDW to avoid paying for beverages
Driving overnight (oops were already discussing that one)

Please feel free to suggest other topics that everyone has the same opinion on.

 

[UConnJack]

Gun Control - No
Men refusing to ask for directions - We don't get lost
Iraq - Supported it, but Bush & Co. f'ed it up.
Lowering 21 year old drinking age - Yes
The metric system - The what?
Men who think the laundry fairy lives in their house - It does, mine's always done
Taxes - Abolish income tax, consumption tax instead
Who does more house work? - Our housekeeper
Talking on the phone while __________ - Having xes?
Young people driving - Too fast
Old people driving - Too slow
Welfare - 2 year or four kids, then your out and take the kids away.
Teen age pregnancy - If its OK for Nickelodeon, why not Disney?
How to park at DTD to avoid paying parking fees at the parks - Better yet, the Contemporary
Staying on or off site - I may as well stay home in Anytown, USA if not on-site
Religion - Athiest
Busing - Hate ME, love internal buses
Reusing the same disposable cup during your whole rip to WDW to avoid paying for beverages - Not that cheap, but that's a good idea!
Driving overnight (oops were already discussing that one) - Already said my piece.

 

[the Fidge]

OK then now that we are on the topic of solving world issues can someone please tell me where the list I gave DH keeps dispappearing and where on earth is the other missing sock out of the dryer??

That was the thread right?? No silly me it was how to get your children to do homework and chores while singing Disney theme songs ??

SOrry I haven't been able to pry the game controller out of DS hand's got no answer on that sorry but have a nice day!

 

[Mainebound]

We will only be stopping for the neccesities. Has anyone done this? If so how did it go? Was it worth it to have more time in Florida?

I haven't read the whole thread, but I can tell you that while we have never done it, with flights the way they are, we have been very very tempted!!!

Luckily Allegiant Air came to Bangor so we are flying direct for under $200 pp r/t.

We have friends who drive this way to the Outer Banks -- parents switch off -- and it seems ot work for them, but it is several more hours to Orlando.

Good luck whatever you decide!

 

[MrMarv]

Check out http://www.I95exitguide.com for more tips.

 

[roadtripper]

Hi OP! Are you still out there, or did the snarky tone this thread has taken made you run screaming away? I wouldn't blame you if it had.

We have driven straight thru from Central MA 6 times with 2 drivers, and while it is not my favorite, it can be done. Three drivers would be heaven-- one could actually sleep instead of copiloting (don't forget that even though it's pretty much 95, there are still some confusing places where it's good to have another set of eyes).

Almost drove again this Pres Week, but sucked it up and booked (expensive) flights. There are still some doable flights out of Philly on Southwest as of today, if you want to save time.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Airfares at $700+ per person (and that's out of Boston, so factor bus fare or long term parking...) times four just way too much for us.

We only have 2 drivers and we know from past trips to TX (in our younger and pre kids days!) that 18 hours is about our maximum...

THANK YOU to the folks who posted the i95 website, very helpful! Any other tips to share? We're debating leaving after work and knocking off a few hours (Hartford?) the first day, through NC a second day then through on the third day. OR get up early to go day one (which would be a Friday) and head through to the 1/2 way mark? We weren't sure how that would get us through NYC and DC in nonrush hours though? We actually have free room and board in DE, but I think that would only get us 1/3 of the way there though. (Would be 3 in the morning if we left at 5pm?) doesn't seem overly reasonable...

Any quirky (quick or fun places to stop along the way? don't need to make major side trips, but might as well stop for a break somewhere like South of the Border vs a rest stop Burger King...

Thanks!

 

[the Fidge]

I use gas buddy to help with gas strategy. 2 days before we go I make up index cards with locations and pricing. I get the trip ticket from AAA really I think I just like to turn a page so I feel like we are making some head way!

 

[maxiesmom]

I get the trip ticket from AAA really I think I just like to turn a page so I feel like we are making some head way!

Me too! I love the AAA trip ticket. The page turning does make you feel like you are getting somewhere, plus it helps plan out potty breaks. I don't road trip without one!

 

[hygienejean]

Hi OP! I am from Westbrook too! We fly but I know lots of people who drive straight thru....a long drive but they did just fine...

When is your trip?

 

[Ham Ham]

As posted earlier my family and I have driven straight through rotating drivers between 2 drivers every 2 hours. With an agreement if we felt we couldn't do it, or if weather got bad we would stop.
We had no problems sleeping in the van.
I personally would not drive straight through by myself.

The drive from Toronto to WDW took us 24 hours. Left 17:00 on a Wednesday arrived 17:00 on a Thursday

Here's an article that was published in the local paper about drowsy driving.

http://www.thestar.com/News/Ontario/article/303731