What about driving from Philly?

[hentob]

Ok--I just read the entire thread concerning driving from CT. Now I have a question--Would it be more economical to drive from the Philadelphia, PA area (actually closer to Allentown) with 5 people rather than flying? This is two adults and three children. We have flown numerous times--never driven. My dh is now thinking that driving, with one overnight stop, would be cheaper. He would be the only one driving, as I would be a nervous wreck on new terrain. How far can one driver _safely_ drive in one day from NE PA? South Carolina?

TIA---
Toby

 

[Cindy B]

Ok, I live in the suburbs from Philly (about 10 miles about from the City)

I get on 476 to 95 South. 95 South through Delaware, MD, VA, DC Area (I think it splits into 295 or 495), then on for the rest of the trip.

We leave at 430 pm and get into Florida about 6-7 am. We drive straight through without stopping. Really its not new terrain, you are on the same road until you hit the Orlando areo... (I4)

Its really easy, and after the DC/Richmond VA area its pretty smooth sailing. Only about $4 or so in tolls each way.

 

[Mickey0330]

FLY - it is easier to entertain three kids for the length of a flight rather than a whole car ride. It makes me tired just thinking about driving from PA.

PS - I am originally from Aldan, PA.

Have fun on your trip!!

 

[DelDVCer]

Cindy B

I am interested in knowing if the time you mentioned in your post is door to Disney Door?

I am in Delaware, and have been contemplating driving as a means of savings, to help offset aditional days at WDW.

I have been using "hearsay" to guesstimate the hours, and generally speaking, most guesstimates have been around 18 hours.

You list the departure time as 4:30pm, and arrival as 6-7am. That is either 13.5 or 14.5 hours on the road. Is that non-stop (only gas stops) from Wayne to DWD? I am just south of Wilmington, so another 30-40 minutes south of you. if I could make 13-14 hours by car, that would be a whole lot less contemplating on my part!

 

[jjsmom]

We live on the Eastern Shore of MD, about 2 hrs south of Philly, so by the time we cross over to "meet" I95, were about the same distance as you to Orlando. For many years we wouldn't consider driving. It seemed, though, that flying became a hassle with delays, loss of meal service, and packed flights to Orlando (we would fly from BWI). Three years ago, we started driving. I doubt we will ever fly again. We love the freedom of having our own vehicle, and being able to pack food and a cooler that can go to the hotel room. We like the savings which are substantial (we do not stop overnight, restaurant meals are fast food or we eat from our cooler). Even with our gas guzzler suv, a round trip to Orlando cost less than 1/2 airfare and car rental.

Incidentally, my brother in law has 4 kids aged 3-22. He flew once with them and said never again! His kids got air sick and were very cranky and wouldn't sit still. They go every year and always drive (usually overnight) with a van load of kids.

Which ever way you decide, have a great trip!

 

[Colleen A.]

We always drive with one overnight stop in SC. I live within a mile of 95. I believe the total drive time is closer to 18 hours. I live north of Philly (I believe it is exit 47). If you go to mapquest.com, it not only gives you the directions (95 south to Daytona, then hop on I-4 west), but it will also tell you how long it will take. My sister always drives straight through and she also says more like 18 than 14 (and believe me, her DH is NOT doing 65!)

Colleen

 

[MsDisney5]

We're located right outside of the Atlantic City area, in Northfield. We drove 2x's(my DM-i-L wouldn't fly) and both times it took alittle under 18 hours. My hubby did most of the driving,so it really didn't bother me. By I have to say, driving home makes me miserable!!! By the time we hit Georgia and the change in weather I 'm hating the Northeast. Flying just plops you home fast and you don't have all that time to think about it BUT- I think you can save about half the airfare by driving(we always stayed over inSouth carolina) we are a family of 2 adults 3 children . I think its really a matter of how much travel time you can afford to lose(we're self employed) and if you want to spend the extra to fly. And you don't mind the kids asking "Are we there yet" "When am I going to see Earful Tower" LOL

 

[MinnieGi]

Hi I'm in Brandywine Hudred and have driven to WDW with my family while growing up many times. I'd say on average the ride is more like 18 hours. That is with food, rest, and gas stops. Not a bad ride. We were actually thinking of driving in Nov. this year, but our then 2 year old DD I don't think would do so well in the car that long. We're flying! Good luck!

 

[DumboFan]

We live in Burlington County, NJ & have driven & flown. This year, we decided to fly because US Air was/is offering flights for $144 rt. With the gas prices & hotels figured in, its a heck of a lot cheaper (& quicker, which my DD, 4, loves) to fly!

 

[DelDVCer]

MinnieGi - I am also from BH, although now I live in Hockesson area.

Initial post had me questioning the 17-18 hours I had been told by others. Guess I will book on the 18 hours. Trip down seems like fun, trip home sounds like no fun!

We have done 5-6 hour trips with DS-6 and DD-9, but 18 hours has me worried. We will use a TV/VCR, and that should help.

We need a car down there this year. Our last trip was in 11/01, and it was all Disney. We would like to get out to some other attractions, and possibly enjoy a beach day if weather holds up.

We are also going during 11/02, and would like to stay at either BW or OKW. Still waiting to finalize DVC contract, so keeping fingers crossed.

Thanks for the info, and have fun in November, I know we will!

 

[carone0318]

Hey DumboFan, I live in Burlington Cty too....

We fly. The flights are too cheap not to. I hear most people saying that it takes 18 hrs to drive, but honestly, dh and I must be slow, because it takes us about 12 hours to drive to Myrtle Beach. We have a dd who is 5.5 yrs old and now we have a 14 month old too. When we drive, we stop for about an hour for lunch to let her stretch her legs and we do the same at dinner time. I think that I'd be ok with the drive down, but would so dread the drive home. And, because we are slow pokes, we couldn't drive straight through either. So, we would have to take away from our time in Disney for the travel and heaven forbid that I would do such a thing. One thing that I can say though, if you have to drive for economical reasons, then by all means drive and just happy that you are able to go

 

[Spinning]

Hi, just wanted to chime in, I live right on the PA boarder of Delaware and we drove to Disney this year for the first time. If you hardly stop and hit no traffic eat in the car, etc...my mom and Step dad have made it in about 15 hours but usually takes about 18 with stopping for food and gas, breaks etc...
It wasn't a bad drive and took us forever! LOL needless to say we stopped way too much, spent 2 hours I think at (I almost hate to say it) South of the Boarder. My DH loves those junk shops! Coming home wasn't as bad. We did stop over night both ways. DH and I just aren't the metal to the pedal types. We actually liked it and plan to do it again.