Whats a good halfway point to stop between WDW and Ohio, coming home?

[Rock'n Robin]

First time drivers here--have always flown--driving down from Cary NC after a family visit, but want to stop on the way back home. What's a good spot where I can find a reasonable hotel, perhaps on priceline?
Robin M.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Can't any Ohioans or southern Michiganders help me out??
Robin M.

 

[monalsw]

hi robin,

we always stop in columbia sc both ways. there are a ton of places to stay, and good places to eat!

safe traveling!

 

[taxi_man696]

Your halfway point would be approximately Chattanooga, TN. Since it is a rather large town finding an appropriate place to spend the night should not be too difficult. It is 553 miles to Chattanooga from Orlando.

Hope this helps.

taxi_man

 

[ZerasPride]

Hi Robin!

Last year my family drove to Disney. We stopped off at DVC Hilton Head for a few days first to kind of break up the 16 hour drive. On the way back home, I thought we should stop about half way which was Charlotte, NC. We stayed at a Residence Inn but I know there are lots of other hotels on I-77 coming back toward Ohio. We paid $99 for a 2 bedroom suite with breakfast the next day. If you are interested, here's the pertinent hotel info I have from my notes:

5816 Westpark Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217. The local phone number is (704) 527-8110; the toll free number is 800-331-3131. Check in 3:00 pm and Check out is 12:00 pm. Would need to cancel 4:00 pm day of arrival to avoid charge. Complimentary continental buffet breakfast. The price is $99 plus tax for the night. The hotel is located off I-77 and Tyvola Road.

I hope this helps you out! The only thing I would do different, is probably try to get a little bit closer to home. It was a long, long, long 8 hour drive back to Cleveland.

 

[nuthut]

When returning home to Ohio, be sure to stay on the north side of the town when northbound. I made a mistake once and when we were southbound we stayed on the north side of Nashville and it took us several hours to get out of Nasville the next morning in rush hour. We could have driven to the south side of town in about 15 minutes and saved us a bunch of grief.

 

[DVC Grandpa]

Robin
What route are you taking? I have seen some post sayind that AAA is routing travelers around the Georgia construction. We traveled many times from Michagan and stopped just south of Knoxvville but then our half way point was about 650 miles. We moved to Wisconsin so we have to start establishing new driving rest areas. Will make the trip in November.

 

[billybaruch1]

I suggest stopping at a rest area sometime in the mid-afternoon. They usually have the coupon booklets. You can also find these booklets at gas stations with convenience food. Look ahead to where you might be when you want to stop for the night. These are great for saving a few dollars and staying at one of the popular motels.

 

[jann1033]

I thought Columbia Sc is roughly 1/2 (we leave east of Cleveland), like about 12 hours from home ( it never takes us the 17 hrs it is supposed to more like 21-24) so for more "normal " drivers it might be more than1/2. didn't notice when you were going. we are going in Jan so are allowing for snow by trying to make it to Virginia on the way home and to Hardeeville SC (by Hilton Head turn off) on the way down since we'll be too excited to sleep much anyway knowing us, which should mean a shorter second day. never driving straight through again,,6 times is 5 too many!

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Well today I ordered triptiks from AAA--leg one from here to Cary, leg two from Cary to WDW (she said it's about 10 hours) and leg three, WDW to Toledo. I plan on using those, but I'm guessing Tennessee, so we'll see what highway we are told to use and make a decision. I'm thinking Nashville would be cool, even for a night, as DD#1 likes country music quite a bit.
Robin M.

 

[DemoBri1]

Robin,

I've never stayed there yet, but I've heard some good things about Gatlinburg, TN. I believe that's where Dollywood is at. Since you mentioned your daughter is into country music that might be an alternative to Nashville. Plus they also have rides there as well.

Just a thought

Brian

 

[madaboutMickey]

I may be wrong, but I think Nashville's on the other side of the state. AAA will probably bring you up I75.

Oops, that might not be correct. Triptiks always take us I75 but that's driving from Cincinnati.

 

[jann1033]

I was wondering about that also as we take 77 south( from Southeast of Cleveland), used to take 75 long ago but found it much longer.. maybe from Toledo area it isn't ...75would take you by knoxville and Gatlinburgh is about 40-50 Mins(?) south east from there( if I remember right from our numerous trips to the Smokies and visiting the fam. down there). Gatlinburgh isn't bad, just busy, more upscale tourist stuff, Pigeon Forge ( I think where Dollywood actually is) is traffic, more traffic and tourist attractions, cheap tourist attractions ie the Bufford Pussard Museum.in an attempt to maintain our sanity we always skip that part of the otherwise beautiful state of Tenn! nothing like being stuck in traffic for an hour in a tunnel where the locals love to constantly honk their horns!( what a nightmare)

 

[DemoBri1]

Jann is right. Dollywood is in Pigeon Forge and not Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is a bit south of Pigeon Forge on I441. Sorry about that.

Brian

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Too bad if Nashville isn't an option. We did Gatlinburg back in 94 on the way back from NC--at the time in-laws lived in Lexington and we went Toledo to NC to Lexington, but couldn't make it without a stop--did I mention DD#1 was 2, I was pregnant and we had DH's 77 year old grandma with us! What a fun trip that was, LOL.
Anyhow we won't be checking stuff out long enough to do Gatlinburg any justice, so if we do come up 75 I'll find something else interesting. I'll post Friday when I get my triptik.
Robin M.

 

[travelin' girl]

Hi Rock'Robin! I'm from Oregon, Ohio and we've driven to Florida a couple of times. A very l-o-n-g way it is... One of the times we stopped in Chattanooga Tenn. at the the Chattanooga Choo Choo and our 10 year son stills talks about how much fun it was.
We stayed at the "official" Chattanooga Holiday Inn-a little pricey- but with the train and the indoor pool with slide, it was fun and interesting for the family. After going to Disney, and with the l-o-n-g drive- which can sometimes take its toll on ya, maybe a little slower pace would be enjoyable! Hope this helps...