Where to Stop For the Night Driving From Chicago?

[famsen]

I had this all planned out but now am second guessing. I have always driven from Chicago to WDW and make a stop for the night in Cartersville, GA. I feel safe there and it is a nice place to stay but now I am wanting to get more of the drive out of the way the first day so I can get to WDW earlier the following day.

For those that make a long drive to WDW: how many miles do you usually drive before stopping for the night? I am thinking about stopping in Warner Robbins,GA. That would make the trip to WDW the next day only about 6 hours. I am unfamiliar with the town of Warner Robbins, but the hotels look nice enough. We have no little kids with us, so as long as we adults can hold out, I am hopping we can do this but I would like your opinions.

THANKS!!!!!!

 

[Minnie824]

We drove down last year and went straight thru...1:30am -> 9:30pm. This year we plan on stopping in Gainsville, FL...I know, we're almost there, but that will put us there around 7:30pm, prior to kids going to sleep and only 2 hr drive the next day.

 

[Traveliz]

We drive from Illinois and pick a hotel on the further side of Atlanta so we don't have to go through Atlanta in the morning!

Lots of nice areas off of I75 -- pick a brand you are comfortable with and check their website - I always do Marriott brands for the points!

Liz

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

You really don't need to be familiar with Warner Robbins to stay there....after all, you're not going to be touring the town. Like any other exit, there are the usual assortment of motels and fast food places. There is an Air Force Base in W-R so perhaps the facilities are a bit better than at your average exit.

You would be south of both Atlanta and Macon which is nice to have those behind you.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

We've gone through Georgia once because of a family commitment just west of Atlanta in Alabama on our way home. I thought Valdosta had more promising exits than Macon / Warner Robbins. There are plenty of good looking hotels at Lake City Florida, where I10 meets I75.

Have you thought about taking I65 all the way to Montgomery, Alabama and then taking US 231 to I10, and I10 to I75? I think this might actually be closer and quicker. US 231 is a very good road.

Where had you planned to get off I65?
If you go the Alabama route, you can stay in Montgomery or Dothan Alabama, Marianna, Tallahassee, or Lake City, Florida.

If you are interested in the Alabama route send me a PM, and I can give you road and hotel information. (We are planning our 5th trip driving.)

Have Fun!