Who has driven from York, PA/Baltimore area?

[Disneyonmymind]

We are thinking of making the drive and are trying to figure how many hours it will take. I say around 16-17, but others think more. They are not speaking from experience, though. Has anyone driven this route? Where is your stopping point?

Thanks,
Jackie

 

[magicaddict]

We've made the drive from Baltimore many times and your time estimate is pretty good if you don't take long stops or run into backups. You might want to go with 18 hrs just to be safe. We drive straight through and usually leave around 10 p.m. so we get out of the busiest areas of 95 when there are no traffic problems. This also allows the kids to sleep. We usually try to pack sandwiches and snacks because it's healthier and we don't have to stop at fast food places when it's inconvenient or too crowded. We pick a rest stop, better yet a state welcome center, and have a picnic lunch (or usually late breakfast). Everyone gets to run around, stretch, etc. I can't really say where you'll be when you stop since it just depends on how well you're doing on time. Good luck!

 

[Disneyonmymind]

Thanks for the info. So you leave around 10 PM and arrive at WDW around 2 PM (16 hours) or, at the latest 4 PM (18 hours), after driving straight through with basically just one rest stop? WOW! That is awesome!! We can't do that, although there once was a day...

We are planning on splitting up the drive into 2 segments. I was thinking of leaving at 5 AM and driving 10 hours (hotel stop at 3 PM). On the second day, we could leave at 7 AM and drive 7 hours arriving at 2 PM.

 

[lisareneeo]

We have driven 3 times from north of Baltimore and leave around 1-2 pm.. We usually get there around 4:00am -5:00am. This worked out great the 1st time because we were able to check in to the CB and slept then were ready to go on our "first" day. the 2nd two times it didn't work out (staying at WL) We just slept in our van in the parking lot until 7:00 am and were able to check in.
We drive all night. My husband is a firefighter and is use to working nights and being up all night so it isn't too bad for him.
We only stop for quick stops. I agree with packing sandwiches. It saves time and is healthier.
Good Luck

 

[SRUAlmn]

Hey, Bel Air here too! We drove down this past September and it took us about 16 hours. We decided to go a day early and stayed on the way in Fayetteville, NC to try to avoid the hurricane. We left Bel Air around 3:00 which was a HUGE mistake because we hit DC/Fredericksburg right at rush hour times. There is nothing more frustrating when you just want to be on your way We then left Fayetteville the next morning around 10 am and headed straight to WDW. We ended up hitting the outskirts of one of the hurricanes right when we left, and it delayed us about 45 minutes, and then we were on our way. We did a room only ressie on our first night because we knew we would be tired from driving and we didn't want to waste a day of park tickets. Of course, we didn't want to just go right to sleep when we were FINALLY there so we went to DTD the first night. Then we were refreshed and ready to go the next day when our tickets took effect. On the way home, we drove straight through because we were trying to outrun another hurricane that was on its way. It took us about 15 hours.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Hello!
WE live in Glen Rock!!
We leave (on Friday) at 3:30 AM to be absolutely certain of getting by DC before rush hour. If you leave at 4:00AM you can JUST make it, but earlier is even better. Including a full stop for breakfast in Fredericksburg VA. and multiple rest/gas stops along the way, we are in Brunswick Ga. by around 5:00 PM.
We always stay at the Hampton Inn, and there is a Cracker Barrel and a Shoney's almost next door. Next day we leave around 6:30 AM and we're checking in a OKW no later than 11:00, and sometimes a bit earlier.
PM or e-mail me if you want any details, etc!!!

 

[markey]

We drove in May of 03. Left at 1:30 p.m. on a Friday, stopped overnight and arroved at WDW at 1:30 on Saturday. We drove straight thru the following Saturday leaving WDW at 6:00 a.m. and arrived back at 8:30 p.m. The drive home included a lunch break and drive thru for dinner. This was with 3 kids, a 2 year old and 8 and 9. There was no traffic on Saturday and we really pushed it.

 

[kar313]

I think 16-18 hours is good est. We live in Annapolis, just south of Balt and have driven 3x. Last time was in 02. We usually leave in middle of day to miss rush hour or late at night. We have stayed in Fayetteville, NC and Brunswick, GA. We were told by security guard, who was off duty police officer in Fayettville to bring anything that was not attached to the car into the hotel room. We notice security guards at several of the hotels and restaurants at that exit. That was about 6 yrs ago so it may be better now. Not sure. Brunswick, GA. was stinky but safe (paper factory we were told)

 

[garydeb]

Hi MD WDW fans,

We live in Cecil County and we drive to Disney at least twice a year. It normally takes us 15 to 16 hours to drive. We leave at 4am and stop and eat breakfast south of Richmond, Va. We have also left in the late evening and stopped at Port Wentworth, GA. I believe that it's about 5 hours from Disney.
Have a Great Trip,
garydeb

 

[Disneyonmymind]

Thanks, everyone, for the information! You gave me some good tips, too. Sounds like we are in good company.

Other people have told me they think we are nuts to drive it but we will see. I do not think we can do the marathon overnight drive like many of you do. I wish we could because of the time it would save, but I know our limits. We want to be able to hit the parks running when we get to the World and not be dragging our butts before we even get started, LOL.

Thanks, again!
Jackie

 

[davesdog]

Harisburg, PA to Orlando, Fl I do it in 15 to 16 hours every time. Just time your DC part to be non rush hour. If I take 81 to 77 to 26 to 95. It only adds about 20 miles. Then you have to time you Charlotte rush hour..

 

[Bobump]

Have done it from Havertown,Pa. several times. we usually leave about 8:00 pm at night and drive through the night. And yes we pack a lunch. By 11:00 pm everyone is sleepy and fall asleep. I am somewhat of a Night Owl and as long as I can find a Sports Station on the Radio I am good to go. My wife usually would sleep for about 5 - 6 hours and then give me a couple hour break. I am so wound up at getting to WDW, that I am worst than the kids. Stops, we usually try to coordinate gas and bath at same time.

Total Time Down is 15 to 16 Hours

With all this said BEWARE!!!! The drive home is not as easy and seems very tiring. Maybe some others can advise because we find that the really hard part.

Total time Coming back is higher!!!


GOOD LUCK

SEE YA REAL SOON