Would this be worth it?

[StayCool]

I am trying to plan a trip for my family of 5 and my friend's family of 6 to go to Disney World next year sometime. We had talked about driving down and back but we live in Upstate NY so that would be a loooooong trip with 7 kids! So I am just playing around with some airfares, trying to get an idea of how much it would be and if I can make it work for us.

I found flights through Spirit Air out of Buffalo for $43 each way on Wednesdays. So that would be less than $100 round trip which is awesome. So here is the downside. Buffalo is about 4 hrs from me so we would probably end up getting a hotel before and after, no problem. But we would have to fly into Ft. Lauderdale. I googled it and it is about 200 miles from Orlando. So we would have about a 3-4 hr drive there also I think.

Is the cheap airfare worth all the driving?

 

[LWQuestie]

Is it a direct flight? Is Buffalo the closest airport to you?

Are you going to want to drive 4 hrs to Orlando from Ft Lauderdale at midnight?

 

[gigi1313]

it would not be worth it for me... are there no reasonable flights in/out of an airport closer to you or buffalo directly to orlando airport? i would almost rather drive than do all the convoluted switching of transport methods, loading and unloading luggage, car seats (if applicable), etc... add to that renting a car or two... just sounds too crazy to me and probably not a huge timesaver (or money saver) over either just driving or flying for a little more $! for me convenience is worth $$!

 

[Stitch#1]

Sounds like you are in the Albany area based on the drive time to Buffalo.
Your option sounds like a major hassle....I don't know about the kids but I think even I would be a little grumpy with going thru all that.
Have you thought about calling an airline and asking about a possible group discount for a direct flight from a closer airport?

 

[StayCool]

I am actually near Binghamton. There are other airports that are much closer but the cost is about $300 per person roundtrip. That is about 3 times the price. I thought it was a hassle too, but was trying to talk myself into it. Guess I will just have to give up and deal with the difficulties of travelling with children. Asking for a group rate hasn't ever crossed my mind but is something that I can definitely check into. There will be 11 of us total.

 

[hsmamato2]

I don't know.....save 1000's of dollars for a few extra hours? I might do it...you both have large families,which is $$$ to fly....I mean,even with a regular 'good deal' you have to figure about 250 pp at least...times 11 people
vs. under 100 pp? worth a few hours,if carefully planned- drive to airport the nite before flight-stay in a cheap fly/park hotel- get to FL at midnight-drive straight to hotel in Orlando while the kids sleep- get to hotel,spend the 1st day relaxing and letting the kids swim,then go have fun!
I think I'd do it,but try to add a couple of days on to the beginning and end of trip for travel time-
this plan would mean 8 extra hours for driving each way- driving the whole way from where you are is at least 2+ days of driving.....plus gas costsplus hotels along the way.....
my answer is YES! I've done odd things like this before to save money....just plan it all out!

 

[RumpleMom]

Have you thought about packing up everything in your car and driving to Lorton, VA. to take the autotrain?

We have done it twice with kids and enjoyed it.

Frequently, the kids travel for half fare, and your dinner and breakfast is included in the price.

You just pack a bag for the things you need overnight and leave everything else packed in your car.

You could take the train both directions or drive one direction.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Personally, I think your proposed flight schedule is crazy.

Add up all your additional costs for your flight and it won't be so cheap.