Would you drive ....If meant not going at all?

[mommykds]

Let me start by saying that we (me, dh, & 3 kids) have driven to FL from Ny twice. Not the best but we managed to do it.

Now the question. Wanting to get use out of my AP we are thinking about getting in a Feb 06 (yes the dreaded Pres week) in. We'd stay for only 6 nights (2/19 - 2/24) but arriving late on 2/19 so we loose the day. Since we will have the AP & drive (the gas is free as he is allowed 1 one trip with his company car a year & we drive straight thru so the cost is really $0) the only cost is food & hotel (maybe CR or Dolphin). Flying is out because the tickets are just too expensive for 5.

SO would you drive 4 days (2 on each end) to go to Disney for technically 5 park days? Worth it or not?

 

[Palendat]

ABSOLUTELY!!!!!! We are planning to drive to DL (for probably only 4 park days) in March of '06 (2 1/4 days each way). There will be DW and myself, 2 kids and the in-laws!!! Take along a portable DVD player, lots of Disney movies, and have a blast!!!!

 

[Susiesnowflake]

For me, absolutely! Wish you could fit me in the car!

 

[Traveliz]

This is a no brainer - absolutely - what an almost free trip!

Liz

 

[Ilovestitch]

Driving sounds like it would definitly be your best option. As an adult, I prefer to fly BUT I have so many fun memories of driving w/my family as a kid to Florida. The drive down was an adventure!

 

[D L and K's Mom]

YUPPERs, I would do it in a heartbeat!!!! Have a great trip and drive safe!!!!

 

[alicenwonder99]

We have driven twice to WDW from Chicago. We also spend 2 days getting there. Dh and I said "never again". The 4 kids were angels, but the drive just is too long. No one has fun in the car, dh is exhausted from all the driving (I don't like driving so dh does all of it), and it just is SOOOO LOOOONG.

But, having said all of that, I think you should at least consider it. If you and dh (and the kids) really don't mind the drive, then go for it. We got 2 dvd players for the car for the 4 kids and played movies for them constantly. It seemed to help the kids pass the time.

For my family, I don't think the free gas for the car would even entice me to drive there again.

Mary

 

[TZMOM]

guess I'm the Eeyore here - no way - I can't stand the drive. sorry

 

[Luv2Roam]

I don't think anyone here would pass that up!
Well, I guess some would. But I wouldn't!

 

[mking624]

YES!! We'd do it in a heartbeat. A couple of years ago, we drove from Chicago so we could be there from a Thursday-Monday. Actually, we got there on Thursday night, so it really was more like Friday-Monday. We drove from Chicago and my husband is the only one who drives. We left on Wednesday evening (that way we could get a big chunk of the driving at night when no one would really be out), got there 24 hours later. We didn't stop anywhere except to eat, and to sleep for a couple of hours at a rest stop. On the way back, it took us the same amount of time, except that time we stayed at a hotel on the way back (keep in mind we couldn't simply switch drivers...as I don't drive). In fact, if it wasn't for the really good deal we got on airfare, we would be driving again for our August trip. We don't mind road trips at all. We've done them to a few places (i.e. New Orleans).

 

[netposer]

I drive my family (wife and daughter) from NC to FL every year. The trip is a 9-11 hour drive. On the way down we stay at a hotel in Savannah, GA. We head out around 8 or 9 am the following day.

We have a KIA mini-van so it's comfy. I do all the driving and they sit back and watch DVD's the entire time. We use my laptop to play the DVD's (15.4" screen). I purchased an inverter for less than $30 (it plugs into cig lighter and the laptop plugs into the inverter). Then you need a cassette adapter or an FM modulator (about $20-30). I set the laptop on a milk crate just behind and between the 2 front seats.

In the 4 times we've driven from NC to FL my daughter has never complained about being in the van for 5-10 hours.

So to answer your question: If you can handle the driving and the kids/passengers can handle the riding, then I say "sure, go for it"

 

[bigbabyblues]

We're doing it this fall because it's the only way we're going. Was spoiled by flying last year!

 

[cheyita]

We've driven from Chicagoland several times, and certainly will again.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Under the circumstances you've described: YES!! We've thought about driving before and know people who do it from MA, but when we do the math it always works out cheaper to fly (if we get our usual low priced flights on SWA) and we can spend the extra days enjoying our vacation.

Will you drive straight through both ways or stay in hotels along the way. There are food costs as well. I might consider staying at a value or mod instead of deluxe and use the extra $$ to fly, but that's just me. Have fun whatever you decide!

 

[laurabelle]

and I'd tell the kids, if they can manage to be good in the car, they get to go to Disney World!!! They'll probably be

 

[Briarmom]

Add me to the "yes" vote! I know driving w/small kids is hard. BUT you have a long time to prepare! You can get small 'gifts' and wrap them to give to the kids during the trip. Get movies and a DVD player. Get yourself and dh books on cd (I am sure you could get those from the library).
If it makes you feel any better, my dh and I had to drive from Phoenix, Arizona to Fairbanks, Alaska when my ds was 18 months. It was around 10 days in the car. THEN, when ds was 4, we had to drive back to Phoenix. You can do it! Start writing down your list of things you need. Maybe you could do yard sales for their gifts? A new toy or activity book is soooo helpful to make the drive go by.

 

[mommykds]

You guys are the best!

Thanks for all the responses..so the overhwhelming majority thinks its worth it! Ok now I am excited! You all made me smile reading your posts.

Ok I guess we are "on" for Feb...I was going to look into the Dolphin since we are driving & ME doesn't go there...I would love to go value but with 5 we'd need 2 rooms & therefore not much of a "value" for us.

Thanks again, ok now to talk to hubby..but hey it's Mother's Day weekend so that can be my present!

 

[dmslush]

YES!! We drive for all of our vacations.. I'm just not confortable flying. We always start super early, like 2 or 3am and get a lot of driving done before everyone wakes up and traffic gets heavy. I think that makes the drive much better. When we go do disney, it is about 12 hours and a little over 16 hours to the outerbanks, NC.. but we would hop in the car and not think twice!

 

[Manon]

Absolutely!, Whe are doing it this summer with our 3 kids leaving from Montreal in Canada, and it's a 30 hours drive !!! But anything to go to Disney!!!

 

[GIOny]

I also live in NY and have done that exact trip many times!! All I can say is start making your plans!