WWYD fly or drive

[Mama Steph]

I would definately do it. I have driven from Detroit area to my parent's in FL alone (usually during dh's busy work season) with my 5 (now 6.5 to 15) kids numerous times starting when dd was 1.5. Our drive is about 20 hours so I stop and get a hotel after about 12 hours. I stay on main roads (easy to do from MI to FL), have my AAA card and cell phone. We stop every 3 hours or so for potty breaks. We all stayed together when we would get out of the car. All go in the women's bathroom together. The boys would just stand near the door while I went and then I would stand outside the door while they went. I am not above hollering into a men's bathroom to check on my kid (or walking in if I felt the need).
Just trust your instincts. If you get off for a break in an area that doesn't seem very safe, get right back on the expressway. I once broke a couple of laws to do this but didn't care! LOL

 

[Bren's Mom]

Do it!

I have a 4.5 yo that I travel alone with frequently and I wouldn't hesitate to do a 10 hour trip alone. You can do all daytime driving. Have some great CDs in the car. Definitely join AAA if you don't have a new car with roadside assistance. Have your cell phone fully charged and a car charger for it. But a can of 'fix a flat', have a gallon jug of water in the trunk, have the car serviced and the tires checked before you go. You'll be fine!

 

[jillianml]

I travel with my 10 yr old DD all the time!Piece of cake!Although I make her sit in the backseat so she doesnt distract me ect You know messin with the GPS and radio!I rent videos and she plugs in!I chill listening to the radio and hit the road!It is a blast my DH doesnt run the show we do!We took 7 trips this past yr without my DH!He doesnt like to travel except OBX.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I live in NC, about a 10 hour drive, has anyone done a drive like this alone with kids?
What's everyone's advice?

Oct. of 2008 I drove with my 2 kids from N. UT to Seattle ~ 12 hours away, it was fine ~ on the way home I did get drowsy, twice we stopped at a rest area and I dozed for 30 min. or so ~ during daylight hours. DLR is closer to us than the Seattle area yet we always fly ~ I'm sure I'll drive to DLR sometime, however we'll never drive to WDW ~ we'd be looking at a 36 hour drive!

 

[GrumpyCAdad]

Oct. of 2008 I drove with my 2 kids from N. UT to Seattle ~ 12 hours away, it was fine ~ on the way home I did get drowsy, twice we stopped at a rest area and I dozed for 30 min. or so ~ during daylight hours. DLR is closer to us than the Seattle area yet we always fly ~ I'm sure I'll drive to DLR sometime, however we'll never drive to WDW ~ we'd be looking at a 36 hour drive!

My wife and I drove straight through from Denver to WDW last November. It was rough but we managed. We are driving straight through to Washington DC over Spring Break too, with 3 kids (11, 10, 7). Luckily they are good car kids!

 

[ebtbmom]

Thanks for everyone's encouraging words. I feel better about driving now. It sure will save a lot of $$$.

Next decision, just me and DS or invite a friend or cousin. Who has done a mom/kid trip and had a great time? I think we can have fun and take it exactly at whatever pace we want to. Taking someone else will mean more negotiaing and compromise. My only hesitancy is that DS doesn't like many rides: SM, SM, ToT, RnR, just to name a few. Of course, it's not like I'm not planning on returning next year, so I could skip them (only ToT would really break my heart!).

 

[GEM]

Sounds like just the two of you would be fun. I would think a 12 year old would be fine poking around in the Tower of Terror gift shop while you ride.