For 2,000+ Mile Round-Trip Drivers Only! (III)

[Shir Kahn]

Originally Posted by BC1836

Who will be making the last 2,000+ mile round-trip WDW drive in 2012, and who will be making the first in 2013?

All the best.

We're driving down on Dec 26th and coming back January 6th! We're going to try to do two 16 hour days both ways. I've done 25 hours in one shot before, 16 should be a piece of cake!

[SamSam]

We would have a 1,423 mile trip (21 hours) and we've always flown. We have started staying longer in October (Food and Wine), so we keep discussing driving as opposed to renting a car (we like having a car), but we get hung up on the fact that we think we would be okay driving down (with an ovenight stop) but we're afraid the trip home could be grueling.

What has been your experience? There's just the 2 of us (empty nesters) and we would definitely take some time on the way down to see some sights.
Advice is welcome.

[NJRRK]

I actually sat down and figured out the cost. This is for us in northeast NJ.
All costs approximate.

Hotel (2 nights) - $150
Gasoline - $230
Tolls - $70
Food - $180

Total $630

As long as I can find airfare under $600, I'll fly.

[goofyfigment]

Leaving from eastern pa at 2am hope the weather cooperates

[SamSam]

Originally Posted by NJRRK

I actually sat down and figured out the cost. This is for us in northeast NJ.
All costs approximate.

Hotel (2 nights) - $150
Gasoline - $230
Tolls - $70
Food - $180

Total $630

As long as I can find airfare under $600, I'll fly.

This is where I'm at...except for the car rental when we arrive. With 2 people, flying can be more economical for greater distances.

[edbo77]

Originally Posted by NJRRK

I actually sat down and figured out the cost. This is for us in northeast NJ.
All costs approximate.

Hotel (2 nights) - $150
Gasoline - $230
Tolls - $70
Food - $180

Total $630

As long as I can find airfare under $600, I'll fly.

Are you eating at 5* places up/down I-95? Seems like a lot of money for food compared to what I've done at the past. Stay at a hotel that offers free breakfast and that takes care of one meal right there.

[LadyBeBop]

Originally Posted by SamSam

we would definitely take some time on the way down to see some sights.
Advice is welcome.

I would do the sightseeing on the way back to Kansas. Going down to WDW, you're pumped up and you're ready to go. The trip home drags, so it's best to make your little side trips then.

[marmalade]

Originally Posted by NJRRK

I actually sat down and figured out the cost. This is for us in northeast NJ.
All costs approximate.

Hotel (2 nights) - $150
Gasoline - $230
Tolls - $70
Food - $180

Total $630

As long as I can find airfare under $600, I'll fly.

Is it just 2 of you? If that is the case I would pick flying over driver without a thought. We drove in August, but we have 4 and our cost to drive was around $700 and to fly it was $1300. We chose to do the 20hr drive and it wasn't that bad.

[NJRRK]

Originally Posted by edbo77

Are you eating at 5* places up/down I-95? Seems like a lot of money for food compared to what I've done at the past. Stay at a hotel that offers free breakfast and that takes care of one meal right there.

I'd rather over estimate for food and come home with money in my pocket. I figured, for round trip, 2 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners. And yes it's just the two of us can't do non-stop driving because my partner doesn't drive.

[magicalmoments]

Hi friends,
This is the first time we ever drove to Disney. We always fly but airfare is too expensive right now.

I am traveling with 4 children (4-8). We want to get as far south as we can before staying over at a hotel. Can you give any advice on the best route to go and also where you have stayed that was safe and clean along the way. I dont know what area to search in order to find hotels because Im not sure where to stop. We plan to leave very early in the AM Dec 26th.
Thank You,
Stacy

[Shir Kahn]

Originally Posted by magicalmoments

Hi friends,
This is the first time we ever drove to Disney. We always fly but airfare is too expensive right now.

I am traveling with 4 children (4-8). We want to get as far south as we can before staying over at a hotel. Can you give any advice on the best route to go and also where you have stayed that was safe and clean along the way. I dont know what area to search in order to find hotels because Im not sure where to stop. We plan to leave very early in the AM Dec 26th.
Thank You,
Stacy

We're also leaving very early in the am on Dec 26th, but I think you might have a bit of a lead on us! As for hotels, we usually go for the cheapies, Hojo, Econolodge, that kind. So far all the rooms have been very clean, no bedbugs and around $40 a night. We wouldn't even stop at a hotel with a mere 15 hour drive like you have, but I guess with 4 kids in the car, it might be a bit much!

[NJRRK]

Originally Posted by magicalmoments

Hi friends,
This is the first time we ever drove to Disney. We always fly but airfare is too expensive right now.

I am traveling with 4 children (4-8). We want to get as far south as we can before staying over at a hotel. Can you give any advice on the best route to go and also where you have stayed that was safe and clean along the way. I dont know what area to search in order to find hotels because Im not sure where to stop. We plan to leave very early in the AM Dec 26th.
Thank You,
Stacy

Figure somewhere in southern SC. Stop at the SC welcome center on I-95 and pick up the hotel discount book. It'll give you some ideas and good prices on hotels.

[SamSam]

Originally Posted by LadyBeBop

I would do the sightseeing on the way back to Kansas. Going down to WDW, you're pumped up and you're ready to go. The trip home drags, so it's best to make your little side trips then.

I was always planning to sightsee on the way down, but you are absolutely right sightseeing on the way home makes way more sense. I know there's plenty to see, so it could turn into a fun driving trip.

[chipper10]

What kind of car do you take for your drive? I am thinking about taking my Nissan Versa for our drive. It will be myself, DH and our two sons. We usually take the van (Chrysler Town and Country), but I was thinking we could save even more by taking my Versa. DH is worried the car will be too small for the trip though.

[Shir Kahn]

Originally Posted by chipper10

What kind of car do you take for your drive? I am thinking about taking my Nissan Versa for our drive. It will be myself, DH and our two sons. We usually take the van (Chrysler Town and Country), but I was thinking we could save even more by taking my Versa. DH is worried the car will be too small for the trip though.

We're driving down in our Mitsubishi RVR. We absolutely love it, especially for long trips!