Anyone else choosing not to fly to Disney anymore?

[slappy magoo]

I think that's a little of an exaggeration .

I don't, but I suppose that's a topic for a different forum. On a different site.

First, the personal background. We're less than an hour away from Newark airport. If we leave home 3 hours before our flight, three hours in flight, half an hour to get our luggage, time to maybe get a rental car or wait for DME and getting to WDW, we're looking at 8 hours door to door. To drive straight down, no hotel stay, just stops for meals and bathroom breaks, it's about 20 hours, and my wife prefers an overnight stay. No kids at the moment...

I don't necessarily mind the drive, with some caveats. Some cuh-raaazy caveats. For starters, if we can get a good deal on airfare, I'd want to go for it, though my wife isn't much on flying. She'll do it, especially if the airfare deal is so sweet we can still afford to rent a car while down there, but she won't enjoy the flight. If we were going during the holidays, however, when airfare can be double or triple or more than when we normally go in August, I'd opt to drive. We have Sirius, and I'm more than happy listening to Howard Stern, their liberal talk radio station, old time radio or their comedy channels for 20 hours. I also have an mp3 player with video as well as audio, and while my wife is taking a turn driving, I can watch an episode of Venture Brothers if I'm not, you know, napping.

Where my wife and I differ is that I have no issue driving straight down, but she prefers getting a hotel room just outside Florida, showering up and feeling neat and pretty when we get there. Also, I'm fine driving, usually. But if there's standstill traffic, bumper to bumper, no way of knowing when we'll be moving, I get a leeeetle bit antsy. And not a joy to behold. Ditto in the pouring rain. And of course, my precog skills are rusty so I have no way of knowing if there will be a problem or breakdown along the way. Of course, one could argue I have no way of knowing if there will be a problem or breakdown on an airplane either, but I'll still feel better rested without all the strain of driving on my shoulders.

The final issue is with the weather. THe first time we went to WDW, we flew down, but drove back because hurricanes closed down the parks AND airports. Alamo had no problem with us driving to the Northeast, even gave us a 100 dollar rebate, I've no idea why. We avoided anything beyond some slightly strong winds. Ever since then, we've driven, in case we have to bolt, and if we go during the busiest times, we might opt to cut a vacation short just so I don't kill anyone.

So, if airfare is very affordable to manageable, I'd definitely prefer to fly. Get there sooner, more time in parks, no brainer. If airfare is ridiculous, or weather might be harsh, we'd probably drive. We have discssions over whether it's worth the cost of gas, hotel stays, wear on the car. But once we're in motion, I have enough to occupy my need to be constantly entertained that driving isn't much of an issue, conditions being optimal.

 

[miles1]

Fortunately, my air travel options changed about a year ago. Allegiant Air started flying direct to Sanford/Orlando from my airport. No more layovers!

And once vacation is over, I'm back home in 2 hours ~ and once vacation is over, I just want traveling to be done with. Sanford has turned out to be a small, quick airport that I just love (it's about the size of my local airport too). OIA just plain stinks with all the crowds! Plus Allegiant Air is normally a little cheaper than the majors from here ~ and really great prices when they run sales.

What's the number of Disneyholics Anonymous again?

In August we flew from Stewart Airport in New York (45 min from home) to Sanford on Allegiant. Both airports were so easy to deal with that we would never go back to the big airports like MCO, JFK, or Bradley. It was a fast and relaxing trip. Sanford is the best kept secret in Central Florida.

DW and I used to drive about 20 hours occasionally before we had the kids but it really was draining, especially on the way home. We almost did it in October, 2001, but flew anyway. (I was damned if some nut job terrorist was going to ruin MY vacation.) I can't imagine what it would be like driving with a 6 year old and a 13 year old for 20 hours. Maybe when they get a little older we'll drive with a few stops to see the sights, like DC.

Personally, I just can't get myself "psyched" to spend 20 hours on I-95 with a numb butt when there's an alternative.

 

[Lynx04]

Lets compare:

Time:
If I drive it takes about 19 hours, if I fly it takes about 4 1/2 total (2 1/2 hours of flight and runway taxi time, arrive an hour before flight and about an hour of total ground time).

Cost:
Flying cost anywhere between $230 and $270 for the flight and about $250 for transportation to and from the airport - I use a limo. So total about $500

Driving would be $400 plus. I have a RX-8 and while it is a great long distance car to drive, it gets poor gas milage. Usually I fill up almost every 250 miles if I am lucky. That doesn't include the 2000 + miles, I am adding on the car and anybody that knows anything about rotary engines, they consume oil fast.

Danger:

Statistics show that you are more likely to die in a car crash then in a plane.
I found the more frequently I fly, the less it scares me.

Also I found the best solution to avoid air traffic is book my flight out as early as possible and return flight as late a possible, that way I can also get a semi full days worth at the park, something else you can't enjoy when you drive.

To sum it up, the cost is about the same, you waste a lot more time driving then flying, and the danger is considerbly higher driving, so my pick is flying.

 

[sprocketfish]

On all of my family's vacations (pre-2006) we drove... SERIOUSLY DROVE (i.e. spent two weeks on the road from Southeastern Louisiana to South Texas to Colorado to Ohio and back home :brick... This year I managed convince the gang to fly... the best part of the experience was the fact that everyone was still refreshed when we got to WDW; with the crazy long road trip (14 hours non-stop from New Orleans to WDW) the driver(s) can get cranky though the rested passengers are ready to hit the parks... We are all adults in my family (our youngest was 19 during our last trip) so I (we) may have a different perspective, but having done both driving and flying- I much prefer flying despite the gauntlet of airport security.... Personally, the only downside for us was the "build-up to the magic" you get when you have spent 14-18 hours on the road to WDW; so I still can see the allure of driving to the parks...

 

[makonyy15]

I didn't read every post here but I found my family's solution. JetBlue:sohappy: Very cheap and very easy, and although they don't do DME, they do Resort Checkin, which saves a ton of time, unless you have an early morning flight and can't do it. It's the easiests flying we've had in a long time. Roomy and comfortable!:sohappy:

 

[pescador1f]

slightly agree

i have driven my last 3 times down there, i am in north jersey, about 1120 miles away or 20 hours. it is extremely convenient having a car with you. i never used the car or truck to go to the parks, but as far as bringing stuff and taking a ton of stuff home, it is great. bring drinks and food/snacks for the room , beer, cooler(theose little fridges just dont hold much) all much cheaper than the gift shops. the drive down is great(excitement), the ride back does kind of suck. i usually rent a vehicle from hertz, just in case something happens it isnt MY car that has to be towed and fixed in the middle of nowhere, its theirs and will get you a vehcile quickly, regardless of where you are along 95. Male Your Own Rules, thats the benefit!!!:wave:

 

[Jooniper30]

I have NEVER flown, and can never anticipate flying...for so many reasons, topping the list is that I HATE flying.

I live in Michigan. So, it's a good 20 or so hour drive.

I would rather MOVE CLOSER to WDW than fly...ugh. I love having my car, and I hate being on the time constraint of flying (we always end up staying extra days).

Last trip we had to pick up my cousin at the airport (she came in halfway) and her flight was SOOOOO late, and we were at the airport until 2am ...it was terrible. OF COURSE we had reservations for a character breakfast the next morning bright and early! :dazzle:

 

[AEfx]

There are a number of factors, from the fact that I don't like feeling treated as a criminal by the airlines

I think that's a little of an exaggeration .

Actually, I think it's the only comparison one could make. I don't know anyone but criminals who are subject to random, no-refuse full body cavity searches. As someone above said, the larger political discussions that surround those decisions are beyond the scope of this board, but the fact remains I can't think of a single other circumstance that an American citizen can be subject to such scruitiny unless they have been arrested/incarcerated or bought a ticket on an airplane.

That said, it's been really interesting reading everyone's opinions. It seems some people have made the same decision as I have, and others still prefer flying. As things stand right now, I really don't see myself flying down again even though I have several trips in the pipeline. I may eat my words if suddenly a $39/each way ticket gets offered, but even the discount airlines are raising prices so I just don't think they'll get low enough in the forseeable future for me to want to deal with the hassle.

I have a feeling that I'd walk to Disney though if need be...LOL. They've got me gladly hooked on the Disney-crack.

AEfx

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I have to fly, Im not that strong a swimmer.

That said I can understand peoples frustrations with the cosmetic security checks at the airports. I wonder how much airport shops have benefited from the new rules? All that extra time you have to spend there, must be some coin to be made.

50% of my holiday cost is the flights, and the excuses for the surcharges just keep getting better, security costs, oil costs and green taxes. Beardy malcontents wont keep me off flights but the greed of the operators and taxman might.

As for being treated like a criminal when innocent, I suggest that you never visit a soccer match in Europe. Everyone’s guilty, everyone is scum and everyone forfeits their rights.

 

[amejr999]

I don't mind going through Security and always obey the rules and never bring anything to slow us down. I'm not crazy about taking off my shoes, but hey, if it keeps me safe and secure, I'd go barefoot through the line.

It doesn't. See http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Terrorism/wireStory?id=2314799.

The government's new order that all airline passengers put their shoes through X-ray machines won't help screeners find a liquid or gel that can be used as a bomb.

The machines are unable to detect explosives, according to a Homeland Security report on aviation screening recently obtained by The Associated Press.

 

[Legacy]

Actually, I think it's the only comparison one could make. I don't know anyone but criminals who are subject to random, no-refuse full body cavity searches. As someone above said, the larger political discussions that surround those decisions are beyond the scope of this board, but the fact remains I can't think of a single other circumstance that an American citizen can be subject to such scruitiny unless they have been arrested/incarcerated or bought a ticket on an airplane.

Join the military. :wave:

 

[Nut4Disney]

We are AP holders and we go to WDW about 2-3 times a year. Since we've had kids (4 yr old and 1 yr old) we've always flown. Sometimes using my wife's skymiles. We just went down in Oct. and are going down again in Feb. We live in the Cincinnati area where Delta has a stronghold on the airport, making it the most expensive airport in the U.S. as far as tickets go. In the past we either drive to Dayton or Louisville to fly to Orlando, but even they are becoming very expensive, and when you factor in paying to park your car at the airport for a week, it makes it even worse. I checked airfare yesterday and we've decided to drive also. It may take us longer with 2 small children (usually a 14 hour drive), but we will save almost $900 dollars. That's alot of dole whips.

 

[DisneyMusician2]

It would actually cost me more to drive from NY to WDW...I did the math for my last trip down. At current gas prices and a hotel for the night, flying is simply faster and easier. And believe me, I hate the airlines even more than the next guy.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

For me...20 hours down and 20 hours back...that's 2 full days of my vacation wasted in the car.

Next, you're chalking up about 2500 miles just in travel. Let's say your car gets 30mpg. At $2.30 (up here on a cheap scale) that's $191.67 (Of course it would be more because you're getting highway gas...not rural area neighborhood gas. Now, because you're driving for 2 full days...chalk up money for food. Add another $50 for food (I'm sure you'll pack some anyways).

Now, just with these expenses...you're at $240.00. Not including the gas/mileage used while in Orlando.

If you are going down with your significant other...that's $120.00/person. I think if you go at the right time...you can get from Boston to Orlando for like 160/person. I'd rather spend the extra 40 bucks and get an extra 2 days down there. If you take the first flight out of Logan...you're at your hotel by 11:00-11:30. (If you're taking an entire family, obviously you're going to save money...but I only travel with one other)

That's just me though...it's even worse for me because I don't get 30mpg...I only get 20...so that's almost $290.00 just in gas.

To me, being at my destination as long as I can possibly be while on vacation is more important than saving a few dollars.

 

[justducky78]

Trust me - I would MUCH prefer to drive if we could! But, it's just too far driving to WDW from Chicago. We like to take advantage of our vacation days together and spend time relaxing, not driving 20 hours down (which would mean a hotel stay half way) and 20 hours back home. Especially if it's a shorter trip 4-5 days. It just doesn't make sense for us. If we lived further south and it was a 6-7 hour drive (max) we would probably drive.

I, too, hate the new restrictions on liquids in carry-ons, etc but sometimes you just don't have a choice, and HAVE to fly. I really don't have problems with the "flying" itself, but because of meds I'm on - they've caused "anxiety" type symptoms at times that are not fun. It only gets worse when I'm in enclosed spaces with no escape for long periods of time (like an airplane) but with adjustments to my meds it's getting better. I can't live without my WDW fix, and we like to travel to other places, too, so I suck it up - and by the time we land in FL and get on that monorail at the airport, I forget all about it!!

I envy people who live close or have no time restraints and can drive to WDW, but sometimes it's nice to "just get there" too!

 

[Ella's Mommy]

I think I would rather stick a needle in my eye instead of drive to Disney. I live in PA so it only takes 2 hours and 25 minutes to get to Dis. I can see why the restrictions are a pain but it kind of took a weight off my back literally. We use to use carry on bags and not check anything because I was always so paranoid that baggage claim would take forever. But know we check our bags and all I have to carry is my purse. What a relief. We also usually fly airtran and they almost always offer the $50 upgrade to first class on the day of our flight. We always upgrade and I am always able to get the $59 dollars each way, nonstop so I am happy as a clam. The thought of 20+ hours in car with my mother and aunt is very scary for me. Plus the fact that disney is not your typical vacation and you go home more tired then when you arrived is enough for me.

FLYING HOME IN 16 DAYS<333333333333333333333333:sohappy:

 

[PintoColvig]

I used to be a fly-only snob. That is, I wouldn't drive the 10 hours to Disney because I was too good for driving. Now, with a wife, two kids and another on the way, it is just too expensive to fly. By driving, I save almost as much money as I spent on tickets for seven days. The anticipation of the parks helps on the way down and an early departure helps on the way home as we try to make it before sundown.

 

[AndreainNY]

Dh and I have talked about driving - but then we remember that from Upstate NY to Orlando is a 24 hour drive - IF you drive straight through. With kids aged 14, 3 and 1/2 and 22 months - the airline hassle is worth it. I cannot imagine 24 hours with my 3 kids in a car - even with toys and a dvd player. Yes, there are some things we sacrifice by flying - but they are worth the trade off. And we stopped using anything but the Town Car services to get us from the airport to the resort (and back again). They meet you at the luggage counter as soon as the plane lands and pick you up in front of your resort when you leave. Yes, there is an additional cost, but it usually only $80, and the time saved is more than worth it.

As for overstuffing luggage, one trick we do is to pack only 1/2 of the clothes we need for our vacation, then take a pool day at the resort and do laundry, then re-wear our clothes again. I also stock up on sample sized toothpastes...etc during the year. Then we have just enough for our trip and we have all that empty space in the luggage for the stuff we buy! It'll be even better when our youngest is out of diapers - even more luggage space!! We have also started taking advantage of shipping things home - that's the only way our girls were going to get the Cinderella's Castle playset for Christmas!

I understand your reasons for driving vs flying and if that is what makes you happy - go for it!! For some reason, that old song "Whatever gets you through the night, it's allright....it's allright" keeps going through my head, although the words are a little different "Whatever gets you to the World, it's allright...it's allright"!!!!

 

[Jooniper30]

Everytime I try to go (and maybe I'm just really, really bad at looking) it's something up around $400 per ticket (though I've seen it around $200ish but not when I wanted to go)

Factor in renting a car which is who knows how much, and...yeah. There are 4 of us so $200 or so dollars for gas plus $50 or so for a room is a small price to pay. And roadtrips can be fun if you want them to be!

 

[celticdog]

I have NEVER flown, and can never anticipate flying...for so many reasons, topping the list is that I HATE flying.

If you've never flown before, how do you know you hate flying???:veryconfu


I love flying. I flying quite frequently and have never had a bad time. You meet so many interesting people at the airport. I have a good time with the security screeners. I make them hand check alot of stuff, all my cameras and film. I have never felt threatend nor do I feel as though my rights are trodden upon by security. It's all part of the adventure that is flying.

For us flying and driving are about the same cost. So, why not save 8+ hours and fly?