Driving from NH

[GeekDad]

In less then two weeks I will be driving from NH down to WDW. We are renting a van and will have 4 adults and two 2&1/2 year olds (yes we are insane). We are driving for a few reasons but that's not really important right now. We will be leaving very late at night on the 11th but don't check in till the 13th so we have plenty of time. We will be following I95 most if not all of the way down to FL. I have three questions;

1. We will be making plenty of stops on our way down and back to let the kids get out and stretch as well as get some energy out for the day. Where are some good places to stop along the way anywhere south of DC that aren't too far off of I95?

2. Any suggestions on places to stay for the night of the 12th in FL? Depending on how many stops we need to make we could be anywhere from the top of FL to just outside of WDW before we stop for the night.

3. If we are following I95 all the way down would we be ok taking I4 from I95 or should we look into an alternate route like following I95 all the way to state route 528 or taking I4 and then detouring around Orlando?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts and assistance.

 

[disney4life2008]

I can not answer any of your questions. But I drove from Chicago to Orlando for my summer job - the happiest moment is when you cross into the Florida boarder but then the ride from there to Disney seems to take another day, lol. Safe travels

 

[Disvillain63]

At the North Carolina/South Carolina border, you could stop at South of the Border. It's a pretty cheesy tourist location, but they do have a few carnival-type rides, a gift shop, ice cream parlor, etc.... For the 2 1/2 year olds, it could be fun.

Exit 318 (St. Augustine) has a Disney outlet in the outlet stores to the east of I-95...might be a fun place to stop for a pre-Disney shopping experience. We usually stop there after leaving Disney. There are hotels and restaurants too.

 

[Nemo14]

In less then two weeks I will be driving from NH down to WDW. We are renting a van and will have 4 adults and two 2&1/2 year olds (yes we are insane). We are driving for a few reasons but that's not really important right now. We will be leaving very late at night on the 11th but don't check in till the 13th so we have plenty of time. We will be following I95 most if not all of the way down to FL. I have three questions;

1. We will be making plenty of stops on our way down and back to let the kids get out and stretch as well as get some energy out for the day. Where are some good places to stop along the way anywhere south of DC that aren't too far off of I95?

2. Any suggestions on places to stay for the night of the 12th in FL? Depending on how many stops we need to make we could be anywhere from the top of FL to just outside of WDW before we stop for the night.

3. If we are following I95 all the way down would we be ok taking I4 from I95 or should we look into an alternate route like following I95 all the way to state route 528 or taking I4 and then detouring around Orlando?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts and assistance.

I can help you with #3. We have driven it several times from RI, and I would highly recommend taking Route 417 around Orlando (I think you pick it up around Sanford). it's a toll road, and will probably cost you around $15 - $20 in tolls, but it's well worth not having to fight the traffic on I4. (For the record, we take I84 to I81 to omit the whole Northeast corridor traffic too, then I77? back to I95- longer miles, but far less time)
Have a safe trip.

 

[Susan Savia]

I would try and time it so that you pass through the Northern VA Mixing Bowl 95 south area early in the morning. Backup ups on this stretch begin in the afternoon about 2pm and can last for hours.

 

[GeekDad]

At the North Carolina/South Carolina border, you could stop at South of the Border. It's a pretty cheesy tourist location, but they do have a few carnival-type rides, a gift shop, ice cream parlor, etc.... For the 2 1/2 year olds, it could be fun.

Exit 318 (St. Augustine) has a Disney outlet in the outlet stores to the east of I-95...might be a fun place to stop for a pre-Disney shopping experience. We usually stop there after leaving Disney. There are hotels and restaurants too.

I believe south of the border is already on my wife's list to stop. It does sound like a great place to let the kids get some energy out.

I'll keep exit 318 in mind for either the way down or back depending on timing. Thanks!

 

[GeekDad]

I can help you with #3. We have driven it several times from RI, and I would highly recommend taking Route 417 around Orlando (I think you pick it up around Sanford). it's a toll road, and will probably cost you around $15 - $20 in tolls, but it's well worth not having to fight the traffic on I4. (For the record, we take I84 to I81 to omit the whole Northeast corridor traffic too, then I77? back to I95- longer miles, but far less time)
Have a safe trip.

Thanks I'll keep both suggestions in mind. Is there any time of day that I4 isn't bad traffic wise like say late at night?

 

[GeekDad]

I would try and time it so that you pass through the Northern VA Mixing Bowl 95 south area early in the morning. Backup ups on this stretch begin in the afternoon about 2pm and can last for hours.

Hmmm not sure how well our timing will be for this but hopefully it will work out. We are leaving as soon as we can and should make it through NY city just before rush hour but not sure on how long things will take after that.

 

[Nemo14]

Hmmm not sure how well our timing will be for this but hopefully it will work out. We are leaving as soon as we can and should make it through NY city just before rush hour but not sure on how long things will take after that.

Where in NH are you coming from?

 

[GeekDad]

Where in NH are you coming from?

The Concord area. I've driven from here to Philly several times before and can usually make the GW bridge in about 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic.

 

[Nemo14]

The Concord area. I've driven from here to Philly several times before and can usually make the GW bridge in about 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic.

That sounds about right - it takes us 3 from here. When our kids were little we'd leave around 10 at night to hit the bridge at around 1 or so to avoid traffic. You'll still hit the Beltway traffic at a bad time though, although I'm not sure there really is a good time for that. I'd still recommend 93 to 495 to Mass Pike to 87 to 84 to 81. JMHO

 

[ArielLover]

That sounds about right - it takes us 3 from here. When our kids were little we'd leave around 10 at night to hit the bridge at around 1 or so to avoid traffic. You'll still hit the Beltway traffic at a bad time though, although I'm not sure there really is a good time for that. I'd still recommend 93 to 495 to Mass Pike to 87 to 84 to 81. JMHO

Private message me if you want - I have driven over 20 times from NH - sound like we will be there at the same time - I leave Saturday for our 3 week stay.

 

[JohnD]

In less then two weeks I will be driving from NH down to WDW. We are renting a van and will have 4 adults and two 2&1/2 year olds (yes we are insane). We are driving for a few reasons but that's not really important right now. We will be leaving very late at night on the 11th but don't check in till the 13th so we have plenty of time. We will be following I95 most if not all of the way down to FL. I have three questions;

1. We will be making plenty of stops on our way down and back to let the kids get out and stretch as well as get some energy out for the day. Where are some good places to stop along the way anywhere south of DC that aren't too far off of I95?

2. Any suggestions on places to stay for the night of the 12th in FL? Depending on how many stops we need to make we could be anywhere from the top of FL to just outside of WDW before we stop for the night.

3. If we are following I95 all the way down would we be ok taking I4 from I95 or should we look into an alternate route like following I95 all the way to state route 528 or taking I4 and then detouring around Orlando?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts and assistance.

Regarding, #3, I used to live in DC. First, I-95 is also the Washington Beltway. Then I suggest taking the two I-295s--the first around Richmond, the second is the I-295 East Beltway around the east side of Jacksonville.

I personally think you'll lose time taking a route off I-4 around Orlando. I-4 takes you direct to WDW and there are several exits depending on which resort/park you want. Obviously, day/time is a factor. If you arrive on a weekday around 5pm, you'll be in rush hour traffic. So, plan accordingly.

Regarding #2, not sure how your drive is timed but I suggest the US-92 exit (International Speedway Blvd) off I-95 near Daytona Beach. There are several hotels there and a McDonald's. Then take US-92 west straight to an access road / on-ramp to I-4. WDW is about another 1.5 hours from there.

 

[mrerk]

Thanks I'll keep both suggestions in mind. Is there any time of day that I4 isn't bad traffic wise like say late at night?

I4 is really hit or miss. If it is an off peak time it is definately the most direct way. If you are near peak times I would probably go I4 to Sanford and pick up 417. 95 to SR50 or 528 will add at least an hour or 2.

 

[mrerk]

That sounds about right - it takes us 3 from here. When our kids were little we'd leave around 10 at night to hit the bridge at around 1 or so to avoid traffic. You'll still hit the Beltway traffic at a bad time though, although I'm not sure there really is a good time for that. I'd still recommend 93 to 495 to Mass Pike to 87 to 84 to 81. JMHO

Interesting idea. I've never thought of taking the Pike all the way out to 87. We've usually gone Pike to 84 to 81.

 

[Indyfam2010]

Up until 2010 I lived in Orlando for 19 years, I spent more hours of my life sitting on I-4 then I care to remember. I can tell you that the stretch between Deltona and Sanford is just as bad as downtown Orlando so keep that in mind. I would stay away from I-4 from Deltona all the way to Orlando/WDW between the hours of 6:30am - 9am and about 3:30pm - 7pm. If you avoid those time frames you should be o.k. barring any road construction or accidents. If you have to travel during those times I would use HWY 417 (toll road) it is a little out of the way but it would be worth it, you can take 417 all the way to World Center Drive.

I lived in Jacksonville, Fl for about 1 1/2 years (approx. 2 1/2 hours from Disney) I would stay the S. side of Jacksonville, Baymeadows Road or Butler Blvd. both are right off of I-95. Off of Baymeadows Road there are a bunch of restaurants, hotels and it is down the road from the Avenues Mall. If you stay off of Butler Blvd there are hotels, plenty of shopping, restaurants etc. at St. Johns Town Center. Do a search on that shopping plaza and you will find a bunch of information. If you need anymore help just ask

 

[JohnD]

Up until 2010 I lived in Orlando for 19 years, I spent more hours of my life sitting on I-4 then I care to remember. I can tell you that the stretch between Deltona and Sanford is just as bad as downtown Orlando so keep that in mind. I would stay away from I-4 from Deltona all the way to Orlando/WDW between the hours of 6:30am - 9am and about 3:30pm - 7pm. If you avoid those time frames you should be o.k. barring any road construction or accidents. If you have to travel during those times I would use HWY 417 (toll road) it is a little out of the way but it would be worth it, you can take 417 all the way to World Center Drive.

I lived in Jacksonville, Fl for about 1 1/2 years (approx. 2 1/2 hours from Disney) I would stay the S. side of Jacksonville, Baymeadows Road or Butler Blvd. both are right off of I-95. Off of Baymeadows Road there are a bunch of restaurants, hotels and it is down the road from the Avenues Mall. If you stay off of Butler Blvd there are hotels, plenty of shopping, restaurants etc. at St. Johns Town Center. Do a search on that shopping plaza and you will find a bunch of information. If you need anymore help just ask

To bounce off that, if you take the I-295 East Beltway (formerly 9A--the exit is just south of Jacksonville International Airport), continue over the Dames Point Bridge and it will take you directly to Town Centre Blvd. where the St. John's Town Centre is located. Yep. Lots of shopping, eating, etc.

 

[Nemo14]

Interesting idea. I've never thought of taking the Pike all the way out to 87. We've usually gone Pike to 84 to 81.

It's a little longer, but traffic-wise it's usually better. Depends on the time of day usually. Another way is to take 95, however you choose to get there, through RI and into CT to Old Lyme, then take Rte 9 up to I-84. It's a little confusing at first, but you GPS will guide you through it. We'll be on that road shortly as a matter of fact.

 

[luv]

...and will have 4 adults and two 2&1/2 year olds (yes we are insane)...

That was hilarious.

I have no real help for you, just a request.

I've never been to South of the Border, but have heard from online friends as well as real-life people (one who grimaced, lol) that it is kind of a dive. Nonetheless, I've always wanted to go there.

Please post your family's impression if you stop there!

Have a good drive. Getting there can be half the fun!

 

[GeekDad]

That was hilarious.

I have no real help for you, just a request.

I've never been to South of the Border, but have heard from online friends as well as real-life people (one who grimaced, lol) that it is kind of a dive. Nonetheless, I've always wanted to go there.

Please post your family's impression if you stop there!

Have a good drive. Getting there can be half the fun!

Yea I've heard its pretty outdated now but I still want to check it out and it should be interesting for my wife to see how it has changed from when she was last there. I'll be sure to post our impressions on it if we are able to stop there.