Help me, I'm Decision Impaired (How to Get to Disney)

[NCRedskins]

I've been debating the following decision for the past week:

- We are coming from Raleigh, NC in mid-September for our Orlando trip. My kids are 5, 3 and 1 and are hit or miss when it comes to long drives.

- Driving looks like it will be 9 hours without stops. We would likely leave in the wee hours in order to maximize time the kiddos are sleeping, but all told it would probably be a 12 hour ordeal. My wife thinks we need to grab some portable DVD players, etc and with gas and all it would probably be a couple hundred bucks.

- Flying Southwest, it looks like it's $123 per leg, or $1230 for the 5 of us. We'd have to rent a van on the other end which is another 300 bones

Generally speaking I'm against spending extra money in any way, but I also know my kids can be pretty iffy in the car. I feel like it might make the trip a lot easier if we just bite the bullet and fly.

Any tips? I know you all don't know my kids, but has anyone else driven with kids of similar ages? Is this a decent deal through Southwest?

 

[NonnaT]

My honeyman would love to drive. But, I have a 5 hour radius. (And we live in a seaside town, so the radius is only half a circle ). Everyone is different, you know your children, and how much driving is going to wear on you... Me, nope, I would give up my am DD or Star$$$ for a year to keep from riding in a car that long. But I will say the savings IS significant. I didn't help at all, did I? Good luck and safe travels! Let us all know what you decide!

 

[PinnySmart]

Thanks for the tips. Certainly leaning towards flying - even with the early arrival times and all of that it's still faster. We live about 7 minutes from the airport here.

We are staying offsite - had a timeshare through my family which made it essentially free, hence the rental car.

And dont forget that after an exhausting time at Disney then you have to drive back home.

 

[wdwhoneymooner]

We've driven with our kids everytime we visit; our son was nearly 2 his first time and after the Princess was born, she was nearly a year her first trip and he was 4. Now that we're veterans of over 30 + trips via I-75 South, I can agree with many suggestions mentioned above. You really don't need to leave super early coming from NC ( We are in ATL). A good early time would be 7 or 8 am and take in many rest stops to stretch out. The wee ones will appreciate them and it'll make it easier for you and the Missus. Taking in stops and normal traffic it should only add an extra hour or 75 minutes. Yes, get a DVD player! Just, YES!

Also, I know you may be hesitant to bring too much with you, but take it from us: It is much better to have than have not during a long road trip with young kids. If your vehicle can fit it in, then bring it. We also allow our kids more leeway in regards to snacks and treats too. Nothing that would shorten their lifespan, just being more flexible to make the trip go smoother.

 

[DManRightHere]

We're in Charlotte (8 hour drive, usually takes us 9 1/2).

I find driving more convenient even if it takes longer, then again, we have no kids. Then again again...you can't necessarily tend to the kids at all times on a plane either...

i would likely drive as I can't stand the thought of spending extra money when I don't have to. Time is money, but what is it worth? Is it worth an extra $1,000 to save 5 hours?

BTW, I thought small children can fly free if they sit on your lap?

 

[Swissmiss]

We've driven down a couple of times from that area, always shooting to leave by 7:00 am (and using not getting down the driveway until closer to 8:00 am) and we've always arrived by dinner time. We stop for lunch and to fill up the car and have always been luckily in terms of not hitting any traffic. The first time my DD was 3 and a half and the second time she was 6. The last time we did fly r/t from RDU, but it was almost more stressful (OK, I should be honest that I don't like flying). For one, when you fly you need to be concerned about your luggage, whereas in the car you can be more flexible on weight. There are only so many direct flights from RDU, so if you are unable to get one of these, you may find that you haven't really saved yourself much time and you've spent a lot more.

And I don't know about you, but if I have the choice between using my own car or a rental car in an area I am unfamiliar, I prefer being in the car that I know...

 

[DarthVader]

We're in Charlotte (8 hour drive, usually takes us 9 1/2).

that's great, I'm 3 days away, in Boston. I'd definitely take more advantage of WDW if I was only 9 hours away.

BTW, I thought small children can fly free if they sit on your lap?

Yes, and for intents and purposes its a nightmare. For me flying to Orlando is 3 hours, do you know any 2 year old that can sit still for that period of time? We've done it, and it was a nightmare. I would not recommend this for anyone. Plus I think the age cut off is either 2 or 3, anyone older has to buy a seat.

 

[DManRightHere]

that's great, I'm 3 days away, in Boston. I'd definitely take more advantage of WDW if I was only 9 hours away.


Yes, and for intents and purposes its a nightmare. For me flying to Orlando is 3 hours, do you know any 2 year old that can sit still for that period of time? We've done it, and it was a nightmare. I would not recommend this for anyone. Plus I think the age cut off is either 2 or 3, anyone older has to buy a seat.

Well...my post is directed to the OP....

 

[NCRedskins]

Thanks everybody. We decided to fly - just easier on all of us (yes, the one year old can go on the lap). With stops I calculated the trip to be outside of the limits, and the big kicker was being able to enjoy the last day knowing I don't have to haul home.

 

[Po'Rich]

They really need to perfect the teleport thing. "Beam me to Disney, Scotty".

Floo powder...but that might take you to the wrong park.

 

[Disney4family]

I'm on vacation. I'll let the pilot drive.