Looking for some help planning a trip 💜

[Shan1982]

Hi everyone!! I am looking to plan a trip to Disney world with my 16 year old daughter. Planning on being there from April the 23rd to may 5th (I know crazy busy time of year). We are driving down (I will be the only driver),from Buffalo,NY, looking to leave on Sunday the 21st around 8am, driving till I get tired (hopefully finding a room when I do get tired), shower and sleep for a few hours than get back on the road. Where would a good place to stop about 10-12 hours in? I drove straight back from North Carolina to buffalo,ny and with stops (gas,food,bathroom breaks) it was about 12 hours. I am booking are stay at a value resort (not sure which on yet), purchasing the magic hopper plus ticket, don’t really need a dining package I think it’s a waste for us, still deciding on a character meal (my daughter looked at me funny when I asked if I should book one) other than that we would like a day or so to maybe go to universal studios or sea world. Any suggestions,do’s and don’t’s,advice (we are first timers) would be greatly appreciated

 

[Minnie Mum]

If you travel Google Maps recommended route via I 77 ( that's the route we always take), either Charlotte NC or Columbia SC would be a good stopping point (assuming you are leaving early in the morning).

Since it's your first time, I strongly recommend getting a good guidebook now, and start reading. I like the Unofficial Guide to WDW. Read everything you can on the various resorts, and look at online photos and videos, to see which appeals to you. Everyone has their favorites.

If you aren't getting the dining plan, there's no point in getting a vacation package. Book your room when a discount comes up. Then buy your tickets through a 3rd party seller like Undercover tourist. You can save some money on their discounted prices, and they're reliable. On your arrival day, stop off at a supermarket and stock up on bottled water (Orlando water tastes awful), snacks for your room, and perhaps breakfast foods. We usually eat breakfast in our room as we get ready for the day. Saves both money and time.

With that much time, one might be tempted to get the 10 day park hopper. But in my experience, unless you have unlimited energy, it's very nice to plan a non park day every 4-5 days. Maybe for the water parks, or just relaxing at the resort, or shopping. If you want more than 1 day at Universal (and you probably will), consider moving over to one of those hotels, at the end of your stay.

 

[GVentola]

A lot of character meals are buffets, and buffets a lot of times are pretty expensive--like $50 a person. If your daughter considers herself "too old" for characters, I would skip this. (Though I'm 46, and I went to Minnie's Seasonal buffet at Disney's Hollywood Studios alone just a few weeks ago, and got a nice photo of me with Mickey Mouse!)

Take plenty of breaks while driving! Those highways can start to looking the same mile after mile. Be safe!

 

[Shan1982]

Thanks ladies,that’s a lot of great advice!!! Definitely writing down the things I need to remember!! Thanks for you time

 

[yensid67]

Hey Shan1982...I thought I'd give my cents worth of advice too! I have driven from PA/md area a few times...ok a lot because I worked for WDW! I did the straight through drive until I came upon a way to drive and keep my sanity! I start my drive out early enough to get passed the problem area in your neck of the woods! For me it means leaving 8pm-midnight, driving for 4 hours to get passed DC and Richmond VA, then stopping in Petersburg. I stop for 30 minutes to gas up(whether I need it or not), grab a snack and drink and do a bathroom break. Then hit the road again for another 4 hours and another stop. I usually stop like that about 3-4 times during the trip! It does help with a straight through drive with no extra expenses of hotel rooms. Its just enough time for me to rejuvenate and get that boost of energy to go another. The key is BEFORE you leave, make sure you rest and nap throughout the day until you leave! OR if you can stay awake the night before until the morning, and then lay down and get up late afternoon and then before you know it, it will be time to leave! There is no worse feeling than counting the hours down the day of your leaving! This way you can get the rest you need and the hours will pass by and you won't even know it!

 

[Shan1982]

Thanks you!! That’s awesome advice!!