[tigger03]

I just have to keep bugging everyone.

My counter's fixed and only 24 more days to go, so I will be asking a million questions over the next couple weeks.

I have my maps ready from Mapquest(not that you can always trust them) and I was wondering anyone here has made the Michigan to Florida road trip and if they have any suggestions, is there any construction I might run into?

I am trying to convince my husband that he is crazy:dazed if he thinks we are going to drive straight through(roughly 20 hours not including stops). I think we could do it if we didn't have the kids, but I am not sure I can sleep in shifts with the kids bugging us and trust me they will:laugh .

I don't want to be falling asleep in my parmesan mashed potatoes at Chef Mickeys. Our PS isn't until 7:00 and I want to have everyone resfreshed and ready to see the fireworks from the poly.

What time does everyone ususally check in. If we don't check in until 4:00p.m. will we be left with the worst room, a room is gaurenteed till 6:00 or is it a whole night?

Help!!!

[disneypro]

tigger,
What route are you taking through FL to disney? I live off I 95 in Daytona Beach, which is en route to I-4 to Orlando, so all I can advise you of is on that route, which currently has heavy construction beginning on 95 in Jacksonville at the I295 merger, which is a massive project, and it continues until Volusia County (just over 45 miles or so) line. More construction beginning in south daytona portion of the interstate but only briefly, because then you're on I-4, which is fine until you get to Seminole County, where there is major new bridge construction. Even without construction that interstate is the worst. It will depend what time of day you'll be coming through. An alternate route some locals favor is taking 95 further south to the greenbelt or one of the expressways that cut accross and dumps traffic right out near the attractions. I've heard some folks coming from your direction end up coming in from I 75 and going into the disney/kissimmee area from the other direction. Honestly, I don't know if one is necessarily better than the other. But that is my official construction report from Jax to Orlando. I travel that route daily for my job. Regardless, have a safe trip.

[dab]

Can't help you on the drive part.... OUCH!! You are brave! As for check-in. We usually check in around noon or at least by 2:00. We did the 3:00 ck-in a couple of times and had LONG lines! Sometimes when you check in early you can get into your room, so we try that. Our Jan. visit we stayed at POR and had a late flight and didn't check in till after 8PM. I had requested a specific building which was noted on my confirmation sheet. I followed it up with a fax 2 days prior and then called the front desk the morning of our arrival. The CM said, no problem I'll go ahead and put you in room XXXX. Relieved, I prepared for the trip. I was really peeved when I checked in at 8PM to find out they had moved me to a different bldg and that none were available where I had requested. A room is guaranteed but a specific room is not. I knew that but was hopeful! So, I guess if you get there too late, the room you're hoping for could be gone! But at 4:00 you should still be fine. If you've paid your deposit then your room for the first night is paid for so I would think it is guaranteed. If you've purchased a package and prepaid then your whole stay should be guaranteed. Right?? It wouldn't hurt to call the night before or morning of to confirm everything and let them know your arrival time. Compulsive me always does that and while it may not help, it puts my mind at ease!

Your first night plans sound great! Chef Mickey's is the perfect way to start off a WDW vacation! And, IMO there is no better place to watch the MK fireworks than on the beach at the Poly. Try to snag yourselves a hammock or a swing! Have a great time!!!

[CaribBeachNut]

Check out this URL. It is all about I-95.
It has exit, restaurant, gasoline and construction info, all arranged by state, exit number and North vs. South bound.
I print this info out and take it with me. That way, I never have to wonder where gasoline is, nor how long 'til the next burger place.
http://www.usastar.com/i95/homepage.htm

I am not sure of your route, but 20 hours straight with kids does seem excessive IMHO, but that is your decision. Hotels in SC/Georgia area along I-95 are relatively inexpensive.
Enjoy your vacation!

[tigger03]

Thanks you so much for the info this will help greatly. We'll probably take 75 through. I think if we make it to southern Georgia my late Saturdayand get an early start Sunday we will be doing good to arive aound 2:00/3:00, might have to cope with the check-in lines. One of us can walk around with the kids and check out the hotel while the other checks in. Thanks again. I am going to check out that website now.

[PharroutRacing]

If you are comeing down I75 try not to be in Atlanta during rush hour it could take you 2 hours just to go those few miles. There is all ways construction, they are building the 17th street bridge over I75 and sometimes they close it down in both directions on the weekends. If they close it you will have to take 285 around that is the Atlanta bybass. One other thing don't be suprised to see people driveing 75 to 80 mph in a 55 mph zone we are always in a hurry down here. :D

[dab]

Originally posted by PharroutRacing
If you are comeing down I75 try not to be in Atlanta during rush hour it could take you 2 hours just to go those few miles. :D

You definately do not want to hit Atlanta between 6:00 & 8:30 AM or 4:30-7:00 PM... MAJOR traffic!!! And PharroutRacing is right... we talk slow but drive fast down here! Watch out! Bonus though... you'll make it there faster.

We live north of Atlanta and make the drive (I 75 all the way) in about 7.5 hrs stopping twice. Once a short leg stretch and another longer stop at McDonalds playground to let my DD get the wiggles out!