Has anyone chosen driving rather than flying?

lustergirl · 10-26-2005

I am looking at next year's trip already. There will be 5 of us going this coming September, that means 2 rooms at the All Star Sports or splurge on a nice room at AKL. AKL is kind of steep for the pocket- beautiful resort. I did quotes for driving and flying. If we drive my quote will be 1500 dollars less. Now some of you would say don't book your airfare with your accomodations, wait until a good deal comes along. Well I am silly like that, but I like to know what I am up against as far as how long it will take to pay off my trip. I know I wouldn't spend 1500 dollars if my family drove, just only 19 hours of fun, fun, fun, lol. I think if we drive we can swing the AKL. Anyone ever decide to drive instead of fly in order to save more money so they can stay at a better resort?? If not I will be happy at the Sports, nice resort.

Lisa

Ready2Go · 10-26-2005

We always drive....700 miles one way....It is fun going.... but a much longer drive coming home.

mistikbunny · 10-26-2005

We are driving down also. There are 6 of us and we will save enough to afford 2 rooms at CBR rather than 2 rooms at POP. I would rather drive and stay at a resort that is higher up the ladder.

Belle's Momma · 10-26-2005

We usually drive too. It's about 1000 miles and we drive straight through taking turns. We also leave in the afternoon so first the kids nap, we stop to eat, they watch a couple of DVD's, then it's night so they sleep and it's really not a problem.

chris5568 · 10-26-2005

We always drive too, about 12 hours for us, we are in Virginia.

nj2wdw2004 · 10-26-2005

We are driving this year for the first time. Should be a "fun" experience............

tinkerbell · 10-26-2005

we have been driving since mm around 96, we enjoy it more then flying. We had come to hate flying before 9/11 due to lost luggage, delays, our luggage being open and items (nothing valueable) stolen. driving for us has been much more relaxing then flying and we have the chance to arrive earlier and leave later. So that we always have a full first day and full last day at the parks. Over the years I have gotten really great at packing snacks and such for the drive. The girls watch videos going down the road and have even played psp :)

**Cincy** · 10-26-2005

We used to always drive. Lost one day of vactaion going down and one more going back. At $59 each way with Southwest, I am not going to miss that 16 hour drive at all.

hiner · 10-26-2005

We used to drive when we were kids, but now as an adult I would rather fly. My DH would rather drive, but I don't want to use extra vacation days to drive when I could be down there playing already. Maybe one time we may drive, its just that it would take almost 16 hours of straight driving and I don't want to have to recoop on my first day of vacation. We'll see.

bethishooked · 10-26-2005

We've done both. I choose driving any time. DH doesn't like flying, so he has a different personality at Disney when we fly, worrying about the ride home. To me its worth the extra hours to have him enjoy the trip as much as the rest of us. Also, when we are on vacation, we want to be as far away from schedules as possible (I guess that's why we have never booked a PS, just can't stand the thought of any commitment!). With driving, you are in control of when you are ready to arrive/leave. I recommend driving, and staying at AKL. We love it so much, the kids were given the choice of a short trip to Disney now at a value, or wait to save for AKL next summer. They chose AKL next summer, hands down!!!

A Goofy Family · 10-26-2005

We have always driven...it's a 1200 miles one way...but time passes by quickly. I like having the options of taking whatever I want and not being restricted to "2 bags per person" and then the concern of getting to the airports and then sitting around for hours and relying on others (buses, etc) for transportation. Don't get me wrong, if we could find a super price for the 4 of us, we'd probably fly...but when we can save $500-$1000 by driving, that's the way we'll go.

mwalter · 10-26-2005

We flew the first two trips in '01 and '02 but have driven down every trip since Xmas '02. It's 1300 miles for us and we make it part of the trip and space it out over two and a half days. It gets us there fresh and ready to hit the parks by making the third day of driving only about 4 hours from Savannah. It saves us about $1500 Cdn by doing this, plus we have the use of the our car any time we need/want it. Mind you, our kids are older and can entertain themselves.

DisneyHog6 · 10-26-2005

I've been to WDW 19 times, and I've only flown one time. From the very beginning with my parents and brother, we'd drive from Jacksonville, AR to WDW, about 20 or so hours. Now that I have my own family and we're stationed in Delaware, we still drive. It's about a 14 hour drive from here. We get up early and we're on the road by about 5am. That way my little guy (almost 3) goes back to sleep for a couple hours once he's in his car seat. Once he wakes up, it's about breakfast time and it's on to the greatest invention ever...PORTABLE DVD!!!! It's not that bad. Plus, if you go down I-95, you pass right by South of the Border...HA!

Princessbaby · 10-26-2005

We drive. It's fun to see the scenery and the time seems to go so quickly. It took us about 20 hours to drive and we went straight through with my DH and I taking turns driving. It saves us so much money and gives us some extra to use on our vacation!!

dznylvr · 10-26-2005

We always drive.It is about a 10 hour drive for us.My kids are scared to fly and every time I fly,I always end up with a cold(all that recycled air,I guess)We do have a DVD player in the van,which is the awesome,wish I had one when I was a kid!!Plus,just like Disneyhog says,you get to pass South of the Border on the way down(plus the 65,000 signs advertising it!!)

10-26-2005	#1 (permalink)
lustergirl Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Buffalo, New York Posts: 191	Has anyone chosen driving rather than flying? I am looking at next year's trip already. There will be 5 of us going this coming September, that means 2 rooms at the All Star Sports or splurge on a nice room at AKL. AKL is kind of steep for the pocket- beautiful resort. I did quotes for driving and flying. If we drive my quote will be 1500 dollars less. Now some of you would say don't book your airfare with your accomodations, wait until a good deal comes along. Well I am silly like that, but I like to know what I am up against as far as how long it will take to pay off my trip. I know I wouldn't spend 1500 dollars if my family drove, just only 19 hours of fun, fun, fun, lol. I think if we drive we can swing the AKL. Anyone ever decide to drive instead of fly in order to save more money so they can stay at a better resort?? If not I will be happy at the Sports, nice resort. Lisa

10-26-2005	#2 (permalink)
Ready2Go Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: There's a great big beautiful tomorrow Posts: 5,435	Re: Has anyone chosen driving rather than flying? We always drive....700 miles one way....It is fun going.... but a much longer drive coming home. __________________ MB member "Crush" is my 11yo DS. MB member "The Big Goof" is my 16yo DS. MB member "Peppertink" is my DW. A LOT of Disney Links for Videos, Audio, Sat Views, Info and Maps Click Here!! My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Going to see the Mouse on the West Coast! We are in Disneyland!!!!

10-26-2005	#3 (permalink)
mistikbunny Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Valparaiso, Indiana Posts: 257	Re: Has anyone chosen driving rather than flying? We are driving down also. There are 6 of us and we will save enough to afford 2 rooms at CBR rather than 2 rooms at POP. I would rather drive and stay at a resort that is higher up the ladder. __________________ 1983(Mar.) - Off Property 1989(July) - On-site Suite at The Golf Resort 2004(Apr.)- Port Orleans Riverside 2005(Nov.) - Carribean Beach Resort 2008 (May I hope) - Pop / Wilderness Lodge "Read the directions, and directly you'll be directed in the right ... direction." - The Doorknob

10-26-2005	#4 (permalink)
Belle's Momma Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: The Boonies!!! Posts: 197	Re: Has anyone chosen driving rather than flying? We usually drive too. It's about 1000 miles and we drive straight through taking turns. We also leave in the afternoon so first the kids nap, we stop to eat, they watch a couple of DVD's, then it's night so they sleep and it's really not a problem. __________________

10-26-2005	#5 (permalink)
chris5568 Big Cheese Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Va. Posts: 832	Re: Has anyone chosen driving rather than flying? We always drive too, about 12 hours for us, we are in Virginia. __________________ Chrissy http://www.myspace.com/chrissy505 http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZchris5568_2007

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Has anyone chosen driving rather than flying?

10-26-2005	#6 (permalink)
nj2wdw2004 Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 33	Re: Has anyone chosen driving rather than flying? We are driving this year for the first time. Should be a "fun" experience............ __________________ Denise **************************************** 1977 - off site 1981 - Fort Wilderness 1983 - Contemporary 1988 - Honeymoon - Disney Village Resort 1991 - Disney Village Resort 1999 - Coronado Springs 2004 - Port Orleans FQ 2005 - Coronado Springs 2006 - All Star Movies

10-26-2005	#7 (permalink)
tinkerbell Neverland Tour Guide ® Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: The Ark-La-Tex Posts: 7,596	Re: Has anyone chosen driving rather than flying? we have been driving since mm around 96, we enjoy it more then flying. We had come to hate flying before 9/11 due to lost luggage, delays, our luggage being open and items (nothing valueable) stolen. driving for us has been much more relaxing then flying and we have the chance to arrive earlier and leave later. So that we always have a full first day and full last day at the parks. Over the years I have gotten really great at packing snacks and such for the drive. The girls watch videos going down the road and have even played psp :) __________________ Stinkerbell, so named by Darth Official Defender of Swiss Family Treehouse MB chitchatter. We don't need no stinkin' post counts Protect Texas!!! Arm A Dillo

10-26-2005	#8 (permalink)
Cincy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cincynatti.... where else! Posts: 1,467	Re: Has anyone chosen driving rather than flying? We used to always drive. Lost one day of vactaion going down and one more going back. At $59 each way with Southwest, I am not going to miss that 16 hour drive at all. __________________ droopydog If you need a shoulder to cry on..... pull over.

10-26-2005	#9 (permalink)
hiner Mouse Meister Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Body: Worcester PA Heart & Soul: WDW Posts: 1,826	Re: Has anyone chosen driving rather than flying? We used to drive when we were kids, but now as an adult I would rather fly. My DH would rather drive, but I don't want to use extra vacation days to drive when I could be down there playing already. Maybe one time we may drive, its just that it would take almost 16 hours of straight driving and I don't want to have to recoop on my first day of vacation. We'll see. __________________ Kim I could be ready in a minute for WDW, just tell me when! WDW - 11/78 & 11/84 - Ft. Wilderness Disneyland - 09/87 - Off Site WDW - Off Site 10/89, CBR 10/99, CBR 05/04, CBR 05/05, CBR 05/07, POLYNESIAN 5/09 SUPERBOWL CHAMPS, THE STEELERS, "SHOCKED THE WORLD"! YANKEES WILL BE BACK IN 2009! AND THE BROWN'S WERE BACK IN WDW 2009! My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Take me with you....pppllleeeaaassseee!!!!!

10-26-2005	#10 (permalink)
bethishooked Big Cheese Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Illinois Posts: 914	Re: Has anyone chosen driving rather than flying? We've done both. I choose driving any time. DH doesn't like flying, so he has a different personality at Disney when we fly, worrying about the ride home. To me its worth the extra hours to have him enjoy the trip as much as the rest of us. Also, when we are on vacation, we want to be as far away from schedules as possible (I guess that's why we have never booked a PS, just can't stand the thought of any commitment!). With driving, you are in control of when you are ready to arrive/leave. I recommend driving, and staying at AKL. We love it so much, the kids were given the choice of a short trip to Disney now at a value, or wait to save for AKL next summer. They chose AKL next summer, hands down!!! __________________ Sept, 2002 Animal Kingdom Lodge Sept, 2003 Caribean Beach Resort Jan, 2005 Animal Kingdom Lodge Aug, 2006 Animal Kingdom Lodge (1 Night PopCentury) June, 2007 Port Orleans French Quarter August, 2008 Animal Kingdom Lodge (1 Night Sports) April, 2009 POFQ - Beth & Mom Trip! My Disney Countdown Counting down to: BLT - MK View!!! 125 days 1 hours 5 minutes

10-26-2005	#11 (permalink)
A Goofy Family Mouse Meister Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,079	Re: Has anyone chosen driving rather than flying? We have always driven...it's a 1200 miles one way...but time passes by quickly. I like having the options of taking whatever I want and not being restricted to "2 bags per person" and then the concern of getting to the airports and then sitting around for hours and relying on others (buses, etc) for transportation. Don't get me wrong, if we could find a super price for the 4 of us, we'd probably fly...but when we can save $500-$1000 by driving, that's the way we'll go. __________________ DVC Members Since 2003 '77 DL Day Trip '99 ASMo Toy Story * '03 AS Sports Surf's Up '04 OKW/Pop '05 May-June SSR/WL December '05OKW '06 March OKW/Coronado Springs * June '06 Keystone CO w/DVC * March '07 DVC's Hilton Head Island March '08 BWVMAY/JUNE '08 AKV* DEC '08 OKWMarch '09 BWV Not sure when we'll be back to see Mickey. Next long weekend away...Great Wolf Lodge Dallas Honored to be Trailblazer's daughter & BDavis932's sister My Disney Countdown Counting down to:* Spring Break in the Caribbean....our 1st Cruise! 111 days 23 hours 5 minutes

10-26-2005	#12 (permalink)
mwalter Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Mississauga, ON Canada Posts: 358	Re: Has anyone chosen driving rather than flying? We flew the first two trips in '01 and '02 but have driven down every trip since Xmas '02. It's 1300 miles for us and we make it part of the trip and space it out over two and a half days. It gets us there fresh and ready to hit the parks by making the third day of driving only about 4 hours from Savannah. It saves us about $1500 Cdn by doing this, plus we have the use of the our car any time we need/want it. Mind you, our kids are older and can entertain themselves. __________________ August 2007 - Polynesian July 2005 - WL & Pop Century Christmas 2004 - Pop Century July/August 2004 - AKL August 2003 - All-Star Music Christmas/New Year's 2002 - Radisson Parkway August 2002 - All-Star Music August 2001 - Holiday Inn Family Suites 1976 with parents - offsite My Disney Countdown Counting down to: 50th Birthday Trip

10-26-2005	#13 (permalink)
DisneyHog6 A Hog Fan's Life For Me! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Stationed in Dover, De, but from Arkansas-GO HOGS!!! Posts: 2,791	Re: Has anyone chosen driving rather than flying? I've been to WDW 19 times, and I've only flown one time. From the very beginning with my parents and brother, we'd drive from Jacksonville, AR to WDW, about 20 or so hours. Now that I have my own family and we're stationed in Delaware, we still drive. It's about a 14 hour drive from here. We get up early and we're on the road by about 5am. That way my little guy (almost 3) goes back to sleep for a couple hours once he's in his car seat. Once he wakes up, it's about breakfast time and it's on to the greatest invention ever...PORTABLE DVD!!!! It's not that bad. Plus, if you go down I-95, you pass right by South of the Border...HA! __________________ Dewey-"DewMan" Proud member of U.S. Air Force. 21 Trips to WDW 85-06 1 Trip to DL Paris Jul 2005 Next trip - June 07 Got a MySpace? Visit mine... http://www.myspace.com/DewMan616 Yet ANOTHER R2G avatar creation... I'll have three Grande Locos, with Juice in a to go cup, please! WOO PIG SOOIE! Join the Redneck Revolution! I'm an alicefanMAN! If Heaven ain't a lot like Dixie, I don't wanna go...

10-26-2005	#14 (permalink)
Princessbaby Always a Princess Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,706	Re: Has anyone chosen driving rather than flying? We drive. It's fun to see the scenery and the time seems to go so quickly. It took us about 20 hours to drive and we went straight through with my DH and I taking turns driving. It saves us so much money and gives us some extra to use on our vacation!! __________________ Can't wait to get back to WDW Next trip: June 2010 ´¨) ¸.•´ ¸.•´¨)¸.•¨) (¸.•´(¸.•`Princessbaby´¨) My Disney Countdown Counting down to:* Celebrating a birthday in Disney!! 208 days 1 hours 57 minutes

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10-26-2005	#15 (permalink)
dznylvr Mouse Meister Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Where I'm at. Posts: 1,182	Re: Has anyone chosen driving rather than flying? We always drive.It is about a 10 hour drive for us.My kids are scared to fly and every time I fly,I always end up with a cold(all that recycled air,I guess)We do have a DVD player in the van,which is the awesome,wish I had one when I was a kid!!Plus,just like Disneyhog says,you get to pass South of the Border on the way down(plus the 65,000 signs advertising it!!)