Fly or drive, fly or drive, fly or drive??? Driving myself crazy!!! Now, it's worse...*updated* About This Page:

[graygables]

We are currently planning to drive, me, DH, 8 & 6yo DDs. The DDs travel well enough. It will be 18hours over 2 days and around $450 if the price of gas stays around $2 gallon (so less if it drops). To fly would be 2 hrs and 22 minutes each way, but would increase the cost (including towncar, extra hotel night to accomodate flight schedule) to $965. That's a huge jump to me, but DH is thinking in terms of how many hours he would be able to work (if the weather is good ) if we didn't have to drive. ACK! I wish we could just make a decision and stick with it...I have to make PSes in less than a week!



UPDATE...just decided to give the flights another look and the decent rate was *GONE* and was replaced by a really *bad* one ($300 more!) Anyone know what time of week/day airlines lower the prices?



A train is out of the question...it would take quite a bit longer than driving (34hrs) and is certainly much more expensive ($2175), even with AAA rates.

[arielrocks]

Could do a train if you don't mind a layover in DC.
I plan to finish up our DC trip from last year this year seeing some things we didn't have time to do.
Our trip cost round trip is 533. This is from Toledo, DC, Orlando and return. Might want to give them a call.
Our DD is so looking forward to this. We too thought about driving and we decided why? We will be pooped from the drive and might as well be refreshed when the train gets in. Just a thought.

[Teresa]

Dawn, I am sure that you have calculated this, but in the driving equation, did you include: gas (duh), all meals, the snacks at rest stops that all kids just HAVE to have, the hotel to stop, and the wear and tear on the car? And, the extra snacks you will pack, and the things to keep the kids entertained? Also, the time that your DH will miss from work?
Sometimes when you count all those things, flying is cheaper.

[RobDVC]

Airlines usually bump the prices of flights up as it gets closer to the date when the flight is scheduled for.

[RocklandRVers]

We drive for obvious reasons. OK its because we bring our resort room on wheels with us.

For years prior to our buying an RV, it was the expense of flying that kept us from going and certainly would keep us from returning 4 times in 2 years!

Our drive is about the same length as yours and let me say its the part of the trip I dread the most beforehand. But then we get into the RV, put in a Disney music CD or DS watches a Disney movie and all of a sudden its not so bad. Sure the traffic jams test your patience and that agressive driver who cuts you off makes your blood boil, but you suddenly realize "I AM ON VACATION!" and "I AM ON MY WAY TO DISNEY". Then the joy seems to enter you mind.

For us its when we leave that NY-VA corridor where I-95 opens up and its pretty much clear sailing to Lake Buena Vista.

My advice is just prepare yourself to make the drive more enjoyable. Bring snacks, games, etc to help keep people occupied. Try and enjoy the scenery too. If you do, you will see what a beautiful country we are blessed to live in as an added bit of magic for your trip.

[LisaJ]

Driving is still going to be the cheaper route for you and your family.

[Caldercup]

What are the dates of your trip? That might give us a better idea of the liklihood of airfare dips that might be coming up.

Would it be possible to go with the idea of "we're going to drive unless there are last minute airfare specials?"

USAirways (their "GoFares" for example) and others sometimes open up empty flights a few days before departure to sell off the remaining seats. You might not be able to sit together (although I've usually found that other passengers will try to accomodate parents with kids -- if only so they don't have to sit next to a solo kid themselves.)

You could plan to drive, but be ready to snag a cheap flight if one comes up....

Also, you can estimate "wear and tear" and gas at 37 cents per mile - that's the IRS' current mileage calculation for businesses.

Good luck!
Eileen

[luvnwdwgal]

Hi Dawn! I have heard in the past that the best day to book airfare is Wednesday, and the sooner the better, even if you have to do it at 1am. I just checked Continental's website and they are showing nonstop flights from Cleveland to Orlando for $214.70 for November 2004. We always fly Continental out of Cleveland. They always have a 9am flight out, and 3 or 4 time options departing Orlando. I don't think you'd even need to stay overnight in a hotel to accomodate the flight schedule. It's so much nicer to get there in a couple hours than to endure the long road trip!

[ADisneyMom]

I totally know how you feel! Previously, I have flown on my last 2 trips to WDW, but this upcoming trip threw me for a loop! Trying to fly down to FL with a group of 6 was becoming very expensive! Not to mention the renting of the car when you get there. We FINALLY opted to drive down from DC, which is about 14hrs from FL. When I did the comparison it was about $1000 for all of us to fly, but only $420 for us to rent a 7passenger minivan from Budget and drive down! Even with the gas and other necessities, it still comes out cheaper! I'm definitely thinking of ways to make it even cheaper!! Maybe not stopping for fast food as much, picnic instead at rest stops, etc. So needless to say, this was the best choice for us! Let us know what you decide!!

[graygables]

I finally took the plunge after I did some more calculating. SW opened a new rate for a direct flight from Columbus, so we're driving down the night before, staying in a "park 'n' fly" hotel on points (so it's free!) then nonstop to Orlando the next day, arriving around 1pm. The return trip is a nonstop that leaves mid-afternoon so it's perfect. Best part was the airfare for the 4 of us came to $786! Add $100 for the towncar and we are only $380 more than the original budget for driving! DH will be very happy and now I can get on with the rest of the planning, since there are no refunds!

Thanks for all the tips and advice!

[DrDolphin]

Dawn - glad you resolved the fly/drive situation.

[Nick and Ryans Mom]

Hi Dawn, sometimes/usually flying out of Akron/Canton is cheaper than Cleve Hopkins. Have fun!!

[Bert & Sully]

Glad to see you resolved your travel trauma!

[Colexis Mom]

Glad it all worked out for you Dawn

[Joy J]

Dawn, I'm so glad that you got this all settled to your satisfaction. I know that you're going to be a lot happier to be flying down instead of all the stress involved with a long road trip. Plus best of all, it means more time at WDW.

Joy