Are you considering driving to Walt Disney World? While for many, the idea of traveling long distances with their family causes panic just thinking about it (after all, how many times can you stand to hear “are we there yet?”), there can be a number of reasons why this might be the right option for getting your family to Disney this year.
First of all, it’s highly likely that driving will save money. While gas prices can vary depending on the area and time of year, it’s definitely something you will want to at least consider if you are within a reasonable driving distance from Florida. Even so, don’t assume! If you want to be sure you are going the cheapest way, you should compute the estimated cost of gas (and possibly a night or two in a motel along the way) vs. the cost of airfare. Be sure to add in the cost of parking at your resort, as Disney along with most Florida hotels, will charge you to park your car overnight. (Parking at the Disney parks however will be free for Disney resort guests.) Depending on where you live, time of year, airlines available to you locally, and airfare sales, it is certainly possible that you could fly cheaper. But much if not most of the time, especially if you have a large family, driving will save you money.
And not just on the gas vs. plane tickets issue will you save money: by driving, you will have your car available, so no need for a rental car if you were considering getting one…and there can be some benefits to having your car with you. Having your own transportation will allow you to pack things like food, snacks, water, and pretty much anything else you can think of. With the food and water especially, it will be a savings for you to bring them from home, especially since bringing snacks will save you money in the parks. And if you are bringing little ones, bringing your own stroller will save you the cost of renting one while at Walt Disney World.
OK, so you may (and probably will) save money. But what about your sanity? I know, that road trips are not always for the faint of heart. 🙂 So what are some ways to make this drive a pleasant “family time”? Planning dear friends, planning! Plan ahead for activities. Put together “travel bags” with different games for the kids. Many folks bring out a new item every hundred miles or so, it gives everyone something to look forward to. Downloading movies on your tablet can be a godsend for keeping little ones entertained: see how many Disney movies you can watch on the way! Plan frequent stops to stretch legs and let off some energy. Play “road games”. For older kids, bring along audio books, as this can be a great way to pass time (for everyone) much faster than you realize.
Oh and snacks. Seriously. Bring food. Hangry kids (and grownups) are not happy kids (and grownups).
Driving to Walt Disney World can present some challenges, but it can definitely be a way to save money and have some fun family bonding time as well. Really! 🙂
Happy travels!
Find out how the FREE services of a Disney World travel agent can make planning your Disney vacation simple and STRESS FREE!
Want to know when Disney announces special savings and deals? Sign Up to Learn About the Latest Disney Promotions!
Wondering about vacations beyond the “world of Disney”? Receive alerts on the latest travel deals for Universal Orlando Resort, Sandals/Beaches and select cruise lines!
