Back to Your Answers
Mother, Son, Giraffe, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Animal Kingdom, Savannah
  • On Feb 27, 2012
    Janette from MD Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi Andrea. I noticed you live in PA that's roughly close to Germantown MD. Have you ever Driven? We'll be driving from Germantown to DW w/3 kids, leaving in the am and driving straight there no stops other than bathroom breaks! Any advice?

    Hello, Janette!

    We did make the drive to Walt Disney World; it can be done!

    My first suggestion is to pack a backpack full of activities and surprises for each child.  (We use last year's school bag.) Hand-held games are great (with earphones fully charged batteries.)  If you have a portable DVD player, or can borrow one, allow each child to select four DVDs for the trip. Take turns rotating among them, so that each child has a favorite at least once on both the ride down and the ride up. (Put just the DVDs into a fabric CD case, which is more compact and won't break.)

    A cooler with cold drinks and snacks within reach will also come in handy when someone needs a little something, but you don't want to stop until you hit the next state.  (We stopped at least once in every state for gas.) Require bathroom use at gas stops. Pack some gallon-sized zipper bags, in case carsickness becomes an issue.

    Pick up crayons that aren't round (I've seen triangles as well as flat; they don't roll) and favorite character coloring books or coloring pages from disney.com. Consider a pencil case for easy access to coloring material, too (be sure not to leave them on the seat in the sun during breaks.)

    My guys loved reusable sticker-books, too.  There are some heavy-duty ones, available at bookstores, which are even Disney-themed (to help get everyone in the spirit, of course!)  Our favorites are about 1/2" thick, and can keep a child occupied for an hour or two easily.

    On those long-travel days, I've found that rotating kids' activities as frequently as you start hearing grumbling from the back seat is usually a good plan.  Have as many surprises or activities in your bag of tricks, too. Consider a couple of quiet-time CDs (or albums on an iPod) too, for those dark hours when the little ones need a reminder to relax and drift off to sleep.

    Safe travels! Send more questions as they come up!
thumbnail image for Andrea

Meet the Panelist: Andrea, Pennsylvania

I am a teacher, wife and mom who has been a member of the Disney Vacation Club since 2003. I love discovering a new favorite DVC resort, fantastic restaurant or hidden gem onboard a Disney ship! I'm a micro-planner who can help you capture your own magic! Learn More About Andrea

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.

 

 

Internet Explorer FireFox Safari Chrome