Hi Rachel,
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Thank you for bringing this question to us!
I can certainly empathize with your dilemma. We typically fly to the
Walt Disney World Resort but we have also driven. For us, the drive is supposed to take about 10 hours, but it always takes us at least 12 hours by the time we stop to eat or take a break a few times. So, we will spend the night in a hotel along the way. If you plan to drive from Massachusetts, I would definitely suggest that you budget for a night in a hotel. I account for the cost of that hotel in our expenses for the trip and I also account for the food along the way as well as the gas. Then I compare that estimated cost to the cost of flights. Finally, we have rented a car when driving to the Walt Disney World Resort. So, I factor that in when comparing the driving costs to the costs of flights.
When booking flights, we now book them at least six months in advance. Although this may seem early, I have discovered that flights to Orlando often book earlier than other flights. I want to be sure that all of us can sit together. Since we fly fairly often, I know that a decent price for a flight from our hometown is anything $300 or under. When considering flights, we also account for the cost to leave our car at the airport. If we fly Southwest Airlines, we have to account for the cost of gas to a different airport that is about two hours from our house. But, the flights are direct flights, so I am often willing to drive to that airport to get a direct flight.
Rachel, no matter what we decide, the decision is not only based on money. I consider the many hours in the car and the time we could save by flying. And, when driving, I consider that we could get a flat tire or have car trouble. The decision is never just about the price! Happy Planning!
Magic, memories and Minnie Mouse hugs,
Donyell