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AA Mom And Kids Mickey Ice Cream Bar; DinoLand U.S.A.; animal kingdom
  • On Apr 6, 2013
    Stephanie 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.

    We are making our 1st trip to Disney in Dec and we have a 3 and 5 year old we live in Michigan and are contemplating driving over flying. I am wondering if you have any advise on making the trip more enjoyable or any places to stop to break up driving.

    Stephanie,

    Certainly that is a long drive. I have kids the same age, and for us a 17+ hour drive has to come with a hotel stop on the way. Family sanity relies on it. Here are my suggestions;

    First, consider the costs associated with a drive as compared to the flights. Think not only of money out of your pocket for hotel, meals, and gas, but also the time costs. You will either add more days to a vacation just in the getting there and back, or you will have less time at the destination.

    Second, if you drive, I would recommend a hotel reservation somewhere between Chattanooga, TN and Atlanta, GA. You want to get more than half your drive done the first day so that you arrive at Walt Disney World the next day a bit less worn down from a long drive.

    Third, if costs are better driving, pack as much food, refreshments, and snacks as you can. That will minimize costs on the road and speed up your travel. You can also pack more to take with you on your trip that you might not have otherwise with a flight. Also, you are taking full advantage of the perks of being in your own car all the way down that you lose when you fly.

    Finally, if you drive, make the trip part of the fun. Decorate your car with Disney images. Watch Disney movies on the way down. Plan some of your trip as a family. I loved car trips with my family when I was a kid, and yours should too!

    Have a magical vacation!


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Meet the Panelist: Doug, Indiana

I am one of the Dads on the planDisney Panel, and I love to help parents plan their vacation, with a focus on showing them how it can be fun for them too. I am also here to help Dads plan some nice surprises for the Moms in their life (they deserve it!). Learn More About Doug

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