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AA Mom And Kids Mickey Ice Cream Bar; DinoLand U.S.A.; animal kingdom
  • On May 25, 2009
    Tracey from ON 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.

    My son was petrified on our flight home from Disney this May. On our next trip, we're planning to drive. It will take 23 hours and we're planning to do it in two days. Do you have any tips to help us cope being inside a van all that time?

    Hi Tracey,

    We've driven from New Jersey many times.  Our trip is just about as long as yours.  My "tips" for ensuring that everyone arrives in one piece and in relatively good spirits (especially mom and dad!) include:

    • Buying inexpensive portable DVD players (that can charge via the lighter in your car).  We have two (one per kid, and some head sets to ensure that everyone watches what they want with no whining).  I picked mine up at Walmart for under $60 each.
    • Bringing along their portable game players (My kids have Nintendo DS).  I know a lot of parents don't like these, but we "save" them for road trips and restaurants, and everyone is grateful.
    • Stop at your local Dollar Store and buy every coloring book, activity book and travel game they sell.  They key here is to not let your kids see the goodies before you are on the road, and then to strategically "whip them out" with each impending melt down.
    • Stop for breaks frequently, even if no one has to go to the potty.  Having an opportunity to stretch your legs will do everyone good.  We stop at least every 100 miles.
    • Play a game trying to spot license plates from various states and/or celebrate every new state you enter/exit as you make your way.  I get my kids a map and they "highlight" it as we make our trip.  This makes the distance more tangible for them.
    • Finally, if you can swing it, try to drive when the kids are asleep.   We head out in the evening, about an hour or two before bed.   The kids are usually good until they pass out, and then we try to cover as many miles as possible before stopping at a motel to sleep for a few hours.

    Have a safe and wonderful trip!

    Tanya

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Meet the Panelist: Tanya, New Jersey

I am Tanya from FL, full-time mom to two fun-loving boys. I have an array of planning tips and believe I offer a unique perspective on how to make Disney an amazing adventure for individuals with a variety of needs and abilities. Learn More About Tanya

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