We have been flying for the past 2 years consistantly. Before that we flew and drove. Had a scare in 2005 with our car experiencing some mechanical trouble on the way down to FL and then during our entire trip. We were so nervous and stressed about it, that we vowed never to drive again unless we had a car that was fairly new (4-5 years old). Our van 1999. The car troubles ruined a good 2 days of our vacation. Husband had to run it over to an Autozone---won't get into details, but we were just thankful we made it back home.
We are flying and renting a car for this July/Aug trip. Between airfare and the car rental = $753
Autotrain price = $1,293
Agreed....always drive with AAA. But our problems were overheating/check engine light was on/AC wasn't working well at all. To my knowledge, AAA will jump a battery or change a flat or get your door open if you lock your keys inside.I wouldn't make the drive without AAA, that's for darn sure. What happened to you is our "worst nightmare",
We're driving direct (for at least the next few years). We looked at the autotrain. For our family of 5.....too expensive and takes too long. We would have to drive down from CT anyway to catch it...that, plus the cost of seats and accomodations (with young kids, I'm not sure we could do "seat sleeping" on the train....too much stimulation..but they'll "seat sleep" in the car). It just didn't make sense for us over the 20 hour straight shot drive.
Agreed....always drive with AAA. But our problems were overheating/check engine light was on/AC wasn't working well at all. To my knowledge, AAA will jump a battery or change a flat or get your door open if you lock your keys inside.
So when you drive a 20 hour staight shot do you have a timing strategy like having the kids normal bed times fall in the middle or later in the trip?
I agree...Orlando is not a bad place to be stuck except if you have to get back to work or school. Also, like our transmission bill on our other car---$2,000+ is a lot of expense to add to a vacation when you're not expecting it. Then again, what if you broke down somewhere in between home and Orlando ? Now there's a vacation down the tubes.....Call, have AAA tow it to one of their mechanics, and break out the Visa to cover rental fees. We might be "stuck" in Orlando for a couple more days while the car is ready but...eh...I can think of worse places to be stranded.
One big reason to move to Alabama when we retire. DH thinks it's for the golf. Shhhh! I just want a place where it's cheaper and easier (mostly easier) to drive than fly to WDW.I drive unless it is cheaper to fly. still hoping for Sept. It is close now.
I can drive for $169 (at current gas prices) flying would be $204. hoping the closer to Sept the airline prices will come down - at the 3weeks time.
I agree...Orlando is not a bad place to be stuck except if you have to get back to work or school. Also, like our transmission bill on our other car---$2,000+ is a lot of expense to add to a vacation when you're not expecting it. Then again, what if you broke down somewhere in between home and Orlando ? Now there's a vacation down the tubes.....
We've just had two bad car incidents with driving to vacation. I'm a little gun-shy anymore.
But I wish everyone who drives the best of luck. When everything goes smoothly, it can be a nice way to travel. Flying and driving both have their pros and cons.