DRIVING TO YOUR WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

Certainly, the way to Disney is filled with anticipation and excitement. My son has always been a wonderful passenger. Even with his pleasant temperament, we were pretty strategic in our travel plans.

Is it almost time to pack up the car and start your magical vacation?

My family and I have driven to Walt Disney World several times over the past few years. A 16+ hour drive from New Jersey is part of the fun . . . right?

Well, it should be! Here are a few driving tips to help your family enjoy (ahem, survive) your journey in the car.

Map your route & tentatively plan your time in the vehicle.

add your starting and ending location addresses into your GSP / MAP app
have ‘backup’ directions, just in case you travel through an area with little or no connectivity to your electronic mapping program
consider midnight or really early am start – traveling during “sleep time” will help pass some of the hours for the kiddos. BE SURE to know your own travel style and only drive when you are refreshed and awake to keep your family safe. Just know that the first couple of hours may be exciting and they may have trouble getting to sleep.
keep your schedule flexible for planned and unplanned stops…restrooms, leg stretching and Krispy Kreme doughnuts are all really good excuses for a quick pitstop.

Organize your car.

with snacks, a small cooler, pillows, and things to pass the time: audiobooks, Disney podcasts, movies, and non-electronic choices too: coloring books, word games (I Spy, license plate game, etc)
Here are a few packing tips.

Plan surprises along the way!

visit my Pinterest Board for ideas on gifts and fun games.
a photo at a Florida signpost (located safely inside most rest stops) may become a tradition!

Keep your Magic Bands handy!

Remember – keep your Magic Bands with you. Do not pack your Magic Bands in your checked luggage, as they will be used at the resort parking lot security gate, to check in at your resort and to unlock your room when you arrive at your Disney Resort hotel.

Driving in Florida

Be prepared for the toll roads. Major roads around the Walt Disney World / Lake Buena Vista area, Interstate 4, Highways 192, 417, and 492, all require tolls.

Visit SunPass.com for more information, including details on preordering or purchasing SunPass Transponders locally.

Driving Home Tips

Make plans for your next Disney vacation…no matter if it will be one year or ten years before you return to Disney…planning your next trip is part of reliving the magic!
- Which rides & attractions are on your “must-do again” list?
- What things do you want to add to your vacation schedule next time?
Make plans for your next non-Disney vacation. What are your Bucket List vacation spots?
- Tip: You can always talk about the countries you have already visited during your day at Epcot.
Save one last surprise treat for the trip home…tuck away one last souvenir or touch of pixie dust to make the journey home magical
- Tip: if you have leftover snack credits, use them for Mickey-shaped Krispy treats that travel well.
Start reliving the memories by scrapbooking in the car. My favorite way to scrap is on the ProjectLife digital app. If most of your photos are already on your smartphone, this is an easy way to start what could be an overwhelming project. Add the digital prints (available directly in the app) to your traditional scrapbooks or print an album just for the kiddos.