Trying to decide on whether to Drive or Fly to Disney World? I had the same question. Read along on how I calculated what is the best choice for my family.
I think the two biggest determining factors is the Time and Cost.
Before we calculate, some things to consider as you decide:
• # of family members?
• How far do you live from the Airport?
• Are there direct flights to Orlando?
• Are you are staying on property so you can use the Magical Express?
Driving
Factor #1: Time
• 12 Hours Driving Time from Washington DC to Disney World
• 4 Hours of Stops – 1 Hour of stop every 3 hours of Driving
Total Time – 16 Hours
Factor #2: Cost
Mileage – I’m going to use mileage to help me simplify my calculation. According to the IRS, mileage includes things like gas, insurance, depreciation, etc. So mileage is an easy way to help me calculate using the car leveraging all those factors. The IRS standard mileage rate is 54.5 cents per mile.
According to Google Maps, it is 877 miles from Washington DC to Disney World taking I-95
877 miles * 54.5 cents per mile * 2 for a round trip = $955.93
Food – Everyone has a different food budget. When we are on the road, my family brings snacks and drinks for the road, but we’ll also eat our main meals on the road for convenience. Let’s estimate $100 dollars for food.
Total Cost – for Driving straight through: $1055.93
I figure most people want to break up a 16-hour drive and add a night at a hotel. This will only increase the time by another 8-10 hours and cost for $125 a night hotel.
Flying
Factor # 1: Time
• 30 Minutes to Drive or Uber to the Airport
• 1.5 Hours to check-in before our flight
• 2 Hours Flying
• 1.5 Hours for the Magical Express including any other Hotel Stops
Total Time – 5.5 Hours
Factor #2: Cost
Airline Ticket – $200 x 4 tickets = $800 – We can usually find a ticket for less than $800 for a family of four. Our last three trips were $150, $180, $150 per person from Washington DC area to Orlando.
Long Term Parking = $10 * 7 Days = $70 or Uber = $75. We prefer an Uber for its convenience and leaving the car at home.
Food = $20 – We usually pack snacks and buy drinks at the airport.
Luggage Fees – We usually pack light and bring carry-ons. But this can add up.
Transportation to the hotel from the airport – We usually take the Disney Magical Express which is included in the ticket.
Total Cost – $895
Overall Winner: Flying
As you can see, flying is cheaper and faster for my family. Plus we love taking the Magical Express. It really gets us in the right mood to start off our Disney Vacation. If flights weren’t so cheap from Washington DC or if I have a larger family, I would definitely consider driving.
What did I miss in my calculations? Does your family typically drive or fly?