I spoke with Wishes Can Happen yesterday, and we’ve figured out some of the logistics for our trip, assuming Hurricane Irma doesn’t force us to reschedule.
We will be leaving on the 29th, and driving through to Charlotte, NC. That’s about a seven hour drive. We’ll spend the night in Charlotte before making our way to Daytona Beach. That’s about another seven hour drive.
We’re going to spend the night in Daytona Beach. Then we will head to Orlando for six days.
I still need to figure out the stops along the way for food, gas and bathroom breaks. We also have to have some idea where the hospitals are as well in case Gavin has any problems. This is one of the reasons we chose to drive.
The reality at this point is that Hurricane Irma is being called the worst Atlantic hurricane ever recorded. If it hits the way they are predicting, there’s a very good chance that we will have to reschedule. That wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world at this point.
It’s supposed to hit the US on September 11th and depending on how bad things get, it may simply be best to push this back.
I don’t think it’s a good idea to head to the place that has been hit by the worst hurricane in recorded history (according to everything being said at the time of this posting), only two weeks or so after.
Anyway, we’ll figure that out as the time draws nearer..
Until then, we are proceeding as planned and we will adjust those plans if need be.
I’m curious why you would stop in Daytona overnight when it’s only an hour from Orlando? I have found (and this may not work for your kids because of sleep issues) that leaving super early in the morning ensures a calmer trip in general. If you’re lucky the kids are tired and will sleep for the first few hours and then you only have the “ARE WE THERE YET??!” for the remaining couple of hours instead of the entire time. Also, snacks. Lots of snacks.
The reason is that no one has ever been to the beach before. They want to put us up there so we can spend some time at the beach.
I thought that might be it. I love the ocean, hopefully all of you do as well.
Good call by the planners of this trip to get you some beach time. Although I’ve lived near the beach for most of my life don’t take it for granted, particularly when I see people there who are obviously experiencing it for the first time. Enjoy!
A question though – in your post it seems like you would be perfectly fine if your trip were to be postponed. Is there a reason why you’d prefer to take it another time? I mean, you could cite something about Gavin’s condition, but his health is the very reason why you’re the beneficiary of this trip – who knows if there ever would be an “optimal” time to take the trip. And haven’t you been building the trip up to the boys? Wouldn’t they be, putting it mildly, disappointed to have it postponed?
And for what it’s worth, based upon the projections as to path and strength, there really doesn’t appear to be any concern about such widespread damage in the Orlando area that would shut the area down for weeks after Irma passes through, or make it necessary to cancel your trip. I guess I just don’t understand. I mean, I get being nervous or apprehensive about making this trip, but it’s a trip of a lifetime for your family. You and your family should be revving up in excitement right about now, not looking for ways to postpone. Sorry if I’m misinterpreting, but that’s how it’s coming across…
I’m not looking to reschedule. I’m trying to be realistic but also prepared to go at the same time. I’m a bit nervous because I haven’t been on a vacation since I was in high school and that was 20 years ago.
I wouldn’t read too much into it. I’m just trying to be prepared.
While knowing where you are going and when is important. I would think that would be the least of your preparations concerns. I have done a fair share of cross country driving with 3 kids and it’s not for the faint of heart. You should start working through those plans on here and try and solicit input on what to expect and what to plan for during the trip (that you aren’t thinking about.)
It’s a huge undertaking…and since you have assistance on the logistics of the trip, you should focus on the actual tactical part of it now. ‘I will drive x miles before a stop, we will stop for y long, the kids are going to bring z books’. Things like that
Good advice. Thanks and I am doing that. I just haven’t posted anything about it. I have things broken down by days on the road. We’ll leave on a Friday and be there on a Sunday. No more that 7 hours of driving a day.
I’m working out food stops, rest stops and even hospitals.
I would start posting it. Since this will be your first trip the more information you can get, the better.
First tip..don’t bank on driving ‘no more’ than 7 hours a day. The destination is the desitnation…it could take 7 hours or 9. Things always happen.
While knowing where you are going and when is important. I would think that would be the least of your preparations concerns. I have done a fair share of cross country driving with 3 kids and it’s not for the faint of heart. You should start working through those plans on here and try and solicit input on what to expect and what to plan for during the trip (that you aren’t thinking about.)
It’s a huge undertaking…and since you have assistance on the logistics of the trip, you should focus on the actual tactical part of it now. ‘I will drive x miles before a stop, we will stop for y long, the kids are going to bring z books’. Things like that
Good advice. Thanks and I am doing that. I just haven’t posted anything about it. I have things broken down by days on the road. We’ll leave on a Friday and be there on a Sunday. No more that 7 hours of driving a day.
I’m working out food stops, rest stops and even hospitals.
I would start posting it. Since this will be your first trip the more information you can get, the better.
First tip..don’t bank on driving ‘no more’ than 7 hours a day. The destination is the desitnation…it could take 7 hours or 9. Things always happen.
While knowing where you are going and when is important. I would think that would be the least of your preparations concerns. I have done a fair share of cross country driving with 3 kids and it’s not for the faint of heart. You should start working through those plans on here and try and solicit input on what to expect and what to plan for during the trip (that you aren’t thinking about.)
It’s a huge undertaking…and since you have assistance on the logistics of the trip, you should focus on the actual tactical part of it now. ‘I will drive x miles before a stop, we will stop for y long, the kids are going to bring z books’. Things like that
Good advice. Thanks and I am doing that. I just haven’t posted anything about it. I have things broken down by days on the road. We’ll leave on a Friday and be there on a Sunday. No more that 7 hours of driving a day.
I’m working out food stops, rest stops and even hospitals.
I would start posting it. Since this will be your first trip the more information you can get, the better.
First tip..don’t bank on driving ‘no more’ than 7 hours a day. The destination is the desitnation…it could take 7 hours or 9. Things always happen.
I’m curious why you would stop in Daytona overnight when it’s only an hour from Orlando? I have found (and this may not work for your kids because of sleep issues) that leaving super early in the morning ensures a calmer trip in general. If you’re lucky the kids are tired and will sleep for the first few hours and then you only have the “ARE WE THERE YET??!” for the remaining couple of hours instead of the entire time. Also, snacks. Lots of snacks.
The reason is that no one has ever been to the beach before. They want to put us up there so we can spend some time at the beach.
I thought that might be it. I love the ocean, hopefully all of you do as well.
I’ve never been to the ocean either.. I’m excited
I’m curious why you would stop in Daytona overnight when it’s only an hour from Orlando? I have found (and this may not work for your kids because of sleep issues) that leaving super early in the morning ensures a calmer trip in general. If you’re lucky the kids are tired and will sleep for the first few hours and then you only have the “ARE WE THERE YET??!” for the remaining couple of hours instead of the entire time. Also, snacks. Lots of snacks.
The reason is that no one has ever been to the beach before. They want to put us up there so we can spend some time at the beach.
I thought that might be it. I love the ocean, hopefully all of you do as well.
I’m curious why you would stop in Daytona overnight when it’s only an hour from Orlando? I have found (and this may not work for your kids because of sleep issues) that leaving super early in the morning ensures a calmer trip in general. If you’re lucky the kids are tired and will sleep for the first few hours and then you only have the “ARE WE THERE YET??!” for the remaining couple of hours instead of the entire time. Also, snacks. Lots of snacks.
The reason is that no one has ever been to the beach before. They want to put us up there so we can spend some time at the beach.
I thought that might be it. I love the ocean, hopefully all of you do as well.
I’m curious why you would stop in Daytona overnight when it’s only an hour from Orlando? I have found (and this may not work for your kids because of sleep issues) that leaving super early in the morning ensures a calmer trip in general. If you’re lucky the kids are tired and will sleep for the first few hours and then you only have the “ARE WE THERE YET??!” for the remaining couple of hours instead of the entire time. Also, snacks. Lots of snacks.
The reason is that no one has ever been to the beach before. They want to put us up there so we can spend some time at the beach.
I thought that might be it. I love the ocean, hopefully all of you do as well.
Good call by the planners of this trip to get you some beach time. Although I’ve lived near the beach for most of my life don’t take it for granted, particularly when I see people there who are obviously experiencing it for the first time. Enjoy!
A question though – in your post it seems like you would be perfectly fine if your trip were to be postponed. Is there a reason why you’d prefer to take it another time? I mean, you could cite something about Gavin’s condition, but his health is the very reason why you’re the beneficiary of this trip – who knows if there ever would be an “optimal” time to take the trip. And haven’t you been building the trip up to the boys? Wouldn’t they be, putting it mildly, disappointed to have it postponed?
And for what it’s worth, based upon the projections as to path and strength, there really doesn’t appear to be any concern about such widespread damage in the Orlando area that would shut the area down for weeks after Irma passes through, or make it necessary to cancel your trip. I guess I just don’t understand. I mean, I get being nervous or apprehensive about making this trip, but it’s a trip of a lifetime for your family. You and your family should be revving up in excitement right about now, not looking for ways to postpone. Sorry if I’m misinterpreting, but that’s how it’s coming across…
I’m not looking to reschedule. I’m trying to be realistic but also prepared to go at the same time. I’m a bit nervous because I haven’t been on a vacation since I was in high school and that was 20 years ago.
I wouldn’t read too much into it. I’m just trying to be prepared.
While knowing where you are going and when is important. I would think that would be the least of your preparations concerns. I have done a fair share of cross country driving with 3 kids and it’s not for the faint of heart. You should start working through those plans on here and try and solicit input on what to expect and what to plan for during the trip (that you aren’t thinking about.)
It’s a huge undertaking…and since you have assistance on the logistics of the trip, you should focus on the actual tactical part of it now. ‘I will drive x miles before a stop, we will stop for y long, the kids are going to bring z books’. Things like that
Good advice. Thanks and I am doing that. I just haven’t posted anything about it. I have things broken down by days on the road. We’ll leave on a Friday and be there on a Sunday. No more that 7 hours of driving a day.
I’m working out food stops, rest stops and even hospitals.
I would start posting it. Since this will be your first trip the more information you can get, the better.
First tip..don’t bank on driving ‘no more’ than 7 hours a day. The destination is the desitnation…it could take 7 hours or 9. Things always happen.
While knowing where you are going and when is important. I would think that would be the least of your preparations concerns. I have done a fair share of cross country driving with 3 kids and it’s not for the faint of heart. You should start working through those plans on here and try and solicit input on what to expect and what to plan for during the trip (that you aren’t thinking about.)
It’s a huge undertaking…and since you have assistance on the logistics of the trip, you should focus on the actual tactical part of it now. ‘I will drive x miles before a stop, we will stop for y long, the kids are going to bring z books’. Things like that
Good advice. Thanks and I am doing that. I just haven’t posted anything about it. I have things broken down by days on the road. We’ll leave on a Friday and be there on a Sunday. No more that 7 hours of driving a day.
I’m working out food stops, rest stops and even hospitals.
I would start posting it. Since this will be your first trip the more information you can get, the better.
First tip..don’t bank on driving ‘no more’ than 7 hours a day. The destination is the desitnation…it could take 7 hours or 9. Things always happen.
While knowing where you are going and when is important. I would think that would be the least of your preparations concerns. I have done a fair share of cross country driving with 3 kids and it’s not for the faint of heart. You should start working through those plans on here and try and solicit input on what to expect and what to plan for during the trip (that you aren’t thinking about.)
It’s a huge undertaking…and since you have assistance on the logistics of the trip, you should focus on the actual tactical part of it now. ‘I will drive x miles before a stop, we will stop for y long, the kids are going to bring z books’. Things like that
Good advice. Thanks and I am doing that. I just haven’t posted anything about it. I have things broken down by days on the road. We’ll leave on a Friday and be there on a Sunday. No more that 7 hours of driving a day.
I’m working out food stops, rest stops and even hospitals.
I would start posting it. Since this will be your first trip the more information you can get, the better.
First tip..don’t bank on driving ‘no more’ than 7 hours a day. The destination is the desitnation…it could take 7 hours or 9. Things always happen.
I’m curious why you would stop in Daytona overnight when it’s only an hour from Orlando? I have found (and this may not work for your kids because of sleep issues) that leaving super early in the morning ensures a calmer trip in general. If you’re lucky the kids are tired and will sleep for the first few hours and then you only have the “ARE WE THERE YET??!” for the remaining couple of hours instead of the entire time. Also, snacks. Lots of snacks.
The reason is that no one has ever been to the beach before. They want to put us up there so we can spend some time at the beach.
I thought that might be it. I love the ocean, hopefully all of you do as well.
I’ve never been to the ocean either.. I’m excited