The Drive to Disney: Overnight Miles, Roadside Legends, and a Car Full of Snacks

A Travel n Taste Journal Series

Some people fly. We drive. And not just a quick hop down the road—an 835-mile overnight haul straight to the heart of the magic. Why? Because there’s something kind of iconic about packing up the car, throwing on some XM Radio, and hitting the open highway while the rest of the world sleeps.

We Hit the Road Early

Once the car was packed and the kids were settled, there was no point in waiting. We rolled out earlier than planned, determined to make the most of the quiet hours. With Apple Maps guiding us and snacks packed within reach, we eased into the first few hundred miles with calm and confidence.

Traffic Happens

We knew there’d be some slowdowns—no road trip gets by without a hiccup or two. Sure enough, I-95 offered up a few stretches of stop-and-go, including a solid 19-minute delay just outside of Fredericksburg.

Thankfully, the kids were content with tablets and headphones, and XM Radio kept the front seat peaceful.

Fuel, Snacks, and South of the Border

Every long-haul trip has its classic roadside moment—and ours was a brief detour to South of the Border, the legendary attraction straddling the line between North and South Carolina.

Once a neon-lit wonderland, it’s now a mix of quirky souvenir shops, half-shuttered rides, and a giant sombrero tower that’s seen better days. Kind of like the world’s largest ball of twine: not what it used to be, but fun to say you’ve seen.

Driving Straight Through: Worth It?

We didn’t book a hotel. We just kept moving—taking breaks only for fuel, food, and a quick stretch. It wasn’t luxurious, but it got the job done.

• Kids slept most of the way
• We saved on a night’s lodging
• We arrived just in time for Florida sunshine

Could we have stopped? Sure. But making it in one push gave us more time on the other end to relax and enjoy the real reason we came: Disney.

What Worked and What We’d Tweak

What worked:

• Leaving early gave us a buffer for delays
• Tablets and headphones = car quiet time
• Snacks, wipes, chargers—all packed within arm’s reach
• One driver on XM Radio duty helped set the overnight vibe

What we’d tweak:

• Add a better rest stop for a real meal/stretch
• Throw in a couple of neck pillows for the grown-ups

The Arrival: All Worth It

There’s nothing quite like watching the sun rise as you cross into Florida. After miles of darkness and blinking brake lights, the first Mickey ears on a road sign feel like victory.

The drive became part of the story—gas station gummies, quirky roadside shops, XM singalongs, and all.

Next stop: the magic.