Planning Our Road Trip to Disney World (and Back!)

Road trips are always an adventure, especially when you’re traveling with a toddler — and ours is no exception. While Disney World is the ultimate destination, the journey there (and back!) deserves just as much planning to make it smooth, fun, and manageable for everyone.

Overnight Stops

The first thing I looked at while planning our timeline was where we would stay overnight. Knowing this helps determine how far we can drive in a day and how many stops we’ll need along the way. My goal isn’t a rigid schedule — just a loose idea of distances and timing so we can roll with whatever comes up.

Pit Stops

For quick breaks, I’m planning 15-minute stops — enough time to stretch legs, hit the bathroom, and let our toddler move around a bit. We’ll also work around car naps, hoping to time them for longer stretches in the car.

When scouting pit stop locations, I’m looking for convenient spots with options — a Walmart, Wawa, or (my personal favorite) Bucees. I’m not going to lie… we may make a few extra Bucees stops just because we can’t resist.

Lunch & Dinner Stops

Meal stops get a little more breathing room — about an hour for a quick-service sit-down spot. I want these stops to feel like a part of the trip, not just a refuel. That means finding local favorites or spots that match the vibe of the state we’re passing through. For example, in Savannah, Georgia, there are endless options, but we’re hoping to pick a local hotspot that gives us a real taste of the city.

Special Stops

Of course, a road trip isn’t complete without a few fun or unique detours. I’m hoping we’ll make a stop at 7Brew for coffee — my husband hasn’t tried it yet, and I loved it when I visited in St. Louis. We’re also planning to swing by a couple of universities along the way, including Duke University and the University of North Carolina. I’ve been to both before, but it’ll be my husband’s first time seeing them.

Final Thoughts

My goal for this road trip plan is simple: have a loose framework that keeps us moving while still flexible enough for toddler moods, snack cravings, and spontaneous stops. By thinking through overnight stays, pit stops, meals, and special detours, I feel confident we can make this journey just as magical as the destination.