To not know how to get to the airport

[disneyconfusion]

Posting for traffic.

Booked Disney for next March for 5 of us, we live a few hours away from the airport so planning on booking a hotel for night before.

And this is where I need you smart mummy's of MN

I haven't the first idea of the best way to get 5 of us with 5 huge cases down to the airport. What size car would we hire? Is it better to get the train?

We've got a Vauxhall Meriva so doubt we could fit 5 cases in that

I'm super confused

What did you do when you travelled to Gatwick for your holiday?

Is that 5 adults or 5 including children? How many of each?

It’s Florida; least dressy destination on earth. I would reduce luggage. Take existing car.

Yeah I'd book a minivan or similar from a local car rental place that also has a branch at the airport. The train for 5 people is expensive and presumably you would be travelling across London, which means tube, which is a royal ballache with big cases.

If its five adults, then I think you need to be looking at two cars.

2 adults, 3 kids

Decreasing luggage sounds good

No way I could fill up 5 large suitcases but that's the allowance

Do you really need to take that much stuff? Travel as light as you can.

When I go to the UK for 10 days DH, DD (1yr) and I share 2 carry on bags

Yeah so I'm thinking then reducing the luggage to 2-3 large cases and then the kids have their flight bags too. I think that would fit into the boot of the meriva.

Train is very expensive (230)

You absolutely do not need a ‘huge’ suitcase each.

Put a few cases in the boot of your car, see what fits and make that your limit. Kids share yours or you and your DH share etc.

Also you need to know one adult can manage the bags in a trolley while the other wrangles the children.

Book airport parking or see if your hotel does parking: lots do. Google ‘hotel with parking ‘ also ‘off airport parking ‘ to see what is available and the comparative costs.

Don’t take 5 cases! We take 2 cases for 3 of us. We also have to take lots of medication/food with us (special diets) and we still take too much!
It’s very hot, you need very little clothing.
The one thing about driving is the journey back. You often fly back overnight with no sleep, driving home can be hard work.
Also if you do stay overnight don’t leave your luggage in your car, thieves target airport hotels.

It’s so warm in Florida that you really don’t need much luggage.
Pack well and you could easily get away with 2 large cases. Plus carry ons

Looking at Enterprise, you can rent a Ford Kuga or similar for a night dropping off at Gatwick for £145 roughly. Possibly less as I'm just guessing at details while I fill some time So pick up the car the day before, load up, drive down no stress, drop off the car. Waaaay easier than trains and transfers.

I’m with PPs. You already know you won’t be filling 5 large cases. How old are the children? Can they each carry a small trunki or kids case? So just one large suitcase for you and DH? Your existing car would probably be fine then and save some £ by booking your airport parking well in advance.

Train need not be expensive if you book ahead and use a railcard like family and friends. Or what about coach?

Just consider when you get back you will have just had an overnight flight with potentially no sleep and be jet lagged. Consider if you will be safe for a long drive home.

It’s for that reason that we now take the train when we come back from the US, even though it’s not as convenient. You may want to think about a taxi?

You don’t need 3 large cases!

It is a hot place. Travel in your trainers, pack an additional pair of sandals for each person, lightweight shorts, skirts and tops, underwear, swimwear if you will use it, thin beach towels.

You can easily get enough packing for 2 adults and 3 kids to manage well in the boot of a Meriva.

How old are the kids?

This informs how much luggage you can wrangle.

Or if the train is £230 (is that an advance price? You could save money by booing on specific trains if not...) then get a family and friends railcard - it gives the adults 30% off their tickets and the children 60% off, so you will definitely save money with this one journey. They regulalry have discounts on the purchase if the railcard too (10-20%).

Just don't take that much luggage. Otherwise you will have the same problem the other end also when you hire a car!

One large case for large bottles of suncream etc, and majority of luggage.

x1 hand luggage case to hold everyones warm jumper/jackets in when not needed travelling, and change clothes each for travelling. everyone has one small handbag or rucksack for own travel essentials and entertainment.

You need to be able to move luggage yourselves, plus 3 children so less is more. Disney is just casual comfy clothes, with one nicer outfit.

We always took 3 nesting cases for the 5 of us. If oldest child can wheel the smallest suitcase, that’s useful.

I wouldn't drive. It's fine on the way there but you'll be knackered after your return flight. Why not book a large airport car/minibus?

Ok it'll be more expensive but actually you've booked an expensive trip to Disney so surely you can stretch to airport transport.

Agree, you do not need much for Disney. If staying on Disney property you wont need pool towels.

If you are going to do shopping, either put a smaller suitcase in a large one so you can use both coming home, or pack a hold-all.

Otherwise, comfy trainers, flip flops for the pool, shorts x 2, tshirts x 5, underwear, hat, suncream, swimsuits, toiletries that are not in the hotel room (Disney toiletries are lovely).

How exciting btw. We’ve been twice, I love it.

Also, look at the Gatwick hotels which are walkable to the terminal (check which one you are flying from).

It really does depend on where you are travelling from

Have you checked out tbe price of airport taxi?