Washington DC to Orlando - Where to stop in between?
 

Well, I was outvoted by the 4 1/2 Brits in my house last night for August 2006. It's no fun being the only American who would rather stay in Europe, where we live, for summer holidays. I wanted France, they want DC and Orlando. Okay, the kids only wanted Orlando.

I booked our air last night to DC. United for £327, in August! Incredible fare.

Right now, I am thinking we would spend 5-6 nights in DC, 1-2 nights somewhere in between DC and Disney on the drive down and a week at Disney. Any suggestions for that place in between? Someplace that two 14 year olds and a 3 year old would enjoy? Thanks for any help!

You might consider Chattanooga. It's about halfway between DC and Orlando, and has a number of possibilities -- a superb aquarium, lots of Civil War historical areas, and the old favorite Rock City, in addition to a beautiful riverwalk and some up-and-coming restaurants and hotels and an in-town baseball park.

Drive time should be around 10 hours to either of your other destinations. And it's a pretty drive between DC and Chattanooga.

South of the Border, on the North Carolina-South Carolina border. It's a lovely schlock look at 60s America. Just follow the Pedro billboards on Route 95.

600 miles, 10 hours to Chattanooga, but it is a beautiful drive through the Shenandoah Valley and you avoid I-95.

I-95 would be more direct, and if you go that route, stop near Savannah.

For mileage, routes and hotels, go to freetrip.com.

Since you're hitting Disney, I won't recommend any theme parks.

How about taking a detour to a beach resort, like Hilton Head? Actually, the kids might like Myrtle Beach better, though I'm no fan of Myrtle myself (but this isn't about me).

The ocean seems like a nice break between all the busy stuff you'll probably be doing in DC and Disney.

If you decide on Myrtle, check with local realtors there about renting a condo for a couple of nights. A friend of mine owns a condo there, and does 2-3 night rentals often.

I second the idea of a beach, since Orlando isn't that near any and will be, as I'm sure you know, hot as Hades.
Hilton Head, Charleston vicinity, Tybee all come to mind...
Good luck!

Well, I just read a thread in which no one liked Tybee--and I haven't been there in over 15 years. So ignore that suggestion! Sorry...

If you'd like to spend time at the beach, I think Myrtle Beach is best for kids.