America practically invented the art of road-tripping. It’s a huge country with vast and diverse landscapes, which encompass striking coastlines, vibrant cities, and world-famous attractions that beckon to be explored.
If you’re a seasoned Disney park-goer and looking to spice up your next
Orlando holiday, consider twinning it with an exciting city like
New York and driving instead of flying! Yes, the distance between Orlando and The Big Apple may appear daunting, but a journey by car promises plenty of benefits, adventure, and heaps of fun.
So, what’s the reality of driving down (or up) to the Sunshine State? Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of this epic multi-centre trip:
Pros
• You’ll save significant money on petrol prices over airline tickets
• Chance to explore more of the US at your own pace
• Lower carbon footprint and less environmental impact
Cons
• It takes longer (approximately three hours by plane vs about sixteen hours by car non-stop)
• Only worthwhile if you are planning on a longer holiday, not just a few days away
• Motorway scenery can get a little repetitive
The best way to decide if a driving multi-centre is right for you is to weigh up your priorities and ask yourself the following questions:
How much time do you have?
If time is on your side, then you have the freedom to plan a journey that includes sight-seeing and attractions, leisurely rest days exploring local towns, and overnight stopovers.
Are you looking to take the most efficient route or go the scenic way?
The quickest route on most road trips is often the least exciting in terms of scenery as it usually involves grey motorways and flat roads. The more attractive route may add extra time (and cost) to your trip, but you may be rewarded with interesting towns, beautiful sights, and local flavours if you stop and take a break.
Do you have must-see locations on your bucket list?
If you’ve got attractions in mind that you absolutely need to visit, that’s a good place to start when planning any USA road trip. New York boasts iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Center, the State of Liberty, and dozens more. Whilst Orlando – the ‘Theme Park Capital of the World’ – is home to both
Walt Disney World Resort and
Universal Orlando Resort as well as countless other world-class attractions.
Disney’s location in Central Florida means that if you are keen to keep driving south, you can include unforgettable stops in coastal cities like Tampa and Miami, world-famous beaches like Clearwater and St Pete’s, and scenic gems like the Florida Everglades and the Florida Keys.
The Interstate 95 (I-95) route passes through or close by cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Charleston, and Savannah. You’ll find historic sites and beautiful landscapes along the way, as well as excellent hotels to offer the perfect base for exploring. Pick and choose your destinations and
create your own unique trip!
Do you want to spend most of your time on the beach?
The main road between New York and Orlando is the Interstate 95 (I-95), which affords many decent stop-off points as it filters down through Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia. Once you hit Richmond you can detour towards the coast for about 90 minutes and spend some time at Virginia Beach. Crossing over into the Florida border, your journey largely skims the glorious Atlantic coastline where you’ll have your pick of
world-class beaches like Daytona, Miami, and Cocoa Beach.
Do you want to do a one-way drive or round-trip?
If you’re considering an epic round-trip between Orlando and New York, try to pick a different route each time so you can take in different sights. For a single journey north or south, remember to consider one-way car rental fees and factor that into your budget.
Is trying the local cuisine a top priority?
Florida’s Atlantic Coast is renowned for its delectable seafood restaurants. Whether it’s shrimp in Fort Lauderdale, stone crab in Palm Beach, or fresh fish in New Smyrna Beach, you’re in for a gastronomic treat. Heading north, you can sample classic Deep South flavours in Savannah, which is one of the top culinary destinations in the US, and Charleston, famed for its soul food and coastal cuisine.
Extra things to consider…
Road Trip Routes
Stick to a more coastal route most of the way along the I-95 or head further inland to see some mountains and more diverse scenery. The Blue Ridge Parkway delivers an impressive drive, even if you only manage a small section. Make sure to factor in additional time and mileage if you veer off the main highway.
Packing Tips
It’s sensible to be well prepared for all eventualities on your road trip, from the all-important drinks and snacks to choosing the perfect playlist. Here are a few things to make sure you have before you set off:
• Driving license, with relevant insurance documents
• Drinks (especially bottles of water) and snacks
• Sunglasses (prescription if necessary)
• Smartphone mount for Sat Nav
• In-car charger
• Window sunshades for kids
• Child seat (these can be booked with your car hire or easily purchased from big supermarkets like Walmart and Target)
• Insect repellent for those pesky Florida bugs
• Toilet/kitchen roll
• Travel games and devices for kids
• Portable speaker
• First aid kit
Sat Nav
The I-95 is a simple road to follow, but if you’re visiting a specific attraction, staying overnight in a place off the main highway, or travelling through a major city, a device with sat nav is essential. If you’re using your own phone, consider purchasing one of Ocean Florida’s discounted eSims to save your data and avoid unwanted roaming charges. Ask one of our travel experts for more details!
Road Trip Playlist
No long car journey is complete without an epic playlist – the soundtrack to your adventure! Imagine your hair down, the windows open (perhaps even the soft-top down if you’ve hired a super-cool convertible), and the open road stretched out in front of you while listening to incredible tunes.
Here are a few of our favourite song choices to get you in the all-American road-trippin’ spirit:
• Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen
• Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynrd
• On the Road Again – Willie Nelson
• Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
• Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
• Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
• American Girl – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
• Hotel California – The Eagles
• (Sittin’ On) The Dock of The Bay – Otis Redding
• Proud Mary – Tina Turner
FAQs
Is there a time difference between New York and Orlando?
Fortunately, Orlando and New York are located within the same time zone (Eastern Time), meaning that you don’t have to consider this when booking car hire, accommodation, or even dinner reservations en route.
When is the best time of year to travel?
Both Orlando and New York can get very hot during July and August, so make sure to pack accordingly for car journeys in the heat. Traffic is likely to be busier too during the peak summer season. The shoulder seasons of June and September are ideal for this sort of road trip, with fewer crowds and more temperate weather, offering the perfect mix for sightseeing and travelling.
Car Hire
We can make hiring a vehicle in the USA effortless, but you may have some questions first. Check out our dedicated FAQs page for everything you need to know, including what documents you need, what’s included in your package, and even toll road information.
A New York and Orlando multi-centre holiday is always a good idea. Combining the best of both worlds, you get to take in the sights and sounds of the Big Apple with the magic of the Big Mouse. Dare to be different on your next trip and swap the skyways for the highways by driving between these iconic destinations.
Ready to plan your all American road trip? View our New York & Orlando multi centre holidays here. 
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