Introduction to Family Road Trips from Dallas to Disney

Embarking on family road trips from Dallas is an exciting way to discover the diversity of the United States. The journey from Dallas, Texas to Orlando, Florida offers a fantastic opportunity to explore captivating destinations, savor scenic routes, and create unforgettable memories. It was truly one of the best family road trips from Dallas we have ever taken. In this blog post, we will outline an incredible route for your RV adventure, highlighting noteworthy stops and RV parks along the way. From the lively city of Dallas, Texas to the enchanting magic of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, get ready for an epic journey!

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Highway Route Options For Family Road Trips from Dallas to Disney

When planning family road trips from Dallas to Disney, choosing the right highway route is crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. You will leave Dallas heading east on I-20. Once you get to Shreveport, you have two primary options: continue taking I-20 east towards Jackson, Mississippi or heading south on I-49 towards Lafayette. Both routes will lead you to I-10 in Mobile, Alabama. You will continue on I-10 until Live Oak, Florida where you will take 75 south to Orlando. Each route offers its own unique attractions and scenery, allowing you to tailor your road trip experience to your preferences. Let’s explore these highway route options in more detail.

Family Road Trips From Dallas to Disney Option 1: I-20 East towards Jackson, Mississippi

Continuing on I-20 East from Dallas, Texas, towards Jackson, Mississippi, offers a scenic drive through charming towns and picturesque countryside. Here are some highlights along the I-20 route to Orlando:

Ruston, Louisiana

This charming Louisiana city offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Explore the beautiful gardens and hiking trails at the Louisiana Tech University Arboretum or learn about the area’s railroad history at the Historic Ruston Fire Station Museum.

Vicksburg, Mississippi

As you approach the Mississippi River, consider a detour to Vicksburg. Here you can visit the Vicksburg National Military Park to learn about the Civil War battles that took place here or take a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River.

Jackson, Mississippi

As you approach Mississippi’s capital city of Jackson consider taking a stroll through the Mississippi Museum of Art, visit the Mississippi State Capitol, or explore the historic Fondren neighborhood, known for its artsy vibe and local shops.

Click here to get your own Jackson, Mississippi scavenger hunt.

Meridian or Hattiesburg, Mississippi

After Jackson, you can make the choice to travel southeast towards Hattiesburg or continuing on I-20 to Meridian.

Located in the eastern part of the state, Meridian offers a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved historic district. Visit the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum, stroll along the historic downtown streets, or explore the lovely parks and trails in the area.

If you go southeast from Jackson, make a stop in Hattiesburg. Visit the Hattiesburg Zoo, explore the trails of Longleaf Trace, or discover the Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood District.

Family Road Trips From Dallas to Disney Option 2: I-49 South towards Lafayette, Louisiana 

If you decide to head south on I-49 towards Lafayette, you’ll experience a different side of Louisiana. This route showcases the state’s Cajun culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and breathtaking natural charm. Here are some notable stops along the way:

Alexandria, Louisiana

In central Louisiana’s city of Alexandria explore the Alexandria Museum of Art or enjoy a walk along the scenic Red River.

Lafayette, Louisiana

Get your cajun on in Lafayette with their Zydeco music scene. Home of the UL Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns this city is renowned for it’s culinary delights. Visit the Acadian Cultural Center to learn about the area’s French heritage or enjoy a traditional dance at a local Cajun dancehall. The lively downtown district, has art galleries, live music venues, and a variety of restaurants serving delicious Cajun and Creole dishes.

Breaux Bridge, Louisiana

Known as the “Crawfish Capital of the World,” Breaux Bridge is a delightful town that epitomizes Cajun culture. Indulge in authentic Cajun cuisine at one of the local restaurants or take a swamp tour to discover the unique ecosystem of the Atchafalaya Basin.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s capital city and home of the LSU Tigers. Visit the stately Louisiana State Capitol, explore the historic neighborhoods, or take a tour of the Old State Capitol, known for its stunning Gothic architecture. 

Click here for more Baton Rouge tours and scavenger hunts.

Hammond, Louisiana

Located in the heart of Tangipahoa Parish, Hammond is a charming city known for its arts scene. Visit the Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum and explore the quaint downtown area, filled with unique shops and local eateries.

Slidell, Louisiana

Positioned on the northeastern shores of Lake Pontchartrain, Slidell is a gateway to the New Orleans metropolitan area. Take a stroll along the Bayou Bonfouca or explore the nearby Honey Island Swamp, known for its diverse wildlife and scenic allure. 

Click here to schedule your Honey Island Swamp tour,

Gulfport, Mississippi

Just across the state line, Gulfport offers a stunning coastal experience along the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy the stunning sandy beaches, try your luck at the casinos, or explore the dining and entertainment scene.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Route

When deciding between these two highway routes, consider your preferences and the time you have available for the road trip. If you have a specific interest in history and outdoor activities, the I-20 route may be more suitable. However, if you’re a food lover or want to experience the unique Cajun heritage, the I-49 route is the perfect choice. Ultimately, both routes have their own merits, and you can even incorporate elements of both by selecting different routes for the outbound and return journeys. 

Our Route Choice For Family Road Trips From Dallas to Disney

Map View

The Roadtrippers App Route Planning Tool

Every trip I plan, I plug my route into the Roadtrippers app. I am not normally a paid app kind of girl, but I loved this one so much and it was only $30 for the entire year! What makes the app unique is all the different points of interest that can be turn on along a route. Users can toggle on and off the following categories: hotels, things to do, camping and RV, outdoors, points of interest, and amusement and nightlife. Each one of those categories also contains several sub categories. Additionally, the app calculates the trip’s estimated gas expense and has some built in tours for road trip inspiration.

Recently, Roadtrippers launched RV friendly GPS Navigation, a highly requested feature that puts BOTH trip/route planning and RV safe navigation into a single app experience. This now works in conjunction with Apple Carplay, another highly requested feature. They also have a new summer content series, and a partnership with Pilot Flying J to extend a highly-coveted fuel discount to Roadtrippers Plus members.

If you would like to check out the Roadtrippers app at a discount, use this link and plugin this coupon code: BTR5QTP to get $5 off!

Deciding Factor

Our deciding factor for choosing the Jackson route over the Lafayette route was the Baton Rouge traffic. We drove through Baton Rouge with the RV on previous trips and found that driving in the Baton Rouge traffic was not worth it for us.

After determining our route, we left Dallas about 4:00 pm and headed towards Shreveport. Our biggest regret was leaving North Texas just in time to hit the 5:00 Dallas traffic. This added a solid hour to our travel time!

Stop #1 Buc-ees Terrell, Texas

Miles from previous location: 54 miles

We travel to my hometown of Shreveport often. Our favorite place for a rest stop in East Texas is Buc-ees in Terrell at HWY 80 and I-20. What we love most about this Buc-ees is that there is always plenty of space to park or fill up the RV and the chopped brisket BBQ sandwiches and fudge are to die for!

Buc-ees Merchandise

We always get snacks from Buc-ees, but rarely purchase merchandise because we are always in a hurry to get back on the road. I was excited to recently find their goods being sold online! Click below to get rare Buc-ees treasures that have been discontinued or are difficult to find.

Stop #2 Shreveport, Louisiana

Miles from previous location: 157 miles

Three and a half hours from Downtown Dallas, Shreveport offers an excellent jumping off point for your journey. Check out the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum or indulge in some gaming excitement at one of the many casinos on the river walk. Don’t miss a visit to the Louisiana Boardwalk, a premier shopping and dining destination or the East Bank Entertainment District (both next door in Bossier City). For RV accommodations, check out Shreveport North / Caddo Lake Area KOA or Shreveport-Bossier KOA, both offering convenient amenities for a comfortable stay. We simply mooch dock in my parent’s driveway. 

Click here to access fun Shreveport scavenger hunts.

Stop #3 Wendy Oaks RV Resort, Florence, MS 

Miles from previous location: 235 miles

Electing to spend some quality family time in Shreveport, meant choosing a shorter distance for our Friday evening drive. Next on our itinerary was Wendy Oaks RV Resort in Florence, Mississippi, just south of Jackson. This small picturesque resort provides a serene and relaxing atmosphere. We enjoyed the tranquil, secluded resort while taking advantage of amenities such as spacious RV sites, an 8-acre lake, and recreational activities like fishing and boating. We really enjoyed the complimentary peddle boats.

Wendy Oaks RV Resort offered the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge before continuing our journey. If you find yourself passing through Jackson, this is a great place to stop. This resort is lovely and serene with the friendliness people around. The owner greets every visitor personally, showing you to your site, and making sure you have everything you need for the best stay possible. I can’t say enough about their hospitality. My only regret is not being able to stay longer!

Video of the Property:

Need to know before you visit:

• You can book a paved pull-through for easy in and out or a back-in waterfront site overlooking the well-stocked fishing lake.
• Is is easy to access on the north bound side, but has a slightly tricky u-turn when traveling south bound.
• They have recently upgraded wifi throughout park.

Contact:

Address: 4160 US 49, Florence, MS 39073

Phone: (601) 845-2267

Website: https://www.wendyoaksrvresort.com/

Stop #4 Ragan’s Family Campground, Madison, Florida

Miles from previous location: 468 miles

Located in Madison, Florida and just a three hour drive from Disney, Ragan’s Family Campground offers a fun and welcoming ambiance for RV enthusiasts. This large family-owned campground is known for its hospitality and well-maintained facilities. Explore the area by hiking, biking, or cruising the ATV trails or enjoy a refreshing swim in the swimming pool.

Our kids lost their minds when we pulled in and were welcomed by the water park equip with a gigantic slide and lazy river. There is so much to do here. It was definitely a change of pace from the quiet, peaceful stay the night before at Wendy Oaks. This campground is full of energy! Music, campsite dancing, and karaoke kept the party going all weekend. My kids loved all the amenities and activities so we opted to stay two nights at this location. The best part is that they are already asking to go back!

Video of the Property:

Need to know before you visit:

Activities include:

• ATV Trails
• Gaga Ball
• Water Slide
• Sand Volleyball
• Playgrounds
• Bounce House/Pad
• Bass Fishing
• Water Slide
• Lazy River
• Mini Golf
• Disc Golf
• Train Rides
• Golf Cart Friendly
• Organized crafts and activities

Contact:

Address:1051 SW Old St. Augustine Road Madison Fl 32340 I-10 & Exit 258

Phone: (850) 973-8269

Website: https://ragansfamilycampground.com/

Stop #5 Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort 

Miles from previous location: 204 miles

Finally, the culmination of our family roadtrip from Dallas to Disney awaited us at the Fort Wilderness Resort. As an official Walt Disney World Resort, this enchanting campground seamlessly combines the joys of camping with the magic of Disney. It is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors while being just a short distance from the theme parks.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort offers a range of accommodation options, including full-hookup campsites, tent sites, and cozy cabins. The campsites provide ample space for RVs of all sizes, with amenities like water, electricity, picnic tables, and grills. If you prefer a more luxurious experience, the cabins offer a rustic yet comfortable setting, complete with modern conveniences and delightful Disney theming.

One of the highlights of staying at Fort Wilderness is the wealth of recreational activities available. Explore the sprawling grounds on bike, golf cart, or while horseback riding, go fishing in the lakes, or take a scenic boat ride. The resort also features two sparkling swimming pools, sand volleyball courts, pickle ball courts a lively nightly campfire with sing-alongs and movies, food trucks, and the beloved Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue dinner show, offering a delightful blend of entertainment and delicious food.

When you’re ready to experience the magic of Walt Disney World, complimentary transportation is available to all the theme parks and Disney Springs. Enjoy the thrills of the Magic Kingdom, the cultural wonders of Epcot, the wild adventures of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the movie magic of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With a variety of attractions, shows, and dining options, Walt Disney World offers something for everyone in the family.

Video of the Property:

Need to know before you visit:

• A golf cart is highly recommended for this massive resort. You can rent onsite or use a third party company. We saved money by using Tee Time Golf Rentals and Sales. Mention ChampagneOnDeck.com to receive a discount on your rental.
• Planning a Disney vacation can be cumbersome. Use a travel agent that specialized in booking Disney vacations. We used KayLynn Hawkins with Northcutt Travel Agency to book ours and really appreciated having a knowledgable guide. Give KayLynn a call at (512) 749-7950 to start planning your trip!
• If you plan to visit any parks, schedule campsite rest days in between park days. There is so much to do at this campground that you will want to be sure and have time to explore it all.

Contact:

Address: 4510 North Fort Wilderness Trail Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8415

Phone: (407) 824-2900

Website: disneyworld.disney.go.com

Other Things to do in Orlando

Stop #6 Gulf Shores RV Resort in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Miles from previous location: 495 miles

When it was time for our Disney fun to end, we tackled our longest leg of the trip by driving all the way to Gulf Shores, Alabama. Here we called The Gulf Shores RV Resort home for the week. Our entire family had the best time camping here. This luxury RV resort was built in 2022. Everything is new and clean. All of the RV sites are paved and level, the pool and hot tub are pristine. The comfort stations are immaculate. They have four fishing ponds, two pickle ball courts, and a huge tire swing. Best of all, they are only a short drive to the beach! It is truly one of the best places for RV camping in Gulf Shores.

Need to know before you visit:

• If you are in town for a Youth Baseball tournament, this campground is perfectly situated near several sports complexes.
• This campground is growing. Currently, phase 1 is complete. They will be adding additional RV spots in phase 2 and a tiny home community in phase 3!

The Gulf Coast RV Resort is an RVC property. This was our second time staying at one of their resorts. Both stays exceeded our expectations. The video below highlights our cabin stay at their Hot Springs, Arkansas property, Catherine’s Landing.

Contact:

Address: 18717 Barefoot Way Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Phone: (251) 244-1015

Website: rvcoutdoors.com

Video of the Property:

Other Things to do in Gulf Shores

Stop #7 Jellystone Park Yogi On The Lake in Pelahatchie, MS

Miles from previous location: 248 miles

This next stop on our way home was a little out of our way, but totally worth it! In an effort to give our kids one last hurrah, we stayed at the Jellystone Park in the small town of Pelahatchie, Mississippi, also known as Yogi On The Lake. This beloved campground is an ideal destination for kids and adults alike. With themed activities and amenities like water slides, tennis courts, water wars, a bounce pad, laser tag, and a large no wake lake for swimming and fishing, Jellystone Park offers endless fun and entertainment. Relax in the shade of towering trees at your RV site or rent a cabin for a unique experience. 

Need to know before you visit:

• Renting one of their golf carts is highly recommended. This place is enormous with a lot of hills.
• Download the Jellystone app in advance so that you are aware of activities such as costume contests, glow nights, and daily themes.

Contact:

Address: 143 Campground Rd, Pelahatchie, MS 39145

Phone: (601) 854-6621

Website: https://www.jellystonems.com/

Video of the Property:

Stop #8 Shreveport, Louisiana

Miles from previous location: 244 miles

Our final stop before reaching home in the Lone Star state was one more visit with the family in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Stop #9 Home Sweet Home in Dallas, Texas

Miles from previous location: 200 miles

We left Shreveport late afternoon to head back to Dallas. This time we made sure that the DFW 5:00 traffic would have dissipated by our arrival time.

Things to do in dallas, texas

Booking a Hotel for Family Road Trips From Dallas

If you are not traveling with your own RV, booking accommodations at each leg of the trip is a must. Cheap O Air can help you find the best prices on Hotels, Airfare, and Transportation.

Family Road Trips from Dallas to Disney Conclusion

As you can see from our itinerary above, we took our time. Our total road trip lasted 19 days. Planning a whole family road trip from Dallas to Disney provides an incredible opportunity to create lasting memories. It was a thrilling adventure filled with diverse landscapes, captivating towns, and world-renowned attractions. Whether you choose the I-20 route towards Jackson or the I-49 route towards Lafayette, you’ll encounter unique experiences and create cherished memories along the way. Your family road trip from Dallas to Disney is sure to be an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, laughter, and the joy of exploring new horizons.

Other Family Road Trips from Dallas Itineraries

We love sharing family road trips from Dallas travel inspiration. I invite you to check out some of our other blogs posts like 30 Epic Kids Activities in San Antonio, Plan a Trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas: 4-Day Itinerary for a Sensational Vacation, and How to Camp in Style at Broken Bow, Oklahoma. We also have posts focusing on weekend trips from the Dallas-Fort Worth area such as 32 Best Kids’ Things to in Ardmore, Oklahoma with Oklahoma City, Turner Falls, and Lake Texoma highlights and more. Another thing worth checking out is our YouTube channel where you can see our trips in action and video footage of each campsite. Like this long weekend video of Dinosaur World in Glen Rose, Texas close to Dinosaur Valley State Park.

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