For traveling to Disney World I suggest flying, because the flight makes anticipation disappears quicker, plus you get there faster. I remember one time we flew to Tampa then drove to Orlando, and we would never do that again, because the drive from the airport is restless enough, but to prolong it several hours is worse. And, if you fly to Orlando before noon, you can still spend .5 of your first day either at a pool or one of the parks, without fiddling with maps, directions, rest stops. Also, while on the subject, Downtown Disney is a great place to spend the first day.