re: Long rides in a car with a 1-1/2 year old advice.

I just did a 17 hour trip with my 3 year old and 21 month old. We had a couple small breakdowns for about 5 minutes but my wife had all their favorite toys within reach along with a bunch of books. Oh and snacks. Lots and lots of snacks they don't usually get like mini-Oreos and chips. They were awesome the entire way and never once asked for a movie. We had it ready if needed but they didn't ask.

We do 4-5 long trips a year (5 hrs or so) and this was the super long one and they did great. They are more resilient than you think and can find ways to entertain themselves.