This is the first scene where we see all three members of the Torrance family together and the dynamics shown are subtle but meaningful.
As we saw in the Opening Credits sequence, the yellow bug travels to The Overlook, but Kubrick has them driving on the right side of the mountain as opposed to the left. The music used reflects this scene as well, but instead of Dies Irae, it’s droning and melancholy.
Cramped in a VW Bug, what on the surface looks like a “normal family scene” is Kubrick showing the viewer how much Jack dislikes his family.
The interactions within the family speak to themes we’ve already seen, and things that will continue: Danny brings up his hunger to Jack, who is unsympathetic, so Wendy pipes in, Jack justifying harming others for the sake of survival, Jack’s irritation at Wendy, and Danny’s lack of boundaries within the family unit.