Driving to WDW... I-4?

[missastrocat]

We are driving from Virginia to WDW, and I had a question specifically about the part from I-95 Daytona Beach area. On google maps, it suggests going I-4, which is the way I've gone previously when I've driven.

I did a search driving directions on the forum, and found many people talking about toll roads, etc.

Would you suggest an alternative route from Daytona Beach area other than I-4? Would it be quicker using another route? Our first stop in WDW will be Best Friends Pet Center as our dogs are coming on the trip with us.

BTW, we are leaving around 10pm this Friday and hoping to arrive there around 10am-12pm so we can hopefully check in, take a nap, and get to the MK around 5pm. :-)

[Allenfow98]

I always take rt 4 right thru Orlando, but next time I am going to try 417, its sorta an Orlando bypass, its a toll road, you pick it up above Orlando off of 4 in Sanford, and it drops you off right around Celebration.
You can also stay on 95 south a little further and take 528 across, its also a toll road and it might be a little longer mileage, but it moves unless there is an accident, as compared to rt4 thru Orlando, where it is always congested.

[steamboat willy]

First ...I lived in Orlando and it's surrounding towns for 7+ years while working/playing at DISNEY.

Since coming back home (NC) , we drive to DISNEY about once a year.

Since S.R. 417 was completed, I will NOT go through downtown Orlando again! You still get off I-95 S and onto I-4 W at Daytona. Once you get to Sanford, you exit I-4 and get on S.R.417 the Toll Road by passing Orlando, Sea World and Universal! Straight Shot to the all DISNEY Exits.
$ 6 bucks and change for all tolls. BEST $6 dollars you spend on the whole trip.

Once you go 417, you'll never be slowed or stopped in I-4 traffic again.

[missastrocat]

Thanks for the tip!

I rerouted the map and 417 looks to add 20 minutes to the trip, but I'm thinking that will be negligible with the reduction of traffic.

[Ed]

417 is definitely the way to go.

We have lived in the Orlando area for ten years, and we avoid I-4 like the plague! All it takes is one minor fender-bender and you can be stuck forever. I really believe that road was designed and built by the .

As mentioned, you'll still need to take the I-4 exit from I-95, then take exit 101 (I believe it's marked "To Tampa") onto 417 South. Continue south to Exit 6, which is marked International Drive. At the end of that ramp, continue straight ahead; the road becomes SR536 which takes you right into WDW property. Shortly after passing under the WDW archway, take the first exit, marked Downtown Disney and Typhoon Lagoon. At the end of that ramp continue straight ahead; that will be Bonnet Creek Parkway. Best Friends will be on your left about a mile up Bonnet Creek.

[mudpuppysmom]

I'll be the other side.....we are currently driving home (we're in NC) and we drove from Daytona on I4 both ways.....I didn't think it was bad at all, but we did NOT hit any traffic coming or going, so. Maybe we were lucky or it was the right time of day??? I like to save my money to let the kids spend on dole whips!! Just my two cents.

[Ed]

To each his/her own, I guess.

To me, the $6 or so for tolls on 417 is well worth it... much less traffic, bypassing downtown Orlando (especially during morning and afternoon so-called rush hours), less big truck traffic, well-maintained roadway... the pros far outweigh the cons.

[steamboat willy]

I'll be the other side.....we are currently driving home (we're in NC) and we drove from Daytona on I4 both ways.....I didn't think it was bad at all, but we did NOT hit any traffic coming or going, so. Maybe we were lucky or it was the right time of day??? I like to save my money to let the kids spend on dole whips!! Just my two cents.

Should have bought a Power Ball Ticket with your $6 dollar savings. Sound like your lucky day!

To me, the $6 or so for tolls on 417 is well worth it... much less traffic, bypassing downtown Orlando (especially during morning and afternoon so-called rush hours), less big truck traffic, well-maintained roadway... the pros far outweigh the cons.[/QUOTE]

[missastrocat]

Thanks for the directions to Best Friends! haha! Another reason to love Intercot.

We are gonna do the I-4 and I figured with what everyone said, it may be better as we will avoid seeing Universal as we drive by it... My DH really wants to go, but maybe next time. I rather him see WDW first.

[steamboat willy]

WOW...I was gonna give you one more driving pitch, BUT when I looked at your signature, YOUR THERE RIGHT NOW.

Enjoy your stay.

27 Days for US....

[missastrocat]

WOW...I was gonna give you one more driving pitch, BUT when I looked at your signature, YOUR THERE RIGHT NOW.

Enjoy your stay.

27 Days for US....

Yep! We are here right now and we did the 417! It was a relaxing end to the 12 hour drive and glad we took it. I-4 wasn't bad on the part we drove on, but I was having to do a lot of breaking due to other cars trying to weave in and out, etc. 417 was nice...

Less than a month for you all now! How exciting! Thanks again for the tip!

[steamboat willy]

Make sure to visit Main Street Bakery Shop and take in the smell....OK to have a taste too. It will be your last chance before it becomes a STARBUCKS next year.

Have a GREAT trip.

Wave when you pass by I-95 and Hwy 74 in NC which leads to Carolina Beach to the East & us to the West.

Happy Thanksgiving!

YES - 26 Days........

[barnaby]

To each his/her own, I guess.

To me, the $6 or so for tolls on 417 is well worth it... much less traffic, bypassing downtown Orlando (especially during morning and afternoon so-called rush hours), less big truck traffic, well-maintained roadway... the pros far outweigh the cons.

I took the advice of fellow Intercotees and used 417 on my trip this past summer. We arrived and left on a Saturday morning, and caught no traffic. Well worth the money.
Another good tip was getting the Sunpass.