Driving To WDW - 417 Toll vs. I-4

[magicofdisney]

I already pay for an EZ Pass, which is used extensively in the NE.

Do the rental car companies give an option for the Sunpass? I really resent having the purchase that gadget since I am only using it for my trip from and to the airport.

Yes, some do offer vehicles with a toll-pass option. I don't know which specifically have this option but my husband has used it in the past when driving to Orlando airport.

[johnO]

The only time we've had a problem on I-4 is when we left WDW too close to rush hour.

If you time it right, I-4 isn't a problem..

[wdwfan]

The rental cars do have option, but they charge you 2.50 a day plus toll. The Sunpass mini & the Transponder (which you can use in multiple cars) never expire... So $ amounts are always good. I got a sunpass mini for one car and just ordered a transponder for other car and to use in rentals.
I picked up the mini at the first service plaza on the turnpike. (Okahumpka) It had 20.00 on it and could use immediately, plus you get the 4.99 back when you register. I just registered it when we got settled.
Worked great and now have it when we go back.

[wdwfan]

From and to the airport, if you use the S 417 your better off just to pay the 1.25 toll. Twice each way. Never a line and don't have to purchase Sunpass.

[squijee]

From start of turnpike at Wildwood to the exit for SR429 we can still pay with cash, correct? We are heading down Marc 18th for a week.

[magicofdisney]

From start of turnpike at Wildwood to the exit for SR429 we can still pay with cash, correct? We are heading down Marc 18th for a week.

Yes. You can use cash on SR429 as well, but you have to veer off the main road and rejoin traffic. This is not that big a deal right now because that road is SO vacant.

[SandmanGStefani24]

417 all the way.

I always rent a car so the tolls are free. Plus there is never any traffic when I travel. Its also such a nice drive...

[Ramblingman]

I grew up outside Tampa and still have family there, so our route depends on our plans.

Sometimes we drive to Tampa first to visit with family. In that case, we take I-4 but we try to leave early to avoid as much traffic as possible. It's still bad usually.

Sometimes we drive to WDW first. In that case, we do the turnpike and SR429 route. It works better for us.