Drive from Tampa

[kristikae]

I found roundtrip airfare to Tampa for only $52. How long of a drive is it to WDW from Tampa?

[bigsis1970]

that is approx about and hour or so.. I too have a great rate to TPA of $95 roundtrip with delta out of Manchester NH.. yea only 72 days to go !!

[kristikae]

What is the speed limit and how strict are the police in Florida? I am a lead foot. I typically drive 75-80.

[d.kurz]

My husband is also a leadfoot. I guess (I prefer NOT to look at the speedometer) we went at least 75-80 mph to WDW from Tampa. We did not even see a cop the whole ride.
The drive is painless. About 1 hour, 15 mins. Go for it. I highly recommend flying into TPA.

[ztbz]

If you are coming from Tampa during Rush hour on I-4, you can expect it to take at least 2 hours or even 2 and a half hours. more than likely it will be 2 hours to get to Disney.

[travelcoupons]

Go for TPA, I've flown there many times and the drive has never taken more than an hour and a half.

[bigsis1970]

We will be arriving on Dec 1st Saturday at 1 pm ??

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Arriving at that time I would expect about 1-1.5 hours travel time. Be careful of the FL. State Police, they are real "bears". You will find the speed limit to be about 55-75 depending on where you are on the highway system.

[bigsis1970]

Thanks Gail

[Buzzrules]

I had no problem doing 75, heck I almost got run off the road in a few places. Saw only one trooper, around exit 22. If you are staying at Disney proper, you can take about 15 or so miles off of the distance to Orlando signs, as WDW is west of Orlando. And before you know it, you're seeing the signs that say WDW exits, 3 miles ahead!

[bigsis1970]

I can't wait almost to the 60 day mark !!!! ( 67 to go ) ..

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Buzzrules,
I have seen tons of police and then times when I have seen none, but, knowing what "bears" they can be, I procede with caution and only go max. 10 miles over the speed limit. Let the others run me over, they can be the "bear bait" , LOL.
The highway from Tampa to Lake Buena Vista (WDW) is 65 in most places, so, assuming a ten mile an hour over the speed limit, you are now going 75, with all the tourists on the road, most NOT having a clue as to where they are going, it seems a little silly to go any faster. Just MHO and this from a true leadfoot in CT. LOL.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

bigsis1970,
Welcome, anytime. :)

[Lewisc]

Many people make it from TPA to WDW in under an hour. Gail--It's 77.4 miles from TPA to OKW. I suspect you (like most of us :) ) drive faster than you realize.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Oh Lewis I am a total lead foot at home, but, not in FL. I do slow down and there is traffic etc. We generally rent from Alamo there and from leaving their terminal to the front gate at OKW is about 1 hour. We have hit traffic and had it take about 90 mins, but, that is rare.
As to the realization of how fast I drive, nah, I realize it. LOL.
What exit do you get off to get to OKW so fast? We get off near Crossroads and go in via Community BLVD. Dee likes going that way, makes him feel like he is going home. :)