Anyone driven from Memphis or Birmingham?

[KellyJ]

We will be driving to Disney for the first time in about 20 years. I'm trying to figure out the best way to go. Most of the map programs agree that it's best to take HWY 78 from Memphis to Birmingham, but then they vary. Some say keep to the interstate to Atlanta then head down, others recommend other HWY's from B'ham to near Dothan, AL then over... just wondering what others have done and which seems to be the quickest/easiest way.

KellyJ

 

[standleyent1]

We have driven from NW Arkansas many times and have gone different ways including, through Birmingham to Dothan and across I-10 as well as through Atlanta down I-75. Though it is around 75 miles further going through Atlanta its around 2 1/2 hours faster because of the interstate. Now keep in mind that you need to time your travels when driving through Atlanta so you don't meet rush hour traffic. We usually go through late in the evening (around 10pm) or early in the am around 3/4 so we don't hit the traffic. You should take the 285 loop around the west side of Atlanta to the I-75 south interstate and then the I-75 all the way to the Ronald Reagan Turnpike. After that you need to head south on the Western Turnpike (also known as the 429) to the Western Way exit. Take the Western Way road all the way to Buena Vista Drive at that corner you will be sitting right beside the Coronado Springs Resort, now you are in the World. From there depends on where your resort is at.
I hope this helps and we hope you have fun!!

 

[KellyJ]

Thank you, standleyent1! That's just what I was looking for. I kind of thought the Atlanta/Interstate route would be quickest, but I wondered if I was missing something. And the instructions once we're near WDW are perfect since I had no idea which way to head once we were close! Thanks ever so much!

KellyJ

 

[standleyent1]

Thank you, standleyent1! That's just what I was looking for. I kind of thought the Atlanta/Interstate route would be quickest, but I wondered if I was missing something. And the instructions once we're near WDW are perfect since I had no idea which way to head once we were close! Thanks ever so much!

KellyJ

You are more than welcome!!

 

[Cibahwewah]

Let us know how your drive went. We're driving this year too, since it seems you can't get good airfare out of Memphis anymore. We are thinking about the Memphis to Birmingham to Atlanta to Orlando route too. Thanks.

 

[KellyJ]

I'll be glad to let you know how the drive goes! We'll be heading out in about 40 days. We're hoping to drive through the night so the kids will sleep most of the way. At least those are the plans right now. Airfare has just gotten ridiculous which is why we are also driving this time.... but that's fine, we're always up for new experiences!

Kelly