Best location to meet before 417?

[1tufgt]

Is there any good places to meet before you hop onto 417 from MCO?

Reason I'm asking is that my wife's family (1st Disney Trip) will be renting a van from Budget (what level are they on?) and we are renting from Alamo. We would like to meet up with them somewhere before they hit 417 just so they know when to pull off to pay for the tolls.

Anyone have any ideas? Isn't there a cell phone lot south of the airport? Also are they still doing constructions on that stretch of road before 417?

 

[backyardponder]

the cell phone lot south of the airport would be a great place to meet. I don't know about construction.

 

[Detailor]

Is there any good places to meet before you hop onto 417 from MCO?

Reason I'm asking is that my wife's family (1st Disney Trip) will be renting a van from Budget (what level are they on?) and we are renting from Alamo. We would like to meet up with them somewhere before they hit 417 just so they know when to pull off to pay for the tolls.

Anyone have any ideas? Isn't there a cell phone lot south of the airport? Also are they still doing constructions on that stretch of road before 417?

There's a free Cell Phone parking lot on the right about 3/4 of a mile from the South Exit from the road that loops around the terminal buildings. There's not much else between the airport and SR 417 so that's where I'd suggest.

Dick Taylor

 

[OKW Lover]

You've already gotten good advice on the South Cell Phone lot. I'd just add that there is construction going on but that it doesn't seem to really affect traffic so don't worry about it.

 

[bumbershoot]

For your traveling companions, this is what the highway looks like as you're approaching tollbooths!

And then the little unmanned, exact change only, one as you get right up to WDW...

But just in case they forgot enough change:

ETA...those might be nice for them, so they know it's pretty glaringly obvious, and nothing to be scared about. We took our first trip in December, rented a car, and took 417, and didn't blow through a single toll. (except for the one the GPS took DH on, when he had absolutely no change in the car whatsoever, and he just took one of those envelopes from that tollbooth and we sent money in and it was fine)

But they shouldn't be nervous, especially with visual representation of what they are looking for!

 

[gmeh1]

Is there any good places to meet before you hop onto 417 from MCO?

Reason I'm asking is that my wife's family (1st Disney Trip) will be renting a van from Budget (what level are they on?) and we are renting from Alamo. We would like to meet up with them somewhere before they hit 417 just so they know when to pull off to pay for the tolls.

Anyone have any ideas? Isn't there a cell phone lot south of the airport? Also are they still doing constructions on that stretch of road before 417?

Budget is on level 2 on both sides of the airport.

 

[DCTooTall]

honestly, I normally get off at the International Drive exit. If you stay on the road/exit ramp you go thru 3 lights, cross over I-4, and it becomes Epcot Center Drive.

Since the main toll booth is just before the exit you don't need to worry about any extra tolls on the exit itself. (and on the trip back, there are 2 gas stations before 417 where you can fill up your rental and still be showing "full" when you return the car.)

 

[1tufgt]

honestly, I normally get off at the International Drive exit. If you stay on the road/exit ramp you go thru 3 lights, cross over I-4, and it becomes Epcot Center Drive.

Since the main toll booth is just before the exit you don't need to worry about any extra tolls on the exit itself. (and on the trip back, there are 2 gas stations before 417 where you can fill up your rental and still be showing "full" when you return the car.)

Yeah we usually take exit 6 but noticed that getting off at 3 your are a little closer but will be paying $.50 moren tolls. After looking at the map on google 6 seems the best and the time difference is irrelevant.

Thanks for all the good information.