Best route into FW with trailer?

[Tromba]

We're set to return to WDW in December, but for only the second time at FW. Last time, after looking at the map, I decided to avoid the interstate highway that goes through a section of Orlando, thinking that there would be less traffic to pull the trailer through on the smaller roads to the west of WDW. So we took US Highway 27 south from the Florida Turnpike and went around the west side of WDW, then took a left onto 192, and then another left into WDW on World Drive.

However, after reviewing several guidbooks for this upcoming trip, I am seeing that the recommended route for those coming down I-75 is to take the Turnpike and then take I-4 west to exit 67, which puts you on Epcot Drive. My question: is this really the best route for pulling a trailer? The turnpike/I-4 combination seems to go right through Orlando. Is there not that much traffic? Do you recommend this route as well, or would it be better to go the westerly route that I traveled on our last trip?

Thanks, Art

 

[ftwildernessguy]

I am not a fan of the I-4 route through Orlando since I had an encounter with a wayward carpet that fell off a truck in front of me a couple of years ago.

Since that time, we have continued down 95 to the Bee Line. There are tolls involved (I think it cost me about $8.50 last year with a double axle trailer), but you avoid all the Orlando traffic.

 

[Tromba]

ftwildernessguy,

Thanks for your reply. I will be coming down I-75 from Ocala and points west (Texas, actually), so I have not used I-95. I am not familiar with the Bee Line. Would it be out of my way to get to this from I-75?

Art

 

[2beagles]

Tromba,

Last year when we drove down from OK with our trailer we drove I-75 to the Florida Turnpike. We drove on the turnpike until exit 288. This is US 27. Follow 27 south until you get to 192. Take 192 east to the entrance to Walt Disney World...World Drive.

My mapping software says that it is about 40 miles from the turnpike exit to WDW.

The drive is very pleasant. 4 lane all the way.

INMO, much better than I-4 and Fl. Turnpike.

2beagles

 

[always quiet]

We DO take 95 to I 4....what the heck is the "bee line"!!?? If we could avoid I 4, I would be one very happy camper!! That road is always a nightmare!! The cars don't seem to understand that when you are pulling a trailer, you can NOT stop on a dime when they jump in front of you and hit their brakes!!!

 

[Tromba]

Thanks 2Beagles and others. That's the route I took last time, so I think I'll stick with that route and avoid I-4. As I recall, it was pretty stress free, although you do have to stop for a few lights.

Art

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Originally posted by always quiet
We DO take 95 to I 4....what the heck is the "bee line"!!?? If we could avoid I 4, I would be one very happy camper!! That road is always a nightmare!! The cars don't seem to understand that when you are pulling a trailer, you can NOT stop on a dime when they jump in front of you and hit their brakes!!!

The Bee Line is a toll road from 95 to Orlando. Go past the exit you normally take for I4 and continue south on 95. I then take 407, which is a short access road from 95 to the Bee Line, 528. Take 528 west which will take you to I4 south of Orlando, or take 417, which is what I do, to WDW. Both the Bee Line and 417 are toll roads, and it adds a little distance to your trip, but I think it is worth it to bypass Orlando.

 

[old camper]

Take Turnpike south to State Road 50 (W. Colonial Dr.)
East (left) on State Road 50 to C.R. 535 (Winter Garden Vineland Rd.)
South (right) on C.R. 535 to Vista Blvd.
Be careful, there are several 90 degree turns on 535.
Turn right on Vista Blvd.
2 miles and 1 security gate to Fort Wilderness.
It will be on your right.
As you are traveling on 535 stay alert and you can see the top floors of the Contemporary Resort.
There is also a Win-Dixie grocery store on the way on 535.

 

[Grumpy92]

I would avoid I4 if at all possible. Most of the time it is a parking lot, constantly has bad accidents or very congested. I wouldnt recommend 192 because it is frequented by our visitors who have a tendency to be sightseeing instead of keeping their eye on the road.

Two recommendations:
I75 to Fla Turnpike you have to options of where to get off.
Beeline (S Orl exit) which will dead end at I4 just a short drive west from there to WDW or go to the next exit which is the Osceola Pkway. The Osceola is a straight shot right into WDW and with a 35 ft RV it makes the drive so much easier.