Best way to get to WDW from I75 South?

[triplefigs]

We are leaving Atlanta Friday around 1pm to drive to WDW, and we have never driven it before. What is the best way to get to WDW (the Contemporary Resort) from I75? I see there are at least 3 choices. I want the quickest and safest route, and we don't mind tolls. But if you suggest a toll road, can you tell me how much $$ I need?

Thanks for the help!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Densie this is what my family and I do when we drive to WDW using Interstate 75. Once we pass Ocala we then get on the Florida Turnpike and from there go Westbound on Interstate 4. After that we then go to exit 67 and follow the signs to the Magic Kingdom/Contemporary. The only thing I can't tell you this how much the tolls would be along the Turnpike because I forget the amount, however I think there is at least two of them.

 

[Disney grandma]

When we went last fall we used directions from someone on this board - we took the Florida Turnpike and exited at 429 South towards Tampa. This will bring you in behind Disney World and there was absolutely no traffic and you don't have to go on I 4. Once you are on 429 South you go several miles and watch for Disney World exit sign. Then you just follow the signs to the Magic Kingdom area or whatever park or resort you want to go to. As you are driving on 429 you will see the Contemporary Resort in the distance off to the left. We were sure we were going the wrong way because we were the only car on the highway for most of the way. It definitely beats fighting the traffic on I 4. I'm not sure how much the tolls are.

 

[fla4fun]

Either route suggested is good. If you are coming into Orlando close to rush hour (either morning or evening) it's better to avoid I-4 if you can. Some days it's a literal parking lot during rush hour. the 429 route is not impacted by rush hour traffic.

The Florida Turnpike has a website with a toll calculator that can help you figure out your costs. It's been a couple years since I took the Turnpike down from I-75, but there's at least one toll plaza near Leesburg that was around a dollar, and I know it's .50 to get off at I-4, because I go to work that way. There's no toll at the exit from the Turnpike to the 429.

Once on the 429, there is a toll plaza about half way down that is about $1.25, but no more tolls when you exit at Disney. I've only been through that toll plaza once, when the road first opened, as I typically get on at the Independence Parkway entrance where it's cheaper.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

Being from Atlanta I'm sure you are used to bad traffic, I-4 would feel like "home" the 429 route is much less crowded(and I think faster).

I-75 s to the FL turnpike, FL turnpike south to SR429(I can't remember the exit number but I bet someone will have it later) 429 toward TAMPA to exit 8 Disney World/Hartzog Rd. As you travel down 429 you will see the CR off in the distance to your left as you get close. Once you exit pay close attention to the speed limit it drops to 45 then again to 35 as you go over the bridge, Orange county sheriff officers often patrol this area.

 

[Traveliz]

When we went last fall we used directions from someone on this board - we took the Florida Turnpike and exited at 429 South towards Tampa. This will bring you in behind Disney World and there was absolutely no traffic and you don't have to go on I 4. Once you are on 429 South you go several miles and watch for Disney World exit sign. Then you just follow the signs to the Magic Kingdom area or whatever park or resort you want to go to. As you are driving on 429 you will see the Contemporary Resort in the distance off to the left. We were sure we were going the wrong way because we were the only car on the highway for most of the way. It definitely beats fighting the traffic on I 4. I'm not sure how much the tolls are.

This is an awesome way to go and the view from the practically empty new tollway is breathtaking - be sure to keep your eyes peeled to the left to catch glimpses of Disney including the Contemporary.

I believe the tolls are 2.50 - it might be 3.50 though.

Leaving to come home early in the morning a couple of times we saw hot air balloons on this road as well.

MUCH Less crowded that continuing to I4 or going the old short cut way.

Liz

 

[MattM]

Taking 75 to the Turnpike to the 429 is absolutely the way to go. Hands down the quickest, easiest, and most stress free way. Here's a map to help, starting where the Turnpike spurs off from I-75 (please forgive my highlighting skills ) Hope this helps!

 

[triplefigs]

Thank you all so much!!! We leave Friday at 1pm. The maps and directions are sincerely appreciated!!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

You're welcome.