Daytona Beach

[mainewmn]

DH is a huge NASCAR fan and although he doesn’t understand my obsession with Disney he indulges me and allows me to full fill it. Since we just came back he has been a bit hesitant to allow us to go back so quick but I got him to agree on our next trip with few exceptions. One of them is that he wants to drive up to Daytona Beach for a race. I looked on Map Quest and see it’s about an hour away. Has anyone done it? Is it doable? We are talking long term (2007) so we have LOTS of time to plan it an iron out any kinks. TIA.

 

[esulerzy]

I just completed a trip last week. Landed in Orlando and drove to Daytona Beach - took about an hour; stayed in Daytona Beach for 5 days (golfing trip) then drove back to WDW for another five days. Don't go via I-4 - it takes you straight through Orlando and can get quite congested with traffic and road/lane closures. Instead, take 528 east (toll) to 417 north (toll) - this will dump you back on I-4 but after Orlando - follow signs to 95 north and get off at International Speedway (should be first or second exit when you get on 95 north.

Again, very easy drive going this way - last year this time, I made the mistake of going I-4 and it took me almost 2 1/2 hours!

Let me know if you have any more questions! Ellen

 

[RobInBigKC]

If you're planning on driving up to Daytona on the day of the race itself, you need to allow extra time for race traffic. And if you're planning on driving up on the day of a Nextel Cup race, in particular, I would suggest adding an extra 6 to 8 hours on your trip there, to allow for traffic, not to mention that you'll probably want time to visit the fan areas and any other areas you can get passes to.

-- Rob

 

[aunt kelly]

If you enjoy the beach, you might want to spend a couple of days in Daytona. The beach is gorgeous and you can get some great deals on hotels on Priceline.

 

[mainewmn]

Awesome suggestions! I’m not sure what race he wants to do but now I’m considering if maybe we shouldn’t do a small side to trip to Daytona beach on our way back home instead of just driving up on the day of the race.

 

[NHLFAN]

We have drove to Daytona the last 3 trips to Orlando in Dec. and Oct but even though no races were going on we enjoyed the Track Tour and Daytona USA...after that we hit the beach for a few hours then head back to Orlando after lunch.

This year we are going in FEB. so we bought tickets to the "BUD SHOOTOUT" and look forward to actually seeing a NASCAR race!

 

[cruiserkaren]

Get your race tickets as early as you can. I tried to surprise DH once with tickets to the Pepsi 500. The tix alone was going to be around $750 for two. Needless to say we didn't go.

 

[disnut8]

There are only two NASCAR races at Daytona. The 500 in February and the Pepsi 400 around July 4th. You will be one of about 150,000 plus for the race. My father has done the race and it took him two hours, yes, two hours, to make a right hand turn out of there. It's not a relaxing time before or after the race.

I can make a suggestion that will please you both (I think). Go for the day (it's an easy drive) and do Daytona USA. $22 for the entire museum which is fascinating, the wonderful IMAX film narrated by Keifer Sutherland, and a tour of the track that cannot be beat. You even get to stand on Victory Lane. It's a very nice side trip from Disney World.

Just don't go near there during a race weekend unless you want a true NASCAR time. Which means traffic upon traffic. We go to Atlanta twice a year and just stay near the track the whole weekend. A NASCAR race is not for the faint of heart.

 

[GalDisney]

You can take I4 from WDW.,You dont have to take any other route.. Just avoid it during the "rush hours: and you will be ok. WDW is about 75 miles from daytona. Takes about 1 hr and 10 mins.. I know cus i live in daytona and travel to WDW all the time Altho if you are traveling from WDW to daytona, you will be going in the opposite direction of rush hour traffic. Altho if you specifically want to viist daytona for a race, I would suggest being in daytona at least the day before the race. Otherwise traffic on i4 will be a mess on race day.