Directcions from Airport to Vistana Resort

[kathyclownfish]

Hi! Vistana is giving me directions from Orlando airport to #528. Whereas, mapquest is advising airport to #417. Anyone done both? Anyone know what is the most direct way? (Would like to also chose the route that will pass a convenience store?

Thanks!
Kathy

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd take 417. Better traffic wise and only slightly more in tolls. (Two $1 tolls each way).

 

[Jim from Jersey]

These were the directions on the Vistana site that we followed:
From Orlando International Airport:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow airport exit signs to "Orlando/Area Attractions."
Take airport exit road to 528 West (BeeLine Expressway).
Go towards Tampa for approximately 10 Miles.
Exit onto I-4 West (Tampa/Disney World).
Proceed on I-4 West to Exit 68 (27 old) (State Road 535 Lake Buena Vista/Kissimmee).
Turn left (south) onto State Road 535.
Sheraton Vistana Resort is one mile south on the right.

This was very easy, however, I have no idea about the other route - 417. When you state you want to go to a convenience store, what do you need? There is a wallgreens right next to the Vistana and a Publix about 5 - 6 min. away. When we checked in, the employee at the desk advised us not to use the "supermarket" across the street from the Vistana as they are very expensive. We did all of our shopping at the Publix. The general store on the Vistana grounds is not overly expensive. Prices were a little higher than publix but if you just need a few things before you arrive, you might want to try the wallgreens or the general store and then go to Publix after you get settled. Also, if you follow the above directions, there is a shopping plaza called crossroads on 535 just off I-4. Instead of making the left onto 535, make a right and you will find a lot of stores. I didn't realize this till our 2nd to last day. Coming from the Vistana, this is also an alternate way to get to WDW and a short cut to DownTown Disney. The entrance to WDW property would be on your left side if you were coming from the Vistana; it's about 1/2 mile on your left after you go under I-4. The most direct way to get to all the parks is making a right out of the Vistana onto 535 and making the next right, approx. 1/2 mile or so, onto 536 which will take you right into WDW. I just got back on the 9th of Oct., so if you have any other questions, let me know. BTW, where in Middlesex are you? My sister is in Old Bridge and I'm around the corner in Hazlet. Jim

http://www.starwoodvo.com/resorts/guests.jsp?resortID=5
The above is a link to the guest services page. Follow it down to grocery stores and click on the short cut where it says click here. This will bring you to a heading of items. Click on each list to view the items under each heading and the prices for each item.
Also, I had a Saturday check in. I requested cascades or lakes and they wrote back saying nothing was available. When we arrived, I was in Cascades. You never know. Out of the rest of the resort, I thought the fountains area was the next nicest.

 

[Pigsty333]

Being one who lives in Orlando by the airport, my choice would be 417 - less, less traffic no matter what time of the day.

I would stay away from any stores near the attractions. There is a Publix right off the airport by Narcoossee.

TIP: When you get your car or are leaving the airport, follow the signs for Cargo Road. It looks like you are nowhere in the airport, but you are actually driving on a road not used by too many people. Follow this road and it should turn to Jetport Drive. Follow that and you will see a lot of construction sites around the airport. That will bring you to Narcoossee Road (there should be a 7-11 on your right hand side). Make a left and about 2 miles you will see a Publix, Walgreens, Chinese Restaurant, etc. 417 is just a little bit down the road from there, stay on your left lane and enter 417 which is a straight drive to Disney, just follow signs and so much less hectic and quieter than 528.

If you take Narcoossee just a tidbit of information - you will see a community on your right hand side Lake Nona Golf and Country Club - home of Lou Holtz, Anika Sorenstam, Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, etc.

Enjoy your drive and trip.

 

[kathyclownfish]

Thanks everyone for the great directions and information. I think we will probably go with the Rt 417 directions. Even though, Rt 528 sounds like there will be many more 7-11 kinda stores, I'll probably get lost and DH will have a heart attack.

Jim,
We live in North Brunswick. Only about 15 min from Old Bridge. Only been to Hazlet a few times, kinda went by it on our way home from Sandy Hook beach this past August. Belmar was closed for swimming because of Charlie and we hiked it up to Sandy Hook where the beach was opened!

Thanks again!
Kathy

 

[Pigsty333]

As you travel on 417 you will see a lot of 7-11s, Super Target,, Super Wal-Mart - one on the right and one on the left. There are plenty of places to buy stuff on your way to the resort.

 

[spiceycat]

on 535 (where the SHeraton is located) - leaving Sheraton turn right - get in on the of the middle lanes - right before the road ends (at US 192) - at the burger king you are turning left - this is a Publix grocery store in this shopping area.

if you miss it - just kept going - turn left on US 192 - kepting going around 2 miles on your right is a Super Center Walmart - BIG place you can't miss it - after Medieval Castle.

much closer and on your left is a Sam's (less than a mile) after you turn on US 192.