Driving from FLL

[UtahGuy1986]

I am driving from Fort Lauderdale International Airport to Pop Century, and would like to know a few things if anyone can help. Is I-95 or the Florida Turnpike Safer? Also I notice it is about a 4 hour drive either way so I will pull in to DW about 9:30pm. Is there any supermarkets/grocery stores that are safe to take a 9 year old, and my 19 year old sisters in too? Any help is appreciated.

-Thanks

 

[JoShan1719]

Is there a particular reason why you aren't flying into Orlando directly?

I'd recommend the Turnpike. Orlando is inland and 95 stays on the coast, so at some point you have to get on another highway (most likely 528) and head west. This adds 30-45 minutes to your trip. There's more traffic on 95 because it's what the locals use to travel between cities. If you can get into Orlando airport at all I'd recommend it and save the hassle, but if you can't then take the Turnpike.

 

[goofy4tink]

I took the Turnpike to 95 (at Jupiter) down to Pompano Beach..just north of FLL. Won't do that again. I would recommend the Turnpike. Much easier and less stressful.
I would look for grocery stores closer to WDW. There are nice rest stops along the turnpike to get out and stretch your legs at.
It took me about 3.5 hrs to make it from WDW to Pompano, so 4 hrs is probably a good estimate for Fort Lauderdale...one of my favorite airports.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

I am driving from Fort Lauderdale International Airport to Pop Century, and would like to know a few things if anyone can help. Is I-95 or the Florida Turnpike Safer? Also I notice it is about a 4 hour drive either way so I will pull in to DW about 9:30pm. Is there any supermarkets/grocery stores that are safe to take a 9 year old, and my 19 year old sisters in too? Any help is appreciated.

-Thanks

You probably don't want to be on I-95 going north from Fort Lauderdale during the rush hour traffic. I would get to the Turnpike as soon as possible from FLL. The Walmart SuperCenter at Vineland Road would be open for you and very safe. Also, the Publix stores nearby to WDW are open then.

 

[UtahGuy1986]

Is there a particular reason why you aren't flying into Orlando directly?

I'd recommend the Turnpike. Orlando is inland and 95 stays on the coast, so at some point you have to get on another highway (most likely 528) and head west. This adds 30-45 minutes to your trip. There's more traffic on 95 because it's what the locals use to travel between cities. If you can get into Orlando airport at all I'd recommend it and save the hassle, but if you can't then take the Turnpike.

I was able to book flights into FLL three months ago for $230 round trip from Salt Lake City. The closest I could find in to MCO is $450. Luckily I was able to get a good car deal working for National/Alamo. So overall its not to bad, just gotta look at the drive as it's a state I have never really seen before.
Thanks for all the tips though, customers I have spoken to recommend the turnpike as well.