Driving from MCO to Universal - tolls

[livibug]

From what I can tell all routes (except all side streets) to Universal from MCO have tolls. I am assuming they all take cash? I don't want to use the rental car transponder - looks like that gets expensive!

Assuming traffic is nominal, what is the recommended route or does it even matter? 528 to 4, 528 to Turnpike to 4 or 528 to Sand Lake Road?

We will be arriving at 7:30 on a Wednesday in June and headed right to RPR to check in and then hit the parks, hopefully right after opening.

 

[schumigirl]

We take the 528 and turn off at Universal Boulevard. That turn is before Sand Lake which is always ultra busy.

2 tolls, one is $1.25 and other is $1. Yes they take cash, just make sure you go through the cash lanes and not sunpass lane........but they're very clearly marked.

 

[chmurf]

Take north exit from MCO
Enter 528 west, you'll encounter a toll booth, stay right and exit to the cash/receipt lane, merge back onto 528

Soon after the toll, exit through exit 8 ( McCoy Rd to Sand Lake Road, FL482)

Stay on sand lake until you get to universal boulevard. Turn right on universal bld

 

[schumigirl]

Take north exit from MCO
Enter 528 west, you'll encounter a toll booth, stay right and exit to the cash/receipt lane, merge back onto 528

Soon after the toll, exit through exit 8 ( McCoy Rd to Sand Lake Road, FL482)

Stay on sand lake until you get to universal boulevard. Turn right on universal bld

We find it easier not to turn off at exit 8........we stay on the 528 until Universal Boulevard turn off........that way you avoid more traffic lights and such. Did that route once.

 

[chmurf]

We find it easier not to turn off at exit 8........we stay on the 528 until Universal Boulevard turn off........that way you avoid more traffic lights and such. Did that route once.

Interesting
I've always considered this route (exit 2 on 528) to be significantly longer. Actually it is longer by at least a couple of miles. But you make it sound like it's quicker.
I might try that one next time. More miles but if it means less traffic and signals, it's worth a try
Thanks

 

[elaine amj]

We have always stayed away from the rolls. I think it only adds a few minutes to the drive. No need to hassle with change.

 

[schumigirl]

We have always stayed away from the rolls. I think it only adds a few minutes to the drive. No need to hassle with change.

Never felt it was a hassle. The tolls are manned in case anyone has never gone that way and doesn't know.

Pay the lady a dollar and you're through.........never had a queue going through there either and we generally arrive at peak traffic time........which is why we avoid Sand Lake Road.

It's not the longest journey in the world regardless, we just prefer that way........

 

[chmurf]

The tolls are manned in case anyone has never gone that way and doesn't know.

Let me add that these tolls will not accept anything larger than a $20

 

[pjpoppins]

We just drove to Seaworld from MCO on 528 this past week. Got off at International Drive exit. $2.25 each way. Paid with singles maybe waited 90-120 seconds in line. Looks like they used to have 2 tolls but right now only one (construction everywhere its a mess). We had a rental also and weren't paying $10/day to have a transponder when we only needed it twice in 5 days.

 

[elaine amj]

It's more the fuss to make sure I pack even more cash. I use my CC most of the time and already have to make sure I have enough to tip shuttle drivers, bell hops, do laundry...

Plus, since it only saves a few minutes, I don't see the point in spending the extra buck or two unless I am in a hurry (and I have been in a hurry before ) I just select "avoid toll roads" on my GPS and I am set. It's a pretty easy drive.

 

[schumigirl]

Lol......guess I don't put a value on 2 extra bucks...........

It's all personal preference of course.

 

[macraven]

i don't think twice for spending an extra 2 bucks on tolls.
heck, i don't think twice about spending what i spend on the 'gouge you for more money' drinks while on vacation.

 

[chmurf]

We had a rental also and weren't paying $10/day to have a transponder when we only needed it twice in 5 days.

I rent with Alamo, sunpass is automatically included, no need for a transponder. Costs under $4 per usage day (24 hrs period during which you go through a sunpass), max cost is $20 per rental period (we rent for 3 weeks)
Not like avis, budget or dollar charging you for each day of your rental ... whant a rip off.

 

[grumpydad74]

I rent with Alamo, sunpass is automatically included, no need for a transponder. Costs under $4 per usage day (24 hrs period during which you go through a sunpass), max cost is $20 per rental period (we rent for 3 weeks)
Not like avis, budget or dollar charging you for each day of your rental ... whant a rip off.

Glad to hear. We are renting with Alamo when we go in two weeks.