driving from MCO to WDW

[ironz]

Am trying to decide between renting a car for a 3 day trip vs. using a towncar. The prices seem fairly comparable.

things that will help me decide:

1. How long does it take to get from MCO to WDW? Just the driving time, not waiting for baggage, etc.

2. Is it a pain in the you-know-where to do the driving? traffic, etc.? We'll be arriving at about 6:30 pm.

3. Since we're staying on property (COR), is there any charge for parking at the resort or parks (though I suspect we'll more often use WDW transportation once we're there).

Thanks so much!!

 

[castlegazer]

I am not trusting myself right now with my drive time estimations from MCO to WDW, but I think its in the range of 20 minutes, but again, hopefully someone else with a less addled brain comes along in a minute.

I can answer the question about paying for parking - no you will not have to pay for parking at either the resorts or the parks as long as you are on-site. I also do not find driving any problem at all, tere is a direct route from MCO down to WDW so you can bypass I-4 entirely. I am one, though, who would never go without a car while on vacation. I like to do a lot of things in Orlando that are not accessible by WDW transportation and I also vacation for part of the time out at Cocoa Beach.

 

[antmaril]

We were just there last week. It took us about 20 minutes to get to Universal from MCO (528 to I-4). I would say you are looking at about 30 minutes to get to POR.

We traveled back and forth from Universal to WDW on I-4 and had no problems whatsoever.

We always rent a car in Orlando.

 

[ironz]

Thanks!!

 

[inkkognito]

I HIGHLY recommend that you take 417 rather than I4. Just follow the signs to the South exit. You'll pay over two bucks in tolls, but it's well worth it because the traffic on 417 is typically light. You should be at WDW within 20 to 30 mins.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[safetymom]

I agree. Take 417. It is a nice road, not crowded. It's not like the traffic on I-4.

 

[DebbieB]

I always rent a car. The drive on 417 is very easy, there's not much traffic. 2 $1 tolls if you get off at exit 6 (International Drive/Downtown Disney).

 

[DemoBri1]

ditto on 417. It's smooth sailing to and from WDW. The only problem you may encounter is some construction going out the southern end of the airport property. When were there in December the lanes were fairly narrow going out and coming back in. Once you get off airport property though, there was hardly any traffic whatsoever.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

417 is the ONLY way to go to WDW. I avoid I-4 like the plague.

 

[ironz]

Thanks!!
Just a few days til I get to go!!

 

[BillPA]

One more vote for 417, the south exit from the airport. Head west on 417, there is a light just before an over pass, go right BEFORE the bridge, this is 417, AKA the Greenway.

Take exit 6 as others have suggested. A land mark is a PINK hotel on the right at a traffic light (rte 535)

Go straight across, when you go under the Welcome to Walt Disney World arch, make the 3rd right. At the light go left, POR is the 3 right about 1/4 mile.

When you head back to the airport, across from the pink Hotel, is a gas station, a 7/11 I think, they have fair prices for a fill-up.

The airport exit is the 1st one after the 2nd toll (Boggy Creek Parkway).

There are 2 $1 tolls, if you get off any where else, make sure you have change, the tolls do not have a person, just exact change lanes, most are 25 cents. Just have a good mix so you don't get stuck at the toll both.

Have a great trip.

 

[ironz]

Nice detailed intstructions, Bill, thanks!

One more question...do the toll plazas take $1 bills, or do I need change to throw in a basket to make it quicker?

Just a few days...I can't wait!

 

[safetymom]

The manned toll plazas take dollar bills or will make change.. It is the small exits that require coins.