driving from Memphis area?

[excitedmomma]

Hi there! We are going to be driving to WDW from AR, actually, but know that which ever way we go we'll be going to Memphis. Is anyone familiar with a direct way to go from Memphis? I've pulled up a few different way and don't have any knowledge on any of them! I'm looking for the fastest, as we're so excited about our first trip! Thanks!

 

[GarrettJD]

Well, I live in Memphis, but I've never undertaken a drive to Florida. However, I would assume the fastest way would be to take US 78 from Memphis through Mississippi, then go from there to Atlanta, then hit I-75 south to Orlando. Maybe someone else can recommend something better.

I mainly popped in to say hi and to ask you to give us a big when you're passing through We'll be nearing single digits by then

 

[Wishing upon a Star!]

We also live in Arkansas. It is faster to go to Memphis then down from there. Go to www.expedia.com. Click on get driving directions(it says that or something simular). Put in your starting address and your ending address and it will give you a detailed map of the quickest way to get there.
Hope You have a great trip.

Terri

 

[excitedmomma]

Thank you Garrett and Terri!
We'll gladly give you a wave as we pass through Memphis, Garrett!
I think that is the way we'll go, over to Atlanta and down by I-75. Seems to be the quickest with all the "driving directions"!

On our way back, we want to go back near the Gulf and stop somewhere to spend the night near a beach, so the kids can see the beach. Any best spots? Have either of you done this?
Melinda

 

[maroney495]

Wow so many Arkansans. We are in the southern part of the state so we don't go near the Memphis area. We go 65 S to
1-20, to US 49 then US 98 to Mobile, then I-10 to I-75.

 

[excitedmomma]

Wow! I've seen more Arkansans here than noticed before! I actually live in western AR, (small town, Booneville)! Thanks for the help!
Melinda

 

[arkie]

I'm from Arkansas also. We live about 50 miles from Memphis.
We drove to WDW on our first family trip several years ago.
We stopped in Destin for a few days to spend time at the beach.

 

[Wishing upon a Star!]

We live in Charleston. We are actually going to stop at the gulf coast on the way down. We don't usually go through Memphis when we go to Florida. We like to take our time and go the Scenic route. On the way back we will go through Memphis. We have not decided where to stay on the Gulf yet. If anybody has any suggestions I am also interested in someplace where we will be able to see the Gulf.
Didn't know there where so many Arkansans out there. Glad to see it.

 

[GarrettJD]

What, Memphis isn't scenic enough for you? Besides, you can get a great view of the soon to be empty and useless Pyramid if you use I-40 and cross the Hernando-Desoto Bridge (or the "new" bridge, as we Memphians call it-- even though it's not exactly "new". Newer, I guess, than the "old" I-55 Memphis-Arkansas bridge )

Unfortunately, I've never been to the Gulf Coast in a spot on the way, just in Englewood, Florida (which is nowhere near on the way) or Gulfport, Mississippi (which isn't, either.) Actually, I'd like to know a good spot, too, as we plan to undertake a driving WDW vacation next year along with my mom and my brother.

 

[Wishing upon a Star!]

We actually enjoy going to Memphis. When we head South though we can't get to the Big Water fast enough.
We haven't spent much time around the Ocean and are fascinated by it. Even the Gulf. Seems like November is an eternity away.
If you hear of someplace exciting to stay please let us know. We will do the same. I am going to start cruising the internet tonight and see what I can find.

Terri

 

[maximom]

I too am an Arkansan simply "transplanted" to Missouri! I lived there all my life except first out of high school moved to Memphis.. it was too big for me and I moved back. I grew up some and 10 + years later moved to St. Louis.

Went to FL once when I lived in AR but only to Pensacola. We took the "old bridge" down thru MS across to AL and hit the gulf coast.

Good luck and hope you find the best way!

BTW, I'm from a small town in AR called "Ravenden" no one has EVER heard of. I have nieces in college at ASU.

 

[arkie]

Maximom I've been through Ravenden many times going to Hardy.
I only live 40 minutes from Jonesboro(ASU).

 

[excitedmomma]

Ok, which is faster? Going South from Memphis or going over to Atlanta and then going south? We are going fastest route there and on the way back we are planning to stop somewhere along the Gulf for a couple of days on the beach. (Still not sure where !) Would appreciate any suggestions!
Melinda

 

[drogerstn]

I don't think there is a huge time difference, but we like to avoid Atlanta and the potential back-ups on I-75 between there and Orlando. Traffic moves along really fast unless there is a wreck or construction.

We go from Memphis to Birmingham on Hwy 78; south to Montgomery on I-65; I-85 North (actually going east) towards Atlanta for a few miles in Montgomery; Hwy 271 south; south on Hwy 231 through Dothan and on to I-10 in Florida; east on I-10 to I-75. This has been faster for us than going through Birmingham and Atlanta or going through Nashville and Atlanta. It's a little slow going through Troy and Dothan; the route noted above saves a little time getting through Montgomery.