Driving from MIA to Orlando with a toddler...

[Miriade]

Hello dear DiSers!

I was missing the Disney-buzz too much and my resolve to try to travel to another place other than WDW in 2014 went down the drain as a couple of friends invited me to join the wagon to their 9 month's old son FIRST trip to WDW!
So I will ask this in their benefit as per myself I would go straight to MCO

We will drive from MIA to Orlando.

So what are the options to make this almost 5 hours trip enjoyable for a little baby and us adults after a 9 hour flight?

What rout to choose and what stops to make? What else bring on with us that can help this trip be smooth?

TIA fellows!

 

[hbsprite]

I've driven this route 4 times in the last few years.

It will take you nowhere near 5 hours. Even if you drive the speed limit it should take less than 3 1/2 hours.

The easiest route is just to take the turnpike. Tolls are about $10 but you are much less likely to encounter traffic, and there are LOTS of service plazas. The service plazas are about 40 miles apart and they have clean restrooms, gas stations and a few different restaurants at each one.

 

[SteveMouse]

Depending on the day/time (Miami rush hour and airport construction) it might take longer than 3.5 hrs

 

[Miriade]

3.5 hours?! Wow! That's so much better!
I've seen theis 5-hour trip info in a magazine! and I was dreading the trip as we will be a little sleepy after the long flight!
Thanks!

 

[Capt_BJ]

in round numbers it is 240 miles and interstate or turnpike all the way

the speed limit is 70 and if you drive the speed limit you will receive many one finger salutes .... around Miami anyway

240 miles @ 70 is 3.5 hours ... @80 mph is 3 hours even . . . I live 190 miles north of Miami and routinely make the drive in under 3 hours

the only possible hang-up is getting caught in rush hour traffic around Miami ... avoid rush hour and you should have clear sailing.

 

[goofy4tink]

Just drove from Delray Beach to WDW...last week. Took 95 to Jupiter, then the turnpike to get there. Going home took the turnpike the entire way. Much prefer the turnpike. Yes, there are to,Los, but you don't spend much time paying the tolls. And the service plazas are terrific. Even my dh was impressed!
It took me about 3 hrs, each way. Traveled at about 75 most of the time. I would 30-45 mins from Miami.