Driving from Sanford to WDW?

[Bonnie151]

This is probably a very silly question, but why is route 417 the better way to go from Sanford to WDW than I4? We're flying to/from Sanford and all of the suggested directions say to go via 417. When I look at the road maps though, I4 looks like the more direct route. What's the catch? Are the maps deceptive or is the traffic bad on I4? (I've driven several times in Orlando on I4 and don't remember it being bad in the middle of the afternoon, but that was several years ago)

We'll be landing at Sanford around 1:20 PM on a Friday.

Assuming 417 is the best route, does anyone know roughly how much the tolls are?

Thanks!

 

[VLee]

I would also like to know the best route to take.

Also, what is the driving distance from Sanford to WDW Resorts and average time to drive?

We have a new direct flight route offered to Sanford, advertised for $59 one way on Allegiant.

 

[Edd]

Actually the shorter of two routes and no tolls is I-4. However: if you hit it at the wrong time you will spend an extra hour or two getting out there. Usually between 1000 and 1500 you can go straight through unless there is an accident. After 1600 and up to 1900 it is jammed up. Also between 0630 and 0930 it is a mess. 417 is 5.00 worth of tolls to Disney and 95% of the time no traffic to deal with.

 

[Bonnie151]

Thanks- I thought it might be because of the risk of traffic. We'll probably play it safe then and take the toll road - $5 isn't much for peace of mind after a 9.5 hour flight with young child and toddler!

 

[CPT Tripss]

You will need exact change in coin for the last toll . . . I can't recall whether it is $0.25 or 0.50.
Actually having quarters and one dollar bills will speed your whole trip. And do remember that we drive on the wrong side of the road!

 

[Edd]

I have been told we drive on the wrong side of the road many times.

 

[Bonnie151]

Uh, don't start me on the "wrong" side of the road! On our second trip to WDW, the day after I'd been laughing at clearly British tourists turning down the wrong side the of the road, I was driving along the side of the (I think, or at least near to) Florida Mall, turned left at a set of traffic lights and suddenly realised I'd made a sharp left and was now facing 4 lanes of traffic coming towards me in the wrong direction! Fortunately they'd been stopped at another set of lights some way down the road so I had plenty time to do a quick u-turn, but eeeek, I've never lived that one down! The worst bit is that despite what my profile implies, I am half American and did drive there from the ages of 17-22.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Uh, don't start me on the "wrong" side of the road! On our second trip to WDW, the day after I'd been laughing at clearly British tourists turning down the wrong side the of the road, I was driving along the side of the (I think, or at least near to) Florida Mall, turned left at a set of traffic lights and suddenly realised I'd made a sharp left and was now facing 4 lanes of traffic coming towards me in the wrong direction! Fortunately they'd been stopped at another set of lights some way down the road so I had plenty time to do a quick u-turn, but eeeek, I've never lived that one down! The worst bit is that despite what my profile implies, I am half American and did drive there from the ages of 17-22.

So, was the wrong half of you driving that day. Enjoy your holiday.