Driving in Orlando

[maureen4200040]

Hi all

I was just wondering how easy is it to drive around in Orlando. This will be my fourth trip over, and we have always managed with the local buses for Transportation.

I would like to hire a car for a few days while we are out there, but my fear is getting myself about without crashing the car. Everything there is so much bigger and are the road signs as confusing as they look.

The other problem I have is, I never driven an automatic car before so how hard or easy is it?

Thanking you in advance
Maureen4200040

 

[snookhams]

Driving in Orlando is relatively easy, DH doesn't drive so its down to me, and I haven't encountered any problems so far. I found it so easy to drive an automatic that after one trip we changed our car to an automatic, one of the main things to remember at traffic lights etc to keep your foot on the brake or put it into park, as they have a tendency to creep forward, other than that its D for Drive, R for reverse, P for Park and N for neutral and away you go. The road signs etc do take a little getting used to but they are not too bad, the first time I drove in Orlando they upgraded us from a 7 seater to a 15 seater minivan! and I had not driven anything larger than an Escort, but take things slowly - I actually drove around the carpark at the airport a couple of times to get the feel of things before I ventured out onto the roads, the hire car co. will give you maps and directions if you ask, and if at any time you get lost we found that the people at the toll booths were great at giving directions. Good Luck in making your decision, why not give it a try its no worse than driving on the M25 in rush hour!!!!

 

[tartangirl]

Hi,

I dont drive myself but DH seems to have no trouble.

Driving an automatic is easy, just remember to keep your left foot on the ground.

There are a few roads that will become familiar such as I4, 192, International Drive, SandLake Road. These roads are all well signposted so if you get lost you can just head for them, they will appear on all maps so you can then orientate yourself.

The Theme Parks are also well signposted so if need be you can go to one of them.

192 also has mile markers starting at the I27 so you always get a rough idea where you are.

All in all it is all geared up for tourists who dont know the area and is therefore easier to drive in for tourists than most places in the UK.

 

[alisonbestford]

I can only drive an automatic - don't trust myself to think about gears and not drive into a wall
First time I drove in Florida I'd had 3 months worth of lessons, passed my test 6 months previous and absolutely hated driving!!
To my surprise I loved it and found it much easier than here
Have fun, you'll be fine

 

[LoopyLoo]

Hi all

I was just wondering how easy is it to drive around in Orlando. This will be my fourth trip over, and we have always managed with the local buses for Transportation.

I would like to hire a car for a few days while we are out there, but my fear is getting myself about without crashing the car. Everything there is so much bigger and are the road signs as confusing as they look.

The other problem I have is, I never driven an automatic car before so how hard or easy is it?

Thanking you in advance
Maureen4200040

Hi try the link below this is a great website for British Visitors not only for the driving.
Have Fun
http://www.kissimmee-us192.com/british/default.htm

 

[squitty]

I love driving while in Orlando. I can honestly say its a pleasure

Driving a automatic is so easy. Much more relaxed, you have not got to worry about changing gear etc..
I have even managed to drive a 12 seater van without any problems.
If I can drive over there I am sure anybody can.

 

[ely3857]

Hiya

I am the sort who genuinely loves to drive and my fave place to do this is in Orlando.

Automatics are a dream to drive, Mainly because they leave your mind free to concentrate on where you are going and which side of the road to get there on!



Jodie

 

[I Love Tigger]

We have been to Orlando six times and before this trip my DH had done all the driving. I decided to have a go this time, but was a bit worried about remembering which side of the road!

We had booked a full size, but were upgraded to a 7 seater which my DH was convinced I wouldn't drive, but I loved it and found the driving easier than over here!

Bev

 

[alisonbestford]

...... but were upgraded to a 7 seater....... I loved it and found the driving easier than over here!

Bev

Same here.
So much so that we've just bought a small MPV

 

[maureen4200040]

Hi all

Thank-you all for the driving tips so far. I'm going to have a look at the website recommended by LoopyLoo. The more information I can read about driving in Orlando, the easier I will feel hiring a car for a few days while were out there.

Thanking you all again
Maureen4200040

 

[sunshine state]

Once you start driving in Florida maureen you will love it, my dad has been driving for our last 4 trips now and he really enjoys it, during our first trip he would never have even thought of the idea.

 

[Darth Turnip]

Hi Maureen, Before we went over to Florida, I have to admit to having a few sleepless nights worrying about driving over there. But, honestly, I loved driving over there!

It's so easy and relaxed (although I did try pressing the missing clutch pedal a few times ) and the signs and directions are easy to follow. It was the first time I had driven an automatic and was totally impressed.

We were staying on the 192 in Kissimee and it was a doddle getting to it from Sanford. The parks were also near by.

Please don't be worried, just relax and take it easy. You'll enjoy it. Just have plenty of loose change for the toll booths.

 

[carl_w]

I'm also someone who loves to drive. Although driving in Orlando is a doddle (remember, you can turn right on red), I wouldn't call it a "pleasure". Ridiculously low speed limits, slushy auto-boxes (not a patch on a Merc auto) and cars that feel disconnected from the road due to all that high-profile rubber. When I got back it was a pleasure to feel the road surface through the tyres and steering.

 

[MazdaUK]

We upgraded to a SUV (needed space for luggage ) which was the same size as a small terraced house. DH was more than happy to drive it all the time - in fact he says he prefers driving in US, as the lanes are much wider (they HAVE to be!). Parking spaces also tend to be much wider unless you go to somewhere older (like the Contemporary), but even there they are wider than an average Tesco car space. The only thing you have to watch for is they don't have countdown signs on before the exits on the motorway - when you see the signpost turn hard right! (we did miss a few... ). Our Thomas Cook rep met us at the airport with a suggested route to the hotel - it used the toll roads but was much quieter than the more direct way which we would otherwise have used, and we appreciated that after a long day travelling (and almost as long getting into the US). You can pick up a free map at the hire desk, but we also bought a laminated map in Walmart for a couple of dollars which served us well.

We did use Disney transportation to get to the parks as we were onsite (the carparks are VERY big, and with kids its a bit of a pain at the end of the day otherwise) but I would not like to rely on public transport to get wround outside WDW.

 

[trevorsem]

I love driving in Orlando.

Big, wide roads, large air conditioned cars and cheap fuel.

Unlike over here, everything is spread out over a wide area. I'd say a car is essential, even if your going out shopping or for something to eat.

Trev