driving Sanford Amtrak to WDW

[pumpkinboy]

OK, so coming on from the Autotrain, do you tough it out on I-4 or go the more circuitous route on FL-417, the Greenway. Googlemaps wants me to shave 10 mins off and just go on I-4, tho I know that this is both an ugly route and prone to traffic jams. Googlemaps thinks that the Greenway is 10 mins longer, plus those tolls (tho I have a SunPass) are a pain, but it is such a lovely drive most times.

I plan to embark on this drive on a Friday around 10 AM and have never been up to Sanford. Can anyone experienced with this drive advise me on the pros and cons?

 

[jasko5990]

I drove I-4 from & back to the Auto Train in 2008. There were no traffic issues travelling from Sanford to WDW, and about a five minute delay returning at the end of our trip.

 

[dismagiclover]

We just took the Auto Train down last month and I took I-4 too. No traffic problems. I think that time of day is probably a factor plus when you're used to DC traffic has to get pretty bad before I notice

 

[NJRRK]

I-4 is definitely quicker. But I prefer 417, for a number of reasons.

1 - Since it's a toll road there is always going to be less traffic.
2 - I think the speed is higher 70 most of the way, but it's been so long since we took I-4 that might not be the case.
3 - After travelling almost 5 hours through the most densely poplulated and traffic prone area of the country it's nice to see open space and not "city."
4 - We're on vacation, we're not in a hurry, we usually will stop in Sanford for snacks and stuff and then Sonic on University Blvd. for lunch. (But since we now have a Sonic somewhat locally (only 30 min) the Sonic lunch isn't as much of a as it used to be when the closest Sonic to us was over 2 hours away.)

Which ever way you choose you'll get there in a reasonable length of time.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

If you're departing Sanford after 9am then more than likely I-4 will be just fine for you. It is direct and it is free. Much before 9am, the 417 (Seminole Expressway in Seminole County, Greeneway in Orange County) will avoid any rush hour delays.

BobK/Orlando

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

We have always taken I-4 from Sanford to Orlando. This will be the 6th yr we will doing so. We have not encountered any traffice on I-4.

The earliest the Autotrain gets in is usually around 830am. By the time the cars are seperated and positioned for unloading it is closer to 9am. We generally fill up w/ gas at the BJ"s on the way to I-4. By 10am we are checking into our resort.

Unloading can take a while. We were lucky for 2 yrs in a row to come off 3rd and 5th!! Unloading last year in Lorton, we were almost last. took over 45 mins to unload. That was a long wait!

good luck- enjoy the autotrain.

We head out 4 wks from tonight to get the autotrain! Can't wait!

 

[pumpkinboy]

Thanks for the info folks! You might be able to tell in the original post, I am predisposed toward the Greenway/417. The parts of I-4 I have driven on have been crowded and not attractive. But after driving from Boston to Lorton the previous day, then overnighting on the Train, I may want to just shave off as much time as I can.

We aren't doing it until February and we're still figuring if it makes sense for us. We have a minivan with a wheelchair lift for DS, so it's really nice to have our own vehicle and not having to drive it the whole way. In February, we're doing mostly DVC Vero Beach so a car is needed (when we're at WDW, we just DME and take Disney transport).

I appreciate your insights! Thanks!