Driving to the Florida Mall

[Twilight Terror]

I've just had a quick look at the directions on Google Maps to get from AKV to the Florida Mall. It all looks pretty simple until you get to the Turnpike, where you have to do a bit of a u-turn to get across it!

Who has driven to the Florida Mall from a Disney hotel? Is it really as complicated as it looks? Is the mall signposted well? I know the sign posts for the other parks (SW,US) are normally pretty good, but wondered how the Florida Mall would stand up against the regular signage. Any comments anyone?

 

[CustardTart]

It's really easy. I usually exit WDW property via the 536, then drive up I-Drive (I tend to avoid the I4 if possible) before turning right onto Sand Lake Road. It's a few miles along here on the right, has two possible entrances and is clearly signposted...

 

[UKDEB]

You don't need to contend with the Turnpike. From AKV, take the Osceola Parkway to the I-4, then head north (or east as it's signposted) towards Orlando exiting at junction 72 onto the 528 Beachline Expressway. Exit that at junction 4 for the Orange Blossom trail. As you come up the ramp you need to turn left. Follow the road as it snakes around and turn left again at the lights onto the Orange Blossom Trail. The entrance to the mall is about a mile north and will be on your right-hand side. If you miss the first, there are several more.

There are various routes you could take, but this is the quickest.

 

[UKDEB]

Yikes, Karen! Please tell me you at least use Universal Blvd once you hit the heavily populated part of I-Drive.

 

[Twilight Terror]

Wonderful! Perfect news from both of you! We will have a look as to which is easier and will enjoy the drive! haha Mum has no problems driving either the I-4 or I-Drive, but seeing as we want to get there close to opening, perhaps I-Drive might be a better route (avoid those going to work).

 

[Hilary]

we want to get there close to opening, perhaps I-Drive might be a better route (avoid those going to work).

Check out the mall opening hours here http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?id=139. They don't open until 10:00 Mon - Sat and 12:00 on Sundays, so commuter traffic may not be an issue

 

[Elise79]

We tend to go the 536/Idrive route and come back down I4 - mainly because we hit the premium outlets first

I always find it is further along sand lake road than I remember - but it is well signed posted and I think they give you notice that it is going to be the next 2 junctions or something similar

 

[wicket2005]

We do the UKDeb route, very easy.