Driving to WDW and around Orlando?

[sharona]

Hi. We'll be arriving @ MCO @ noon on a Saturday, renting from Hertz and heading to Pop Century. Lots of questions as haven't driven to/around WDW in quite a few years.

Any tips or warnings of roads to avoid, routes to take etc? I'll be using the google app on my smartphone to navigate but that doesn't account for traffic so if there is a better way, I'd love to know about it.

What is the situation with the toll roads? Will the drive from the airport to Pop be a toll road? If I won't have a transponder is there something I need to know? Thought I saw a comment about taking an exit for the toll????

We'll need to make a quick stop at a CVS or Target/Walmart type place to get sunblock, sodas, water, bfast food and a cheap foam cooler. What is the most convenient place to stop between the airport and the resort?

We're going offsite for a Sea World day and maybe for a few dinners when we get tired of WDW offerings and prices. Also we'll be transferring to AKL for the last 3 nights of our trip. Any other tips/suggestion on taking best advantage of having the car for our stay are welcome.

TIA for your responses!

 

[Bowen9475]

I don't have a lot of information but just wanted to say that in the fall a girlfriend and I flew into MCO, rented a car and drove to POP. I was a little nervous about driving - usually when we go, if we rent a car, my husband does the driving. Well the drive from MCO to POP was very easy. We rented from Dollar and got the transponder so we were able to go easily through the tolls. We checked into POP and then went back out again for a Walmart run. The front desk had preprinted directions from the hotel to many places - also very easy. As a family we were in Orlando in February and my husband did the driving. On this trip we visited SeaWorld and Universal and getting around was again very easy. Good luck!

 

[sharona]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to look into getting the transponder. Was hoping to get some idea of the pros/cons on that. I booked through hotwire and got Hertz which I have never used before so not sure if the transponder is an option and if yes, what the cost is. We'll mostly be in WDW resort or right on I drive area.

Just did a fake booking on Hertz website and didn't see the toll transponder as an option...

 

[skelooch]

IMHO the best way from the airport to WDW is to take the South exit out of the airport to route 417. Go approx 11 miles on 417 and just after the second toll take exit 6, at end of ramp you will be on rt 536, follow that directly into WDW (approx 2.7 miles). After entering WDW take your second right, it will loop around and put you on Buena Vista Dr. Proceed 3/4 mile to the third light and take a left onto Victory Way, Pop Century will be 3/4 mile on your left.
There will be two tolls on 417 each for $1.25

below is a map to the nearest Publix and Walgreens less than 4 miles from POP

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[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to look into getting the transponder. Was hoping to get some idea of the pros/cons on that. I booked through hotwire and got Hertz which I have never used before so not sure if the transponder is an option and if yes, what the cost is. We'll mostly be in WDW resort or right on I drive area.

Just did a fake booking on Hertz website and didn't see the toll transponder as an option...

Hertz does not use a transponder. They participate in the "plate pass" program, which means that as soon as you use one of the Express, SunPass Only, EPass Only or LeeWay only lanes, you are automatically charged the cost of the toll plus a $2.50 service charge. I believe once you go through the first toll, you are then charged the $2.50 per day service charge whether you use a toll road or not that day.

This website will give you all the info - https://www.sunpass.com/rentalcar.

As for stops to pick up a few things, you could always stop at the Hess station near the Magic Kingdom parking lot. Otherwise there is a 7-11 on 192 and across the street is a Walgreens. From Pop Century you would take Osceola to International Drive (right by Gaylord Palms), turn right and the Walgreens would be on your right. To get to 7-11 you would turn left at the lights and it will be on your immediate right.

 

[sharona]

Hertz does not use a transponder. They participate in the "plate pass" program, which means that as soon as you use one of the Express, SunPass Only, EPass Only or LeeWay only lanes, you are automatically charged the cost of the toll plus a $2.50 service charge. I believe once you go through the first toll, you are then charged the $2.50 per day service charge whether you use a toll road or not that day.

This website will give you all the info - https://www.sunpass.com/rentalcar.

Thanks - found the info using your link. There is a monthly max of $10 on that service charge so that is not too bad. We'll be there 9 days and I wouldn't want to pay $25 service fee just for use of the pass (they're already killing me with taxes and fees adding +60% to the rate).

$10 I can live with. The tolls I'd have to pay either way!