Friday or Saturday??

[Tab2Disney]

Hi guys!
If there is anyone who will know the answer to this it is you guys...
Which is the "least" busy day to arrive at the Fort, Friday or Saturday?

It makes no difference to me, but I know the time of day getting through Orlando on I-4 is a big deal to DH. But that is mainly work traffic (I think)

But for the turn over for campsites and the arrival of more campers, which is the best day to set up?

Thanks!

 

[lawnspecialties]

I would imagine that would be Friday but I'm not positive. Since most folks are coming from a long distance, Saturdays would seem to be a busier time while Fridays would be more of a travelling day.

On a slightly different note. Our last trip we left NC on Friday with a stayover at Country Oaks, exit 1 in south Ga.. When we arrived at a truck stop in Ga., I found one of our WD bars was missing (this is all detailed on the first post in the "trip reports" thread). It was about 4:00 pm so we limped another 30 or so miles to Country Oaks. By this time it was almost 5:00 pm so we just set up camp and planned to look for a replacement bar the next morning. Again, this is all noted in our trip report, but finding a replacement bar on a rainy Saturday morning was a nightmare. It was only by the grace of God that we found one in south Jacksonville.

That right there taught me one thing. If at all possible, we'll always travel down on Thursdays and Fridays and return on Mondays. If we do have any troubles on our 1200+ mile round-trip, chances are far better we can find an open business with the ability to get us back on our way and keep our trip on schedule.

Plus, it means we'll get an extra day or two at the Fort because of this schedule.

 

[stacktester]

What part of south GA will you be coming from? If you come down 75 and the turnpike then you can get out of the Orlando traffic. If you're coming 95 then I would suggest trying the middle of the day. To be honest, there's no good day on I-4, it's always clogged up. Since buying my Sunpass I get off in Sanford and take the 416 I believe it's called. I've heard it takes longer but it sure is nice not having to slam on brakes every 5 seconds for an hour. You also don't have to slow down at toll booths anymore either. Hope this helps.

 

[Shan-man]

Totally agree with Jamie, traveling during weekdays is always safer. I have a 25 year old motorhome, so I am more aware of the reliance on services than most... just try finding a truck service with 265/85r16's in the middle of nowhere OK on Easter Sunday and you'll learn that lesson quick! Ugh! That said, Friday and Saturday will both be busy check-in days, so get there early and pack some patience.

 

[Disneylitch]

We have a 27 year old motorhome and we always travel Monday through Saturday for the same reason. Who wants to break down on Sunday, and if you can find someone, pay the fees associated for Sunday. I agree, Fridays and Saturdays are busy at check in, but that's just the way it goes. As far as the traffic on the road goes, we have found that Saturdays are a little less hectic. However, we have a 1000 mile drive, so we have to leave on Friday to get there on Saturday anyway. Atleast you made it safely.

 

[Tab2Disney]

What part of south GA will you be coming from? If you come down 75 and the turnpike then you can get out of the Orlando traffic. If you're coming 95 then I would suggest trying the middle of the day. To be honest, there's no good day on I-4, it's always clogged up. Since buying my Sunpass I get off in Sanford and take the 416 I believe it's called. I've heard it takes longer but it sure is nice not having to slam on brakes every 5 seconds for an hour. You also don't have to slow down at toll booths anymore either. Hope this helps.

We live North of Savannah, so I guess there really isn't a way down without hitting I-4. 95 isn't to bad, over the years you get used to the constant construction one place or another. But I-4, I don't like to hit it after 2 p.m. if possible before noon is better.
I don't do the driving now that we pull a trailer, but when we had a car and just drove to the Resorts I did share the driving and came down with my DD alone so I understand the traffic jams

 

[clkelley]

Friday is a busy checkin day with all the FL residents coming for the weekend. However, by Sunday they have all cleared out.

I usually have a Saturday checkin as I start driving after work on Friday and get there mid day on Sat. Sometimes that's aggravating as it's pretty full and I can't get a spot near a comfort station arriving on Sat, but by Sun afternoon there are plenty, but I don't want to move.

 

[flbmcman]

I live on the N. side of JAX, and DO NOT take I-4 to WDW!!! If you take 295 around the W. side of JAX, get onto I-10W to US301S you can miss ALL of I-4 headaches. Go to N. of Ocala on 301, take 326 W to I-75S. 75S to turnpike(toll, but worth every penny), turnpike to 429 (yes, another toll road, again worth it) to the West entrance to WDW. Follow signs to MK, and from there to FW.

Cost for me to use toll roads to WDW, approx. $18 (truck and trailer w/3 axles)

Lawrence