From MCO to WDW on 417 (Greenway) better route than I-4 ?

[lucky dog]

Hi, We are arriving this Friday at MCO at 4:30 p.m and will be driving rental cars. I read some time back that the south exit from the airport is a good alternate to rush hour traffic on I-4.
Is this a good idea? We are planning to make a grocery stop along the way to the Swan hotel. I read on these boards about a year ago that there was an Albertson's at the intersection of 417 & Orange Blossom Trail. Anyone use this store recently ... was it easy to find?

Thanks for helping me with these final details ...
3 days to go AHHHHHHGGGG!

 

[Poly Pal]

DEFINITELY use the South Exit and take 417 (the Greenway) to Disney. I-4 is always backed up at any time of day between downtown Orlando and the first Disney exits. I think Disney was involved in getting the state of Florida to build the Greenway directly from the airport to their property.

We stopped at the Albertsons you mentioned. It was very easy to find and very easy to get back onto the Greenway. I think you can even see the shopping center from the exit ramp.

Have a great time!

Poly Pal
p.s. I'll be in Portland (or Beaverton) next month for work. do you know how long of a drive it would be to get to Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood?

 

[kylara]

I have to second taking the Greenway. I live in Kissimmee and use the Greenway much more than I-4...yes, there are tolls but I would prefer to pay a couple of bucks than to sit in traffic.

As for the Albertsons, I don't like it...went there once and all the cheese in was moldy and when I told someone, they just didn't care. But that was a while ago, they might have gotten better. Just in case, there is also a Super Target right off the Greenway that you can shop at. Just head south on OBT and it is right after you go under the Greenway.

 

[lucky dog]

Poly Pal - Beaverton is on the west side of Portland and you will be driving east to get to Mt. Hood. Depending on traffic, it will take about an hour or an hour and a half. Mt. Hood has been getting a ton of snow lately; if you are going for the skiing, it should be great!

 

[Master Gracey]

The Albertson's is at exit 11 (Orange Blossom Trail). It is just to your right as you exit. And, yes, there is also a super Target to your left. I shop at the Albertson's frequently and have found it to be clean, modern, and well stocked.

To get to WDW after your grocery stop, get back on 417. Get off at exit 3 and turn right onto Osceola Pkwy. Within minutes you will be passing under the signs saying "Walt Disney World".

Have a great vacation!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Just wanted to say that I am another person who loves 417. No more 1-4 for us when we go to WDW. I just wanted to give a little warning though, there always seems to be state troopers on that road, so watch your speed limit. But I love 417!!!!

 

[DebbieB]

I love 417 too! We always stay at OKW or BWV, I take exit 6, International Drive/Downtown Disney.

 

[linny172]

Even though I do not live in Fla. I know that 417 is very east to follow and to get to if you are not familiar with the area. my father lives south of orlando and when I go to visit him that is how I always go, of course if I am not able to go to disney it is very hard driving by all the disney exits and not being able to stop.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Shussssssh about 417, will ya? Keep on talking and it will look like I4 before you know it!!!!!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Definetly take the Greenway! It is much quicker than I-4. We have traveled on I-4 at all times of day (between Disney and Downtown Orlando) and there are always backups.

 

[skeezixspud]

... as Orange Blossom trail has a "basket" tollbooth. I've never seen an attendant there any time I've gone through it.