Getting to WDW from I-75?

[BlueFairy]

Posted on the "For those driving" thread with no reponse yet.
Hi all. I hope someone here can help. I tried google maps to compare our old route from I-65 south in Alabama through the panhandle and I-10 to what google recommends. I'm getting a route that goes through Atlanta and takes I-75. That all makes sense, but then after getting on FL-91 it says to take FL-429 and go in through the north side of WDW. Basically around behind the Magic Kingdom via service roads (Fiquette Rd to Reams Rd to Center Dr to Asian to World Dr) and then turning left toward the Wilderness Lodge. This route is at least 1/2 hour shorter than they way we've always come which entered property from the Kissimmee end.
My question - can we access WDW property this way? Are there barriers or employee ID checks? How have I missed this in all our driving before?
Thanks!!

 

[seashoreCM]

If you stay on Toll 429 southbound, it comes in the west side of Disney, all wide roads, no service roads, no check points.

Coming soutH on 429 (Western Beltway) from Florida's turnpike or other points to the northwest, get off at Hartzog Road. Following the Disney signs this becomes Western Way and takes you to Buena Vista Drive near Blizzard Beach.

Many Florida toll plazas require that you take an "exit ramp" off to the right to pay cash (no Florida specific electronic tag). Then you merge back in. Suggest getting a receipt each time.

The next stop on 429 southbound after Hartzog is 192 (Irlo Bronson).

Recently a huge chokepoint has developed on Florida's Turnpike between I-75 and Toll 429 due to an accident that damaged a bridge. There is no really good best way until this is fixed. If you try Rte 50, expect to spend a lot of time sitting in traffic there also.

 

[BlueFairy]

If you stay on Toll 429 southbound, it comes in the west side of Disney, all wide roads, no service roads, no check points.

Coming soutH on 429 (Western Beltway) from Florida's turnpike or other points to the northwest, get off at Hartzog Road. Following the Disney signs this becomes Western Way and takes you to Buena Vista Drive near Blizzard Beach.

Many Florida toll plazas require that you take an "exit ramp" off to the right to pay cash (no Florida specific electronic tag). Then you merge back in. Suggest getting a receipt each time.

The next stop on 429 southbound after Hartzog is 192 (Irlo Bronson).

Recently a huge chokepoint has developed on Florida's Turnpike between I-75 and Toll 429 due to an accident that damaged a bridge. There is no really good best way until this is fixed. If you try Rte 50, expect to spend a lot of time sitting in traffic there also.

Hmmm.
Good information to know, thanks. So to clarify - guests cannot access WDW property (specifically World Dr) via the route I mentioned above, from the north side of property?
Considering the traffic problems, what about traffic on Rt. 25/ US Hwy 27 (exiting before 50 or 429)? That is what we'd always done before.

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

That bridge and the associated lanes have been repaired. This was reported by the Orlando Sentinel and by recent DIS travelers.

We use I-75/ FL turnpike/Toll 429 all the time utilizing the Hartzog road exit.

You can always go to one of the web based maps of the area and look over the routes.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

So to clarify - guests cannot access WDW property (specifically World Dr) via the route I mentioned above, from the north side of property?

Yes, guests can enter Disney from the north via CR535 which becomes Fiquette Road which becomes Reams Road up to the Disney entrance. If you come in that way you'll come to a T-intersection directly behind Magic Kingdom and you'll want to turn left. (Turning right takes you towards the Grand Floridian.) Turning left will take you past the Contemporary Resort and to the road that goes into the Wilderness Lodge.

FL-91 by the way is not labeled that way; it's signed only as Florida's Turnpike. And if you're using that route, after you leave the Turnpike onto TOLL 429 you get off at the first exit which is CR535 (Winter Garden Vineland Road).

BobK/Orlando

 

[BlueFairy]

Yes, guests can enter Disney from the north via CR535 which becomes Fiquette Road which becomes Reams Road up to the Disney entrance. If you come in that way you'll come to a T-intersection directly behind Magic Kingdom and you'll want to turn left. (Turning right takes you towards the Grand Floridian.) Turning left will take you past the Contemporary Resort and to the road that goes into the Wilderness Lodge.

FL-91 by the way is not labeled that way; it's signed only as Florida's Turnpike. And if you're using that route, after you leave the Turnpike onto TOLL 429 you get off at the first exit which is CR535 (Winter Garden Vineland Road).

BobK/Orlando

Thank you! We are familiar with the Turnpike, just not 429. Would the route you describe be faster than Hartzog if we are going to WL?

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

The back route described is probably not faster than taking TOLL 429 all the way to the Hartzog Road/Western Way exit and then coming back north along Buena Vista Drive and World Drive. It's probably a few miles less but the 429 is expressway while 535, Fiquette Road and the north end of World Drive are all 2-lane roads. But it's definitely a more scenic route and you'll see things you won't normally see such as Disney University, the monorail/train barn and you drive adjacent to Space Mountain!

BobK/Orlando

 

[iluvzacefron]

so i live in tampa right off of I75 and you can take I75 all the way down to I4 and head east and there are multiple exits for Disney World.. i wam just saying this if the other way is too tricky!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I know the area behind the Magic Kingdom the OP is referring to because my family and I drove there when going to the Winter Garden Shopping Village, however I don't recall seeing any signs for I-75. Unless the 429 goes into there because I do remember seeing the signs for that.

 

[cruisingkat]

I4 is quite a ways down (headed south) from the Florida Turnpike exit and adds quite a bit of time to your drive to Disney.
We drove down to Disney from Chicago several times last year (2009) taking I-57 to I-24 to I75 to Florida Turnpike to FL429 to Hartzog exit.

 

[Pixie Princess]

I travel from N. GA down I-75 to the turnpike and exit on to 429 to Hartzog all the time. Once I discovered this route, I quit exiting the turnpike at I-4. Anytime I've taken this route there has been very little traffic until you get on the Disney property.

 

[BlueFairy]

The I-4 route has always proven to be a nightmare for us. We can't seem to hit it ouside of rush hour. We are familiar with the turnpike, just somehow always got off before 429.
For those who come through GA, where are good places to stop for lunch with room to run off steam south of Atlanta. We'll probably eat breakfast in the car around Atlanta and then be a few hours longer before we are ready for a rest break.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

For those who come through GA, where are good places to stop for lunch with room to run off steam south of Atlanta. We'll probably eat breakfast in the car around Atlanta and then be a few hours longer before we are ready for a rest break.

My family and I like to stop at a Wendy's on the I-475 Macon Bypass off exit 9.

 

[Pixie Princess]

There are a few of Chick-fil-A's we stop at to eat, and when my DD was younger I'd let her burn off energy on the playground. One is in Perry which is south of Macon.

Then there are two in Valdosta (near the FL border) we'll go to. I believe the exit numbers are 18 and 16 (I don't remember exactly, but it will be obvious when traveling as all the gas, food etc. billboards will mention the two exit numbers in Valdosta). The first one is sort of a main drag kind of area. Turn left off the exit (if you are exiting from I75 S.) Tons of restaurants, and a mall not too far down the road. The Chick-fil-A is on the right side of the street, and there's a McD's on the left. The road with the mall is near the McD's, and there's a traffic signal right there.

The other Chick-fil-A is the following exit. We've only been to this one once, so I don't really remember much about it other than it was less hectic than the one I just mentioned.

In Fort Valley (just south of Macon) there is the Lane Packaging Co. This is a HUGE peach grower, and they have a place right off I-75. You can buy peaches, pecans and who knows what else. It looks like a neat stop. I always mean to stop there and haven't done it yet, but maybe someone else has and give it a thumbs up or down. Here's the website if you want to investigate. http://www.lanesouthernorchards.com/

 

[BlueFairy]

Thanks! Our girls love Chick-Fil-A and DH will be glad to have a Wendy's recommendation.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Then there are two in Valdosta (near the FL border) we'll go to. I believe the exit numbers are 18 and 16 (I don't remember exactly, but it will be obvious when traveling as all the gas, food etc. billboards will mention the two exit numbers in Valdosta). The first one is sort of a main drag kind of area. Turn left off the exit (if you are exiting from I75 S.) Tons of restaurants, and a mall not too far down the road. The Chick-fil-A is on the right side of the street, and there's a McD's on the left. The road with the mall is near the McD's, and there's a traffic signal right there.

The other Chick-fil-A is the following exit. We've only been to this one once, so I don't really remember much about it other than it was less hectic than the one I just mentioned.

Yes you are correct that those exit numbers are 18 and 16.

Thanks! Our girls love Chick-Fil-A and DH will be glad to have a Wendy's recommendation.

You're welcome.

 

[P.I. Squirrel]

Given your liking for Chickfila, and if you can make it just past ATL before stopping for breakfast, I would recommend eating at Truett's. It's a table service restaurant owned by and serving Chickfila. If you try a 'Hot Brown', you'll never want for anything again.

It is at exit 218 on I75.

HERE is their site.

It's also only 6-7 hours from WDW. So, if you eat a big meal here, you can make it without eating til you get to WDW.

 

[BlueFairy]

Given your liking for Chickfila, and if you can make it just past ATL before stopping for breakfast, I would recommend eating at Truett's. It's a table service restaurant owned by and serving Chickfila. If you try a 'Hot Brown', you'll never want for anything again.

It is at exit 218 on I75.

HERE is their site.

It's also only 6-7 hours from WDW. So, if you eat a big meal here, you can make it without eating til you get to WDW.

Mmmm. Looks good thanks for the tip.

 

[Willow1213]

Given your liking for Chickfila, and if you can make it just past ATL before stopping for breakfast, I would recommend eating at Truett's. It's a table service restaurant owned by and serving Chickfila. If you try a 'Hot Brown', you'll never want for anything again.

It is at exit 218 on I75.

HERE is their site.

It's also only 6-7 hours from WDW. So, if you eat a big meal here, you can make it without eating til you get to WDW.

And don't tell the cows, but Truett's serves Hamburgers! And don't go near the hot brown if you watch your calories... just don't ask! If you're really up for an adventure, you can visit the Original Chick-fil-A. It's now called "The Dwarf House" in Hapeville, GA (It's Hape - like "Cape", not like "Happy"). It's in an older part of town about 4 miles off the interstate near the Atlanta airport. Definitely a great piece of history. Have a safe trip!