Leaving tomorrow and just now looked at driving directions. (yes, I'm really behind) gmaps says it's 55 minutes using I-4 and 51 using 417, so it isn't a time issue. How much are the tolls? Which route is easier at 10:30pm? I want the hassle free route. Which would you take?
We use 417 no matter what time of day we get there. It's easy and so much less traffic. I-4 goes right through the middle of Orlando, so it's a much more stressful drive for us. Late at night, I'd be afraid of drinkers and tired folks going home. On 417, there's always plenty of space between us and other cars.
Tolls run around $7.50 I think. We always get two rolls of quarters for our trips to cover it.
One tip - don't listen to a GPS when you get onto 417. It constantly tries to make you go to I-4, so you could get caught in exit/entrance/turnaround scenarios. Once you get about 10 miles in, the GPS will grudgingly accept that you're staying on 417 then will give you the right directions.
There are two major exits for Disney World. The first one (I think it's 6B, will take you to Epcot Drive if you go straight, or to DTD area if you turn right. We prefer to stay on until Exit 3 which takes us to the main Magic Kingdom entrance, right under the big arch. It's much less busy there too, especially at night.
Are you staying on site or off? That will also determine which exit you should take.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to join us on the For 2000+ mile drivers thread. Lots of good folks there who will help in any way we can.
