I-4 to Universal? Or is there a better way?

[si-am]

We're starting our August vacation with two nights at Universal (Royal Pacific) before moving over to Wilderness Lodge.

Is there a good "back way" to Universal without hitting I-4 (which I hear is a nightmare?)

We're coming from Georgia-- usually take I-75 to the turnpike to the Western Way to get to Disney.

Thanks!

 

[cranbiz]

I4 is not that bad, people make it out to be a horror show because they are on vacation and trying to get away from any and all traffic.

If you are not on I4 during peak hours 7-9 in the morning and 4-6 in the afternoon, then take I4 you can use Apopka-Vineland Rd (SR535) to Kirkman Rd to and from Universal but there are days where the Kirkman Rd to Sand Lake Rd part of that trip is just as bad as I4

 

[DOOM1001]

I would also agree that I-4 is not as bad as people make it out to be.From experience of driving it I've always found that it's usually not too bad until you get north of the tourist areas past Universal and heading towards downtown.There are several ground streets to get from Disney to Universal such as making a left from Hotel Plaza at 535 then a right on Palm Pkwy which becomes Turkey Lake rd.You could also take 535 north to Sand lake rd and then turn left at Turkey lake.Another option is to turn south on 535 then after you go under I-4 turn left on Vineland and follow that to International Drive where you can take that all the way to Universal Blvd where you'll turn left or from International Drive turn right on Pointe Plaza ave where you'll turn left again on Universal Blvd, going this way you'll avoid the worst traffic on I-Drive.In the end I think the fastest way is get on I-4 east and get off at the Universal exit,traffic really isn't that bad.

 

[nytimez]

I agree -- I think just to get from WDW to Universal, I-4 is probably still your best bet, and unless you hit it at the times mentioned above, you'll probably be fine. Also remember, when I-4 is backed up many of the local roads immediately around it will be backed up too.

Also, enjoy the Royal Pacific -- I really like that hotel. I hate that they charge a nightly rate for parking, though!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I also agree that Interstate 4 is not as bad the way others claim it is, so I would recommend taking it and when it's not busy it's always the fastest way to go.

 

[momblanch]

SO....what if you WANT to be to Universal by 8-8:30am weekday in Nov? (traffic not so scary, waiting in lines at park = )
About how much time should we allow for travel from Vistana/Lk Buena Vista area to UO? If I remember correctly, it's usually about a 15-20min ride at non-peak times. I know each day is different but generally speaking, are we talking extra 15mins??30mins?? Thanks!!

 

[si-am]

Thanks everyone! We're coming in on a Saturday so hopefully we won't hit any rush hour traffic. We'll give I-4 a go.

(And take back roads from Universal to Disney).

 

[Dax]

There is a side road that runs right alongside I-4 from Universal to Disney...I use it all the time, it passes a Walmart and the Whole Foods...I just cant remember the name off the top of my head...but it comes out on 535..right by DD

 

[DOOM1001]

There is a side road that runs right alongside I-4 from Universal to Disney...I use it all the time, it passes a Walmart and the Whole Foods...I just cant remember the name off the top of my head...but it comes out on 535..right by DD

That's Palm Parkway when you turn into it from 535,it then becomes Turkey Lake rd.