I-4 Traffic Orlando area/Highway 417

[Phrank40]

Last April we drove to WDW. I-4 around 20 miles north of Orlando heading south had a lot of highway work which backed up and slowed down traffic. Also driving through Orlando seemed to be stop and go for miles. I thought what was going to take 30 minutes or so of travel time took almost an hour. In mid-October this year we also drove down to WDW, traffic started slowing down around Lake Mary ( I think) and came almost to a stop numerous times.

My question- is the traffic always slow and backed up north of Orlando and through the city on I-4 or did I just have bad luck. Is it any faster or easier to take the toll road 417 around Orlando from I-4 to WDW area? Driving back down in December just after Christmas and would like to miss I-4 congestion if possible. Thanks.

Phrank

 

[Byrd]

Took 417 in July, it saved time and was less stressful. I live in a county that doesn't have an interstate. I stress out in congested traffic. The $5 in tolls and the extra miles were worth it. A great road to travel. I think we got off 417 on exit 3. Only a few minutes to Disney from the exit.
Have a great trip.
Byrd

 

[FloridaCat]

If you are headed to WDw M-F, rush hour is 7:30t 9:30 AM. So if you come through here during those time, take the 417 bypass.

If you come through on non rush hour or St.-Su stay on I-4. A hour from Lake Mary is realy not that bad as 417 is going to be pretty close to the same time.

I live in Deltona and it 45-60 minutes from there on good days. So the thirty mnutes thing is way off.