I-Drive traffic?

[debo]

I've read horrendous things about I-Drive traffic to WDW! We are staying N I-Drive and I heard the Sand Lake~I-4 intersection is a nightmare that can take 30 min. to get thru! We are going to be in a hurry to get to WDW (1st timers ) so what would be the best route to take? Looking at a map, Universal drive to Beeline to I-4 looks promising, but what is Universal drive like? How early should we leave to arrive at the parks before opening?

 

[eeyorekjs7]

To be dreadfully honest, you would be much better off to not stay on I-Drive when going to Disney. I realize this might not be an option. Yes, the intersection you are talking about can take a very long while and once you get through it you will still have a 15-30 minute drive to get to Disney depending on which park you are going to. Basically, I-4 and I-Drive are never the best, so whatever way you take will not be the greatest. Where are you staying?

Since you are 1st timers, if you have any questions just let me know. I'll be happy to answer any of your questions I can.

Kate

 

[Lewisc]

Agree--you should change hotels. How many in your group, how many nights and what is your present hotel/rates?

 

[sue Z]

My parents and i have stayed in this area for the last 7 years and find that there is no real problem with the traffic !! We use universal Blvd instead of I-drive!!

Granted we know the short cuts around the area!! But we have goine to the perkins restaurant up at the corner and just instead of going back out we go around to republic drive and then on to Universal blvd voiding Sand lake and I drive!! Then going over to Disney we go out to Universal blvd and to the Fao Swartz and then take a left on to i drive and then go to the street near the sheraton and Sea world and get on I-4 from there!! Can't think of the street name.

the hotels we have stayed at are the Residence inn on Sand lake and canada Ave, Doubletree castle and Holiday inn on universal blvd!

 

[debo]

We are staying on Canada ave. and can't change our lodging. Since we are spending half our time at Universal, which is very close, it will only be inconvenient for a few days. Next time, we are definately going to stay on site for WDW and then move to a Universal resort for the remainder! All the perks for both places seem to be well worth the price. I've been pouring over guidebooks and have already narrowed it down to three choices!It seems funny to everyone that we haven't even taken our first trip and I'm already planning the next! We will probably go the Universal drive route to avoid the traffic as much as possible. Thank you for your input! These boards are fantastic!!!