Jacksonville to WDW

[#1eeyoregirl]

We are flying into Jacksonville and then driving to WDW for our March trip due to a great deal I got on airfare (saving over half even with a rental car and extra night in hotel So, now I have a few questions for those familiar with that drive.

What is the best/recommended way to go? Mapquest has me starting out on I95 and then taking I295 then back to I95 - is this better or should I just stay on I95? btw - we are arriving on a Friday at 1:55, so I figure by the time we grab our bags and rent the car we will be on the road by 3.

About how long is the drive? Mapquest has 2 1/2 - 3 hrs - is that pretty close or should I expect longer/shorter?

Are there any tolls on that stretch I95?

Are there any stores (grocery, Target, Walmart) that are easy to get to either in Jacksonville or Downtown Disney (we are staying that Friday night at the Wyndham and then check into AOA the next morning).

TIA for any help as I am so used to just flying directly into MCO and using ME

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd agree with the 2.5-3 hour drive from JAX to WDW. There are no tolls on I-95 or I-4 that you will encounter.

About the only thing I'd be concerned about on that trip is driving through the city of Orlando during rush hour. JAX is a small airport and I'd expect you would actually be on the road about 2:30 if your flight is on time. That would put you in Orlando right about the middle of rush hour. If you're used to rush hour traffic, just grin and bear it. If you feel the need to avoid rush hour the only real alternative is taking 417 around Orlando but that does involve tolls.

 

[WIDisneyFan]

I'd agree with the 2.5-3 hour drive from JAX to WDW. There are no tolls on I-95 or I-4 that you will encounter.

About the only thing I'd be concerned about on that trip is driving through the city of Orlando during rush hour. JAX is a small airport and I'd expect you would actually be on the road about 2:30 if your flight is on time. That would put you in Orlando right about the middle of rush hour. If you're used to rush hour traffic, just grin and bear it. If you feel the need to avoid rush hour the only real alternative is taking 417 around Orlando but that does involve tolls.

We have made the drive a few times (my in-laws live near Jacksonville) and 2.5-3 is about right. Based on your time of day i would suggest 417 around Orlando as I-4 can be a mess.

 

[#1eeyoregirl]

Thanks! so I am assuming that 417 is right off of I-95? Are there exits for WDW off of 417 or would i have to merge back onto 1-4 after i go around Orlando?

 

[WIDisneyFan]

Thanks! so I am assuming that 417 is right off of I-95? Are there exits for WDW off of 417 or would i have to merge back onto 1-4 after i go around Orlando?

The exit for 417 is actually off of I-4 (exit 101A) and is North East of Orlando, if you look on a map you will see it is near Sanford.

As for getting into Disney, yes there are a couple exits off of 417 to get into the World and they are well marked. Looking at one map I have the 2 that make the most sense are:
Exit 6 - World Center Pkwy (turns into Epcot Center Drive)
Exit 3 - Osceola Pkwy

 

[Danibelle]

I drive that way a lot. You don't need to take 295 around Jacksonville; just stay on 95 through town. I would also recommend 417 when you get to the Orlando area. The rush hour can be BRUTAL.

 

[travelcoupons]

The easiest Wal Mart SuperCenter to get to on that route is at Exit 268 on I-95 in Ormond Beach. It's located on the Northeast corner of that interchange just a few hundred feet from the interstate.

Just exit, take a left at the stoplight and Wal Mart will be on your left after you have gone under the I-95 underpass.

 

[#1eeyoregirl]

The exit for 417 is actually off of I-4 (exit 101A) and is North East of Orlando, if you look on a map you will see it is near Sanford.

As for getting into Disney, yes there are a couple exits off of 417 to get into the World and they are well marked. Looking at one map I have the 2 that make the most sense are:
Exit 6 - World Center Pkwy (turns into Epcot Center Drive)
Exit 3 - Osceola Pkwy

Thx! I was able to look at a better map when I got home and can see exactly where you are talking about.

Does anyone know if the tolls on 417 have the cash lanes?

 

[WIDisneyFan]

Thx! I was able to look at a better map when I got home and can see exactly where you are talking about.

Does anyone know if the tolls on 417 have the cash lanes?

I last made the drive in August and at that time there were cash lanes. That being said it is very easy and inexpensive to get a Sunpass and then you do not have to worry about cash.

We have the SunPass Mini Sticker Transponder that I purchased at a Publix during one of my visits. In looking at the website it also appears you may be able to order it online https://www.sunpass.com/index

 

[OKW Lover]

Yes, the tolls on 417 have cash lanes.

 

[travelcoupons]

Yes, the tolls on 417 have cash lanes.

Some of the off ramps are exact change only (or sunpass) though as they are unstaffed.

 

[OKW Lover]

Some of the off ramps are exact change only (or sunpass) though as they are unstaffed.

That would only be an issue if the OP decides to get off 417 on that trip or if they go all the way to exit 3 to WDW instead of getting off at exit 6. It is a good thing to know.