Just got back - some quick notes:

[DisneyDadinOhio]

Just some quick notes before I post a full trip report:
-As already mentioned, loop 600 is now complete. The "new" sites look pretty nice, the "old" sites now look more crowded...
-The pool "should" be done within the next couple of weeks. It is filled with water, and the new slide looks cool as well. They are working weekends to get it done sooner.
-Loop 700 was just about complete as of Friday morning, and I think it's already been posted that it is now open as well. This is a very, very nice loop!
-We were in site 841, which is exactly what I described to the site assigner in my fax. So yes, sometimes faxing your request does work..!
-For my fellow northerners (Ohio, Mich, Indy, Ky, Tenn) - avoid Atlanta..!
-As I've mentioned before, the Sweetwater KOA in Tenn is a great place for an overnight stop..! It's about 42 miles south of Knoxville, off of 75.
-Loop 800 is a pet loop, but I requested it even though we don't have dogs (we take out cat with us). It was not a problem at all, and we had some big dogs on both sides of us. Did not hear anything from them at night. Great humans..!!
-Did you know that you can use Fast Passes that are a year old..?
-I got to meet and talk with Kenny from Tee Time Golf Cart Rentals - he is a great guy and his service was exceptional..! Call him and save some $$$ at 407-276-0809.
-Did I mention to avoid Atlanta..?
That's all for now folks, I'll be posting a long, boring, fully detailed trip report with pics soon...

 

[dfchelbay]

Can you please elaborate on "avoiding Atlanta". We will be traveling I-75 shortly and always drive right thru Atlanta. What, exactly, are we going to be getting into of we drive thru Atlanta??????????

 

[DisneyDadinOhio]

Can you please elaborate on "avoiding Atlanta". We will be traveling I-75 shortly and always drive right thru Atlanta. What, exactly, are we going to be getting into of we drive thru Atlanta??????????

To be specific - construction, wrecks, construction, wrecks, and more construction. If at all possible, go around on 285 (we couldn't due to more wrecks).

That being said, it all really depends on when you are coming through - if you coming through in the early morning or late evening hours, then you will probably be just fine. We hit it at about 3:00pm on a Friday coming down (lost 2 hours), and then this past Saturday afternoon at about 2:00pm and lost about 1.5 hours. I thought about taking the "eastern route" going home, but thought since it was a Saturday, it should be better than a Friday - doh. We've come straight through in the past without any problems, but it was just crazy this time around. We were in a 20 mile backup coming home - only about 15 miles before the 285 exit. Also, the Sirius traffic channel for Atlanta is useless. Plan your fuel fill-ups accordingly..!

 

[dfchelbay]

Thanks for the information. We will plan accordingly...bye bye I-75 through Atlanta.

 

[DiamondDan]

How 'bout that! we were right next to you in 839. Great sites - did you get the H2O heater problem resolved?
-dan

 

[clkelley]

We came through Atlanta this past Friday afternoon, and yes, right at rush hour, Atlanta is a beast. (I told Rick we should have started at 2pm instead of noon, we would have gotten to Disney at the same time without crawling through Atlanta).

Coming home on Sunday, not a problem, whizzed straight through downtown. You lose the trucks going through downtown.

Also, everything South of Atlanta in Georgia is under construction, so there is really no smooth sailing at all until you get to the Florida line!!

I usually plan my trips to leave H'ville around 2pm or later, that puts me through Atlanta no earlier than 7pm and also most of the construction South of Atlanta has knocked off for the day. I stop somewhere usually Tifton, or Valdosta, then back on the road next morning by 8am. (This is when pulling the camper). With both of us and just the truck, we drive straight through.

 

[Disbuf]

We must have hit Atlanta at just the right time. We went through on Friday March 20 and also on Saturday March 28 around noon both times and had no problems. I have to admit that I was shocked. I figured we would be stuck there for hours in traffic but that was not the case. I think timing is everything with that city.

 

[Stinkerbell1973]

I live in the ATL suburbs, so take it from me - you should avoid heading into ATL any Mon-Fri from 6:30ish am through 9:30am, and again starting around 3:45ish through about 7. Seriously. On Fridays, add an additional hour. This week (4/6-4/10) is Spring Break week so the traffic isn't so bad. I would definitely recommend 285 vs. 75 through downtown.

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

I also live in the suburbs of Atlanta and have to agree with everyone here. We just got home from the Fort tonight (Thursday) and we get off at exit 216. Just before we got to our exit, the traffic slowed to a crawl. I was so happy that we weren't going any farther north that that. This exit is way before you even get to downtown Atlanta!

 

[CampingBandit]

I live in the ATL suburbs, so take it from me - you should avoid heading into ATL any Mon-Fri from 6:30ish am through 9:30am, and again starting around 3:45ish through about 7. Seriously. On Fridays, add an additional hour. This week (4/6-4/10) is Spring Break week so the traffic isn't so bad. I would definitely recommend 285 vs. 75 through downtown.

Is 285 a bypass? We're coming down the Friday before Thanksgiving week....and I expect we'd pass thru around 1pm or so. Should I try to avoid 75 thru downtown, or try taking this 285? Do I pick it up from 75 to 407 to 285? Or since it's midday should I not worry?

 

[2goofycampers]

Is 285 a bypass? We're coming down the Friday before Thanksgiving week....and I expect we'd pass thru around 1pm or so. Should I try to avoid 75 thru downtown, or try taking this 285? Do I pick it up from 75 to 407 to 285? Or since it's midday should I not worry?

Yes, 285 is a bypass right off 75, it is the best way to go any time of the day.
It says to Tampa.

 

[Shan-man]

Taking the 285 W bypass is only about 5 miles further, and if there is a traffic backup it is less likely to be on 285 than on 75/85 through downtown, but I will also add that 285 is routed through some of the ugliest areas of Atlanta. If there is relatively little traffic at the time you come through, going through downtown is much more scenic, especially after dark. Shortly before the intersection of 285 and 75 there is a traffic announcement board that usually lists travel times through town, so it can help you decide which to do.

 

[CampingBandit]

Taking the 285 W bypass is only about 5 miles further, and if there is a traffic backup it is less likely to be on 285 than on 75/85 through downtown, but I will also add that 285 is routed through some of the ugliest areas of Atlanta. If there is relatively little traffic at the time you come through, going through downtown is much more scenic, especially after dark. Shortly before the intersection of 285 and 75 there is a traffic announcement board that usually lists travel times through town, so it can help you decide which to do.

Perfect! Thanks!