Local Info Part 1

[FloridaCat]

Local help for first timer’s to the Orlando area. Other locals and CM feel free to jump in with your perspective.

Local FYI Part 1

Orlando traffic: I don’t want your Magic to start off on the wrong foot or turn.

The greater Orlando area traffic is grid lock from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM from twenty miles East (North), of Orlando to 25 miles West (South), Attractions area, on I-4 Then again 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
The 408 and 528, from the Airport are packed as well. So plan accordingly.
I-4 is confusing as it runs north and south but is classified as east and west. Print maps off Map quest to help you familiarize yourself before arriving.

Who ever is riding “shotgun” has to help watch signs upon entering in WDW proper. While Disney is the master of themes and fun, they dropped the ball on signage and road layout. You can easily spend an hour being lost. I had a friend that was CM on the MGM entrance and said they always had to turn cars around.

WI, FW, MK, and MGM: All brochures say the I-4 ramp is 64. It is actually 64B. For MGM you want to stay in the right lane and watch closely as the road splits and it is a quick right. All other stay left to MK entrance. WARNING: WI, FWI go to the first open booth the farthest right. The CM will show you the road to WI & FW which is a quick right. Miss it and you are in the MK parking lot. Go to a booth on the far left and you have to try to get across 10 lanes of traffic.
Welcome and thanks for coming down. I promise memories that last a lifetime

 

[Ratpack]

Floridacat,
Is 64B the new number or old? I know last year they were changing the exit numbers to match mileposts. Some of the maps I have have it as exit 26A.

 

[FloridaCat]

64B is the new number. Numbers now correspond to milage from Tampa

 

[safetymom]

FloridaCat, I see you live in Deltona. Do you have any problems getting to WDW? I was interested in houses in that area.

We are planning to move to the Orlando area in the next several months. How long does it actually take you from Deltona? Want to be between Orlando and the beach on the east. Any recommendations. My daughter wants to go to work at WDW but doesn't want to drive an hour each way if she can help it.

Thanks for any help.

 

[FloridaCat]

It is an hour drivet, 45 miles, to Disney on a good day. I worked at the airport for four years and it was 1.5 hours and if the was a accident I was looking at 2+ hours, one way. She would stil have 15 miles to go after I left I-4
If you intend to work at WDW then you need to look at Lake Buena Vista, Clairemont or Kissimmee.
Deltona area is fine if your retired or work part time. There are no major companies or jobs in this area. For work you go Orlando or Daytona and Daytona is limited.
High paying jobs, I would look south of Orlando

 

[FloridaCat]

Mapquest update:
I should have listed that WDW is in Lake Buena Vista, 32830. I don't know if Mapquest would pull up if you used Orlando

 

[safetymom]

Thank you for the information. The real estate mags said Deltona was 25 miles to both Orlando and Daytona.

My daughter will be working part time and I can do my job from anywhere. I was also thinking the Cocoa area.

Guess I will keep looking. Thanks again.

 

[dizneykid]

FloridaCat

just want to say thanks for the information. we live in largo, florida (west of tampa) and travel often to wdw. your info will help tons.

 

[dizneykid]

safetymom -

did you ever consider the tampa/st. petersburg area to live. just a thought. we live in st. pete closer to the gulf of mexico (actually just over 2 miles). anyway, it is a wonderful area and even though job market is scarse right now (due to economy and layoffs). when things pick up i think things will be good. we have lots of large companies here. also, alot more families are moving into st. pete, not just retirees. i think it is very pleasant living here and it takes only 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to wdw.

 

[FloridaCat]

The mags are a little off. Deltona is 25 from Daytona and 25 from Altamonte Springs. It is another 10miles to downtown.

I was a Real Estate Broker and I advise not buying in Orange Coounty because tax issues. Seminole, which is Longwood Altamonte Springs are nice areas, my DD lives there. This would put you 30-35 minutes closer. Good schools and SR 436 has every store and restuarnat you can name on it.
Remember our entire coastline is a beach. Only Tourists goes to Daytona beaches. Locals have other spots that are cleaner and quieter.

 

[safetymom]

I will have to look into that dizneykid. My oldest daughter lives in Melbourne so wanted to be close to her and the beach.

My middle daughter wants to go back to working at WDW. She was in the College program.

We are moving from PA so I am sure if I am in the area I will get to the beach more than I do now. We live about 12 hours from the beach so anything would be an improvement.

Thanks for the information.

 

[safetymom]

Floridacat, that is the kind of information I am looking for. I sort of wanted to stay away from Daytona if I could help it. Seems there is lots of events there. I didn't really want a touristy area but that is what my research was coming up with.

Later this summer I want to come down and actually go to these areas. I have done some driving around when I came down several times this year but need to do more.

Thank you so much for the info.

 

[FloridaCat]

Tampa area is a good thoght. I have friends in Sarasotaandthey have fantastic beaches.

I like the idea of your DD wanting to work at WDW. It is an amazing place to work and a great opportunity for young people. They have so many job classifactions you could go as far as your PD would take you.

 

[jdaa1]

How long does it take to drive from WDW to the Orlando Airport? I offered to drive some friends, and wondered how long it would take.

 

[FloridaCat]

OIA is 20 miles from WDW. Depending on time of day I'd say 30 minuets.
Take the toll road it is much faster, (3.00?).

 

[safetymom]

From the airport take 417 the Greeneway. You are at WDW in about 25 mins and no traffic. There are two $1.00 tolls. It is a great road. We take it all the time now.

 

[kylara]

I agree with those that say take the Greenway...it is much quicker and I-4. And the Greenway seems to have less traffic than all the other highways around the Orlando area.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

We always take the Greenway, and there really isn't ever much traffic.