Milwaukee to WDW, Avoid Chicago or go thru Rockford?

[DisOrBust]

Greeting all!

We normally take the standard route thru Indiana but did get caught in traffic in Chicago this past February. Now we are going down for Easter leaving on Good Friday. I met a Wi family on the way home in Valdosta and they always go thru Rocherford to avoid Chicago. According to google it adds an hour but I think it may be better then trying to get thru Friday night (Leaving Milw at 4:30pm) rush hour. Any thoughts?

 

[wisbucky]

My aunt and uncle travel to Florida every year at the end of February. They do not go through Chicago as they have in the past been caught in traffic for up to 5 hours. They now go around which may be an extra hour but it is well worth it.

 

[chicagoshannon]

What do you mean by through Chicago? I94 or I294? Don't ever take 94! Taking 294 will give you some trouble around Ohare but once you get past there it shouldn't be too bad. Although leaving at 4:30 won't do you any favors no matter which way you go.

I personally wouldn't detour through Rockford. I'd rather leave an hour later from Milwaukee. Most of the schools here are on spring break from the 30th through Good Friday so traffic won't be as busy as a usual Friday night because people will have left for vacation already the previous Friday.

Have a great trip!

 

[MillauFr]

Google maps has a traffic button that usually defaults to live traffic. They also have an option that will give you an idea of the typical traffic congestion depending on day of the week and time of day.

 

[McKelly]

We detoured around Chicago once and it took us longer, because there was traffic there too! Now, we just go straight through, but we try to go through during non-peak times. We have had good luck between 10am-2pm or we get up really early and get through Chicago around 6am. I would say go with the poster who said leave a little later. Oddly enough, we have always had worse traffic problems in Atlanta.

 

[HizMinnie2015]

I live in a chicago suburb and with all the construction going on right now there is no where to "get around chicago" as you put it... my personal suggestion is to either leave there around 11am so your getting into chicago area around noon 12:30, OR leave Milwaukee between 6 and 7 at night... it's the easiest times even with construction.

 

[DisOrBust]

Thanks all! We unfortunately have no possibility of changing our departure time. I think Im going to try the Rockford route the worse that happens its an hour longer.

 

[yoopermom]

We've done the Rockford way, and it's definitely longer, but also saves you on the traffic headaches. Who wants to *start* a trip like that? Good luck!

Terri