Missouri to WDW

[McDisney]

We are planning on driving down in May from northwest Missouri, we have been to the world a handful of times have driven from the airport once. So my pondery is this: google takes us in on I-75 to 91 to I-4 (come in from the east). Mapquest takes us I75 to 91 to 429 (coming in from the west) . I have been on I-4 when it was busy and really have no desire to repeat that if I don't have to (we should be going through that area around 7pm on a Friday).
Is it better (easier) to come in on the west or is I-4 the prefered route?

Thanks!

 

[TulsaDisneyFamily]

I4 is usually a little shorter depending on where you are staying but the traffic is usually much worse. We have been driving to WDW annually starting a few years before 429 was finished. I have been using it ever year since it was open and don't miss I4 at all. It is a toll road and there is one toll booth with a toll of $2.00 but there is very little traffic and it is a pleasant drive. It is difficult to tell that your are even in a major city or approaching WDW until you pass under the WDW welcome sign on Weatern Way. About half way on 429 you will be on some higher ground and if you look to your left (east) you can see the taller buildings and rides at WDW.

 

[MOpGrad2013]

When we went down from Rolla, we were on I-44 going through St. Louis, I-24 Nashville and then I-75 Atlanta.

From I-75, we picked up the Toll Road 91. But before we continued too far, we took highway 27 through to Clermont. This took us past a few smaller towns, grocery stores and then linked up with Irlo Bronson. The entrances for WDW were marked in advance so we knew when to get into the left turn lane.

My husband said that was the best "final lap" we could have chosen. We could see the folks getting off work in that area and listening to the radio, we most definitely didn't want to be on either the loop of 429 or I-4.

We were able to pull off for some needed items and not worry about merging back into the traffic.

Some folks would say not to do this as we had traffic lights, but the majority of the time we were at 55mph and not too many stops.

Enjoy your

 

[McDisney]

Thanks for your help!

Looks like I'll go with coming in from the west. I'd much rather pay a toll than risk sitting in traffic with 30,000 of my closest friends. The current plan is to check in at Bonnet Creek, unload the car and then do a grocery run.

 

[TulsaDisneyFamily]

We often check in and unload first too but sometimes we stop on the way so we don't have to get back out and fight traffic. There is a large retail shopping complex including a Super Target to the right of 429 at the first exit after you get on 429. We have stopped there before. It is very convenient and easy to exit and get back onto 429. You do have to pay a toll when you exit. It is $0.50 and exact change only but the area is a lot less crowded than the shopping areas around WDW. The exit is Winter Garden Vineland Road.

The route with the least traffic to Bonnet Creek is to exit off 429 at Western Way. Take Western Way until you reach Buena Vista Drive. Turn right onto Buena Vista and follow it to the Bonnet Creek entrance. You shouldn't really hit any traffic until after you pass World Drive.

 

[McDisney]

Thanks for the directions, I'll have to copy them save them for reference. Though I would also prefer to stop on the way in, with the 5 of us and our suitcases I am not sure if I would be able to wedge any poptarts and soda in with us ;-)

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

So my pondery is this: google takes us in on I-75 to 91 to I-4 Mapquest takes us I75 to 91 to 429.

Please note that if you're on I-75 looking for the exit onto State Road 91, you're never going to find it. The road is signed only as "Florida's Turnpike". State Road 91 is a hidden designation.

Whether I-4 or TOLL 429 is the better route really depends on where you're staying. If your hotel is in the Downtown Disney area, I-4 is still better. Traffic moves excruciatingly slow along Buena Vista Drive with each traffic light timed to stop you. Coming in via the 429 to Western Way and then having to drive "across the world" via BVD is a slow, horrible experience!

BobK/Orlando