Not yet there and lost already, LOL

[Claudia2]

We're arriving for the first time in the USA on Oct. 20 and we'll be renting a Dollar car at the airport. So far so good. We'll be driving to the Vistana Resort, which is somewhere near the MK.

What are we looking for? Signs to? Kissimmee? Disney? I'm afraid that we'll head into the wrong direction when we get out of the airport

Thanks!

 

[jfulcer]

From Vistana's site:

From Orlando International Airport:

Follow airport exit signs to "Orlando/Area Attractions."
Take airport exit road to 528 West (BeeLine Expressway).
Go towards Tampa for approximately 10 Miles.
Exit onto I-4 West (Tampa/Disney World).
Proceed on I-4 West to Exit 68 (27 old) (State Road 535 Lake Buena Vista/Kissimmee).
Turn left (south) onto State Road 535.
Vistana Resort is one mile south on the right.

They have a map that may make it easier, click here.

I wonder, did they tell you it was 'near the MK', or was that something you read/heard somewhere? Being offsite, it contends with all the other resorts for being 'close' to MK.

 

[Claudia2]

My main concern is getting on the right route out of the airport,
when you say:

"Follow airport exit signs to "Orlando/Area Attractions."

that's great

and then:
"Take airport exit road to 528 West (BeeLine Expressway). "

So the sign tells me this? 528 West or BeeLine Express way?

Sorry I sound so stupid, LOL

I know there are maps online, and I'll print out one or two of them, but as I said, I just want to get at least in the right direction heading out from the airport and from there to the I4 West or whatever it's called. That must be one big motorway, isn't it?


About your question, we're staying at the Vistana, because we have a timeshare with Interval and just chose one that was available and recommanded on this site.

 

[MisterPat]

Not to confuse you, but there is an easier way to get to the Vistana. It is the "road less traveled" and will make all the difference.

Most visitors to Orlando exit the airport via the North exit, as jfulcer suggests, but the traffic along this route makes it a frustrating beginning to an otherwise magical trip. I, however, avois I-4 at all costs. The following route is not only a shorter route, but a less congested route, as well, thereby making is MUCH quicker and relaxing.

Exit the Airport through the South AIRPORT EXIT.
This road becomes S. ACCESS RD. and then becomes BOGGY CREEK RD.
Take the SR-417 South ramp, merge onto CENTRAL FLORIDA GREENEWAY (Portions toll).
Take the INTERNATIONAL DR exit (exit number 6) towards SR-535/I-4 E/SR-356.
Keep LEFT at the fork in the ramp.
Merge onto WORLD CENTER DR. (SR 536)
Turn RIGHT onto S. APOPKA VINELAND RD. (SR 535)
Turn LEFT onto VISTANA CENTRE DR.

Last trip, this route took less than 30 minutes. I-4 alone will take longer than that during most times of the day.

As for closeness to Disney, when exiting the resort, turn right (not left towards I-4) if you are going to any location other than Downtwn Disney. Once out of the resort, turn right at the first light onto SR 536. This road leads right onto the property and is quicker than the main access road if you are going to most of the parks.

Any other questions, I'll be glad to answer. You'll love the location of Vistana. It's close enough to limit driving, but not in the congestion of other tourist areas like 192.