Now I'm scared.. transportation question

[LanaJae]

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post, the transportation thread seemed to be only for WDW.

My daughter and I are staying near Animal Kingdom, but not going to WDW, only to US and IOA, hopefully for 2 or 3 days. The resort we are at looks like it has easy access to I-4 from Hwy. 545, but I just read horror stories about I-4. I don't mind slow traffic, is it possible to get in the outside lane of I-4 and stay there until I have to exit or should I find alternate routes? (are there any? doesn't look like it) Is I-4 just slow or is it as dangerous as it sounds? I would absolutely be avoiding rush hour times (7-9 am and 4-6 pm?).

Any and all suggestions appreciated! My health is not great and driving safely is my greatest concern. I would happily consider any kind of bus service or park-and-ride if anyone knows of something in that area.

 

[Darcy03231]

Don't worry. We were there for two weeks in August and stayed in Clermont. We went to US, IOA, Seaworld or Wet n' Wild daily while we were there. The only day we encountered any traffic on I-4 was one day when there was an accident, and even then the traffic was moving, just slowly. I didn't think driving on I-4 was any different than driving on any other highway. Traffic moved along just fine and I never felt that it was dangerous. I live in a small city in NH and rarely drive on the highway and I didn't have any issues at all.

 

[Metro West]

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post, the transportation thread seemed to be only for WDW.

My daughter and I are staying near Animal Kingdom, but not going to WDW, only to US and IOA, hopefully for 2 or 3 days. The resort we are at looks like it has easy access to I-4 from Hwy. 545, but I just read horror stories about I-4. I don't mind slow traffic, is it possible to get in the outside lane of I-4 and stay there until I have to exit or should I find alternate routes? (are there any? doesn't look like it) Is I-4 just slow or is it as dangerous as it sounds? I would absolutely be avoiding rush hour times (7-9 am and 4-6 pm?).

Any and all suggestions appreciated! My health is not great and driving safely is my greatest concern. I would happily consider any kind of bus service or park-and-ride if anyone knows of something in that area.

I-4 isn't any more dangerous than any other highway but you should definately try to avoid rush hour in the morning and afternoon if possible. The road can get VERY messy if there's a wreck or stalled car or something. There is an alternate route from Disney to Universal that might work for you.

I'm not sure where 545 is but I do know where 535 is. Is that what you meant? Anyway, you can take Palm Parkway from just north of The Crossroads all the way to Universal w/o ever getting on I-4. Palm Parkway will change into Turkey Lake Road but you don't get on another road. Turkey Lake runs behind Universal so it's a straight shot.

 

[keishashadow]

are you locked into staying @ the current hotel, many offerings (in all price ranges) closer to U to save on both gas & hassle; assume some would offer shuttles

good luck

 

[Metro West]

are you locked into staying @ the current hotel, many offerings (in all price ranges) closer to U to save on both gas & hassle; assume some would offer shuttles

Very good point!

 

[Detailor]

I'm not sure where 545 is but I do know where 535 is. Is that what you meant? Anyway, you can take Palm Parkway from just north of The Crossroads all the way to Universal w/o ever getting on I-4. Palm Parkway will change into Turkey Lake Road but you don't get on another road. Turkey Lake runs behind Universal so it's a straight shot.

I'm pretty sure that county road 545 is the Old Lake Wilson road that you'd take to get to Windsor Hills, Mystic Dunes, the Ginn Resort and the others over there.

I use the Palm Pkwy/Turkey Lake route all the time to get from US/IOA to the Disney area - great route, great suggestion!

To the OP, I think that the advice that you're getting to go ahead and take I-4 during times other than the rush hours is good advice. That route should get you back and forth to US/IOA the quickest during most parts of the days. The worst traffic along I-4 is closer to downtown Orlando, northeast of the US/IOA exit. The other route would be to cut through Disney property (fairly easy route to Sherberth Road, Osceola Parkway the World Drive or directly along SR 192 to World Drive if the traffic is low along 192) toward Downtown Disney and Hotel Plaza Boulevard then picking up the Palm Parkway/Turkey Lake Road route that Metro West suggests. This is a good alternative if I-4 is slowed due to traffic or crash.

Dick Taylor

 

[LanaJae]

Thanks everyone!, Hwy. 545 is the Old Lake Wilson Rd., I found another map that called it that. I'm going to find out how to take the Palm Parkway and Turkey Lake Rd.

Unfortunately we are locked in at the place we are staying, it was part of something called Getaway Weeks, a certificate for 7 nights. Staying near Universal would've been ideal, but there were very few choices for lodging. I've only previously stayed on property at WDW and used Magic Express.

I've never seen so much negative info. about a highway before! I had assumed that it would be easier than trying to get around Disney properties, especially in the morning. My daughter is fearless so I'd rather have her drive, but it sounds like rental car drivers have to be over age 25.

 

[donaldduck352]

Turkey Lake is not known to alot of out of towners.Very pleasent ride.Not much traffic everytime I used it..

 

[keishashadow]

Thanks everyone!, Hwy. 545 is the Old Lake Wilson Rd., I found another map that called it that. I'm going to find out how to take the Palm Parkway and Turkey Lake Rd.

Unfortunately we are locked in at the place we are staying, it was part of something called Getaway Weeks, a certificate for 7 nights. Staying near Universal would've been ideal, but there were very few choices for lodging. I've only previously stayed on property at WDW and used Magic Express.

I've never seen so much negative info. about a highway before! I had assumed that it would be easier than trying to get around Disney properties, especially in the morning. My daughter is fearless so I'd rather have her drive, but it sounds like rental car drivers have to be over age 25.

http://www.bnm.com/uage2.htm#orldo

scroll down for list of companies (with surchages 21-25), many mainstream

http://www.sunshinerentacar.com/underage.html

i'm chicken, hate to drive in Orlando; my take is the road is the worst in the am-rush hour

 

[LanaJae]

Thanks again for everyone's help! I am slow at figuring routes out, which sounds better, or do I have it all wrong?
(I'm having some trouble with google maps, it doesn't think that Palm Pkwy. turns into Turkey Lake Rd., so I don't know how many miles it is from that point)

• Turn right at West Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy/US-192 E (coming from Old Lake Wilson Rd.) 6 mi
• Turn left at N Poinciana Blvd 0.9 mi
• Turn left at SR-535 N/Vineland Rd 3.4 mi
• Turn right at Palm Pkwy and stay on it, will turn into CR-439/Turkey Lake Rd
• Turn right at Hollywood Way to Universal Studios

-OR-​

• Turn right at W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy/US-192 E (coming from Old Lake Wilson Rd.) 1.2 mi
• Take the exit toward Disney World
• Merge onto World Dr
• Take the ramp to Downtown Disney/Epcot Resorts
• Merge onto E Buena Vista Dr 3.4 mi
• Continue on Hotel Plaza Blvd 0.8 mi
• Turn left at SR-535 N 0.3 mi
• Turn right at Palm Pkwy and stay on it, will turn into CR-439/Turkey Lake Rd
• Turn right at Hollywood Way to Universal Studios

-VS-​

• Turn right at W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy/US-192 E (coming from Old Lake Wilson Rd.) 2.1 mi
• Merge onto I-4 E via the ramp to Orlando 11.2 mi
• Take exit 75A for Universal Studios toward SR-435 S/Wet N Wild/Int'l Dr 0.3 mi
• Turn left at Universal Blvd (signs for Universal Studios)

 

[LanaJae]

http://www.bnm.com/uage2.htm#orldo

scroll down for list of companies (with surchages 21-25), many mainstream

http://www.sunshinerentacar.com/underage.html

i'm chicken, hate to drive in Orlando; my take is the road is the worst in the am-rush hour

Thanks! Looks like we're still out of luck, she's not even 18 yet.

If you live in PA and hate to drive in Orlando, that scares me even more! I was at the elementary today and a guy was telling me that he'll drive in Boston, NYC and LA, but he's afraid to drive in Orlando. I don't get it, but I'm sure glad I asked here, at least I'm feeling like I have some sort of potential plan now.

 

[Metro West]

Thanks again for everyone's help! I am slow at figuring routes out, which sounds better, or do I have it all wrong?
(I'm having some trouble with google maps, it doesn't think that Palm Pkwy. turns into Turkey Lake Rd., so I don't know how many miles it is from that point)

• Turn right at West Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy/US-192 E (coming from Old Lake Wilson Rd.) 6 mi
• Turn left at N Poinciana Blvd 0.9 mi
• Turn left at SR-535 N/Vineland Rd 3.4 mi
• Turn right at Palm Pkwy and stay on it, will turn into CR-439/Turkey Lake Rd
• Turn right at Hollywood Way to Universal Studios

-OR-​

• Turn right at W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy/US-192 E (coming from Old Lake Wilson Rd.) 1.2 mi
• Take the exit toward Disney World
• Merge onto World Dr
• Take the ramp to Downtown Disney/Epcot Resorts
• Merge onto E Buena Vista Dr 3.4 mi
• Continue on Hotel Plaza Blvd 0.8 mi
• Turn left at SR-535 N 0.3 mi
• Turn right at Palm Pkwy and stay on it, will turn into CR-439/Turkey Lake Rd
• Turn right at Hollywood Way to Universal Studios

-VS-​

• Turn right at W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy/US-192 E (coming from Old Lake Wilson Rd.) 2.1 mi
• Merge onto I-4 E via the ramp to Orlando 11.2 mi
• Take exit 75A for Universal Studios toward SR-435 S/Wet N Wild/Int'l Dr 0.3 mi
• Turn left at Universal Blvd (signs for Universal Studios)

Any of those would work for you without too much concern. Maybe take one to Universal and another back to the hotel...see which one is better for you in the future.

 

[LanaJae]

Any of those would work for you without too much concern. Maybe take one to Universal and another back to the hotel...see which one is better for you in the future.

Thank you, that's exactly what I'll do. I'm so glad I asked for help

 

[Metro West]

Thank you, that's exactly what I'll do. I'm so glad I asked for help

Certainly...the Proud Redheads (Universal homies) are always glad to help!

 

[LanaJae]

• Turn right at West Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy/US-192 E (coming from Old Lake Wilson Rd.) 6 mi
• Turn left at N Poinciana Blvd 0.9 mi
• Turn left at SR-535 N/Vineland Rd 3.4 mi
• Turn right at Palm Pkwy and stay on it, will turn into CR-439/Turkey Lake Rd
• Turn right at Hollywood Way to Universal Studios

Just wanted to let everyone know that this route was fantastic! No traffic at all on Palm Pkwy./Turkey Lake Rd. and getting into Universal from that side was quiet and easy. Maybe took 10 minutes longer, but was well worth it.

There's a nice new Super Walmart on Turkey Lake Rd. too.

Thanks again!

 

[Metro West]

Just wanted to let everyone know that this route was fantastic! No traffic at all on Palm Pkwy./Turkey Lake Rd. and getting into Universal from that side was quiet and easy. Maybe took 10 minutes longer, but was well worth it.

There's a nice new Super Walmart on Turkey Lake Rd. too.

Thanks again!

Glad you liked the new route...it's easy isn't it? They slapped that Walmart Supercenter up in no time.

 

[LanaJae]

Glad you liked the new route...it's easy isn't it? They slapped that Walmart Supercenter up in no time.

It sure is, I'm ready to go back already! I don't know how you can stand the out-of-town drivers, man, I saw everything from running red lights long after they turned red, turning left on red arrows, side-swiping, rear-ending - you name it.

 

[keishashadow]

Thanks! Looks like we're still out of luck, she's not even 18 yet.

If you live in PA and hate to drive in Orlando, that scares me even more! I was at the elementary today and a guy was telling me that he'll drive in Boston, NYC and LA, but he's afraid to drive in Orlando. I don't get it, but I'm sure glad I asked here, at least I'm feeling like I have some sort of potential plan now.

always best to be armed, not dangerous ; would say the backroads r the way to go...i try to avoid I-4 if at all possible...the signs that indicate beware agressive drivers pretty much sums it up

combo of peeps not knowing the roads, impatient locals (which i would be too i suppose, would get old quick), roads being marked east/west when they really are north/south and lack of block/grid system...everything looks as though it was just scattered about to me?

i finally bought a cheap GPS (@ Ritz Camera online-Amcor 3900), it's working swell for us, cannot wait to try it out when we travel...

u might want to pick one up or rent a car with one

 

[Metro West]

It sure is, I'm ready to go back already! I don't know how you can stand the out-of-town drivers, man, I saw everything from running red lights long after they turned red, turning left on red arrows, side-swiping, rear-ending - you name it.

Those are the locals!

 

[ky07]

Those are the locals!