Q - Driving WDW to Kennedy Space Center

[cigar95]

We're scheduled to take a day out of our trip to visit KSC on a Friday in February. The direct route would be to take I-4 to the BeeLine/Beachline/528, but at 7:45 in the morning, it seems we might catch the commuter traffic into Orlando.

An alternative is to go around on the Greeneway/417 past the airport, where we could pick up the 528. It's a bit longer, but will the traffic on I-4 make it faster at that time of day?

It seems like we should be able to get there in a little over an hour. Does that sound right?

Thanks for any help. Getting around WDW or Universal, we're old pros, but this will be our first time east of the airport.

 

[keishashadow]

Def. take the Greenway, traffic will nearly disappear once you pass the exit (bogey creek?) for the airport, will pick up again on bee-line for awhile, then thin out as you head toward the coast.

If you observe the speed limit, just a little over an hour.

BTW, I begrudingly gave up 1 of my park days...family had to drag me out of KSC kicking & screaming. The upclose tour is really worth the extra $, suggest the 1st trip of day if you're interested.

 

[cigar95]

Thanks for the reply.

Do others out there concur that I should avoid I-4 going to the Beeline at 7:30 on a Friday morning?

 

[Edd]

I definately agree going the 417 to the Beach Line east of the airport.

 

[CPT Tripss]

417 is the way to go! Plan on an early start - KSC is amazing!

 

[ducklite]

I'd say that taking the I-4 to 528 route will slow you down by at least 30 minutes during morning rush--if there's no accident.

Anne

 

[Miss Jasmine]

My advice is to avoid I-4 whenever you can. Actually that is a motto I live by.

I need to get back out to KSC, it's been gosh over five years since I have been there, and that wasn't even a "real" visit, it was part of a leadership seminar (I did get pretty close to the shuttle on the pad though, right outside the fencing that surrounds it). OP, enjoy your visit!

 

[VAN]

Well worth the visit ... try to look for coupons or discounts prior to going. The admission cost is pricey!

 

[Devil_Dog99]

I concur on everything

- Avoid I-4 (unless you LOVE traffic)
- KSC is incredible - DW had to remind me to close my mouth when we were in teh Saturn V building
- Get discount coupons (you can find them just about anywhere) - admission can be pricey.

 

[cigar95]

Thanks, all for the specifics. We always take I-4 on Sunday mornings on the way to church, and it's been fine. And heading to Universal at 9:00 has been OK. This would have been the first time I'd been on it during "morning drive", and I figured it might be bad. (I'm actually surprised that we haven't had problems getting to Universal before 9.)

So we'll take the slightly longer way around and hit the Greeneway. Maybe take a short detour just to wave and say 'hi' to Gatorland on the way.

As for the suggestions about discount tickets - it look like we need to pay full price because we've reserved one of the special tours. Still, we're paying less than a full price day at Disney, and this will be our first time, so I don't mind paying a premium. Hard to believe I've never been there before in all these years - just like we're hitting Sea World for the first time on this trip - but I know you can get there without getting on the highway at all.

 

[NancyIL]

Are you a AAA member? If so I believe there are discounts for the tours.

I always take the Greeneway when driving between the airport and WDW or my mom's house in Cocoa and WDW.