Questions re driving between Birmingham, AL to WDW

[OklahomaTourist]

Greetings, all!

Planning a possible trip this summer, and will be driving through Birmingham, AL en route to WDW. In my prior trips, we've gone straight interstate - I-20 to Atlanta, and I-75 south into Orlando. Last time we went, Atlanta was a nightmare both ways.

This year, we're looking one of two options:
1. I-65 south from Birmingham south to Montgomery, then east on US-82 to Tifton, then I-75 south into Florida...or...
2. Head east out of Birmingham on AL-38, east all the way to a bit west of Albany, then pick up US-82 there.

I was wondering if anyone had any insights on either of these routes, and a suggestion that one was preferable to another for any reason....are there lots of stop-and-start intervals through towns, or is it mostly striaght-through? Are there risks for speedtraps? If so, which route might be worse, if either?

Appreciate any thoughts or suggestions on this route...

Many thanks,
David

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I drove from Chicago to Orlando this past Christmas weekend and to avoid the southern snow storm, went via Memphis and Birmingham. But my routing is to take I-65 from Birmingham to Montgomery, then the South Blvd exit (US 80/82) a few miles east and pick up US 231 to Cottondale, Florida where you pick up I-10 eastbound. There are some stop lights in a few towns along US 231 but it's 4-lanes divided. The worst part is the Dothan Bypass (which is US 231) because it's a LOT of stop lights. But other than that, it's got to be better than going thorough Atlanta or any of those other 2-lane roads. And if you have a good map, there are probably some state roads that get you around Dothan and then pick-up US 231 again on the other side of town.

BobK/Orlando