Quick question for any Floridians....

[DisFanEY]

Hi all,
In a few weeks, we're heading to the Fort Myers/Naples area along with my DH on a business trip. Of course, my first thought was to try to do a Disney trip as long as we were down that way. (we live in NY, and I can't help myself!) DH says it's way too far for a day trip, and my question is, is it a ridiculous thing to attempt? 237 miles according to Mapquest. Is is all major highways? Would we have to spend the night? (Which I wouldn't mind!)

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Bob P]

We've driven from WDW to the Fort Myers area many times. Yes, it is all major highways (I-4 west to I-75 south). With minimal traffic it's about 3-3.5 hours to Fort Myers, figure maybe another 30-45 minutes to Naples. Whether or not you would consider that a day trip is your call!

Of course, the key words above are with minimal traffic.

 

[iluvflorida8]

It will probably take you close to 4 hrs. So unless you don't mind spending 8 hrs in a car during one day, I woul spend the night in Ft Myers.

 

[jeffn5631]

One thing I would keep in mind, it is very important to avoid the morning and evening rush hour times in the Tampa metro area. If you don't, your drive time will go way up more than likely. I make weekly day trips to WDW and leave my home around 9:30 and return about 9 at night and never have encountered traffic problems. My drive time to WDW is 55 mins.

 

[ducklite]

We've driven from WDW to the Fort Myers area many times. Yes, it is all major highways (I-4 west to I-75 south). With minimal traffic it's about 3-3.5 hours to Fort Myers, figure maybe another 30-45 minutes to Naples. Whether or not you would consider that a day trip is your call!

Of course, the key words above are with minimal traffic.

That route is very out of the way. Instead take 80 to 29 to 27 to I-4. You'll go no where near Tampa. Instead you'll be driving through uncongested, sleepy towns and catch a glimpse of "Old Florida."

Much of that route is 65 mph, some is 55 mph. There are a few spots that are 45 mph for a few stretches in some of the small towns you'll go through.

It knocks about 45 minutes off the trip because there's no congestion until you hit northern Polk county, about 20 minutes from WDW.

Anne

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I agree with Anne. I made the trip in reverse last month and the US27 routing is the way to go. The traffic lights that come up from time-to-time are a bit frustrating but its a 3-hour trip versus 3.5 hours staying on the interstates (and not getting stuck in a traffic jam because of a wreck somewhere.)

Fort Myers to LaBelle via SR80. This is a 4-lane divided highway with just a few traffic lights after you leave I-75 in Fort Myers.

In LaBelle turn left onto SR29 and take this to US27 at Palmdale. This is a mostly straight two lane road but it's very new with wide shoulders and very little traffic. And it's only a 15-minute or so stretch. (On the return to Ft Myers be careful not to take the bypass to Fort Myers....stay on SR29 until you're right in LaBelle and turn directly onto SR80.)

Left on US27 where SR29 ends and then it's 4 or more lanes all the way up to I-4 through Lake Placid, Sebring, Lake Wales, and a few other burgs.

BobK/Orlando

 

[DisFanEY]

Thank you, thank you so much for all your help! I have all this info saved for our trip up!
You were all so helpful! I'm pretty new to Disboards, and this is so great!

Erin
http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/smile.gif