Route to take

[Darrenndfamily]

Hi all
Im driving down from Sanford Airport to kissimmee in May and was wondering what route to take. I have looked at a couple of maps and notice as well as the I4 there is a toll road that runs down as well. Is the I4 really busy or is it ok to drive down from Sanford or is it best to use the Toll Roads. Your advise will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Darren

 

[wayneg]

Only used Sanford once, about 5 years ago was easy down I4 never looked at any other route.

 

[Callum]

We flew into Sanford last November and used the 417 Toll Road to Lake Buena Vista. 45 mins to an hour's drive.

I don't think you will experience any problems if you decide to take the I4 but it WILL be a lot busier than the 417. There are 3 or maybe 4 toll booths before you hit the Kissimmee area but, imo, it is a more relaxed drive - especially after the long flight from the UK.

Where in Kissimmee are you heading for?

 

[dtm316]

Callum is right, done both routes and 417 toll road is a lot less stressful after a long flight, the roads are quieter and it's only a few $ in tolls, can't remember how much though off the top of my head. The I4 is an easy enough drive and is toll free but the roads will be slightly more busier.

 

[GarryK]

Darren

We've only used Sanford once in 5 trips but it was our first trip so we used the quieter 417 Toll Road. Now I would probably take I4 but depends on a number of factors - is it your first time driving in the US, how tired you are, what time are you arriving as you may be driving thru downtown Orlando at evening rush hour.

If in any doubt I'd take the toll road.

Garry

 

[mattnkatsmum]

It's a very easy drive down the 417. We tried the I4 route once and got stuck in really bad traffic. I'd definitely choose the toll road route.

 

[Darrenndfamily]

Where in Kissimmee are you heading for?[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the advise everyone,im heading for Indian Creek.Think most seem to think the toll road would be easier....Now how to get on it from the Airport....

 

[Hilary]

We find Sanford much easier to access / leave than Orlando International, and we always take the 417, too

 

[UKDEB]

Distances are roughly 40 miles via the I-4 and 55 via the 417, but the I-4 is almost always going to take longer. It'll be quiet when you first join it, but the traffic is always heavy from Universal down to Disney and particularly around the Lake Buena Vista exit. If you happen to hit the Downtown Orlando exits around rush hour, you can find yourself in a stop-start nightmare.

 

[tiggers friend]

I'd take the 417 and come off at Exit 2 (Celebration), turn right on Celebration Ave and then left on 192. Go over I4 and past Disney World Drive entrance, about 2 miles further on turn left into Formosa Gardens which will take you to Indian Creek.

 

[Darrenndfamily]

I'd take the 417 and come off at Exit 2 (Celebration), turn right on Celebration Ave and then left on 192. Go over I4 and past Disney World Drive entrance, about 2 miles further on turn left into Formosa Gardens which will take you to Indian Creek.

Excellent,thats me just about there,we all cant wait. Anybody stayed at Indian Creek before?

 

[Shazzie B]

We've always used the 417 too, always take I4 back though! The first 3-4 tolls are manned and will give you change, however the last toll (or possibly 2) aren't always manned - it caught us out the 1st year! I think they are about 75 cents, so make sure you have some change. If you can't change at the airport the 'pay booths' at previous tolls will have some.

I'd also reccomend Steve Munn's Orlando Map, on this link. http://www.orlandomaps.co.uk/ It shows where tolls are etc as well as marking hotels, restaurants, Walmarts etc.

Have a great trip

 

[howlongtillsummer?]

This website has videos showing sanford airport to the 417 and onwards which we found absolutely brilliant.

www.kissimmee-us192.com/british/default.htm

The 417 is so easy we didn't even need our map the second time.

We have stayed on Windsor Palms which is right by Indian Creek and found the area to be absolutely fantastic.

Would love to hear any experiences of the Formosa Gardens area.

Enjoy your driving!

 

[paulh]

if i recall the easyest route is turn right out of airport,travel a couple of hundred yards then left onto toll road,i`m a skinflint and even idont go to the I4 as i whant to get there assp
Paulh

 

[Callum]

We stayed in Emerald Island (next to Indian Creek, Formosa Gardens etc) a couple of years back and found the location ideal. Plenty of shops and restaurants within very easy reach.

Traffic on the 192 was a bit of a crawl at times.

There is also a back road to WDW via Sherbeth Road. It alights just west of Animal Kingdom. Cuts out the 192 and Maingate entrance.

 

[orlandothebeagle]

We used the toll road for years, then 3 years ago the I4, used it ever since, much better and slightly quicker.