Route: WDW->MCO (stop at outlets), suggestions pls

[biggroofy]

Just booked National Car for a week, initially I planned to pick up and drop off at Disney Car Care Center, however, I am suprised to learn that picking up the vehicle at Disney and returning the vehicle at MCO is the same rate

Now I plan to take ME from airport to resort, pick up the car on the next day. Since we are having a evening flight, we will check out early on the departure date, drive to Florida Outlet Mall, and return the car at MCO.

Can Anyone tell me about the toll fare on highway?

Being a Canadian who has no prior driving experience in US, any other advice are welcome. Thanks

 

[NancyIL]

Just booked National Car for a week, initially I planned to pick up and drop off at Disney Car Care Center, however, I am suprised to learn that picking up the vehicle at Disney and returning the vehicle at MCO is the same rate

Now I plan to take ME from airport to resort, pick up the car on the next day. Since we are having a evening flight, we will check out early on the departure date, drive to Florida Outlet Mall, and return the car at MCO.

Can Anyone tell me about the toll fare on highway?

Being a Canadian who has no prior driving experience in US, any other suggestions are welcome. Thanks

I usually take State Road 536 and the Central Florida Greeneway (417) to drive between WDW and MCO, and there are two $1 tolls going that way (unless they have gone up since October). Unless Canadians have started driving on the left side of the road, you won't notice much difference driving in FL than at home.

Just thought of something else. Since you're apparently staying onsite at WDW, do you really need the car for a week? You can still pick up the rental car at the Car Care Center (or the Dolphin) the night before or day that you depart.

 

[biggroofy]

Thanks NancyIL

I planned to take ME + Disney Transportation, but my wife insisted to rent a car: There are 5 of us, including 2 elderly and one infant, and we have booked quite a few table service at other resorts.

I heard that parking is terrible at MK, so plan to take a bus to MK instead.

Another question, we plan to leave around 1:00pm to visit an Outlet (Florida Mall?), plan to stay there for 2-3 hours. Need to return to MCO by 7:00pm. How much time should I expect for traffic? Are there traffic congestions in Orlando around 6pm, like Toronto/New York?

 

[NancyIL]

Thanks NancyIL

I planned to take ME + Disney Transportation, but my wife insisted to rent a car: There are 5 of us, including 2 elderly and one infant, and we have booked quite a few table service at other resorts.

I heard that parking is terrible at MK, so plan to take a bus to MK instead.

Another question, we plan to leave around 1:00pm to visit an Outlet (Florida Mall?), plan to stay there for 2-3 hours. Need to return to MCO by 7:00pm. How much time should I expect for traffic? Are there traffic congestions in Orlando around 6pm, like Toronto/New York?

What day of the week are you returning home? I think you will be on I-4 and the Beach Line (528) if you visit the outlet malls. (Florida Mall isn't an outlet mall.) I rarely drive that way to the airport, so I'm unfamiliar with the traffic at 6 p.m. I understand that the Orlando area does get quite congested at evening rush hour, so do allow extra time.

 

[biggroofy]

What day of the week are you returning home? I think you will be on I-4 and the Beach Line (528) if you visit the outlet malls. (Florida Mall isn't an outlet mall.) I rarely drive that way to the airport, so I'm unfamiliar with the traffic at 6 p.m. I understand that the Orlando area does get quite congested at evening rush hour, so do allow extra time.

Thanks again.

I am returning home on a Thursday. Taking 10:45pm flight and plan to arrive airport by 7:00pm and have dinner there.

I am not familar with Orlando area. Is I-4 and the Beach Line (528) on the same route to MCO?

 

[NancyIL]

Thanks again.

I am returning home on a Thursday. Taking 10:45pm flight and plan to arrive airport by 7:00pm and have dinner there.

I am not familar with Orlando area. Is I-4 and the Beach Line (528) on the same route to MCO?

If you go to Mapquest you can see a map of the Orlando area. I-4 runs north and south through the Orlando area, and 528 runs east and west. To get to the Belz Outlet Mall - which is near Universal Studios, you would be near I-4. So you'd be going south on I-4 and then east on 528 to the airport. You will have plenty of time to study a map before you have to drive to the airport.

 

[biggroofy]

Thanks!!!

I took a quick glance at the Map, looks like Belz is on an opposite route (not the same route to airport). DW suggested to visit Orlando Premium Outlet instead, if we have extra time, we will visit Florida Mall before heading to airport.

 

[cranbiz]

If you plan on going to the Florida Mall, You will be on I4 to do so.

The Orlando Premium outlets are the closest to Disney, then the FL mall and then Belz (Prime) malls. All are to the right of the highway when leaving Disney. Both Of the outlet malls have discount Disney stores there, Belz has 2 (Character Warehouse and Character Premier) The Beachline (SR528) is just after Belz so from Disney it's I4 east and SR528 east to the airport.

If you go to these malls, you will take I4 and then travel to the Beachline (SR528) and then to MCO. The tolls that way are 2 @ .75.

Were you planning on SR417 from the airport to Disney? If so, then that's why it looks like the malls are on the opposite way to the airport. There are 2 ways that will get you to and from MCO.

The tolls on SR417 are $3.00 (I think) I know that there is 2 $1.00 booths on the highway and I think there is an entry toll from the Disney area ( I know there is an exit toll when coming from the airport). If there is an entry toll, be prepared for exact change. SR417 has 24 hour manned booths only on the main road itself. All entry and exit points that have tolls are O-pass/Sunpass or exact change from 4pm to 8am. I don't go that way much when I'm in FL, maybe Ann (Ducklite) or Safetymom will chip in here with the current toll situation.

 

[Topper]

Have they changed the name of the BeeLine (528) to the BeachLine?

 

[cranbiz]

Yup, they have.

I still slip and call it the Beeline too!

 

[NancyIL]

It will always be the Beeline to me.

 

[lawgs]

wonder what they are doing with the bumble bee signage...

smilawgs

 

[biggroofy]

If you plan on going to the Florida Mall, You will be on I4 to do so. The Orlando Premium outlets are the closest to Disney, then the FL mall and then Belz (Prime) malls.

Cranbiz, a BIG thanks for your information

However, I am a bit confused, this is what I got from mapquest.com:

1). Port Orleans Resort -> Orlando Premium Outlet (12 min, via FL-535 S / S APOPKA VINELAND RD)

2). Orlando Premium Outlet -> Florida Mall (15 min, via BEE LINE EXPY / FL-528 E toward INT'L AIRPORT / COCOA)

now here is the question (confusion):

3). Florida Mall -> Belz Factory Outlet World (1 hour, 52 minutes, wow! via I-4 E and I-95N)

4). Belz Factory Outlet World -> MCO (1 hour 56 mins!)

Did I misunderstand something above? Please advice

We plan to leave POFQ around noon, first visit Premium Outlet, then Florida Mall, and need to arrive MCO before 7pm. Do we have sufficient time?

 

[biggroofy]

Hmm...maybe I am too stupid DW found another "Belz Factory Outlet World" (5401 W Oak Ridge Rd, Orlando), I believe that should be the correct one that everyone (except me) were talking about?

If DW has the correct assumption, then:
3). Florida Mall -> Belz Factory Outlet World (10 min, via LAKE RD / FL-482 W)
4). Belz Factory Outlet World -> MCO (19 min, via SR-91 / RONALD REAGAN TURNPIKE / FLORIDA'S TURNPIKE (Portions toll)).

Do you guys think I have enough time to visit all 3 malls? Or, do you think Belz and Orland Premium Outlets are repeating, and I should one choose one?

Main reason(s) to go to outlet/malls on the last day, are:
1). check out time is 11am, DD2 need to take a nap (at least 1.5 hour) in the afternoon. Very rarely she can sleep in stroller, but in a car (rolling effect) is a better possibility.
2). to please my parents (who likes shoppng)

 

[angelkk]

Just booked National Car for a week, initially I planned to pick up and drop off at Disney Car Care Center, however, I am suprised to learn that picking up the vehicle at Disney and returning the vehicle at MCO is the same rate

Hi biggoofy,

I will be renting a car from National and returning to airport too. Does anyone know where is the drop-off zone (National) at MCO terminal A? Just afraid if I cannot find it and everyone is delayed because of me

I may go to Premium outlet during one of the days, and Belz (Now called Prime?) on the way to airport. Is 30 min a safe estimate for getting to MCO from Belz?

angel

 

[biggroofy]

Sorry I don't have an idea about where to drop off National Car at MCO. I am heading off next week, and can post a trip report here for your info

Belz looks like far away from WDW but close to MCO