Sat Nav V Maps

[ankersandrew]

Me and my partner are going to be hiring a car for the 2 weeks we are in Orlando. We will be staying on resort at the ASM resort and have never been here before. We will of course be visiting Universal, and also visiting a friend in Clearwater and going to Cape Canaveral.

I have a portable sat nav which I could download the American Maps, or i could go old school and just get a paper map.

Like I said never been here before, Partner has never driven in America before. Will it be easier with Map or Satnav?

Thanks

 

[wilma-bride]

You are probably better off with the SatNav if you are going further afield than Orlando. Our first couple of visits driving we managed with a map (we got a great Orlando map from the Mapman) but now we travel all over Florida, it is much easier to use the SatNav. We actually use an app (CoPilot) on DH's phone/tablet.

The other benefit of the SatNav is a lot of them will actually show you the exit as you come up to it so you know exactly which side the exit is on (places like the 192, you might need to turn left as well as right off the road) so it helps you to position yourself when you are on 3 (or more) lane highways.

 

[flortlebap]

I would vote sat nav every time - less arguments that way!

It's very well sign posted so you shouldn't struggle too much.

I would definitely use a portable sat nav though if you can - my in car sat nav can be very unreliable at home and my car is only a year old!

 

[chmurf]

road signs are your best friends.
The road system is quite easy to figure out.
I hate satnav. this thing is the best way to stop looking at the road/roadsigns.

actually the only time I tried to use a satnav ... I got lost ... which never happened just looking at the signs posted along the road ...

If you have a portable device (tablet, phone, ...) and can use offline maps (to avoid huge data roaming charges), then go with them.
If you have to pay for a satnav with a rental agency, then don't bother and go with paper maps.

 

[pickers1982]

Remember you can turn right on red lights out there!

 

[MissKip]

Another vote for CoPilot!

 

[pickers1982]

Satnav also helps you find restaurants shops pharmacies etc

 

[Elise79]

I have one of map mans maps as mentioned by Joh. It is excellent for getting around the Orlando area

Heading to KSC is an easy drive as it's down one road then really well signed.

However heading to Clearwater you might be pleased for a sat nav depending where you are meeting.

 

[wayneg]

We did 20+ trips without satnav, just used road signs and free maps. Then a few years ago we started exploring a little further afield so bought a TomTom at Walmart for £35.
Around the themepark area its well signed, beyond the local area Satnav makes life easier.

 

[bigskip]

I wouldn't go anywhere without my trusty Co Pilot - maps on the device (Tablet or phone) no data charges...

 

[flortlebap]

Remember you can turn right on red lights out there!

Only in right hand filter lanes - I wouldn't plough through anywhere else lol!

 

[pickers1982]

Only in right hand filter lanes - I wouldn't plough through anywhere else lol!

Think you are fine as long as it's not a red arrow pointing right. Is that not right?

 

[wayneg]

Think you are fine as long as it's not a red arrow pointing right. Is that not right?

Same for red arrow(see below) All red lights can turn right on red if the road is clear and there isn't a sign saying "No turn on red" unless a traffic officer is present, then ignore the lights and watch his/her signals.

From the State of Florida road signs:

RED

Come to a complete stop at the marked stop line or before moving into the crosswalk or intersection. After stopping, you may turn right on red at most intersections if the way is clear. Some intersections display a "NO TURN ON RED" sign, which you must obey. Left turns on red from a one-way street into a one-way street are also allowed.

RED ARROW

Come to a complete stop at the marked stop line or before moving into the crosswalk or intersection. After stopping, you may turn right on red arrow at most intersections if the way is clear. Some intersections display a "NO TURN ON RED" sign, which you must obey. Left turns on red arrow from a one-way street into a one-way street are also allowed.