Small city person - Big city driving Suggestions?

[MudBud]

I would like to rent a car for 2 days when we're in WDW. I live in a small city so I'm wondering like it's like driving around there. I would like to go from CR to the Vineland Outlet Mall on a Saturday in August.

I'm not worried about getting lost, it's more the fast pace of freeway driving. Thanks for any input!

 

[Ed J]

What big city do you plan on going to?

Edit* I just reread what you wrote and figured out I misread it the first time.

The area you'll be in while visiting WDW really isn't like driving in a city per se, more like driving in the burbs with an interstate running through it. It's simple really going from CR to the outlet your talking about, there is no need to get on the interstate, just stick to the back roads, you'll be fine .

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Its a very easy drive however going on Sat is not a wise choice. The traffic is HORRIBLE. 535 which is the main road to the outlet will be a parking lot!!!

I would opt for early morning on a weekday. Thats when we go and the traffic at 10:00 a.m is a breeze. Plus parking is good.

 

[MudBud]

The only other day I could go is Friday - would that be any better since it's a workday? The outlets open at 10am so we'd be going to be there for 10am. Thanks.

 

[NotUrsula]

Orlando driving is not big-city driving, and that route will not put you on an interstate highway. However, the main entrance to that mall is in a major traffic corridor with lots of badly-timed traffic lights and lot of lanes to cross to make your turns.

FWIW, the best way to get there so that you are not dealing with crazy traffic on 535 (and very confusing intersections involving long lights and service roads) is to go around the long way. It may take you an extra 20 minutes to go this route, but compared to the usual Saturday morning traffic on 535 there probably won't be much time difference, because although it is longer, this route gets very light traffic as a general rule.

The long route is: exit WDW property via World Center Drive, and then turn left on International Drive after you pass Caribe Royale resort; you will be heading north on Intl. Drive. You will then want to turn left again on Vineland Avenue, at the Regency Village shopping center (there is a Publix there). Proceed on Vineland until you see a McDonalds ahead on your right; that is your clue to get over to your left lane and prepare to turn left, as the entrance to the outlet mall is opposite the McDonalds on Vineland.
(This will also put you on the opposite end of the mall from the one where most tourists come in, so it may also be easier to find a parking space back there.)

 

[MudBud]

that's sounds great - easy to follow directions! thanks!

 

[Hannathy]

Also if you miss a turn don't do anything stupid! Just keep going and turn around when you can safely get across traffic to turn

Don't slam on your brakes and stop in a middle lane and try to get across a couple of lanes of traffic to get to your turn.

If it is difficult to make a left across a lot of lanes then go to a light, make a right, turn around in a business and come back out at the light to make your left.

 

[dontthrowsand]

We also are going to the outlet but we have decided to cab it. I just don't like driving

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Friday morning should be better. It will be after the morning rush hour. Around lunch time the traffic may pick up so plan accordingly.