I live about 30 miles north of ATL and it takes us 7 hours to get to Orlando. Some people just don't like long drives.
It's 216 miles from Valdosta to Orlando, 155 miles from Lake City and 80 miles from Ocala. You know how fast you drive, that may help in your decision. And don't forget to top off your gas tank in Valdosta, there are two service centers at exit 1 of I-75. Generally I've found the best gas prices to be right around Macon and then anywhere close to the Florida border. It's pretty rare to see better gas prices in Florida than Georgia so odds are good that if you fill up before you cross the state line you'll save a few dollars.