Traveling During The Daytona 500 (President's Day Weekend)

[SomePixiedust]

We will be driving down during the weekend of the Daytona 500. We've never done this before but are hearing traffic will be bad in that area most of the weekend. Does anyone have any tips on getting around that area. We are coming straight down I95 from NY. I see a route 17 in the Jacksonville area that cuts down to I4. I don't know what kind of road that is or if it's even desirable to try that instead . It looks like maybe we could take I295 around Jacksonville, which would help us avoid that area, then maybe pick up 17S...I'm not sure if I'm reading the map clearly. Any tips appreciated!

 

[SomePixiedust]

Shameless Bump

Anyone???????

 

[localdriver]

We will be driving down during the weekend of the Daytona 500. We've never done this before but are hearing traffic will be bad in that area most of the weekend. Does anyone have any tips on getting around that area. We are coming straight down I95 from NY. I see a route 17 in the Jacksonville area that cuts down to I4. I don't know what kind of road that is or if it's even desirable to try that instead . It looks like maybe we could take I295 around Jacksonville, which would help us avoid that area, then maybe pick up 17S...I'm not sure if I'm reading the map clearly. Any tips appreciated!

When you reach Jacksonville, take I-10 west to I-75. Then I-75 south to Orlando.

Make look long on the map, but avoiding RACE traffic is a good thing to do.

 

[Goofy4Disney]

Ugh.... we did this one year. It was also Spring Break and you talk about traffic!!!!!! A 6 hr drive bacame 15 hrs!!!!! Yeah, no kidding. I can't remember which way my DH ended up getting home, but you can bet the traffic will be horrific! Don't be surprised if you literally "sit" bumper to bumper for an hour or two before being able to find an exit! Yes, definitely take an alternate route and plan it that way from the get-go!

 

[jcodespoti]

Sunday will be the worst day, and all of sunday will be bad. People will leave very early in the morning (before 5 am). to get to the track. Friday and saturday will be no picnic either. My advice is to join the crowd, and go to the great american race!!

Joe in CT

 

[localdriver]

Sunday will be the worst day, and all of sunday will be bad. People will leave very early in the morning (before 5 am). to get to the track. Friday and saturday will be no picnic either. My advice is to join the crowd, and go to the great american race!!

Joe in CT

I live here, if you are going to any of the races (Thurs thru Sun), leave early for the track...very early.

If you are NOT going to the races, avoid the Daytona area as mentioned above.

 

[SomePixiedust]

Thanks for all of your responses, I will definitely avoid the area. If DH had his way, we would head right for Daytona and not a mile further

 

[stevepete]

We'll be driving down the same weekend. How much longer (if at all) is it to take I-10 to I-75 on a regular day?

 

[PURTYPAT1]

What is the date for Daytona 500?

 

[Tandyc]

How will the races affect WDW crowds? We have friends staying in Daytona and the DW is heading to WDW. Will her car ride take extra long also? ANy tips on how th get to WDW quickly at this busy time?


Thanks

 

[SomePixiedust]

The actual "Daytona 500" is on Sunday Feb 19, but there are also events and races all week long before that. It probably shouldn't take any longer to get from Daytona to Disney, it just getting to/passed Daytona to get to I4 that is the problem.

Any other suggestions on alternate routes are greatly appreciated!

 

[SomePixiedust]

another shameless bump Does anyone have any other input or experience on an alternate route?