Urgh...trying to get from MCO to WDW during rush hour

[branv]

I just realized that the flight we want to book for our upcoming trip will put us into MCO at 3:45 pm. Add in waiting for luggage and retrieving the rental car, and we're closer to 4:15 departure from MCO. Since we've always arrived earlier, I have no experience with rush hour in Orlando, but in every city I've lived that time of day is already ugly on the freeways.

How bad is it typically going from MCO to WDW (specifically, CR) during that time? We've always taken 528 & 4, so I'm absolutely clueless as to what my other options are. I can see on maps that there is a south exit to the airport, and wonder if that is a better option? I assume it's as easy to find this exit as it is the north one, once you leave the parking garage?

And just to make things more complicated, any tips for an easy (well, easier anyway) place to stop to pick up a few supplies? I do remember that even in the middle of the day the roads (err...535?) around there are insane, I shudder to imagine what it's like during rush hour.

Thank you!

 

[monarchsfan16]

Use 417. We arrived at MCO just before 4 on a Friday (Aug 6). By the time we had the luggage and rental car it was closing in on 5. Traffic on 417 was a non-issue. There's an exit off of that for International Dr. You can take a right onto International, drive a couple miles, take a left onto Vineland and Publix is right there. Or, you can go straight at the light when you get off at International Dr, and then take a left at the next light onto 535. Walmart is a couple miles down the road. Disney is just past the intersection with 535 (straight through that light).

 

[laughinplace199]

For years now we have taken 417 from the airport and I've never encountered any traffic on that road.

 

[shoes99]

I also agree to take 417. Take the airport south exit and follow the signs. Avoid I4 during rush hour.

 

[DebbieB]

Agree - I've never seen traffic on 417. I-4 on the other hand...........

Just follow the directions for the south exit out of the airport. Then take the ramp to 417 south. Go through 2 tolls (1.25 each?) and take exit 6. Keep going straight, that will take you under the arches by Downtown Disney. I would keep going straight, pass Epcot and that will take you out to World Drive.

 

[skelooch]

By all means use the south exit to RT417, 528/I4 could be a zoo at that time.

Another option to a Publix is take exit 3 Oceola Pkwy exit off 417, at bottom of ramp take a right, at the next light (International Drive S) take a left, there is a Publix approx 3/4 mile on left just after going under highway.

 

[n2mm]

For years now we have taken 417 from the airport and I've never encountered any traffic on that road.

Add us to this list. You pay the toll to avoid the rush hour traffic. It's not an issue at all. We have come in all times of the day and night and all days of the week and never encountered any heavy traffic.

 

[branv]

Wow, you guys are great, especially how you even know the exit numbers! When I give directions to my own house, I'm like "Errr, yeah, take the first freeway exit after the DQ."

Printing the thread now. Thanks again!

 

[DebbieB]

Wow, you guys are great, especially how you even know the exit numbers! When I give directions to my own house, I'm like "Errr, yeah, take the first freeway exit after the DQ."

Printing the thread now. Thanks again!

Can you tell we've been there a few times?

 

[clkelley]

I spent a good part of Jan, Feb, and March working and staying at a hotel on the OTHER side of Orlando (near UCF), and many an evening I left my office between 4 and 5pm and hopped on 417 all the way to WDW (about 38 miles) and saw VERY little traffic.