US Driving

[pbestford]

Hi there,
I originally posted this in one of the other areas and was advised to post here also.
This will be our third time visiting the US from the UK but the first actually driving I shall probably only drive from Sanford airport to the accommodation (Silver Lake Resort on Black Lake Road) and back again with, perhaps, a couple of trips to Publix during the week.
Does anyone have any tips for a first timer? Are there any UK drivers out there who can add anything?
I'd be grateful for any ideas/tips.
Thanks.
Alison

 

[XStAnt]

Don't forget to drive on the right side of the road. Sorry, couldn't resist the snide comment .

 

[seashoreCM]

Many car rental agencies require that non-citizens purchase the collision coverage. Check the "policies" of the agency before booking.

Avoid Hotwire, Priceline and the like. You have no way of knowing how much more the insurance and other coverages cost and they may be so high as to outweigh the savings compared with making a direct reservation with a differnt rental agency.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[pbestford]

Not sure whether I'm supposed to be amused or not........ I'll do my best not to forget that piece of information!

 

[pbestford]

I can't remember off hand who the car rental is with but I know I've taken out every type of insurance cover available to me Just in case I drive on the wrong side of the road I guess.......! ;-)
Thanks.
Alison

 

[Goofyish]

Hi Alison,

The two on-site car rental companies at Sanford are Dollar and Alamo (I think).

Have you tried asking this question on the UK Trip Planning Board, there are loads of Brits. there who have a lot of experience of driving in Florida. Most will tell you it's a pleasent experience - probably easier than driving on UKs busy, over crowded roads

I'm not sure where your final destination is (I'm guesing it's near Kissimmee). There are two routes you can take from Sanford - the Interstate 4 or the Florida Greenway toll road.
The I-4 can get busy at peak times, so the Florida Greenway may be the bettter option (you can also ask for directions at the toll booths). Make sure you have some change or at least some Dollar bills handy.

Here's a few little tips:

Do not park within 10 Feet of a Fire Hydrant.
You must park on the right (Your Car must never face the traffic).
Never park in front of red or yellow painted curbs, these are reserved for emergency vehicles.
Never park on a white line at a Bus Stop.
Remember where you left your car! Especially in the Theme park Car Parks as they are HUGE.

You should have no problem with drving on the wrong side of the road, just be careful at intersections (junctions).

 

[XStAnt]

Alison,

It was meant as a joke. I didn't mean any offense; it's been a long day at work.

 

[pbestford]

Hi XStAnt,
I know There was none taken. It'd been a pretty tough day here too.

Goofyfish,
Thanks for that. I didn't think of the UK board. I'll go there now.
Yes, we're staying close to Kissimmee the first week and then 'backtracking' to accommodation nearer I Drive the second.
My husband recently lost his license for medical reasons and is convinced we should have taken a taxi instead of me driving! Typical male driver

Alison