Whats the traffic like?

[TraceyDisney2008]

This is the first time we have rented a van and I am wondering how the traffic is around the airport and the Disney area, what is the speed limit?
I am a little nervous because I have never driven a van and I am also worried about toll booths.

 

[a1tinkfans]

When I used Alamo they gave an option of adding that "pass thingy" to avoid the cash tolls, thus saving some time....not sure when you are traveling ..season, time of day etc...but its easy from mco to Disney properties...I think you'll be fine...just take it nice and easy..have a great trip!

 

[DCTooTall]

Traffic in the airport and Disney area can vary a lot depending upon the time of year and the time of day. It might also help if we had a better idea of where you were from in so much that we might be able to better gage what you are used to as far as traffic. (Obviously, Traffic in places like Atlanta is going to be much different that traffic in Gettysburg, PA).


That being said, Traffic between the airport and Disney isn't too bad. The signs and interchanges are also very well marked out and so you don't have to worry about accidently missing your exit.

Tolls, I think there is like a $.50 toll between the airport and I-4, so if you have even $1 on you after your flight, you'll be fine. Your rental car agency will likely offer a pass, but they often charge you a base fee per day to use the pass, plus the tolls incurred. The $7 charge to use the pass may not be a big deal on days you are making the trip to the space coast, but on a day when your only toll would be a $.50 charge to get to the airport, it makes less sense.

 

[TraceyDisney2008]

Thanx, I am from Canada and live an hour outside Toronto so I ocasionally drive in heavy traffic I will make sure to have small bills and change on me for the tolls. We are going at the begining of October so I am going to assume it shouldn't be too busy.

 

[richmo]

If you're heading to the Disney area from MCO, you'll find there will be less traffic by taking the Greeneway (FL-417) to WDW than taking the Bee Line/Beachline (FL-528), especially at rush hour.

To use 417, use the airport's South exit, for 528 use the airport's North exit.

 

[Uncleromulus]

The only "problem" you'll likely encounter is just getting out of the Rental Car lot and into the correct lane to get you out of the airport and en route to WDW.

 

[Detailor]

The roadway that goes around the terminal building and to the various exit roads from the airport can be a bit confusing for a first-timer, such as yourself. There's usually a fair amount of traffic merging in from the left or right. So I think it would be a good idea to decide in advance whether you're going to take the north exit (SR 528) or the south exit (SR 417) from the airport. FWIW, I think it's easier to take the north exit at night because it's a much more direct route from the airport to 528 and easier to see where you're going in the dark.
Though SR 417 would give you a more direct route into the heart of Disney property.

Take a look at the maps at the airport's website (http://www.orlandoairports.net/transport/directions.htm). At least for me, having a general idea of where I'm going makes a new location a little easier to navigate.

Dick Taylor

 

[clkelley]

For me the 417 is a MUCH better road!! Plus that is the road the DME buses take. So you most likely will be able to follow a DME bus the whole way in.

There is probably about $2 - $3 worth of tolls.

 

[Magicbus]

For me the 417 is a MUCH better road!

Absolutely, South exit, 417, follow the signs to WDW. Even Canadians can do it.

 

[cjb-nc]

If I remember correctly, the tools on both the north and south routes are about $2-$2.50 one way. You'll hit the booths along the way rather than at the on and off ramps. They've worked to get the booths off to the side to let the commuters with passes stay on the highway... no problem. Just follow the signs. The booths on the highway usually have real people who can make change.

If you take an exit in-between, be prepared with coins: those booths are mostly automated and only take coins. We tend to take the south route and sometimes take the Orange Blossom Tr. exit for grocery and/or Target shopping, so I know that exit has a coin-only toll.

If you want to avoid the tolls completely, and you have a GPS, take the south exit from the airport, go past the south tollway and have your GPS direct you through Kissimmee to 192. I've never tried it without a guide, and it takes 2-3 times longer, but it is an option to save a couple bucks, or if your plans involve a stop in Kissimmee. (I know where to find the Krystal burger, and my wife has to stop at the Mouse Memories scrapbook store, so it all works out. )

 

[VAN]

Take the South exit from the airport and then hop on the 417 tollway. Just have some bills and quarters with you.

We normally will get off at the John Young Parkway (exit 10) for a grocery stop on our way ... there is a Publix off that exit ... then get back on and proceed to WDW. Since we stay at Pop Century we will go to Exit 3 before exiting, thus avoiding some traffic that we might have to go through on Exit 6.