Which route better from MCO?

[sand2270]

This will be my first time renting a car in MCO and driving to WDW. We are planning on making a stop at the Winn Dixie (at 11957 S Apopka Vineland Rd) near WDW before we go to our hotel, Port Orleans.

I already mapped out the directions from MCO to Winn Dixie and it has me taking the SR 528 to I4 South. I am looking at Mousesavers and it recommends taking the SR 417 because you can get stuck in traffic on the SR 528. Looking at the map it looks like we would have to backtrack a little to Winn Dixie if we do this.

My question is if I take the SR 417 is it really that much of a time saver? If it is I'll find a different grocery store location. I don't care about the tolls, more concerned with saving time getting there.

I should add we arrive on a Thursday at 5:30pm.

Thanks, hope this makes sense.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

TOLL 528 (Beachline Expressway) is accessed using the airport's NORTH exit. It is prone to delays during morning and evening rush hour but otherwise runs smoothly. You merge onto I-4 for the final few miles to the SR 535 exit (EXIT #68). That section of I-4 can be busy too during peak periods.

TOLL 417 (Central Florida Greeneway) is accessed using the airport's SOUTH exit. I have never seen a delay on that road; it carries far less traffic. It might save you a few minutes but not a lot. Use EXIT #6 (SR 536), proceed ahead to the 2nd traffic light which is SR 535, turn right and that will take you under I-4 and directly to your Winn-Dixie. Or you could turn left at SR 535, go one mile and there is a Wal-Mart supercenter on your right.

BobK/Orlando

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

My family and I have taken both routes to WDW and we think 528 - Interstate 4 is a lot better.

 

[sand2270]

Thanks for the responses

 

[DebbieB]

I always take the south exit to 417, there is never any traffic. I-4 can be a mess sometimes.

 

[bamor]

If you go to www.allearsnet.com and type directions in the search function, you can print detailed directions including a grocery stop which is directly on the way (Super Target). We always follow these, there is never any backup/trafffic.

 

[NancyIL]

I MUCH prefer taking the south exit and 417. I have been in back-ups on I-4.

 

[mom2of2]

any particular reason you want Winn Dixie? they are pretty nasty down here

 

[DebbieB]

This will be my first time renting a car in MCO and driving to WDW. We are planning on making a stop at the Winn Dixie (at 11957 S Apopka Vineland Rd) near WDW before we go to our hotel, Port Orleans.

I already mapped out the directions from MCO to Winn Dixie and it has me taking the SR 528 to I4 South. I am looking at Mousesavers and it recommends taking the SR 417 because you can get stuck in traffic on the SR 528. Looking at the map it looks like we would have to backtrack a little to Winn Dixie if we do this.

My question is if I take the SR 417 is it really that much of a time saver? If it is I'll find a different grocery store location. I don't care about the tolls, more concerned with saving time getting there.

I should add we arrive on a Thursday at 5:30pm.

Thanks, hope this makes sense.

Using 417, you would get off at exit 6 and turn right on 535. It's a mile or 2 down the road from there. Not really backtracking.

any particular reason you want Winn Dixie? they are pretty nasty down here

I've been to the one the OP mentioned (near Crossroads), it's a newer store and not bad.

 

[clkelley]

I was in Orlando for work a BUNCH earlier this year. I was working/staying over by UCF, so did a lot of back and forth to the parks when I could. I tried lots of different routes and found the 417 to be much nicer!!

 

[NancyIL]

I was in Orlando for work a BUNCH earlier this year. I was working/staying over by UCF, so did a lot of back and forth to the parks when I could. I tried lots of different routes and found the 417 to be much nicer!!

I would much rather drive on a highway with 2 or 3 lanes on each side (417) than 4 or 5 lanes (I-4).

**WARNING if you get off 417 at exit 3: it has an un-manned toll booth. The first time I got off at that exit, I didn't have one coin to my name! I had visions of getting a $100 ticket in the mail because I didn't have a quarter (now 50 cents)!

 

[cranbiz]

any particular reason you want Winn Dixie? they are pretty nasty down here

Maybe your Winn Dixie is nasty but mine is fairly new and many times has decent deals.

 

[NancyIL]

Maybe your Winn Dixie is nasty but mine is fairly new and many times has decent deals.

My mom always preferred Publix to Winn Dixie.

 

[dj2]

i vote for the south road - nicer than the north.
and publix is way nicer than winn-dixie.

 

[sand2270]

If you go to www.allearsnet.com and type directions in the search function, you can print detailed directions including a grocery stop which is directly on the way (Super Target). We always follow these, there is never any backup/trafffic.

Thanks, I was on mapquest mapping out the routes that way. I'll take a look at allears.

any particular reason you want Winn Dixie?

I've been to the one the OP mentioned (near Crossroads), it's a newer store and not bad.

No particular reason. I wanted to find a grocery store close and both the Unofficial Guide and Mousesavers mentioned Winn Dixie and Publix. Looking for basic items...water, soda, breakfast items. When I mapped them out it looked like Winn Dixie might be easier to get to. However, having never driven in the Disney area before I don't really know. If it turns out taking the 417 is better and the more convenient store is Publix (or Super Target) than I will do that.

 

[sand2270]

Using 417, you would get off at exit 6 and turn right on 535. It's a mile or 2 down the road from there. Not really backtracking.

good to know thanks.

I would much rather drive on a highway with 2 or 3 lanes on each side (417) than 4 or 5 lanes (I-4).

**WARNING if you get off 417 at exit 3: it has an un-manned toll booth. The first time I got off at that exit, I didn't have one coin to my name! I had visions of getting a $100 ticket in the mail because I didn't have a quarter (now 50 cents)!

Thanks, I am planning on bringing plenty of change for any tolls we may hit

 

[sand2270]

If you go to www.allearsnet.com and type directions in the search function, you can print detailed directions including a grocery stop which is directly on the way (Super Target). We always follow these, there is never any backup/trafffic.

I just checked this out, thanks for the tip! Love it, not only gives you the directions from the airport to your hotel but also lists the grocery stops underneath it. I had no idea that was available before, how useful is that!

 

[chefmb]

Just found this thread after searching for tolls, and then I found the link for allears and the directions search. Never new allears had this feature!! This is great! Thanks! The tolls are listed so I know exactly how much I need, and the food store stop is there too. How useful is that!!!