Who has driven from Chicago area to FL?

[Minnie824]

I was all set to drive thru Indianapolis, but now I'm wondering if we should drive thru IL instead? Has anyone driven either or both of these ways and know which is faster and/or easier drive? We'll be driving w/4yo and 1.5 yo, so we want to get there as quickly and easily as possible.

 

[phlufster]

I have driven from WI to FL more times than I can count. I recommend going through IL. WE went through Indy once on accident and I will never do it again! I think it is shorter to go through IL too. Just stay on the main highways, I tried to take a shortcut once and I ended up on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere!

 

[FINFAN]

We drove down Christmas of '03....thru Illinois. Seems like you are in Il FOREVER, but then you zip thru KY/TN. Technically it is more miles to go thru Il over IN, but it was a far less stressful drive to us, and really some pretty parts to see. We did have great weather, which made it nice...our kids are older tho and we had the Game Cube hooked up and portable DVD player. We stopped several times. We got a later start than planned...finally hit the raod at 6 a.m. and pulled into Acworth , Ga (just N of Atlanta )about 8 p.m. We planned on stopping there for a good nights sleep, chance to shower etc at night to hit the road EARLY the next day, pulled into WDW about 5 pm. We stopped at the Ocala welcome center and ate lunch, played a little football, etc, so we are not the best to judge on time, but we really like that route better than Indy. Took the same way home, but again, Il is one LONG state!


Pam

 

[crz4mm2]

We've driven both ways too and I like the IL way better also.

It just seemed quicker ( it really wasn't, but seemed like it was).

Have a great trip!

 

[CathrynRose]

I was all set to drive thru Indianapolis, but now I'm wondering if we should drive thru IL instead? Has anyone driven either or both of these ways and know which is faster and/or easier drive? We'll be driving w/4yo and 1.5 yo, so we want to get there as quickly and easily as possible.

I disagree completly with the other posters.... I prefer Indy, to IL. Illinois is incredibly boring - PLUS it just feels so good to be in "State #1" on your way to WDW.

PLUS - a handy tip for those of us whom have an ever so slight lead foot ....INDY has less cop'pers, AND their speeding tickets cost less.

 

[tinaluis]

Another vote for the IL route. A lot less traffic (especially around Indianapolis) and much less stressful.

 

[The U]

we moved here from south of chicago, and we visit sometimes. it's I-55 to I-57 to memphis everytime. illinois and indiana are equally boring to drive through.

 

[crz4mm2]

Have to disagree about the cops. Last Indiana trip there were MANY more cops and speed traps in Indiana...... But it was a holiday weekend. Once we hit IL it was smooth sailing

 

[PrincessCandaceMarie]

Have to disagree about the cops. Last Indiana trip there were MANY more cops and speed traps in Indiana...... But it was a holiday weekend. Once we hit IL it was smooth sailing

That's right! And less construction in IL too....and not as congested with trucks!!!

 

[LvsTnk]

I drove straight thru to FL. this summer. First time just me and the kids. I used the Indy route because I had just been to Nashville a month earlier and was comfortable with it. We stayed the night there on the way back. Took just about 19 hours.

One question for those who go thru IL. Are their plenty of gas stations and restaurants on the way? I just got back from a trip to Montana and boy you had better fill up when you see a staion or you could be in for trouble.

 

[OhMari]

If you get nervous around semi's, I65 through IN is loaded with them. Otherwise take I65, the bi-pass around Indy and go over to I75 and down to FL. I couldn't believe all the semi's on I65.

We once took IL all the way down and it felt like forever and yes there are a lot of gas stations with resturants in them, like Subway, Mcdonalds, etc. My kids said, "so this is what flatlanders look like". We left WI at 8:00 a.m. and got in Bowling Green KY at 6:00 p.m., you could probably just cut off 3 hours of this time, cause we are 3 hours north of you.

 

[WDWLVR]

We've done both and I don't think we will ever go through IN again. The route through IL might be a little longer milage wise, but it is a much nicer ride.