Advice on driving I-95 from NC to Disney

[csmith157]

We will be driving to Disney this trip leaving on a Thursday afternoon. We are going to Savannah first to spend 2 nights and will be driving from there to WDW on a Saturday, planning to arrive around lunchtime. Given we are coming in on a Saturday, should we take I-4all the way into Orlando, or get off of I-4 around Sanford and take FL-417 instead?

Any other options? I just don't want ot sit on I-4 if it is going to be a parking lot.

Any other advice for the trip on I-95? We have never driven before.

Thanks,
Connie

[DVC Mike]

Hmmm, I'm interested in responses to this as well. We have always flown to WDW and will be driving down for the very first time on Saturday, Sept 29.

[Flower]

We have driven down many times and have never had a problem on the I-4.

[WedWay Peoplemover]

Honestly, I'd just go ahead and stick with I-4

If you're arriving around lunchtime, (barring a major hiccup like an accident or something)...

it really shouldn't be a problem.

The expressways around Orlando are usually fine with the exception of 8-11 and 4-7 M-F.

and most importantly, Have Fun Central Florida style!!

[WedWay Peoplemover]

Oh and as for "other advice" for driving...


Plan a potty break for Lake Mary/Heathrow.... (north of Orlando) most exits past there are very inconvenient for quick potty stops!!! and this puts you about 45 minutes from Walt Disney World.

[big blue and hairy]

I would definitely take 417. No matter the time of day or time of year, I-4 is very busy through Orlando. If there is an accident, you'll just be sitting. 417 is a great alternate route. I've taken it every time since I found it!'

:sulley:

[CleveSJM]

I think I4 will be fine on a Saturday late morning.

Anytime during the week (6a-9pm), I would take 417. It'll take about 20 minutes longer but it'll be a low stress 20 minutes.

[goofyfan4466]

good to know!

[WRWDisney]

One other thought. When we drove down last month, I thought I was being smart and got gas before I got to Disney World (somewhere off I-4, before Orlando). Huge mistake. Gas at the Hess stations on properrty wasa about $0.30/gallon cheaper.

Just something to keep in mind:thumbsup:

[krose78]

Get gas at the last exit in GA or if you are stopping in Savannah maybe there. Gas is cheaper in GA, usually. Also before you leave to go home gas up on property cheaper than off.

[BrerSchultzy]

And make sure you have some interesting CDs or tapes to listen to...the drive on I-95 through NC and SC is one of the most boring drives known to mankind! No wonder South of the Border still gets customers....it's just nice to see ANY sign of civilization.

[Chrisx2]

We drive all the time from NC. It's a pretty easy drive. As you are arriving on a Saturday, I would stick with I-4. And I agree with whoever said to stop at Lake Mary if you need to stop.

Another nice diversion is the outlet store near St. Augustine. I think it is at exit 318. There are two outlet malls across from each other across I-95. The one that looks like a indoor mall (as opposed to a strip mall) has a Character Premiere outlet store in it. Some stuff is the same as the parks but we usually always find some pretty good deals!:mickey:

[csmith157]

Thanks! We are driving from Raleigh with a 3 1/2 year old, so it's good to know where to stop. We may have to hit the outlet mall. It may be a good diversion after being in the car.

Connie

[csmith157]

Christina - It looks like we will be there the same time as you. We check in on 9/22 and are supposed to check out on 9/29. I am trying to convince hubby to stay one more day so I can go to the F&W festival.

Connie

[Chrisx2]

Well, howdy neighbor! You're not that far from me and yet we will be at WDW at the same time. :mickey:

The F&W festival is wonderful! It's the reason we are staying until Monday. The booths will all be open on the 28th (Friday) so you could check it out then.

[PAMOUSELOVER]

Just returned Monday from driving.
I would do it again. We drove down from Pa.
on sat Aug. 25th at 4am. We did not hit any traffic till we reached N.C. on I-95.
S.C had the cheapest gas that we bought at $2.47 a gallon.We also filled up at the Hess on WDW property before leaving at $2.59 a gallon which was cheap compared to the $2.70 in Palm Coast Fla. on the way down.
We drove straight through till Lake Mary Fla. and stayed at a La Quinta for the night and drove to WDW the next day. It only took us about 25 mins. to reach CBR.
Any more ?'s pm me!:mickey:
Have a safe trip!

[PAMOUSELOVER]

Forgot to say I-4 is under constrtuion what else is new! We got stuck in a thunder storm and were unable to pull over, due to no shoulder.

[SteveL]

Take the 417 Greenway. It is well worth the tolls. Going through Orlando on I-4 is always a pain.