Driving To WDW - 417 Toll vs. I-4

[steamboat willy]

Just curious how many of you Drivers Down To Disney use the 417 Toll (Central Florida Greeneway) that by-passes Orlando or do you stay on I-4 for the trip through Orlando?
We started using this road several trips ago and have really enjoyed missing the Orlando traffic.

It's only $6.00 bucks and you drive straight through and come out at the entrance to Walt Disney World. I guess if your staying on Disney Property it's a win win.

What do you do?

[big blue and hairy]

When I lived in Myrtle Beach and Daytona, I always took 417. It is just so much easier. It is a little longer in miles, but it is less stressful and I-4 in Orlando is in need of work.

Keep in mind the Fl Turnpike is cashless as of 2/19. You can buy a Sunpass or be billed by plate. I'm not sure if you have to do anything to be billed by plate, since I have a Sunpass. Last I knew you could buy a Sunpass cheap version for $5. Check out the website.

[brivers222]

We come from Detroit, Mi... i always take I75 to the Florida turnpike to I-4 to Disney...

$3 on the turnpike

***didn't know about the NO CASH on the turnpikes anymore... perhaps i no i have to look at more non-tolled rolls on my way

[steamboat willy]

From NC we travel down I-95 to I-4 and then catch SR 417 to WDW, where do you pick up Fl Turnpike? and do you by pass Orlando traffic?

[brivers222]

From NC we travel down I-95 to I-4 and then catch SR 417 to WDW, where do you pick up Fl Turnpike? and do you by pass Orlando traffic?

actually i am looking now and it appears we are on opposite sides of the state coming down... disregard my statment about the turnpike...

I have never had a problem with traffic on I4 but to be honest i have always made a point to not going during peak times. (if there is such a thing down there anymore)


I am totally confused how to use a sunpass... i have always paid cash, so this is something i need to take into consideration now going down there in december.

[magicofdisney]

Driving down from north of Disney I take I75 to the Turnpike (exit 328). On the Turnpike I take exit 267A (SR429-Western Beltway). On SR429 I take exit 8 to an entrance of WDW. Coming through the entrance you can see Expedition Everest Mountain peak.

Additionally, on a clear day, there is an overpass on SR429 that allows you to see Spaceship Earth, Cinderella Castle, the Contemporary Resort and a few other Disney landmarks.

Through this website I discovered this route a few years ago. It shaves a good 30min off my driving time.

NOTE: There is one toll on the Turnpike and one toll on SR429. I have Sunpass so I'm not sure the exact amount but I think it's around $3 total, one way.

[brivers222]

How long do the portable sunpasses usually work. I live in Michigan and go like once every 2 years. I don't want the mini one because i am not sure what car i will be taking down.

i am guessing the $10 minimum funding of the sunpass would get me there and back (cause right now its $6 round trip on the turnpike with cash... Then i can just reload in a few years... right?

[MississippiDisneyFreak]

We went 429 last trip and I think it was about $2 and there was virtually no traffic....

[magicofdisney]

Sunpass is a handy option if you travel toll roads to Disney, often.

There are two types of Sunpass. One cost $25 and is movable. The other cost $4.99 (with $4.99 credits after activation) so it's essentially free. The cheaper version is permanent. It's a sticker, like a decal, that is placed on your windshield, near your rear-view mirror. Since it's permanent, you'll need a new one if you get another vehicle.

They both have their advantages. We have both for our vehicles. With our initial purchase, the cheaper version was not available. Now my husband has the decal version on his car. The movable version can go from car to car as long as the tag number is registered with Sunpass.

Another advantage of Sunpass is airport parking. I'm not sure this would apply to anyone on this thread, but it's made our life easier.

[brivers222]

Sunpass is a handy option if you travel toll roads to Disney, often.

There are two types of Sunpass. One cost $25 and is movable. The other cost $4.99 (with $4.99 credits after activation) so it's essentially free. The cheaper version is permanent. It's a sticker, like a decal, that is placed on your windshield, near your rear-view mirror. Since it's permanent, you'll need a new one if you get another vehicle.

They both have their advantages. We have both for our vehicles. With our initial purchase, the cheaper version was not available. Now my husband has the decal version on his car. The movable version can go from car to car as long as the tag number is registered with Sunpass.

Another advantage of Sunpass is airport parking. I'm not sure this would apply to anyone on this thread, but it's made our life easier.

Because we don't go very often i might just do the Pay-by-plate thingy... It will be like $5.50 each way with the $2.50 per invoice charge... It will take a few years to get up to the $35 to buy the pass.

[brivers222]

actually this Pay per plate thingy only affects southern florida toll roads at this time... the northern turnpike from I75 to I4 remains unchanged...

The Turnpike plans the first conversion to all-electronic open road tolling on the southern 47 miles of the Turnpike, from U.S. 1 in Florida City to the Miami-Dade/Broward County line . Construction began this fall, and the conversion will happen on Febuary 19, 2011. Click here for more details about this project.

[joonyer]

From the I-4/417 interchange to Epcot Center Dr. it is 35.5 miles, staying on I-4.

If you use 417, the distance to Epcot center Dr. is 53.6 miles. 18 miles further.

There is probably less traffic on 417, but unless it is rush hour, using it probably won't save you any driving time.

[steamboat willy]

From the I-4/417 interchange to Epcot Center Dr. it is 35.5 miles, staying on I-4.

If you use 417, the distance to Epcot center Dr. is 53.6 miles. 18 miles further.

There is probably less traffic on 417, but unless it is rush hour, using it probably won't save you any driving time.

Thank you Joonyer, that's what I was trying to get! Willy

[big blue and hairy]

From NC we travel down I-95 to I-4 and then catch SR 417 to WDW, where do you pick up Fl Turnpike? and do you by pass Orlando traffic?

417 is part of the turnpike system, so I think they will go cashless too.

[big blue and hairy]

After looking at the Fl Turnpike website, you can probably disregard the cashless part. It appears to be only in Miami-Dade County.

[Goofy4TheWorld]

Driving down from north of Disney I take I75 to the Turnpike (exit 328). On the Turnpike I take exit 267A (SR429-Western Beltway). On SR429 I take exit 8 to an entrance of WDW.

You absolutely cannot beat this route. I bumped into a friend at WDW in 2007 who said I just had to try this new road when I leave, and boy am I soooo glad I did. I have seen Orlando for the last time! SR429 is nothing but 4 lanes of median-divided asphalt with fields and sewer lagoons on either side of the road.

Coming through the entrance you can see Expedition Everest Mountain peak.

Additionally, on a clear day, there is an overpass on SR429 that allows you to see Spaceship Earth, Cinderella Castle, the Contemporary Resort and a few other Disney landmarks.

I get goosebumps every time I think about that stretch where you can see the Castle, BLT & CR, and EE. I think I love that sight better than the Welcome signs.

There is one toll on the Turnpike and one toll on SR429. I have Sunpass so I'm not sure the exact amount but I think it's around $3 total, one way.

$2.50 on the FL Turnpike, $1.25 on SR429. Best money you will spend at Disney!

[Ed]

From the I-4/417 interchange to Epcot Center Dr. it is 35.5 miles, staying on I-4.

If you use 417, the distance to Epcot center Dr. is 53.6 miles. 18 miles further.

There is probably less traffic on 417, but unless it is rush hour, using it probably won't save you any driving time.

I disagree.

All it takes is one minor fender bender on I-4 to cause massive backups, regardless of the time of day.

At least on 417 there are wide medians and shoulders where disabled vehicles can be relocated, or can be used for traffic to move around them - - not always an option on I-4.

[brivers222]

You absolutely cannot beat this route. I bumped into a friend at WDW in 2007 who said I just had to try this new road when I leave, and boy am I soooo glad I did. I have seen Orlando for the last time! SR429 is nothing but 4 lanes of median-divided asphalt with fields and sewer lagoons on either side of the road.



I get goosebumps every time I think about that stretch where you can see the Castle, BLT & CR, and EE. I think I love that sight better than the Welcome signs.


$2.50 on the FL Turnpike, $1.25 on SR429. Best money you will spend at Disney!

I am definitely going to try this route in december!

[Donalds Duckie]

Thanks for the Sunpass info. I'm definitely buying Sunpass for our drive to WDW from Texas in May.

[RBrooksC]

I already pay for an EZ Pass, which is used extensively in the NE.

Do the rental car companies give an option for the Sunpass? I really resent having the purchase that gadget since I am only using it for my trip from and to the airport.