I-4 through Orlando on Saturday

[bethian]

Hi Guys - heading to WDW on Saturday 2/23 from NC. Planning to leave home ~ 3am so will get there early afternoon. I have read a few posts recommending the toll road from Sanford to avoid Orlando traffic...wondering if that should be a problem on a Saturday?? Any experiences there?

[Strmchsr]

In general I haven't had problems with Orlando traffic on Saturdays. I wouldn't have a problem with I-4.

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

I agree ... you should be fine on a Saturday.

[Goofy4TheWorld]

Saturday or not, I would avoid Orlando no matter what. I take SR429 (a toll road) and it is the least stressful stretch of road I travel for my 586 mile trip.

You come into the park from what I call the back door of wdw via Western Way and it puts you in dead center of the property. Saturday or not, one fender bender on Orlando I-4 and it can turn into gridlock.

I am not sure if SR429 is out of the way for a traveler from NC but whatever toll road is closest sure beats I-4 IMHO.

[SandmanGStefani24]

Only gone through Orlando and I-4 once, and it was on a thurs after watching the Duel at Daytona race. Hit downtown right at rush hour, and even though it was backed up, it wasn't what I'd call awful. I have been in many cities where it was significantly worse. (like right here in TX. what are we doing here??!)

Any other time you should do ok...

[PETE FROM NYC]

We have never arrived on Saturday, but have left that day with no problems except one day with torrential rain. But a breakdown or accident can and will screw up any main road.

[Piglet822]

429 is accessed off the Florida Turnpike. Coming from the Carolina's 417 is the toll road off I-4.
As someone else mentioned, it doesn't take much to mess up traffic on I-4, a breakdown, accident, raincloud, something at the Amway Center all influence traffic behavior in the area.
If you don't mind the extra tolls I would take 417. It's a prettier ride and you might get to see some alligators when you go over Lake Jesup!

[Renfairwedding]

Saturday or not, I would avoid Orlando no matter what. I take SR429 (a toll road) and it is the least stressful stretch of road I travel for my 586 mile trip.

You come into the park from what I call the back door of wdw via Western Way and it puts you in dead center of the property. Saturday or not, one fender bender on Orlando I-4 and it can turn into gridlock.

I am not sure if SR429 is out of the way for a traveler from NC but whatever toll road is closest sure beats I-4 IMHO.

I even took the step in getting my own sunpass. It was so easy!