Directions to Tuscan Ridge

[pauline]

I am waiting on directions from the villa owner but would appreciate any other suggestions in case I do not understand them as I have never driven in US before.

Thanks

[Nostromo]

Actually, Tuscan Ridge is one of the easier Villa Communities to get to, even though the drive might seem a long one.

Since you say that you have never driven in the US before, a few tips might help. First off, it is a doddle compared to the UK, even though you are driving on the 'wrong' side of the road. One important thing is to spend a few minutes familiarising yourself with the controls as soon as you have picked the car up. Also, keep about $4 change in QUARTERS for the inevitable toll booths on the airport roads.

You have not specified the airport you will be arriving, but the following directions are from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Tuscan Ridge. As a new US driver, I suggest you use the SOUTH EXIT out of the airport. To do this, as you drive out of the airport carefully follow the RED SOUTH EXIT SIGNS to SR417. It is simple to start with, but you must watch carefully as you reach SR417 itself; you need SR417 - SOUTH and this is a right turn from the road that you'll be travelling (while carrying on straight takes you along SR417 North). Once you are on SR417 SOUTH, you can relax completely and keep carrying on that road till it ends at the Interstate-4. SR417 joins I-4 at the latter's Exit 63 and you need to follow signs that say 'I-4 West'. Carry on on I-4 West till its Exit 55 where you should leave the Interstate following signs to US27 North. Once you get on to US27 North, Tuscan Ridge is about 3 miles further on your left and clearly signposted.

Hope that this helps. Have a good trip.

[Beverley]

Hi Pauline,

These are the directions that we send to our guests, nobody has got lost yet!

ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Choose the north exit from Orlando International to enter 528 (west)
Follow 528 towards Orlando.

After passing through two tolls, choose the left lane to enter I-4 (west).
Follow I-4 to exit 55 and enter Highway 27 (north).
After about 3 miles you will find "Tuscan Ridge" on your left.

ORLANDO SANFORD AIRPORT (North west of Orlando)

Choose the north exit to enter Lake Mary Blvd (west). Follow Lake Mary Blvd. for about 8 miles and enter I-4 (west).

Follow I-4 (west) to exit 55 and enter Highway 27 (north).

When you are a little more familiar with the area, try exit 58 on the I-4.

This exit takes you through Champions Gate to Route 54 where you turn right and continue for approximately 1 mile to the junction with Highway 27(Walgreens on the corner).

Turn right onto Highway 27 and look for "Tuscan Ridge" on your left.

Have a great time.

[Nostromo]

Since Pauline said that she had never driven in the US before, I felt that the South Exit out of MCO would be preferable. The North Exit - Beeline Expressway route can be a bit of an ordeal to a first time driver. A lot of other forum members seem to agree on this point.

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Nostromo
Actually, Tuscan Ridge is one of the easier Villa Communities to get to, even though the drive might seem a long one.

Since you say that you have never driven in the US before, a few tips might help. First off, it is a doddle compared to the UK, even though you are driving on the 'wrong' side of the road. One important thing is to spend a few minutes familiarising yourself with the controls as soon as you have picked the car up. Also, keep about $4 change in QUARTERS for the inevitable toll booths on the airport roads.

You have not specified the airport you will be arriving, but the following directions are from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Tuscan Ridge. As a new US driver, I suggest you use the SOUTH EXIT out of the airport. To do this, as you drive out of the airport carefully follow the RED SOUTH EXIT SIGNS to SR417. It is simple to start with, but you must watch carefully as you reach SR417 itself; you need SR417 - SOUTH and this is a right turn from the road that you'll be travelling (while carrying on straight takes you along SR417 North). Once you are on SR417 SOUTH, you can relax completely and keep carrying on that road till it ends at the Interstate-4. SR417 joins I-4 at the latter's Exit 63 and you need to follow signs that say 'I-4 West'. Carry on on I-4 West till its Exit 55 where you should leave the Interstate following signs to US27 North. Once you get on to US27 North, Tuscan Ridge is about 3 miles further on your left and clearly signposted.

Hope that this helps. Have a good trip.
[/quote]

It is easy to miss in the dark....we still do it....[8)]
But you have to dive pass and double back anyway......that gives us some oh dear we've passed it time........hehehehehe

[pauline]

Thanks for all the replies, we will arriving at Orlando International at about 1500 on Wednesday 13th October, does that make any difference to the journey and the exit best to take as it will not be dark.

Thanks again everyone

[huckleberry house]

Hi Pauline

No offence to Beverley as both routes will get you there but I would go with the South exit to the 417 if I was you, it is a much quieter road due to it being a toll road and is much less daunting when first arriving than the Beeline/I4 combination. It will be at least an hour if not more before you are out of immigration and collecting your car so getting close to rush hour. Even though used to driving in Florida I still take this route when first arriving, the 417 is very quiet and gives you a chance to acclimatise to the car and the roads, timewise it may well be quicker also.


Cheers, Lesley

[Nostromo]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by pauline
Thanks for all the replies, we will arriving at Orlando International at about 1500 on Wednesday 13th October, does that make any difference to the journey and the exit best to take as it will not be dark.

Thanks again everyone
[/quote]

As I have said before, it does not really matter what time you arrive. I have used MCO 5 times so far and used the South Exit on 4 of those occasions -it is much quieter and better. If you have not driven in the USA before, it is all the more preferable that you use the South Exit and the directions given thereafter. Have a great holiday.

[pauline]

Thanks again everyone, I really am still taken aback with this site and how helpful everyone is and its just great to know that someone on this site will take the time to answer so many questions. Its quite frightening doing this car hire business and renting a villa for the first time. We are a bit lucky as were were in Orlando 2 years ago but stayed in hotels so we are really looking forward to the villa this time. Roll on the 13th of October !!!

[Nostromo]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by pauline
Thanks again everyone, I really am still taken aback with this site and how helpful everyone is and its just great to know that someone on this site will take the time to answer so many questions. Its quite frightening doing this car hire business and renting a villa for the first time. We are a bit lucky as were were in Orlando 2 years ago but stayed in hotels so we are really looking forward to the villa this time. Roll on the 13th of October !!!
[/quote]

October is the best time of the year to go and even this year, I am sure most of the after-effects of the recent hurricanes would have been cleared-up by the time you arrive. Meanwhile, I am sure that the forum members will be happy to help with tips on driving, shopping, visiting parks, eating out etc. Joining this forum is one of the best decisions that you have made. Have a great holiday.