First Time Driver - Leaving Next Week!

[JohnBoy]

Hi All

Firstly, this is a great place to research the perfect trip, so thankyou all for putting this together.

I have pretty much everything organised for my trip, but I have never driven in the US before. I fly into Sanford and have an alamo car booked. I am staying on Major Bvd right by Universal.

I drive a lot of miles in the UK, frequently navigating the M25 and the M6. My question to you all is - should I try the I4 route which on paper looks very direct and quick (the junction from the I4 looks right by my hotel), or should I go to my hotel via the toll roads (which a lot of web sites recommend)? My flight arrives at about 3:30pm on Tuesday - so I dont know whether heavy traffic could be a factor?

In addition - can anyone recommend a good map which I can download or buy?

Cheers!!!!!

[Chris7]

This site has routes from both airports to most places

http://www.orlando-maps.info/top_dow...e_top_down.htm

[Carla]

You'll probably be in your car by about 4.30pm, so I would avoid Interstate 4 for most, if not all of the journey, particularly anywhere near Downtown Orlando as it will be congested with rush-hour traffic. The indirect route using the 417 will help you to avoid all of this and will be much quicker. You can come down 417 and then drive up International Drive to your hotel.

The tolls on the 417 will cost you about $5. Make sure you have some small change handy.

[esprit]

There are some fairly spectacular crashes and traffic jams on 1-4. I try and avoid it at all costs and use the Greeneway ( 417. It is worth the toll money to prevent you tearing your hair out. I advise all my renters to take the Greeneway to 192. It is much safer when you are learning the driving ropes to use something quieter.

[chrisj]

We used the 417, it was really easy, nice and quiet and meant the first journey was
good, also gave you time to get used to the car and all the buttons etc

[JohnBoy]

Thanks to all of you for your replies. I'll take the safer and less busy route and ensure I have a few dollars ready for the tolls!

Just one other thing - am I right to assume that for my first journey to LBV and the disney parks, I will be OK to use the I4 from universal bvd? Or is there another route I should take.

[DMC]

Hi

The trip down I4 from Universal to Disney is only a few miles, so even in heavy traffic it shouldn't take too long, although it gets busy at peak time the traffic does tend to keep moving along, far better than the M25 on a wet Friday evening.

As for driving in the USA - there are no roundabouts and the traffic lights are hung across the carriageway, which take a bit of getting used to.

My only other tip is that at a "red light", providing nothing is coming, you can turn right !!!

This agian takes a bit of adjustment, both in terms of waiting at a red light and you can't understand why the car behind you is leaning on his horn, also you do get cars pulling out in front of you, when you least expect it.

Otherwise it is pretty straight forward and the road network is on the whole very good and easy to follow.

Have fun

DMC

[huckleberry house]

Hi Johnboy
For your initial visit definitely use the 417,it is perfect for easing you into driving on the right.Once you have done that the I4 really is easy to do and while it sometimes gets busy it usually always moves and with no traffic lights etc is a smooth easy drive.
If you can manage the m25 and the m6 you will have no difficulties at all in Florida.
I recently drove (in US)for the first time a week ago,I do not drive a lot at home and was literally a shivering wreck when I got to the rental desk but after half an hour I was thinking how easy it was and it just got easier and easier.You should have no problems at all.
Lesley

[chrizzy100]

quote:Originally posted by DMC

Hi

The trip down I4 from Universal to Disney is only a few miles, so even in heavy traffic it shouldn't take too long, although it gets busy at peak time the traffic does tend to keep moving along, far better than the M25 on a wet Friday evening.

As for driving in the USA - there are no roundabouts and the traffic lights are hung across the carriageway, which take a bit of getting used to.

My only other tip is that at a "red light", providing nothing is coming, you can turn right !!!

This agian takes a bit of adjustment, both in terms of waiting at a red light and you can't understand why the car behind you is leaning on his horn, also you do get cars pulling out in front of you, when you least expect it.

Otherwise it is pretty straight forward and the road network is on the whole very good and easy to follow.

Have fun

DMC

I find it scary watching a Brit TV show when their in a car driving along now...I feel like they will hit oncoming traffic driving in that side of the road....I close my eyes....

A note about turning on a red....make sure its OK to do so ......sometimes there will be a no turn on red sign......but people behind will still beeb you if they can't see it....and they can be hard to see....or the ones round here are.....We up in in Mass are one of the few States with roundabouts......they are a nightmare......I'm sure Americans have no idea what a give way sign means.....you end up feeling like you're living in a mix between London and Paris (France) everytime you go round one....

[chrisj]

One thing I noticed and those who live in Crescent lakes might have come accross this.

When coming home heading down the OBT, you come to the junction with poinciana traffic
lights and have to turn left.

There is a filter for left turns, but it only goes green every other time. I noticed that
people were ignoring it and turning anyway. I took it they were locals. Must confess I
also did it once.

Also noticed when the road had signs to merge that people would race to get in front of you
and then sit at 55mph a few feet in front of you, I then slowed down cos I dont like sitting
on someones bumper.

But to drive in Florida is great, hardly any traffic and so easy.