Traffic congestion?

[Matt71]

What is the traffic congestion like in early April? We will be using our van rather than the buses and want to make sure we are budgeting enough time to get from place to place.

There are a few times when we will be leaving the parks to go to dinner and I'm concerned about how long it will take to drive from one park to another or to a resort. For example, the CM that took our ADRs said we can get from Epcot to DTD in 10 minutes - is that accurate?

How difficult is it to park? If we get stuck at the back of the lot, how long does it take to get to the park from your car?

We really don't want to be late for our ADRs.

One more question, what is rush hour traffic like on 4? We are going to Amway Arena on Monday evening and want to allow enough time to get there by 7:00.

Thanks

,Matt

[OKWTink]

Moving between Disney parks and resorts really isn't bad at all. The traffic flows smoothly and the time estimate you were given is pretty accurate. :yes:

I-4 is another story. It can (and often is) bumper to bumper along the approach (both directions) to the downtown exits (Amway arena is a downtown exit). Allow ample time. Be alert to where you park once you are there. It is not a good section of town.

[JuniorMickey]

Allow yourself at least 20 minutes to park at DTD. Parking there can be HORRID

[OKWTink]

20 minutes! Just to park! :eek: Nah, I've only ever had jammed parking during major events, and Christmas (and the like).

I've never seen it where you can't park on the west side (the furthest lot to be sure, but it beats taking twenty minutes to park)! :eek:

The west side has a parking area behind the one that is on the road's edge too, don't forget. Just follow the road to the rear, near the canal and there is another huge lot there. :yes:

[Slowhand]

20 minutes! Just to park! :eek: Nah, I've only ever had jammed parking during major events, and Christmas (and the like).

:iagree: That`s also what we`ve found Tink.
The problem is that some folks take ages to park their vehicle because they want to get as close as they can to the shops, circling around and around until someone leaves!
If you don`t mind a bit of a [pleasant] walk, then parking further along the lot towards Pleasure Island has always been a breeze for us.

[Castanea1985]

What is the traffic congestion like in early April? We will be using our van rather than the buses and want to make sure we are budgeting enough time to get from place to place.

There are a few times when we will be leaving the parks to go to dinner and I'm concerned about how long it will take to drive from one park to another or to a resort. For example, the CM that took our ADRs said we can get from Epcot to DTD in 10 minutes - is that accurate?

How difficult is it to park? If we get stuck at the back of the lot, how long does it take to get to the park from your car?

We really don't want to be late for our ADRs.

One more question, what is rush hour traffic like on 4? We are going to Amway Arena on Monday evening and want to allow enough time to get there by 7:00.

Thanks

,Matt

Hi Matt,

Who are you going to see at the Amway?? We have got tickets to see Springsteen in April:D
Have heard its not too nice round there, so we are going to get a parking pass when we go!

Tracy

[Matt71]

We are going to watch WWE Wrestling.

We already bought a parking pass for $8 through ticcketmaster when we bought our tickets..

When you say "bad area" do you mean there is a chance our car might get broken into? We'll be 18 hours from home and it would not be good if something happened to our van.


Hi Matt,

Who are you going to see at the Amway?? We have got tickets to see Springsteen in April:D
Have heard its not too nice round there, so we are going to get a parking pass when we go!

Tracy

[OKWTink]

Do NOT leave anything valuable in your van. Yes, it could be broken into, but if you are in a patrolled parking lot you'll be ok.

If you are going to park on your own, be VERY alert to where you are parking. More than once, folks have paid to park in an open lot only to return and find their cars towed and impounded as the lot was not a true parking lot. Not a nice thing to have happen.

If you have to walk far to your car, be very alert to your surroundings. Not trying to scare anyone, but it is in a very bad area of Orlando (drug trafficking and the like).

[Castanea1985]

Do NOT leave anything valuable in your van. Yes, it could be broken into, but if you are in a patrolled parking lot you'll be ok.

If you are going to park on your own, be VERY alert to where you are parking. More than once, folks have paid to park in an open lot only to return and find their cars towed and impounded as the lot was not a true parking lot. Not a nice thing to have happen.

If you have to walk far to your car, be very alert to your surroundings. Not trying to scare anyone, but it is in a very bad area of Orlando (drug trafficking and the like).

Where is the safest place to park??
Thanks

Tracy

[OKWTink]

I am only guessing, but I'd say in the actual area parking. It fills in fast though, and that is where the trouble starts. Folks park in places they think are legitimate (because they are presented as such) and then end up being taken advantage of.

Again, not trying to dissuade anyone from attending events there, just want to be certain you are all aware of the type of area you are going into.

There are many vagrants and transient people in that area, and they are not the least bit shy about approaching you for a handout. Orlando has a real problem with serving the needs of this population. :sigh:

At any rate, don't worry overmuch, just be alert and as my Mama would say, "Step lively now! No dawdling!"

[Castanea1985]

Just to update - we have managed to sort out a parking pass on the official car park.
My hubby is over at the villa at the moment and went to the Amway to pick one up. Said the area wasn't too pleasant, so I'm glad we've got a pass to the 'safe' area.
He also said that there were a lot of diversions - so be sure you know your route before leaving!!
Hope this helps a bit??

Tracy xx