On your drive to Orlando, Florida...more often than not, you have been traveling down the Florida Turnpike. If so, you may have also witnessed a sign for Toll/State Road 429. Construction began back in 2000, and it was completed in 2012. So, what is this mystery road and why is it important to my Disney vacation?
As a former WDW Cast Member, who actually lived off an exit of the 429, I can say that this toll road was constructed to bypass the headache that is I-4 and the congestion of Downtown Orlando/Universal/Seaworld/I-Drive traffic. State Road 429 exits the Florida Turnpike and keeps you West of the hubbub, takes you past some lovely towns in the western suburbs of Orlando, and eventually drops you off near Davenport, FL on the south side of I-4. This toll road isn’t traveled much, and really shows you the beauty of the remaining orange groves in the area.
The BEST part, however, is that the 429 has an exit called ‘Western Way’. While many people overlook this exit - Disney experts and locals alike KNOW this is the BEST way to enter Disney property!
Western Way is the Western Entrance to Walt Disney World! Complete with ‘welcome’ gates! What looks residential and with warehouses, this exit will allow you to enter Disney property right next door to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and minutes from the All Star Resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom park - as well as easy access to the rest of Disney property.
With minimal traffic, it’s the easiest way to get on property after a lengthy drive. You’ll avoid the headache of I-4 and the busier entrances to Walt Disney World.
It’s a lovely way to take some stress out of that long drive!
Need help planning the rest of your vacation? Contact your Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist today!
Amy Sowinski
Travel Specialist
