Orlando Florida is a very popular place and traffic can be a challenge. Here are some expert tips to make your driving experience the best with minimal time on the road:
- Always check Google/Apple maps on your smartphone before traveling on Interstate 4. There are frequent accidents and traffic backups. Avoid I-4 if at all possible
- Use toll routes to save time. Make sure your phone directions are set to allow tolls or you will get stuck in traffic or going alternate routes that are longer. On an iPhone you can check this by navigating to Settings>Maps>DIRECTIONS Driving>Tolls. It should NOT be on. Most rental car companies automatically tally the cost and charge it back to you along with a daily convenience fee. You might save money by paying manually at the toll entrances and exits…or by using your own toll pass.
- Restaurants and shops on US 27 are easier to access than those on US 192.
- Plan your time to go out early in the day for easier access.
- Do not trust Siri or Google to take you the best way. They often do not give you the most efficient directions. Use ours below.
Entering and Exiting Windsor Island Resort
It is easier to get to the resort from the east on Sand Mine Road.
If you enter the resort from the west (Hwy 27) and have a parking pass go around the line of card and use the RIGHT lane. Display the parking pass in the window to the security gate and they will wave you into the resort without stopping.
When exiting the resort going west on Sand Mine road look at the light at Hwy 27. If it is red, you can save time by turning right into the 7 Eleven parking lot and going around the parking area to turn onto Hwy 27 faster and easier.
Getting to Disney World from Lelani Beach Club
When you go the right way Disney World is only about 25 minutes away. We recommend that you leave at least an hour before you really want to be there to allow time for parking onsite and getting to the gate.
Always enter from the west side of Disney. It’s a faster and prettier drive. The directions below from Windsor Island to Disney World have the least amount of traffic. (via Google). (Directions updated 1/24/24 with the new Sand Mine Road extension!):
- Take a LEFT to head west out of Windsor Island on Sand Mine Road going east.
- Turn left onto Westside Blvd. Continue straight onto Avalon Road.
- Turn right onto Western Way at the stoplight which will take you directly into Disney World coming in by Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
- Follow signs from there to any of the parks or resorts.
Returning Home to Lelani Beach Club From Disney World
These directions will work from wherever you are on Disney property…Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Springs, etc. It’s the best way to avoid I-4 and most traffic.
- Ask Siri or Google for directions to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. This will take you to Buena Vista Drive.
- Pass the Coronado Springs Resort on your right side, get in the right lane, and take the next right turn at the stoplight onto Western Way.
- Follow Western Way west all the way to Avalon Road and turn left. (Alternately, you could take the tollway FL-429 south to Hwy 192)
- Turn right onto Sand Mine Road to get to Windsor Island.