The city of Orlando is the destination of choice for many vacationing families. The city has tourist hot spots like Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, and tons of great shopping.
It’s a busy city and roads can get congested. You combine that with thousands of vacationers who aren’t sure where they are it could be a recipe for disaster. You don’t want your vacation experience to be hampered by not knowing you’re going, congested traffic and all the stress that comes along with driving in an unfamiliar big city.
Below we offer up ten driving tips when visiting Orlando.
Orlando Driving Tip #1 – If possible stay away from the malls on weekends
Orlando has some great shopping malls including the Florida Mall, Mall at Millenia and one of the best name brand outlet malls in the country. The tourists and high school kids flock to the malls to escape the heat and hang out. If you’re in Orlando on an extended vacation do your shopping Monday-Friday while most everyone else is at work. If you wait until the weekend you’ll likely be stuck in traffic you’ll probably end up getting stuck in traffic for awhile wasting valuable time.
Orlando Driving Tip #2 – Keep your doors locked
Orlando maps won’t tell you this inside information but the neighborhoods just beyond Disney aren’t the safest. People wait for unsuspecting tourists to stop at a light and jump in your car stealing your valuables and then disappearing. In and around Disney law enforcement patrols heavily for shady characters so it’s safe.
Orlando Driving Tip #3 – Drive the speed limit
We would never advocate that you speed but at least go the speed limit on the interstate and express ways. People in Orlando like to drive 10-20 miles an hour over and if you are going under the speed limit be prepared to be tailgated, honked at and have interesting hand gestures made at you. Florida may be for retirement people but you don’t have to drive like one.
Orlando Driving Tip #4 – Avoid residential neighborhoods in the late afternoon between 2-4 PM
Orlando’s schools are all clustered together so if you’re in a neighborhood and get stuck behind a bus you can tack on 30 minutes to wherever you’re going. Stay on the main streets and don’t try and take shortcuts through neighborhoods during this time. Orlando road trips are fun but not stuck behind a school bus.
Orlando Driving Tip #5 – Buckle up and drive with your headlights on
Wearing your seat belt is state law in Florida. It’s also sate law to have your lights on during a rain storm. Your chances of getting in a wreck with your head lights on go down drastically so keep them on even when it’s not raining.
Orlando Driving Tip #6– Be prepared for 4+ lane highways
Out of state travelers can get overwhelmed with how fast and big Orlando highways are. They also move very fast too. Stay in the right lane where things are moving so fast.
Orlando Driving Tip #7 – Don’t switch lanes at an intersection
Basic driving 101 tells you not to switch lanes at an intersection but judging by the amounts of broken glass at Orlando intersections no one follows this rule. This is a major cause of accidents in the city. Orlando road trips are great but not if your windshield gets basted out at an intersection.
Orlando Driving Tip #8 – Watch for emergency services vehicles
Everyone knows to pull to the right when you see and emergency vehicle but be careful if you’re on the interstate because others cars may be merging onto the highway or you may end up in an exit lane. Watch for cars in your blind spot and stay calm. Don’t move right without looking first.
Orlando Driving Tip #9 – Be prepared for toll charges
Most Orlando road guides will tell you where the tolls are – and trust us there are a ton of them. You’ll want to get a SunPass so you don’t have to stop and pay. If you don’t have a SunPass stock up on quarters because there are no change machines.
Orlando Driving Tip #10 – Dial 511 if you need assistance
511 is Florida’s traveler information number. It offers Orlando driving directions, traffic reports and warnings.
