For Canada Snowbirds, if you’re traveling to Walt Disney World or Universal by car, your trip may have just gotten a little easier (and more expensive).
If you take Interstate-4 either westbound or eastbound to drive to Disney World, you now have the chance to opt-in for I-4 Express Lanes.
These new lanes have been under construction for years. They officially opened Feb. 28, 2022. They give motorists the choice of opting for “managed lanes,” which are designed to address congestion and safety barriers that allow motorists to help avoid potential traffic jams (and accidents) that take place along the busy interstate.
The Florida Department of Transportation provides an interesting description:
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is providing motorists choices with managed lane options on some of its most heavily traveled highways. Managed lanes are highway lanes designed to address congestion and have been successfully implemented in other areas around Florida, throughout the United States, and around the world. Managed lanes can take on many forms including reversible lanes, high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, and express lanes.
FDOT’s managed lanes approach on Interstate 4 (I-4) in Orange and Seminole counties is known locally as I-4 Express. I-4 Express was constructed as part of a 21-mile reconstruction of I-4.
There is no doubt these Express Lanes are less busy and should you use them alleviate some of the stress bumper to bumper highway driving creates. It is suggested “these lanes keep traffic moving with less congestion”. There is no doubt that statement is true, but it really appears to be a hidden driving tax to pay for the cost of the highway expansion. The Tolls are taken electronically – there is no stopping and they mail you a bill.
I-4 Express opened with an introductory Toll rate, which could be as low as 50 cents per trip, depending on your destination. During the introductory period, to travel the entire length of I-4 Express it will cost $3.50 eastbound and $3.00 westbound.
I have used the new toll route. Paying for the extra service allowed me to get to Disney World faster. I-4 is one of the busiest roads in Orlando, so having an expressway option for the expressway (pardon the pun) while on vacation was worth the money.
I-4 also allows you quicker access not only to the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, (Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT) but also other area theme parks such as Universal Orlando Resort SeaWorld Orlando, and “Beppa”.
By the way – last year was Disney’s 50th anniversary – Extra rides and attractions were added for the special event. 2024 – 2025 is still a great time to visit Disney World. Magic Kingdom spruced up to the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and the Jungle Cruise.
Here is some more insightful information regarding Florida. https://snowbirdaccidents.com/project/florida/