We are visiting Disney Orlando from the UK - any tips on driving in USA for Brits?

Answer 1

Mind the laws, be courteous, as stated they have increased traffic enforcement at WDW, try not to look like a tourist, there have been problems in the past with people running tourists off the road to rob them. Dont leave anything valuable in the car and nothing in sight. You probably wont have problems at WDW but anywhere else they will break into the car. If your just going to WDW I would skip the car. Sounds like your going other places also, keep in mind one in two men in downtown Orlando at night is carrying a gun. Money for toll roads, keep right, pay attention to your surroundings. Watch where you park, the wrecker companies in that part of the world can be vicious about towing cars away that are illigally parked (off Disney property) If you have car problems at WDW find a cast member, they will get you help, most common thing is locking keys in the car and they will send someone out to unlock it for free for you. Keep good track of the rental car keys, rental companies do not keep spares, if you lose them you will have to pay a lot to get new ones made. Make a note of where you park at WDW, as stated rental cars can all look alike and the lots are very big, you can lose your car. I have never driven at WDW but have at Disneyland many times and they give you a ticket when you park that has locations on it for you to mark where you left the car, if they do that there use it. If you do park and cant find your car talk to a cast member, they can get you to the general area based on the time you parked. Buy the rental companies insurence so if you have any problems, accidents, vandalism you just hand it over to them and dont worry about it. Fill the tank before you return the car, they will charge you a bunch of money to fill it if you dont. Gas here is sold by the gallon and you will find it cheap by UK standards.
Have fun

Answer 2

Just wanted to add.....

In the past there were hardly ever police officers on Disney property, but lately it seems more and more are creeping ever closer to the Magic Kingdom. They wait hoping to find someone going over the speed limit. With thousands of tourists overcome with happiness and eager to get to the Magic Kingdom they don't have to wait long. Stay at or close to the posted limit. They hide so you won't see them until it's too late.

I actually found drivers in and around the Orlando area to be very courteous. Of course, I'm from New York. Basically Atilla the Hun could be driving and he's seem more courteous than 95% of the people that drive in and around NYC. Parking and driving is very easy around Disney. There are always attendants in the morning telling you were to go and park. The layout of the property can be a little tricky so get some maps in advance and try to know where you're going before you get there.

That same advice would apply when traveling off the Disney property. When my fiance and I went is May we took his satellite navigation system. It was such a helpful tool. Perhaps investing in something like that might make driving a little easier. This way you are concentrating on driving and not on finding your way around.

Answer 3

You'll probably get a little video before you land on the plane but here's from my experience:

1. Your car will almost definitely be an automatic and it might take a while to get over jabbing the brake thinking it's the clutch and hitting the window with your left hand as you move to change gear...or maybe that's just me.

2. Drive on the right. ;)
3. In the UK you don't have to stop at Give Way signs. In the US, you HAVE to come to a complete stop at Yield signs, even when there's not another car within a kilometer.
4. When the lights are red at a junction, you're still allowed to make right turns as long as there's no traffic coming. It feels a little illegal the first time you do it but if you don't, it won't be long before the people behind start tooting.
5. Driving in Florida is a lot easier and more laid back than the UK. The freeways are much wider, there's generally less traffic, it's less congested, they build nice long straight roads, you won't feel as harrassed over there once you get used to it. Flick it onto cruise control and take it easy.
6. When in the theme parks, leave something unvaluable that uniquely identifies your car because a lot of rentals look the same.
7. Don't be obvious about reading maps, keep them under window level. I've never experienced any crime myself but it's better to be safe.
8. A lot of 'gas' stations over there are pre-pay. If you put the nozzle in and nothing comes out, that's probably why.
9. Carry loose change for the toll roads.

Answer 4

Here are my top tips:

- Remember to always drive on the RIGHT side of the road.
- Follow the posted SPEED LIMIT.
- Use your TURN SIGNALS when making any turns.
- Since you may not be very familiar with Orlando roads, be sure to use MAJOR ROADS & HIGHWAYS, if you use smaller local roads you may get lost.
- Do not make any sudden stops on a fast-moving road.
- Do not make any sudden cut-offs in front of other cars.
- Follow all the basic road rules, most are similar to those in Europe. You can also pick-up a Florida Drivers Handbook at any government office if you want to be on the safe side.
- ALWAYS BE A PATIENT & DEFENSIVE DRIVER.

Have Fun!

Answer 5

It is a myth that tourists cause traffic problems in Orlando.Even in areas where tourists do not go the traffic is the same.People here say that which is like a rapist that says the girl was wearing a short skirt which is a pathetic alibi.Brit drivers are better because their cell phones do not work and they do not have to get to work in record time.Do not drive at night because motorcycles race and Mexicans are drunk.You borrowed money to see fake America then lie about it back home so who is worse.

Answer 6

Rent a convertable, Orlando weather is hardly like the British weather, so you might aswell make the most of it!
Also, on the motorway when you take an exit they dont have roundabouts, they have ramps which go around to your destination which can leave you very disorientated!
Good idea to get a sat-nav as it really helps
Have a great time!

Answer 7

Drive the Speed limit. Be courteous to other drivers (don't cut someone off, don't drive right near the bumper of the next car ahead)
But DO have fun in Orlando at DisneyWorld!
sounds like a fun vacation.

Answer 8

In general, stay to the right! Specifically for the Orlando area: stay off of Interstate 4 if at all possible. It's usually a mess.

Answer 9

Just make sure you stay on the correct side of the road - which is different from the UK.

Unlike your lovely country, American drivers aren't near as courteous and if you find yourself in the wrong lane going against the traffice, someone is going to be hurt! HA!

We also have toll roads so carry $1.00 US currency and lots of change.

Answer 10

Not much, is very simple and boring. Just follow all the signs and speed limits to avoid a ticket. Always fasten your seat belts all passengers and the most important thing always drive in the opposite side form UK.