Many people think traveling to Walt Disney World via personal vehicle is akin to spending a day or two in jail. However, driving can be pleasant and extremely convenient. Here are some handy tips for taking a road trip to see the Mouse.
Move Over Law
The state of Florida is one of many states with a Move Over Law. This law instructs drivers to move over a lane or slow down to 20 miles per hour below the speed limit if you see an emergency or law enforcement vehicle with flashing lights. For example, if you are in the middle lane, but a Highway Patrol officer has a vehicle pulled over in the fast lane or inside median of the interstate, you should not pass the officer and the pulled over car at full speed. You are required to move over one lane or slow down to 20 MPH below the speed limit. The law is intended to protect officers and emergency workers.
Unfortunately, the law is also used to “trap” drivers and issue traffic tickets. Many officers on I-40 will pull into the inside median and simply turn on their lights when they have no one pulled over or are not attending to an accident. When drivers who are unfamiliar with the law pass them, they pull them over and issue a three-point traffic violation and a fine of approximately $150. Protect the lives of emergency workers and your wallet. Move over!
Child Restraint and Seat Belt Laws in Florida
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, children aged five and under must be secured in a child seat/restraint at all times. Children ages 6-17 must wear a seatbelt at all times. Non-compliance with these laws may result in a $60 fine and a three-point traffic violation. All drivers and riders in the front seat of vehicles must also wear seat belts at all times.
Keep in mind that texting while driving is also against the law in Florida.
511 Travel Information
A great app to download before driving to Walt Disney World is Florida’s 511 Traveler Information app. This free app uses GPS tracking to deliver real-time traffic information, including accidents, travel delays and more. Estimated travel times to locations within the state of Florida are also provided. Information regarding all major highways, toll roads and I-95, I-4, I-75, and I-10 is included in the app. Information is available 24 hours a day.
Suggested Items to Have in the Car
Have a few grocery bags or trash bags to keep garbage from being strewn all around the car. Have some water bottles and drinks handy. Snacks can also be taken into the parks if they are unopened.
If you are traveling with children, be sure to pack the DVD players or any other electronics to keep them busy. My family also packs an individual snack bag for each child so no one complains that they didn’t get enough of a certain snack. Pack whatever is appropriate for your kids — books, audio books, word find puzzles, etc. You know your kids better than anyone else so you know what is most appropriate for them.
We also don’t leave home without our favorite stuffed characters. And as you can see by the picture, packing a few neck pillows would never hurt!
