1st time driving at the world.....

Disneybub

Disneybub

Member
Ok so ive been going to the world for a short 16 years, and we've always gone as a family with my dad doing all the driving.
A few months ago my hubby to be asked me if i wanted to go to the world just the 2 of us and of course i said yes!!
So now its all booked, paid for, tickets in hand and I've realised something....
Im driving and im terrified :eek:
Ive been driving in the UK for 8 years, and often do a lot of city driving, so im confident over here.
BUT I'm worried that when i get out there im going to make mistakes....
Ive read loads of different things about what you can and cannot do, But im still worried.

So i was just wondering of anyone has tips or advise to help me out please?
 
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foreverbelle

foreverbelle

Well-Known Member
Agree, relax. Take a deep breathe and realize you won't be the only tourist driving to and from the area. And many, whether they live in the states or not are going to be just as lost as you.
 
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rock_doctor

rock_doctor

Member
Yea its Florida, there is only one road rule...don't hit anything. I assume you are flying into Orlando. If so you may consider just taking the Disney bus from the airport into Disney world and pick up the car in Disney.

If you are driving through Orlando, stay in the center lane. The outside lanes tend to exit often. Take your time and read all of the signs. Otherwise I-4 is just like any major highway in England except that a good percentage of the traffic are Semi-trucks. Don't sweat it and take sometime to print out necessary directions from Google. You will get the hang of it quickly. Remember we drive on the wrong side of the road. :D
 
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H

hawkwood

New Member
Well, to compare this to my first time on a vacation in Ireland, where for the first time I had to drive a car with the steering wheel on the right AND driving on the opposite side of the road....I was terrified, but after about 30 minutes of driving and making turns, I found myself acclimating quite easily to the different "feel" of the road. (We won't mention the mayhem I created on my first couple of round-a-bout experiences...:()

Just pay attention and take your time, and all will be well. Any mistakes you make will blend in with the average Florida/Orlando driver.:p
 
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CAPTAIN HOOK

CAPTAIN HOOK

Well-Known Member
Tip 1 Don't drink too much alcohol on the flight - you don't want to be stopped and breathalised on your first day

Tip 2 Drive on the RIGHT

Tip 3 Buy a decent map when you arrive at the airport and before you collect your car (The routes are well signed and the rental companies provide maps - but its always handy to have one for when you do make that wrong turn)

Tip 4 Remember that you're in an automatic - DON'T try and put the clutch in or you'll stop so fast you'll hit the windscreen (I always drive with my left leg crossed behind my right to prevent such a thing happening)

Tip 5 Until you get used to driving on the right and driving the automatic - I suggest minimal chatter and music in the car - there's a lot to concentrate on after a 9 hour flight

Tip 6 You can turn right at MOST traffic lights when they're on RED - if you can't there'll be a sign at the lights and if you can and you don't, somebody behind will honk their horn !!

Tip 7 Relax and enjoy - once you get used to driving on the wrong side of the road - its actually easier over there than it is in this country
 
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A

AndTiggercameto

New Member
I wholly understand how you feel. Though I have never driven in the states I have driven in Spain & was thrown in at the deep end by DH. I agree with Captain Hook, minimal noise so you can concentrate 100% is really important, no chatter, no radio etc. I would also recommend you hire a sat nav with the car...they do make life so much easier,no worrying about maps or instructions etc, also will save argument if you end up going wrong..you can blame the sat nav!. Relax & just take your time...no one will care if you stick in the slow lane!! And most important when you exit the airport make sure your on the correct side of the road...it sounds so simple & like your teaching your granny to suck eggs...but it's so so easy to forget for a split second...my husbands one biggest tip for me was as long as your in the middle of the road then your ok!! Good luck :)
 
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