Western Way open (with pictures)

[PintoColvig]

So will this be the quickest way to WDW when driving from Ocala and I-75?

 

[PintoColvig]

And does anyone know of an online map that has these new roads? I hope to use them in a few weeks.

 

[peter11435]

So will this be the quickest way to WDW when driving from Ocala and I-75?

Yes. Just take I-75 south to the Turnpike. Get off the Turnpike at Toll road 429 and head south. Get off 429 at Western Way.

 

[TomorrowlandTyler]

Thanks :sohappy:

 

[wannab@dis]

Yes. Just take I-75 south to the Turnpike. Get off the Turnpike at Toll road 429 and head south. Get off 429 at Western Way.

Who needs AAA with Peter around? :lol:

As always, thanks for the information and pictures! :wave:

 

[atlbirds]

I found this map on the FL DOT page. It shows 429 and the location of the Western Way Exit.

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/turnpikepio/Maps/UpdatedMaps2006/westernbeltway.pdf

 

[Pongo]

It's so clean and... empty.

Kinda spooky for a Disney road.

 

[CTXRover]

I didn't realize the road would be quite that close to AK, but I never had a very good grasp on its route to begin with. That's pretty neat to see Everest from a different angle. It looks like you get a pretty good view of the mountain which is usually only visible during the outdoor helix. I hate to be a downer, but I'm wondering, is the wall/backside of Everest visible from that road as well? If so, does the new paint job help make it blend in from a distance? Seeing Everest as one of the first things to see when entering WDW would be akin to seeing Spaceship Earth for the first time or the Castle, I just hope it's showing its best face. Beyond the TOL and CS, any other part of AK visible? Would you even know that's Conservation Station if you weren't looking for it?

 

[Greg34]

They need to adjust the speed limit 35 is too low for a 2 lane (in each direction) divided road. 45 mph after bear island road seems to be a good speed. I just can't wait for them to finish western way beyond the 429 and to Hartzog rd, it will save me a good 15 mins.

 

[KumbaRider]

So how much time does this save compared to the I-4 route?

 

[mikeymouse]

i have the same problem ... i can't see his pics at work. Dunno if it has to do with a firewall or what.

 

[biggy H]

i have the same problem ... i can't see his pics at work. Dunno if it has to do with a firewall or what.

I couldn't see them either, then I disabled my firewall (zonealarm pro) and then I could see them.

 

[mkt]

I usually Take I-4 East - FL Turnpike North to get home (Windermere/Ocoee area)... this looks like it might save me some time

 

[peter11435]

I hate to be a downer, but I'm wondering, is the wall/backside of Everest visible from that road as well? Beyond the TOL and CS, any other part of AK visible? Would you even know that's Conservation Station if you weren't looking for it?

The backside of Everest is not visible from the new road. While on the new road you can only see the finished sides of the mountain.

There really aren't any other things in AK tall enough to be able to see.

You can't miss the building but most people would have no idea that its the backside of CS.

 

[PintoColvig]

The backside of Everest is not visible from the new road. While on the new road you can only see the finished sides of the mountain.

There really aren't any other things in AK tall enough to be able to see.

You can't miss the building but most people would have no idea that its the backside of CS.

Thanks Peter for the info. and pics.

I did notice in your last pic that you could see how they abruptly cut off the backside of Everest instead of giving it a natural tapered off look. I hope they can disguise that at some point. Paint won't be enough to fix it though.

 

[epcotfan]

Terrific photos!

 

[WTBAD]

I can't tell from the map link. But it looks like Hwy 27 to Hwy 192 should still be faster, and no tolls. Any thoughts from any locals?

 

[peter11435]

I can't tell from the map link. But it looks like Hwy 27 to Hwy 192 should still be faster, and no tolls. Any thoughts from any locals?

429 is quicker.

 

[tonganprince]

I couldn't see them either, then I disabled my firewall (zonealarm pro) and then I could see them.

ah yes, I have ZA at home and that is where I can't see them. I can see them at work. nice Peter!

 

[Incredibles]

Is the back side of a mountain anything like "the back side of water"?
:lol: :lol: :lol: