Driving to Disney World Just Got Even MORE Expensive

For some people, like myself, driving to Disney World is more practical than flying.

I promise this was taken as I was a PASSENGER on my way to Disney World!

Now, this is because I live about 7 hours away (6.5 if there’s no traffic), and while my flight would still be much shorter if I chose to fly, I’d have to worry about the size of my bag, parking fees at the airport, making it through Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (which is a feat in itself, it’s massive), so it’s often easier for me to drive. If you’re in the same boat, we’re here to warn you that while it may be easier, it’s about to get MORE expensive to drive to Disney World.

Click Orlando has just reported that for travelers in Florida and those who travel into the state and use the toll roads, the drive is about to get more expensive. On January 1st, 2023, Florida instated the Toll Relief Program, which allowed frequent travelers on Florida’s toll roads to save 50% on their tolls if they had over 35 trips recorded through the toll system in one month.

On average, it saved commuters around $400 a year, but now, the relief program has ended with no reinstatement in sight. While budget discussions are currently happening in Tallahassee, there’s no indication that the program will be coming back.

So, why the change? Well, Florida’s toll roads span 719 miles and are currently the largest in the country, but it’s looking to expand even further as the Central Florida Expressway Authority is considering adding another toll road to connect State Road 417 to Orlando Sanford International Airport.

Driver Nizam Ali was interviewed about the change and shared that he just had to pay $1,000 in tolls without the relief program. He continued to say, “They should bring that back and give people a little bit of relief. You’re kind of forced to use the toll road now. It’s getting so congested here that for some, like me, you have no choice but to use it.”