I have posted before and had all my questions answered, thank you all. I have a new question tho. We will be leaving Orlando Friday June 30 and going to Tamarac (Ft. Lauderdale) however we are going to Discovery Cove all that day should we stop for the night so our driver does not fall asleep driving or could we make it? Also, if it is suggested we stop what would be a good one night stop heading south. Thank you for any help. Margie

If you take the turnpike from Orlando to Tamarac, it will be about 3 hours of driving. If you feel that's too much, I'd stay around Sea World and do the drive first thing the next morning.

Speaking from experience, that's a LONG drive after theme-parking all day. I can't imagine how worn out I'd be after speding all day at Discovery Cove. I would definitely spend the night in Orlando and go to FTL the next morning. There are a lot of really nice hotels right near Sea World, or cheaper alternatives nearby.

thank you for suggesting that we stay in Orlando but I think that we would like to start south maybe one half hour or so just to get in a more calm area (and the car will be packed). Any suggestions as to a town/location perhaps 1/2 hour south???

The Florida Turnpike is pretty isolated and by the time you get off the turnpike to get somewhere, you'll eat up another hour of your time.


Since Discovery Cove is a ways from Orlando proper, I'd suggest driving to Orlando and spend the night. The next morning you can hop on the turnpike and be in Ft. Lauderdale in three hours.