Whoever said hell is other people was probably an annual pass holder.
Orlandoans had one thing on their mind when we took to Reddit to seek out the worst spots in the City Beautiful: traffic. The endless tangle of highways and suburbs that we generously call a city has led to some serious headaches in area hotspots. The end result of car dependency — outside of needless deaths and respiratory problems — is massive traffic snares.
A better world is possible. For now, let’s just bitch. Here are some of the “top” picks for the worst places in all of Orlando. Feel free to let us know what we missed.
The intersection of Turkey Lake Road and Sand Lake Road
This cursed intersection is the most-hated place in Orlando by far. Across its seemingly endless expanse of always traffic-clogged lanes, misery is produced by the ton. Credit: Image via Google Maps
Outside of baggage claim at MCO
Local weather phenomena turn this portion of the airport into a mini-swamp, a fitting greeting to anyone looking to get the Florida experience in brief. Credit: Photo via Orlando International Airport/FacebookThe Winter Park Trader Joe’s parking lot
TJ’s have a nationwide rep for chaotic parking lots but this lot combines rabid fanbases of both the grocer and Shake Shack for a particularly hellish stop along N. Orlando Ave. Credit: Google MapsThe entrance to Waterford Lakes Town Center This four-lane, four-way stop has stressed out many an Orlandoan, including any budding city planners who have to wonder if a roundabout or a full-fledged stoplight would serve better. Credit: Adobe
Reams Road
This backroad might seem peaceful in pictures, but it turns into a madhouse during rush hour thanks to its proximity to the House of Mouse. Credit: Image via Google MapsThe Home Depot at Millennia
Home improvement stores can either be bright places brimming with possibility or a cursed pit of despair fronted by a parking lot of rage. There is no in-between. Many Orlandoans seem to think this Home Depot is the latter. Credit: Google MapsAnywhere on foot
Everything we said about bikes goes double for pedestrians. Orlando is one of the deadliest cities in the US for walkers. Get right with God before stepping off the curb and into the path of an SUV driver completing their Starbucks mobile order. Credit: Photo via John Pastor on Flickr.Crane’s Roost Park
This Altamonte Springs park is lovely most days. However, Orlandoans noted that the vibe completely shifts during Independence Day celebrations. This tranquil park becomes a dense maze of people and cars. Credit: Google MapsOn line at Dumbo
This particular slice of the Disney park got singled out as an awful time, with Jungle Cruise and Sliky Dog rides coming in close second and third. Credit: DisneyAnywhere on a bicycle
All of the suggestions for miserable places in Orlando are that way because of cars. Add in eyelines that sit above the average Panzer tank and blindspots the size of three Ron DeSantises laid end-to-end and you have a recipe for disaster. Credit: Adobe
The I-4 “Dead Zone”
Interstate-4, at the south end of the interstate bridge across the St. Johns River, Seminole County According to legend, this part of I-4 was built on a Swedish settlement plagued by yellow fever. The graves, the story goes, were plowed over to build the highway. People have reported seeing pioneer ghosts standing on the road and hearing voices ask “Who’s there?” and “Why?” on truck radios. There have also been a huge number of accidents here, anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 since it opened, depending on the source. Credit: Photo via AdobeThe precious few parking spaces around East End Market on the weekend
Trying to find a place to store your vehicle can take longer than lunch at our 2022 winner for Best Food Hall in Orlando. Good thing the restos are worth the misery. What is joy without pain? Credit: East End MarketThe roads around Wekiwa Springs
The springs are a lasting example of the natural beauty of Florida and we’re lucky to have them. The roads around them on a particularly busy day can make you question whether or not a slice of heaven is worth it. Credit: Florida State Parks
