Anyone living in or traveled through GA & TN?

[Terese]

We're going to be driving through Georgia & Tennessee on our way down to WDW in a couple of weeks. Last month on the national news, they reported gas shortages in Georgia & Tennessee, and I was wondering if anyone who lives in those states, or has traveled through them recently could tell me if it's still a problem. I would really appreciate anyone's help in this matter. Thanks!

[Coastierox]

Not too sure about a gas shortage, but a couple months ago the Russians invaded Georgia...

[Hakuna Makarla]

Originally Posted by Terese

We're going to be driving through Georgia & Tennessee on our way down to WDW in a couple of weeks. Last month on the national news, they reported gas shortages in Georgia & Tennessee, and I was wondering if anyone who lives in those states, or has traveled through them recently could tell me if it's still a problem. I would really appreciate anyone's help in this matter. Thanks!

Gas Shortage Over, Prices Dropping 10-10-2008 4:06 AM

(Atlanta, GA) -- With gas shortages all but gone in the metro area this week, prices are coming down. With motorists no longer needing to panic by topping off tanks, demand has decreased with supply increasing as refineries come back online. Pipelines have been delivering at near-capacity levels for the last week. There are a few stations, mostly independents that may still be out, but not for long, say officials. Prices here are expected to drop as well following a 40 percent decline in the price of crude oil since it topped off at 147-dollars-27-cents a barrel on July 11th. The average price of gas in Atlanta this morning is three-dollars-65 cents a gallon of regular unleaded, compared to around three-32 nationally.

[Krankenstein]

I live in South Georgia. The gas shortage was limited to North Georgia, but it is all but over.

BTW, gas prices here in the South Georgia have fallen drastically in the last month.

[Terese]

Thanks so much! I'm so glad to know that we won't have to worry about gas...now we can just concentrate on fun!

[lazyboy97O]

Not only is there plenty of gas now, the price I saw today on my way home was $2.58/gallon and it continues to drop each day by a few cents.

Gas prices makes a pretty good jump between Georgia and Florida. I find I can make the drive from Atlanta to Walt Disney World with two fill ups and still have enough to drive around the resort for a week. I top off in right before entering Florida, and then fill up again at the filling station on the parkway.

I don't know if you've made this trip before, but I have some tips.
-In the city of Atlanta, I-75 merges with I-85, known as the Downtown Connector. Going south, all but the right two lanes split off to continue I-75 South. Going north I-75 North is the three right lanes and I-85 North is the three left lanes, this is opposite the direction the highways actually take.

-Depending on when you hit Atlanta, it may be easier to take the "Perimeter" I-285 around Atlanta instead of going through downtown on I-75/85. You want to go around the west side of the city. If you are heading south on I-75 and decide to take I-285, as with going north on I-75 from I-75/85, the exit lanes are opposite the direction of travel. The I-285 exit ramp has two lanes, the left/east side lane is the one that heads onto I-285 West.

-Take I-475 in Georgia, it doesn't go far, but it cuts a few miles off of the trip as I-75 heads to Macon.

-In Florida, there are not a lot of signs for the Turnpike on I-75. Do not worry, it is not hard to find.

-If you are staying at Walt Disney World, be sure to use the new Western Way entrance to the resort. Just follow the signs from the Turnpike (again, not that many, but enough).

-Use your car at Walt Disney World. Disney Transport is slow and cramped. I know you think you'll be tired, but it is not that bad. You get to come and go as you please, without being shoved into a bus full of other people. You then also can park at the TTC and take the monorail to either the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT Center, which is always fun.

[aimster]

Gas prices near the GA/FL border are usually dirt cheap.

Oh and watch out for speed traps in Georgia. Those GA troopers can be ruthless.

[draybook]

It's amazing because on our trip from Memphis to Orlando, I think I saw maybe 2 cops on the highways.

[lazyboy97O]

Originally Posted by aimster

Gas prices near the GA/FL border are usually dirt cheap.

Oh and watch out for speed traps in Georgia. Those GA troopers can be ruthless.

In response to speed traps in the town of Ludowici, speed traps are illegal in Georgia. I know most people do not have the resources to return and fight a ticket, but that is the law. The most violated rule is one dictating that officers sitting on the side of the road must be visible for at least 500 feet. (Note: According to one of the judges at the Cobb County Superior Court, darkness apparently does not affect visibility.)

You'll also notice "Speed Detection Devices In Use" as you drive along the road. These signs must be posted every time you enter a new jurisdiction.

[Terese]

Thanks for all of your tips and advice...I really appreciate it! I'll try hard to be very conscious of the speed limit along the way (I don't know if I can convince my husband to do the same).

I look forward to some cheaper gas prices, too. In the Chicago area, we're used to paying some of the highest gas prices in the country. The less I have to pay for gas along the way, the more I have to spend on souvenirs!