8pm flight out of FLL... need things to do for the day in Miami

[Suger Mag]

Hi, we are taking a March cruise on the WOnder out of Miami and we have a late flight out of Ft. Lauderdale (8pm). What advice do folks have for killing time in Miami or the surrounding area, as well as how to best get to FLL around 4 or 5pm?

Not into a beach, open to a car rental. Traveling with my senior mom (80) so light walking is best.

Dayrooms? Where?
Anyone take an airboat ride... is it too much for Nana?
Animal encounters?
Also traveling with my DD 12 so any particularly good malls or shopping centers?

Thanks for your help, I have never been to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale so I appreciate the info.

 

[disneydreamer82]

Not sure if Disney offers it, but some cruise lines actually offer an excursion you can book for that day specifically for people with late flights on disembarkation day. We are in the same boat (haha!) for our cruise in April on Celebrity. I plan to book us an excursion simply for the convenience of not worrying about bags or transportation (or what the heck to do all day lol) that day HTH!!

 

[cruisinwithmaandpa]

We enjoy Bayside, plenty of shops, restaurants. You can also take a boat tour. I wouldn't suggest South Beach. A lot of walking.

 

[linetbo]

Another vote for Bayside.

 

[jodifla]

Bayside will have a lot of walking, and it's basically a mall. If you want to see unique things, rent a car and go to The Jungle Queen up in Fort Lauderdale. It's near the airport. They have a 3 hour sightseeing cruise starting at 1:30, complete with an alligator show. It's all a bit kitcshy, but it's been around for 65 years.


http://www.junglequeen.com/

 

[kristinanderic]

Any new suggestions we have a 8pm flight out of miami as well. Car rental is just too high for a mini van for 8 hours.

Mall would be fine, but what do you do with all the luggage?

 

[mevans0000]

we were in a similar situation (not quite as much time to kill). We took the kids to the http://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org/ which was alot of fun. A combination of it + Bayside might be great.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We took a trip to Flamingo gardens. There is a narrated tram to ride.

http://flamingogardens.org/Home.html

 

[abja09]

I am in the same situation for my cruise in February. I have a 6pm flight out of Miami. I saw DCL offers an excursion in Miami for a hop on hop off bus tour which I may do because they store luggage.