Orlando - Miami and back in a day? Or where else to go?
Discussion
Finally got my itinerary for a business trip to USA today, and I'm being dropped at Orlando airport hotel at 10am Saturday, and my flight out is on the Sunday at 6pm, so guess I need to be at the airport at 4pm.
So, 10am Sat till 4pm Sun free, free hotel Sat night at Orlando Airport. What to do?
I've always fancied visiting Miami, which is an hour's flight away. Reckon I could get there and back in a day and still have a useful amount of time to sight see? Or will I waste most of the day in airports?
And if not that then what else is there to do?
Am fairly new to this international travelling malarkey, so all suggestions gratefully received.
So, 10am Sat till 4pm Sun free, free hotel Sat night at Orlando Airport. What to do?
I've always fancied visiting Miami, which is an hour's flight away. Reckon I could get there and back in a day and still have a useful amount of time to sight see? Or will I waste most of the day in airports?
And if not that then what else is there to do?
Am fairly new to this international travelling malarkey, so all suggestions gratefully received.
Orlando-Miami is pretty limited airline-wise - Delta or American - West Palm Beach opens up cheaper options (South West/AirTran or Jet Blue) - but then you're stuck in West Palm/Ft Laudy.
If you're hell-bent on Miami, probably just as efficient to rent a car from MCO and drive it (3.5 hours on turnpike at the weekend - around $25 in tolls).
Most of Miami is somewhat unpleasant - and the bits that aren't are very expensive.
What time of year are we talking about?
I suggest you consider Tampa/St Pete as an alternative, that is closer, an easy drive, fun on a Sat night (Ybor City, in particular), has great beaches and similar "Sea-Screamer" boat ride.
Also bear in mind that although 2 hours sounds about right to be at the airport prior to your flight home, MCO gets mega-busy with tourists flying out around that time. There are 3 Virgin wide-bodies, a BA and a Lufthansa all going out at roughly the same time, so the security lines can get very long - perhaps bear that in mind and factor into your plan.
If you're hell-bent on Miami, probably just as efficient to rent a car from MCO and drive it (3.5 hours on turnpike at the weekend - around $25 in tolls).
Most of Miami is somewhat unpleasant - and the bits that aren't are very expensive.
What time of year are we talking about?
I suggest you consider Tampa/St Pete as an alternative, that is closer, an easy drive, fun on a Sat night (Ybor City, in particular), has great beaches and similar "Sea-Screamer" boat ride.
Also bear in mind that although 2 hours sounds about right to be at the airport prior to your flight home, MCO gets mega-busy with tourists flying out around that time. There are 3 Virgin wide-bodies, a BA and a Lufthansa all going out at roughly the same time, so the security lines can get very long - perhaps bear that in mind and factor into your plan.
Ari said:
I'm a Miami Vice fanatic, hence hoping to grab the opportunity to visit my Mecca, as it were.
However it does appear that flights are an issue, looking at £220, ulp! Pity.
So, Corvette and Daytona then? Sounds intriguing. What's actually at Daytona then?
Er, the raceway. Book a tour and then go down to the beachfront, soak up the atmosphere.However it does appear that flights are an issue, looking at £220, ulp! Pity.
So, Corvette and Daytona then? Sounds intriguing. What's actually at Daytona then?
10am Saturday to 4pm Sunday?
You have anough time for a very quick dash down if you want to. The four hour drive can be a bit tedious but probably not much slower than flying and more fun.
MV was filmed around South Beach, which is now very touristy, but still worth a visit.
The building with the red spiral stairs that appears in the opening credits is an apartment on Brickell Ave.
South Beach is also the scene of a lot of 'Scarface'.
Next time why not suggest flight times yourself rather than getting someone else to decide when you fly?
You have anough time for a very quick dash down if you want to. The four hour drive can be a bit tedious but probably not much slower than flying and more fun.
MV was filmed around South Beach, which is now very touristy, but still worth a visit.
The building with the red spiral stairs that appears in the opening credits is an apartment on Brickell Ave.
South Beach is also the scene of a lot of 'Scarface'.
Next time why not suggest flight times yourself rather than getting someone else to decide when you fly?
thole.Just got back from 8 days in Miami, didnt have a car went all round on public transport to the city, little Havana coconut grove, coral gables, and we hired bikes, stayed in south beach great fun, didnt find to many bad bits all friendly and clean, but dont think you could get the feel of place in a few hours ,and the weather was great , but yes it was a bit on the expensive side 
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