Hi, We are going on a cruise leaving out of miami April 27. We are staying 2 nights in Orlando and two nights at the doubletree surfcomber hotel in south beach. What are the must does in Orlando and how is the doubletree castle? What are the things to do in the miami area? Is driving to fort lauderdale worth it? We are a young couple 21 and 23 years old. We do not really care for the club scene, like nice beaches, watersports, shopping, siteseeing, amusement parks (not necessarily thrill rides), heard there was a cruise to go see famous homes, would like more detail on that please and anything else that would be helpfull!!

Also, can anyone tell me different ways to get deals on attractions in the locations I have inquired? I am interrested in Sea World, Walt Disney, MGM and any other attraction you can recommend

come on, there as got to be people who have travelled to florida and could help me out?!?

Bruno

Miami Zoo is worth seeing

Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary (rent a boat and go out to the reef snorkeling for the day)

For the evening drive to Ft. Lauderdale and enjoy the Trapeze Club

See the "Cirque du Soleil" show at Downtown Disney.

thanks for the info everyone!

Is the cirque du soleil sold out far in advance or can I purchase tickets a few weeks in advance

Tickets for Cirque du Soleil can USUALLY be purchased a week or so in advance, but check their dates. I believe they only have shows Wed or Thur thru Sun, and they may take a break (maybe a month?) in the winter.

There is a jungle cruise in FLL that takes you past the famous homes. Not sure if that is what you are referring to. There may also be a similar trip in Miami as well. The one in FLL was informative and interesting. Miami should keep you busy enough. FLL is a great place to vacation as well. Not sure if it is worth it to make a trip up there just for the Jungle cruise. When we vacationed in FLL we enjoyed the town very much.

Lauderdale has 1 attraction. The beach in the winter. Mostly just old people and want to be young people who couldn't make it up north.

To Ft.laud-That is YOUR distorted opinion. FLL is one of the most fascinating, diversified, different cities in the U.S. Go have an eggnog!

Bruno:

I'd suggest going to Ft. Lauderdale area but I am a fan of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL (5 miles north right on the ocean). It is a walking town with some shops & restaurants around the intersection of Commerce & A1A and Commerce & El Mar Drive (which runs the length of the ocean). There is a mini mall a very short distance on A1A after you pass Commerce. The town is only like 1 mile x 1 mile and no motel can be above 3 stories so it has a beachtown feel. The beach is much more quiet than Fort Lauderdale. You may also try Hollywood, FL. Since you don't like major crowds, you'd like both.

Bruno,

Based on your post are you taking the Discovery Cruise to Freeport? If so it leaves out of Ft. Lauderdale not Miami. Also the "package" will require you to participate in a time share presentation. I mention this because you are also staying in Orlando.

If this is the same cruise, you might want to check with the www.bahamas-mon.com website for info on the Discovery Cruise line. The package is cheap, but there are lots of add on costs the company does not mention.

Good luck.