2.5 days after Cruise docks… unsure what to do

Question

We fly into FL on 2 Jan for a few nights cruise. We return and have 2.5 days before flying to New Orleans. Family of 5 with teenage daughters and we did the parks 3 years ago so probably don’t need to do again althou our girls would be pumped. Maybe Volcano Bay if we did 😊 Orlando is obviously a lot cheaper for us to stay then FL/Miami so really unsure where we should stay & do to make the most of the time. Possibly see Clearwater so maybe a day trip from Orlando…? Could stay in Miami as at this stage possibly flying out of there but we did Miami 7 years ago so hubby is unsure if needs to go again. We have a hire car & being aussies enjoy driving & exploring so not fussed about distances. Any suggestions? Is Clearwater a must see?

Answer

With 2.5 days after your Florida cruise and before flying to New Orleans, you have just enough time to explore a bit beyond the theme parks without feeling rushed. Since your family already did the parks recently, you can focus on new experiences, day trips, and relaxing activities.

Where to Stay

Orlando: Staying near Universal or Disney is convenient for local attractions like Volcano Bay or Disney Springs, and hotels are generally more affordable than Miami or Clearwater. It also makes it easy to drop in at Universal for a day without wasting time on travel.
Clearwater/St. Pete: Offers beautiful Gulf Coast beaches and a change of scenery from Orlando. Staying here would give you a relaxing beach day and possibly some sightseeing, but you’ll spend more time driving if you want to also visit Orlando attractions.
Miami: If your flight departs from Miami, it could make sense to stay here for the last night. Otherwise, since you visited Miami 7 years ago, it might not be worth backtracking unless your family is keen to see it again.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 (afternoon/evening post-cruise): Arrive in Orlando, check into hotel, have a relaxed evening at the hotel pool or visit Disney Springs for dining and shopping.
Day 2: Consider a full day at Volcano Bay water park for fun with teenage daughters. Alternatively, do a local adventure such as ICON Park rides, iFly indoor skydiving, or the Kennedy Space Center for a unique experience.
Day 3: If beaches appeal, drive to Clearwater or St. Pete (approx. 2–2.5 hours from Orlando). Spend the day at Clearwater Beach, explore Pier 60, and have dinner in St. Pete or Clearwater before heading back to Orlando or en route to your departure airport.
Half Day Option: If your flight to New Orleans is from Orlando, a half day in a nearby area like Winter Park or the Orlando area gardens could be a relaxing alternative to a longer drive.

Clearwater Considerations

Clearwater Beach is a top-rated Gulf Coast beach with soft sand, calm waters, and Pier 60, which is great for families.
It is not a “must-see,” but it’s a pleasant option if you enjoy beaches, seafood, or a change of pace from Orlando’s theme park environment.
If you prefer to minimize driving, you could skip Clearwater and focus on nearby attractions within 30–60 minutes of Orlando.

Other Tips

With a hire car, Florida road trips are very doable and enjoyable, so plan driving distances carefully to make the most of limited time.
Book tickets in advance for any attractions like Volcano Bay or Kennedy Space Center to save time.
Pack casual, comfortable clothing and swimwear for water activities and beach time. February weather is mild, with highs around 70–75°F (21–24°C) and cooler evenings.
Consider ending your trip closer to your departure airport to reduce stress on travel day.

Overall, staying in Orlando for convenience with one day dedicated to Volcano Bay or other attractions, plus a day trip to Clearwater if the family wants a beach experience, offers a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation for the 2.5 days.

2.5 days after Cruise docks… unsure what to do

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