Wel left FLL around 11:30, stopping at the Whole Foods for lunch items (drinks, sandwiches, and snacks - I brought a small soft-sided cooler with me) and then topping off the gas tank at the Sam's Club near MIA before heading off for Shark Valley. We arrived around 1 p.m. and waited about 10 minutes to enter the parking lot. My mom has a National Parks Pass so we didn't have to pay the entrance fee. We took the 2 p.m. tram (our reservations were certainly needed) and really enjoyed the experience. We saw an amazing amount of alligators and also numerous blue herrons, egrets, storks, and other birds along the way. A park ranger narrated the tour, which was very informative.

Thanks again for all of the suggestions.