Dolphin Mall hacks: Here’s how to holiday shop like a boss at Miami’s most confusing mall
We know that you’re probably not looking forward to holiday shopping. How could you? You’re a sane individual, even if you are living in Miami.
But still, sometimes, as the holidays loom, the Dolphin Mall beckons. You want to emerge with presents under your arm and your spirit intact. Or at least walk to your car with some dignity and a lack of inappropriate words streaming from your lips.
The key? Be prepared. Know your battleground. Here’s what you need to know about the Dolphin Mall: 1. it is a secret outlet mall and 2. everybody has suitcases.
But don’t let that scare you. Here’s our guide to the Dolphin Mall. We can’t prevent you from hearing “All I Want for Christmas is You” 9,000 times. But we can make your life a little easier.
Get smart about parking
Download and use the MyPark app, which allows you to reserve a premium parking spot before you get there. Book on demand or reserve them in advance. It’s $3 for up to two hours, $3 more for each extra hour. You can also use the valet. It’s $7 Monday-Thursday and $10 Friday-Sunday.
If you want to just park yourself, your best bets are to go for the garage or on the north side of the mall near Neiman Marcus Last Call and Bloomingdales.
Go early
Go early. Be there right before or after the mall opens. You can check the holiday hours at Dolphin Mall’s website. Going late is also an option, but remember you will be dealing with hordes of crazed “Star Wars” fans come Dec. 20.
Note: The Dolphin Mall doesn’t open quite as early as some of the other area malls, so check out the holiday mall hours before you head out.
See what’s on sale before you go
Check the Sales & Offers part of the mall website to find out what’s on sale before you head out.
Get the lay of the land
Print out a mall map and plan your surgical strike
Avoid the snowfall
The Dolphin Mall’s Magical Snowfall party starts at 7 p.m. at Ramblas Plaza. There’s a second snowfall at 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If you’re trying for a surgically precise shopping strike, maybe don’t go at snowfall time - or at least avoid the plaza.
Keep up your strength
You’ve got a long shopping list and a short temper. Maintain sanity by eating something. Here’s where to grab a bite when you’re in the mall.
This story was originally published December 10, 2019 at 2:17 PM.