Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop — Attraction in Lauderhill

This is a review of the Thunderbird drive-in.

Went here was I was a kid and was fun and enjoyable. Now, went here as a adult with husband to see Venom 2. Honesty this drive-in changed drastically and not for the better. This was his first time and it was a lackluster experience, not what he pictured a drive -in to be and certainly not what I remember it as. Too much activity going on for a movie theater, even a drive-in. Looks run down and not kept up.

To start off with, the female ticket vendor was cold and curt, unhelpful as anyone one else would have noticed we were confused and instead of explaining to us how it worked, just rushed us along. There weren't any real directions and there was no attendants around to assist or direct anyone on where to go and the markings on the ground for spaces were barely there which made them hard to see. If was kind of a free for all in terms of parking, with some cars blocking "aisles". During the movie once we think we found a spot, was only able to see 2/3 of the screen due a large SUV in front who's driver kept opening their door and periodically putting their backup lights on, a car behind us kept their led high beams on, the lighted mobile snack vendors drove around constantly, and the #11 screen playing Don't Breath 2 Rated R was facing the cars for #12 Venom 2 Rated PG-13. Not only was this extremely distracting, but I can tell you there were many kids under 13 years around. After the movie, we got out to talk to friends and some of us smelled Marijuana through our masks. When the next movie started playing, we realized there was no one ushering anyone away and half the cars remained, most likely to watch the movie on one of the other screens.

For $7 per person, I would have preferred a real movie theatre or stayed home and cuddled up to a good movie.

Looking at other reviews, it's sad how a lot of them are just for window tinting and other...

Everyone should pay the same price! Prices should NOT be biased based on your race or the way a person looks!!! My husband and I visited the swap shop today. First we went to the food court to have lunch. We got pizza which was delicious and the customer service was excellent. Both the lady and the man behind the counter was awesome! Next we went out to the market section to look at the fresh produce. At the first vendor I saw a bag of chili peppers.I asked the lady how much are the chili peppers and she was not paying attention so she threw three fingers up and told me $3, then when she looked up and saw me she told me $5. I found this a little strange but I did pay the $5 for the chili peppers. Next we visited a vendor who was selling bouquets of flowers. I purchased a bouquet of flowers which was absolutely beautiful. The customer service at the flower shop(at the entrance of the Swap Shop) was excellent the lady greeted us when we came in and was very helpful. Finally we visited a fruit vendor who was next to the tinting business. She had a group of Haitian(her people) customers in front of us and she was helping them. We heard the prices she gave to her people which was $3 per fruit cup. When my husband grabbed a mango fruit cup and ask her how much she told my husband$5. My husband told her but you charged the customers in front of us $3! Why are you charging us $5 for the same item?! The vendor told my husband that she's not doing that anymore and the price for him is $5. Lesson learned we will not purchase any items ever again from the vendors(besides the food court & flower shop)at the swap shop. If you are American or look like you have money expect the prices you will pay for the items to be twice as much. The Swap Shop should have every vendor list their prices. Everyone should pay the same price! Prices should NOT be biased based on your race or the way a person looks! I...

Swap Shop is the perfect combination of mass-produced discount grime, liminal spaces, garage sales, old neon, and a perpetually creaky carnival. From ever-churning children’s rides to farmer’s market stalls, key shops, grillz makers, ammo booths, and car window tinting companies, Swap Shop has it all.

If something exists, it exists here in its most discounted, off-brand form. I’m not aware of anywhere else in South Florida where you can buy adult DVDs from a white windowless van and then pick up themed tourist mugs just a few footsteps away.

On weekends, you’re treated to paid parking across the street with a bright yellow pedestrian bridge to safely usher you to the world of dust, rust, and mystery. Discounted flea market finds await at every corner. And for the empty stalls, relics of old movie promotional posters keep things entertaining.

Weekdays are calmer when parking is free, allowing you to park close to the building. But there are also fewer garage sale style cars set up in the parking lot during the week.

Still, whenever you visit the Swap Shop, you’ll find something interesting. There are two floors of indoor booths plus semipermanent outdoor container booths and an ever-changing lineup of cars selling their wares in the parking lot.

Yes, Swap Shop is grimy. Yes, it’s got water stained ceilings. Yes, you feel like you need a long shower after coming here. But that’s honestly the charm of this place. It’s a flea market that’s unapologetic about its stance. And it’s packed with unique finds if you’re willing to look.

Added bonus: Steve-O used to be a clown here before Jackass...