We will be there in January and our flight doesn't leave until 7:25 pm What do people usually do in this situation? Should we still have the shuttle picking us up at the hotel or should we just get one way to the resort and then leave the resort at regular check out, and head somewhere else?
The resort will hold your bags at the front after you check out until your shuttle comes. You can stay at the resort until then.
You can eat, swim, drink or whatever until then. Shower & change in a friends room, or in the spa (which has very comfortable facilities for this).