The kayaking itself is great, weeki wachee is beautiful and scenic. On Jan. 12, 2023, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park will unveil 28 mermaid statues to celebrate its anniversary, in an exhibition called Destination Mermaid: The Tail Trail. Athanason said the park will bring together mermaids from over the decades, including 92-year-old Diane Wyatt McDonald, one of Weeki Wachee's first "Aquabelles.". Legendary mermaid Vicky Smith. Register today for $20 (spectators are free. We splashed around a bit in the waterpark (two slides and a diving platform - the lazy river costs an extra $7 for a tube). When the satiny blue curtain rolls up in Weeki Wachee Springs State Parks submerged 400-seat auditorium, its a mesmerizing scene. They have many fun mermaid themed souvenirs. The mermaid show is about 30-40 minutes long. You cant take your eyes off of the mermaids, their hair arcing around them in halos, their tails curving behind as they spin and twist. Camp participants wont breathe off of the parks air hoses. BOOT CAMPY A mermaid performer at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, where visitors can participate in a weekend . By the 1950s, Weeki Wachee had become one of the nations premier tourist stops, earning worldwide acclaim. "But we will be taking walk ups the night of the show, starting at 6:30 pm." Due to higher demand pre-sale ticket holders will have first come first served for the Lazy River and tubes for the movie, as there . The parks name is Weeki Wachee is a Seminole Indian name which means "little spring" or "winding river.". Weeki Wachee Springs: Take your time - See 2,633 traveler reviews, 2,238 candid photos, and great deals for Weeki Wachee, FL, at Tripadvisor. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is best known for its iconic mermaid show offered twice a day at 11am and 3pm. Courtesy 4 of 4 Weeki Wachee Kristy__Amanda___Cheyenne_Sep27_19_8715 Now, Weeki Wachee is celebrating its 75 th Anniversary with a mermaid reunion and unveiling of 26 individually decorated mermaid statues at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Do they rent umbrellas for the swimming rea? After the show, near the gift shop, you can get your picture taken with one of the mermaids! If they passed out tickets for the mermaid show to the first 300 people into the park we could have seen the show. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The park includes water rides, animal shows, mermaid costume shows, and manatee watching. Between swimming in the spring, the mermaid show and the nature experiences, the whole family will have a great day together. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Call 352-597-8484 with any questions! But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. It then gets progressively deeper fairly quickly. Nearby homes similar to 9407 Bearfoot Trl have recently sold between $356K to $549K at an average of $205 per square foot. Shop. Just a note, stairs are the only way down into the spring. Swimming and beach access will open on March 11. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. InDepth editor Pat Jablonski takes us to see the longest running mermaid show on Earth that dates back to 1949, and discusses what it takes to be one of the park's seventeen aquatic athletes. A weekend camp teaches visitors aquatic ballet, complete with shimmering tail. Weeki Wachee mermaid Joyce Hope, 1966 Florida Pictorial. 0. Theater doors open 30 minutes before show time. 6131 Commercial Way I hear the boats fill up so maybe the 9:30 and then mermaids at 11. The instructors are the best anywhere: all are former mermaids who volunteer their time. Special Events. Check out the Mermaid Roster to get a personal glimpse into the lives of the shows stars. Arising from the spring, the Weeki Wachee River wends its way 12 miles until it merges with the Gulf of Mexico. Join us for Breakfast with Santa at Weeki Wachee and enjoy some delicious menu items like buttermilk pancakes, applewood smoked bacon, and more! What little girl, or grown woman for that matter, doesnt have the thought that she would like to be a mermaid too? You will love to stay a little longer with the friendly staff. The mermaids give the audience historical information(via video), and the technical aspect of the show. ABC built the current theater, seating 400 and situated 16 feet below the springs surface. Took the boat ride (about 20 minutes) and that was enjoyable as the guide explained about some eagles nests, fish and turtles we saw along the springs. We didn't do that, but when we left the park at 1:00 there were people standing in line already. Weeki Wachee Springs. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. In the springs depths, the current is powerful enough to knock the mask off of a Scuba divers face. This requires SCUBA certification, first aid, CPRand several months of training, as well as being 18 years of age. The park had reached capacity by 9:30. What Mermaid Ashley enjoys most is hanging out with her animals. The juried artists who designed and hand-painted each statue will be on hand at this unveiling to meet and greet the public. State Park, there is a separate admission for the part of the park that used to be a roadside attraction, including the mermaid show. I believe Susan swam as a Weeki Wachee mermaid from 1965 to 1966." . The cost was $13 dollars for an adult and 8 dollars for kids 6-12. Here's where to discover more about the show; the mermaids and how you can connect with them; Weeki Wachees other attractions and experiences; and even how you can put on a tail and join in a mermaid camp. Reviewed December 26, 2022. We also use cookies for functional and analytical purposes. The Mertailor Mermaid Aquarium Encounter is complete with fish, stingrays and a . Couldnt have been more pleased with visits to Homosassa Springs SP, Crystal River Archeological SP, and Crystal River SPeveryone was friendly and helpful. The Ranger Experience is offered daily at 10 . Adding to the authenticity of the statues, a casting of a well-known Weeki Wachee Mermaids face will be used. On Jan. 12, 2023, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park will unveil 28 mermaid statues to celebrate its anniversary, in an exhibition called Destination Mermaid: The Tail Trail. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Amphitheater, Interpretive Exhibit, Concession and Restaurant. Since 1947, millions of visitors have been amazed and charmed by the world-famous mermaids who inhabit the spring. Beside the spring is a man made beach with lounge chairs. Your group will love the dining and entertainment options at Weeki Wachee. Do mermaids get cold when theyre putting on shows? Contact the Statewide Information Line: The Weeki Wachee mermaid show is included in your $13 admission price. Had we known this, we would just have rented kayaks at Roger's Park instead and paddled up from there (similar price, but you have the kayaks for the whole day instead of 2 hour max, this way we could take our time, stop for swims and gotten a lot more out of the kayaking. Mermaid show. show in 1966 at . . COVID-19 & Safety Updates. Mermaid Kiyomi aspires to become a labor and delivery nurse! We invite you to come and experience for yourself the fun and spectacular natural Florida splendor that has been amazing visitors since 1947. Watch the "world-famous" Weeki Wachee Mermaids perform live in the spring, while you view the show behind the windows of a . The famous mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the best attraction in Florida! We also use cookies for functional and analytical purposes. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. From weddings and concerts to corporate events and more, your group will have a memorable experience in the enchanted city of mermaids. View. Diving Into the Past. Guests will soon see the mermaids swimming once again at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, as it's set to reopen tomorrow, Thursday, March 18! Check out Weeki Wachee Springs State Park for more information. It's one of the deepest known freshwater cave systems in the United States. There are only eight openings per weekend dates. The water slides, lazy river and kiddie pool will be open Saturdays and Sundays. Manatees are most abundant when the Gulf dips below 70, mostly January and February, on the west coast of FL. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Very disorganized management of this beautiful springs and state park! 6131 Commercial Way As of September 2022: Mermaid shows are offered at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3 p.m. on weekends. How to Stay Safe on a Road Trip in 2022; Best Road Trip Games for Kids; How to Make Sure Your Car Is Road Trip Ready. 263 Reviews. Camp sessions are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. The second show is called Wonders of Weeki. Weeki Wachee Springs is a spring located in Central West Florida in Hernando County, Florida. The wait is oh-so-worth-it. 352-597-8484 phone. Park visitors may take a wonderful boat tour or paddling . The first mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs opened to the public on this date. The deadline to apply for this art project is May 31 and submissions must be received by no later than 5 p.m. that day. Fast-forward a dozen or so years, and Cheyenne becomes a lifeguard at the park. We been bring our visitors to this place for many years for a day of fun.now it is way too short. Join us at the Weeki Wachee Springs Buccaneer Bay Waterpark for an exclusive outdoor showing ofThe Goonies! Register today for $20 (spectators are free.) You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. To continue, you must agree to our Privacy Policy. Email address or phone number in the event the park needs to contact you. We are unable to issue refunds or return tickets for any cancellations due to weather. The latest news and how to stay informed. Hours: The park is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm every day. In the show, youll see the Mermaids of Weeki Wachee perform underwater feats from the past six decades, including eating and drinking underwater; enjoy several musical numbers; and learn about historical information(via video); and the technical aspect of the show. When the girls heard a car coming, theyd bolt to the road in their bathing suits to lure drivers into the parking lot, just like sirens of ancient lore beckoned sailors to their sides. Rentals are for 2 hours and shuttle service is included. The last time we went there was about 30 years. I think any artist that is considering it, go for it! Lowman said. Arising from the spring, the Weeki Wachee River wends its way 12 miles until it merges with the Gulf of Mexico. Tickets are $16 for adults ages 12+, and $8 for children 3-11. According to the park's announcement, the mermaid auditions will include a swim endurance test and an underwater audition. Mermaid shows are offered at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. View more homes. Perry built an 18-seat theater into the limestone, set six feet below the waters surface, so viewers could look right into the natural beauty of the ancient spring. Weeki Wachee Springs, Weeki Wachee: See 2,632 reviews, articles, and 2,235 photos of Weeki Wachee Springs, ranked No.5 on Tripadvisor among 15 attractions in Weeki Wachee. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: It is not included in the $13 entrance ticket. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In 1946, Perry scouted out Weeki Wachee for his new business. Mermaids will receive a starting salary of $15 per hour. The spring is a true Florida roadside attraction but it is definitely worth a visit if you are in the Tampa area. They add. A ferocious battle ensues between the prince and the malevolent sea witch, as the prince fights to save the Little Mermaids voice. Will be back to the river but will not be using this company again. For full event details please visit our website . Weeki Wachee started out as a swimming hole, a natural spring 117 feet deep that feeds the seven-mile-long Weeki Wachee River, which pumps more than 100 million gallons of fresh water into the . Where can I find menu's and pricing for all the consessions food places at buccaneer bay? Paying for one does not get you into the other. a casting of a well-known Weeki Wachee Mermaid's face will be used. In addition, to live mermaid shows . Weeki Wachee Springs presents the first live underwater mermaid show to the public in 1947. 4,186 Sq. You can purchase food inside the park at several different locations. Effective May 27: All water park attractions will be open daily for the summer. The Mermaids of Weeki Wachee perform daily at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, Florida. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. . You can find the all the application details on the Florida Mermaid Trail website. So the mermaid's real name is 'Little Spring Mermaids' or 'Winding River Mermaids.'. These cookies do not store any personal information. But where do the mermaids come from? Mermaids promise a real delight to the spectators. Address: 6131 Commercial Way Weeki Wachee FL 34606. SPRING HILL, Fla. The mermaid shows and wilderness cruise at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park are temporarily unavailable, the Florida Department of . Weeki Wachee Springs is a spectacular spring site. Effective March 20-May 26: The swimming area will be open daily. * MARCH 25-26. Weeki Wachee is one of the top remaining old Florida attractions. When the war ended, he thought that Weeki Wachee was a perfect location for this new . A mermaid performs at Weeki Wachee in this postcard from 1969. The mermaid shows have been an attraction of Weeki Wachee Springs since 1947. Weeki Wachees zenith began in 1959, when the spring was purchased by the American Broadcasting Co. (ABC) which aggressively promoted it. | Contact Us. Generations of mermaids have sprung from Weeki Wachee Springs, but now they have a new home to flash their fins. One of the mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Last boat trip was at 12.30 and all the seats were taken. For $13 you get a full days worth of activity and fun. Cost: Park entry costs $13 for adults and $8 for kids ages 6-12. We were decided it because they had to full the 10:30 trip and the 11:30 trip before they would give out tickets for the 12:30 ride. 6131 Commercial Way Weeki Wachee, FL 34606. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. Waterfront paradise off of the Weekie Wachee River with kayaks & paddleboard!! Longing to have legs like him, she makes a deal with the sea witch, exchanging her exquisite voice for what she wants. You will enjoy this classic told unlike any other as The Little Mermaid celebrates her birthday and comes face to face with her prince! It was a very disappointing day. They are six feet tall and weigh about 80 pounds. We went to Weeki Wachee Springs to see the live mermaid show. Join us as we provide the community a safe & family-friendly alternative to the . These cookies do not store any personal information. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The mermaid shows at Weeki Wachee have thrilled tens of thousands of . we were lucky to get one of the 4 picnic tables for our lunch, but when we left there were families sitting on the sidewalk eating their picnic because of no facilities to do that. Facebook Tweet Pin LinkedIn. I looked on the State Park website and they are not listed, so I don't think there's on line info about the food $$. Rachel helps parents with young kids get back into traveling in simple easy ways using tips and tricks she's learned from experience. They cut the trip short so that it ends about half the distance they had before (about 2.5 miles instead of 5 miles), which means that you cannot get off to swim anywhere (since it is all inside of a state park). The continuously running riverboats first depart . It was nothing to brag about. $359,900 Last Sold Price. More so, it's the only place in the world where you can see real live mermaids swimming and performing right before your eyes!