Fees: $13 for adults,$8 for children ages 6 to 12. Do you need reservations? 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. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. more, #4 of 14 Outdoor Activities in Weeki Wachee, Boat Tours Gear Rentals Kayaking & Canoeing. All money raised benefits the Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We respect your privacy. 352-597-8484 phone. This is a such a great experience between the clear spring water, things for kids to do, natural beauty, fun mermaid shows, kayaking, and water park that we will make sure to add it to our next Legoland or Disney trip to balance fantasy fun with more aesthetic comfort. Dates: December 10th, 11th, 17th, and 18th Time: 7:30am Price: $16.00 for adults, $8.00 , Weeki Fresh Water Adventures Presents our 2nd Annual Trunk-or-Treat Event Youre invited to a FREE Halloween event for kids & their families featuring car-to-car trick or treating, entertainment, a childrens costume contest & more on October 29th from 2pm to 4pm. COVID-19 & Safety Updates. Weeki Wachee celebrated its 75th year earlier this month. The Ranger Experience is offered daily at 10 . Weeki Wachees zenith began in 1959, when the spring was purchased by the American Broadcasting Co. (ABC) which aggressively promoted it. Unsubscribe at anytime. Support WUSF now by giving monthly, or make a one-time donation online. Tampa Bay area artists are encouraged to apply to paint the 30 life-sized mermaid statues that will be placed all around Hernando County as part of the project. 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. This is the show we saw, it was very cute! For $13 you get a full days worth of activity and fun. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. The park has changed a lot since then. To ensure the safety of our performers, mermaid shows are subject to cancelation based on inclement weather. Watch the "world-famous" Weeki Wachee Mermaids perform live in the spring, while you view the show behind the windows of a . December 2022. 3.5 Baths. And what little boy wouldnt want to be the prince that glides through the water and wins the mermaids heart? In the springs depths, the current is powerful enough to knock the mask off of a Scuba divers face. Both are great experiences and can be squeezed into half a day but best done over closer to a full day. We would like to actually get out of the kayaks to swim. Joanna Keen is the WUSF Stephen Noble Digital News intern for spring of 2023. ABC also developed themes for the underwater shows, with sophisticated props, lifts, music, and storylines like Underwater Circus, The Mermaids and the Pirates and Underwater Follies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Youre invited to celebrate the tradition of the world-famous Mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park as they perform their version of Hans Christian Andersens The Little Mermaid. The mermaid show is about 30-40 minutes long. If they passed out tickets for the mermaid show to the first 300 people into the park we could have seen the show. The first is a unique rendition of Hans Christiansans The Little Mermaid which tells the story of the little mermaid on her birthday and how she meets her prince. Mermaid show. The park has changed a lot since then. It offers a hueful beauty of the spring and the mermaid show. Weeki Wachee, FL 34606. These cookies do not store any personal information. While the swimming area is open year-round, the waterslides are only open on weekends until daily summer hours begin in early June. What little girl, or grown woman for that matter, doesnt have the thought that she would like to be a mermaid too? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. According to the park's Facebook page, auditions to become a mermaid will be held Sat., Jan. 28. Address: 6131 Commercial Way Weeki Wachee FL 34606. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Mermaid Cassidy is a local to Weeki Wachee and wants to travel to Hawaii. Certified Visitor Information Centers North Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Northeast Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central West Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central East Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southwest Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southeast Florida, Florida Travel and Vacation Guides - United States, Exchange Rates, Conversions, And Processes, Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. This is from the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Mermaid Christmas Show "Winter Waterland" holiday event. 2018 Weeki Wachee Mermaid Calendar 2018 Weeki Wachee Mermaid Calendar. In Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Florida, there's a mermaid show -- and there has been for 70 years. Georgiadis died at 86 in July 2022. . We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. It came at just the right time; by the 1950s, GIs and their Baby Boomer progeny were taking off across the newly created highways in search of beautiful scenery and unique attractions. (George Skene, Orlando Sentinel) With the stroke of a pen, Florida lost one of its smallest cities. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. More so, its the only place in the world where you can see real live mermaids swimming and performing right before your eyes! Fish float and swim through the gin-clear water of the natural spring, framed by a landscape of rocks and swaying plants. Weeki Wachee Springs. Water & Amusement Parks, Outdoor Activities, More. In the 1960s, girls arrived from as far away as Tokyo to try out for the honor of becoming a glamorous mermaid. As of the 2020 census, the community has a total population of 16. Ask Joy-Love-Light about Weeki Wachee . Newton Perry, a former U.S. sailor who trained Navy SEALs chose the site in 1946 and installed a free-flowing air hoses hidden in scenery for the mermaids to use in order to create the appearance of breathing underwater during the shows. The spring is crystal clear and has a shallow end where you enter the water that comes up to about mid-calf. Rachel helps parents with young kids get back into traveling in simple easy ways using tips and tricks she's learned from experience. Karen S, . 6131 Commercial Way Mermaid Sam is an artist and can even play the ukulele. A perfect getaway with family and friends! We enjoyed the show. 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. Named by the Seminole Indians, Weeki Wachee means little spring or winding river. Every day, more than 117 million gallons of clear, fresh 74-degree water gurgleup from the springs subterranean caverns. Camp participants wont breathe off of the parks air hoses. The state park's mermaids performed their first show back in 1947 and have been one of the more Florida roadside attractions since then. To continue, you must agree to our Privacy Policy. The Mermaids of Weeki Wachee perform underwater feats from the past six decades, including eating and drinking underwater. Effective Feb. 27-March 10, 2023:All water attractions are closed for maintenance. The wilderness cruise remains closed due to social distancing requirements and the water slides, kiddie area and lazy river are only open on weekends until May 29th, 2021. 3 Beds. Mermaid Kelley has been performing at Weeki Wachee for six years now and is also the underwater theatre manager. Free parking and bathrooms. The theater is air conditioned and it felt DIVINE to sit and wait for 30 minutes. A mermaid performs at Weeki Wachee in this postcard from 1969. The spring is a true Florida roadside attraction but it is definitely worth a visit if you are in the Tampa area. For full event details please visit our website . Currently, due to COVID, you will be given an assigned show time when you purchase your ticket. The prince prevails, proving that love conquers all.. Try on a tail in the Junior Mermaid Camp, available to kids ages seven through 14; or if youre a more mature water nymph, make a splash in the Sirens of the Deep Mermaid Camp, for adults 30-years-old and up. Its a real legacy project for them to be a part of. WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7 | Yearning to have legs like him, she makes a deal with the sea witch to give her what she wants in exchange for her beautiful voice. We added a day to our trip so we could arrive at 7:40 the next morning to find that a line had already formed. 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! And no, you can't JUST get tickets to the mermaid show. Register today for $20 (spectators are free. Visiting Weeki Wachee Spring State Park. It's one of the deepest known freshwater cave systems in the United States. Lots of peacocks strutting around. Weeki Wachee Clear Kayak Ecotours Manatee Season - November 14th-March 31st, Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer, Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer, Small Group VIP Manatee Pontoon Tour in Crystal River, Crystal River Manatee Swim in Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Swim With Manatees In Crystal River, Florida, Swim with Manatees - Trip Advisors "Travelers Choice Award". The underwater theater would be the viewing place of the first mermaid show on October 13, 1947, where the first mermaids of Weeki . . Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. The mermaids took etiquette and ballet lessons. You cannot use flash in the theater, and my camera phone did not end up with great picture. Full concessions will be available! After entering the park we found that the next proper mermaid show was at 3.00 so we went to the River cruise. The park will be open to guests daily from 9 a.m. to . Applications and resumes should be sent to Kelley.Parker@floridadep.gov. The mermaid show was first come first serve and there were 2 shows during the day. In this episode, we have a conversation with. I was a Weeki Wachee mermaid for seven years, so to be chosen for this, its really, really special. Show seats are first come, first serve so I recommend arriving earlier rather than later in order to make sure you get a seat. Is weeki wachee or crystal river/three sisters springs better? It was a nice morning. Tickets are $13 for adults; $8 for ages 6 to 12; and free for ages 5 . 6131 Commercial Way Weeki Wachee, FL 34606. Swimming and beach access will open on March 11. First they offer a tour boat ride. Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 45 minutes Highlights: Mermaid show, natural spring waterpark, kayaking. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Mermaids promise a real delight to the spectators. In the mid-1940s, the first large-scale mermaid show began. Ft. 14180 Centralia, Brooksville, FL 34614. Theater doors open 30 minutes before show time. Due to the high demand, no refunds are offered, and theres no carry over to the following year. Get a first-hand encounter with some of Florida's native wildlife. The park includes water rides, animal shows, mermaid costume shows, and manatee watching. The Mertailor Mermaid Aquarium Encounter is complete with fish, stingrays and a . The kayaking itself is great, weeki wachee is beautiful and scenic. On Jan. 12, the park unveiled 28 new mermaid statues as a part of the "Mermaid Tale Trail" exhibit. Legendary mermaid Vicky Smith. This requires SCUBA certification, first aid, CPRand several months of training, as well as being 18 years of age. By, Mermaids group shot-Florida State Archives 20th century (003).jpg, Mermaid at Weeki Wachee Spring 1969-Florida State Archives (002).jpg, Mermaid at Weeki Wachee postcard-State Archives 1949 (003).jpg, Weeki Wachee Mermaid_Kiyomi_at_Weeki_Wachee_Springs_State_Park_SPRRswGr1K8t_A9quDK2WMs18q0ABlZBh_rgb_l.jpg, Weeki Wachee Kelley_Jun22_17_2814_edited, On second try, SpaceX launches multinational crew on mission to International Space Station, Uncertainty remains at Naples mobile home park after rent rise, damage wrought by Hurricane Ian, Bill before Florida Legislature would ban nonpartisan municipal races, Florida Republicans are taking on the media. They are six feet tall and weigh about 80 pounds. Go early! Full concessions will be available! Contact the Statewide Information Line: You can purchase food inside the park at several different locations. Weeki Wachee Springs - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels near St. Petersburg Intl Airport (PIE), Motels near St. Petersburg Intl Airport (PIE), Haunted Cologne: Witch Hunt Exploration Game, Peninsula Day Trip: Sightseeing Top to Bottom, Boogies & Polaris - Extreme Adventure in Punta Cana, ATV Adventure with Camel Ride and Tequila tasting in Cabo, VIP Boat Party with Open Bar, Formentera daytrip and Ibiza Club Entry. Using the air hose, a person could give the appearance of thriving twenty feet underwater with no breathing apparatus. We invite you to come and experience for yourself the fun and spectacular natural Florida splendor . We will not be going back or recommend Weeki Wachee foor Kayakingvery sad they took the fun of what used to be a great day. . View. Weeki Wachee kayaking: Beautiful . Discover the natural beauty of Floridian wildlife, flora, and fauna. WUSF 89.7 depends on donors for the funding it takes to provide you the most trusted source of news and information here in town, across our state, and around the world. 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. It appears some of the show have been canceled. Just a note, stairs are the only way down into the spring. Weeki Wachee Springs presents the first live underwater mermaid show to the public in 1947. Destination Mermaids: The Tail Trail Project. Dianne McDonald, 91, was one of the first Weeki Wachee mermaids. Here are the up coming dates. Seating is first-come, first-served. Great, but plan ahead and arrive before opening hour. 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. We are not sure if this is due to COVID or they have just changed the park attractions. Limited boat rides, limited mermaids, very limited value for money. Here's what to watch, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' actor, has died at 61, Barbara Bryant, the first woman to head the U.S. census, has died at 96, How Weeki Wachee Springs State Park will celebrate 75 years and its famed mermaids, Gasparilla 2023: Everything you need to know ahead of the pirate parade and festivities, Here is the unique fair food coming to the 2023 Florida State Fair, Weeki Wachee River may soon become a protected spring zone. And dont forget your camera! From the beginning it seemed like this place has so many rules + guidelines. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. cindyklenz. Shop. We were wrong. Since then the stage has been expanded to seat more people and there are other attractions like the nature show, wilderness cruise and buccaneer bay. Facebook Tweet Pin LinkedIn. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Hosted by the Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, . 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. The Weeki Wachee mermaid show runs a couple times each day. Special Events. She is a strong swimmer and every day she can see the mermaids from her station performing their beautiful underwater show. She echoed Delaney's sentiment that the bond between the mermaids is much more like family than co-workers. Be patient for a response, as the mermaids are popular pen-pals. Seating in the middle is best for viewing. The mermaid shows have been an attraction of Weeki Wachee Springs since 1947. Mermaid Paisley loves to indulge in half-baked ice cream and play with her pet hedgehog. It sure was not worth the cost of $70 plus taxes and fee for our single 2 Kayaks and $51 plus taxes and Fee for a double for less than 1.5 hours. Mermaid Lydia is quite the artist and loves to do special-effects makeup. #mermaid #weekiwachee #florida Very disorganized management of this beautiful springs and state park! Instead they said we could go and stand in line for the 3:00 show and wait til the doors opened at 2:30. Its a great opportunity for them to show their creative side. The selected artists will be paid $1,000 and the unveiling is scheduled for Oct. 13 at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. ABC built the current theater, seating 400 and situated 16 feet below the springs surface. 19, 2021 | Updated Mar. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Plan Your Visit. Manatees are most abundant when the Gulf dips below 70, mostly January and February, on the west coast of FL. Last boat trip was at 12.30 and all the seats were taken. Visit Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park to learn about mermaid camps; volunteering; and donating; or check out their galleries. (We all know how . https://www.facebook.com/WeekiWacheeSprings/, https://twitter.com/WeekiWacheeSpgs?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor. Do they rent umbrellas for the swimming rea? The Little Mermaid. Weeki Wachee mermaid Joyce Hope, 1966 Florida Pictorial. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Weeki Wachee also offers a small nature show that is about 10 minutes long where they show you a couple animals native to Florida. Thanks to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, you can live the fantasy. 11 AM and 3 PM (Weather permitting). Seating is first-come, first-served. The addition of the water park has made this place incredibly popular. Located on the scenic Gulf Coast of Florida, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the ideal destination for your next group event. This event is from 7:30-9:00am! Weeki Wachee Spring State Park has real live mermaids and you can see them today in the Weeki Wachee mermaid show for only $13! 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 $$. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Welcome to the world-renowned Weeki Wachi Mermaid Show, an old-Florida attraction that costs a pittance and delivers a blockbuster experience. No luck there! Mermaid shows are offered at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Weeki Wachee celebrated its 75th year earlier this month. By the 1950s, Weeki Wachee had become one of the nations premier tourist stops, earning worldwide acclaim. By Steven Goodwin. The first mermaid show was back in 1947, when U.S. 19 was a two-lane dirt road, and swimmers performed underwater ballet routines . 4 things you can do for your health, The State of Black Tampa Bay: An Exclusive Town Hall, Ybor speakeasy honors Madame Fortune Taylor, Ex got a warrant? Applicants must turn in a resume and a state application in advance, and must be at least 18 years old. You will enjoy this classic told unlike any other as The Little Mermaid celebrates her birthday and comes face to face with her prince! Its all or nothing before 9:00 if you want to enjoy the place. Contact the Statewide Information Line: This includes, but isnt limited to, lightning in the area and temperatures below 50 degrees at showtime. Do mermaids need help getting on their tails? Brimming with the remains of rusted refrigerators and abandoned cars, the spring was sited on U.S. 19, at the time, an insignificant two-lane road. A mermaid performs at Weeki Wachee in this postcard from 1949. The parks name is Weeki Wachee is a Seminole Indian name which means "little spring" or "winding river.". This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We are unable to issue refunds or return tickets for any cancellations due to weather. We lined up for the 10AM Wonders of Weeki Wachee show and were pretty quickly let into the theater when it opened at 9:30. Arising from the spring, the Weeki Wachee River wends its way 12 miles until it merges with the Gulf of Mexico. a casting of a well-known Weeki Wachee Mermaid's face will be used. According to the park's Facebook page, auditions to become a mermaid will be held Sat., Jan. 28. Mermaid Catherine enjoys Nicholas Sparks books while sunbathing on a beach. It was nothing to brag about. Reviewed December 26, 2022. Coming on Monday Jan 30th 2023!!! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Nothing! The mermaids swim in the depths of the spring, while the audience watches from a 500-seat theater 16 feet below the water's surface. In the camps, youll learn the daily responsibilities of being a mermaid and what it takes to put on a show. I even asked if we would have enough time if we dropped in when we did (around 1:30pm) I just feel like they shouldve done a better job communicating such an important detail to us. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Check out Weeki Wachee Springs State Park for more information. We also use cookies for functional and analytical purposes. Mermaids 11 & 3. The Ranger Experience is offered daily at 10 a.m., noon and 2:15 p.m. The communities of Weeki Wachee Gardens and Spring Hill are nearby. Diving Into the Past. Have your child handwrite a letter to their favorite mermaid (or Prince), asking about the environment they swim in or anything else mermaid related. We'd read those words before going, but thought, "If they open at 9:00, 9:30 should be early enough." Celebrities that included Elvis Presley, Don Knotts, Esther Williamsand Arthur Godfrey came to watch the mermaid shows. February 12, 2023 May 28, 2022 by Melanie Lentz-Janney. 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. She travels with her toddler and husband as much as possible. The last time we went there was about 30 years. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Artists are required to submit designs to show how the the fiberglass statues will be painted. Updated: 11:07 PM EDT August 3, 2021. A video I created for mermaid auditions held at Weeki Wachee Springs. Filmed October 2, 2021. The second show is called Wonders of Weeki. A magical landmark for Hernando County. Mermaid Kelley enjoys listening to Brett Young and loves anything chocolate. Start your engines and join the Weeki Wachee Springs Car Show '23! Given it was an early December weekday, the park was quite empty. Published. 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. There will also be photo ops with Santa, the elves, and the mermaids.
