Fish float and swim through the gin-clear water of the natural spring, framed by a landscape of rocks and swaying plants. Given it was an early December weekday, the park was quite empty. 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. it was a little corny to think of watching the little mermaid show but was interested in seeing. At $13 it is worth it considering the prices of the Orlando theme parks. July 18, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Its so deep that its bottom has never been found. Here are the up coming dates. When you watch the mermaids perform, bending their bodies in impossibly graceful curves and smiling through the water, theyre the embodiment of beauty and allure. All in all Weeki Wachee is a great day trip from Tampa. Do mermaids get cold when theyre putting on shows? 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606-1121. Mermaid shows are offered at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Contact Us. A magical landmark for Hernando County. 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. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is best known for its iconic mermaid show offered twice a day at 11am and 3pm. It appears some of the show have been canceled. He found some pretty girls and trained them to swim with air hoses; drink Grapette, a non-carbonated beverage; eat bananas underwater and do aquatic balletsall while smiling broadly. 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. To ensure the safety of our performers, mermaid shows are subject to cancelation based on inclement weather. You can view the underwater show featuring the mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs from dry seats in the Newton Perry amphitheater. Thankfully we knew that in advance of our end of June 2021 visit. Its all or nothing before 9:00 if you want to enjoy the place. To continue, you must agree to our Privacy Policy. Take a closer look at this $569,000, 4 bed, 3 bath, 2,616 SqFt, Single Family for sale, located at 4063 SPRING PARK WAY in BROOKSVILLE, FL 34604. Joanna Keen is the WUSF Stephen Noble Digital News intern for spring of 2023. All rights reserved. This post may contain some affiliate links. Once the theater is full, the doors will close. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Special Events. Celebrate your big day in the enchanted city of mermaids. 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. Georgiadis died at 86 in July 2022. . And I love that the mermaids are state employees can't wait. The Easter Bunny will have a designated area for a great photo opportunity and story time with the kids. We are thinking of doing kayaking and swimming with manatees with the family in early April. There are two shows that are run. In the springs depths, the current is powerful enough to knock the mask off of a Scuba divers face. My favorite was the matching mermaid sets for girls and their dolls or barbies! From weddings and concerts to corporate events and more, your group will have a memorable experience in the enchanted city of mermaids. Limited boat rides, limited mermaids, very limited value for money. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We respect your privacy. McDonald was the co-creator of a certain pose that is depicted in "Adagio," one of the statues that can be seen in front of the park. 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. | Contact Us. It is small (doable in a few hours, but very nice grounds and friendly and helpful staff). ), Ho ho ho! 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. Reporters and bloggers, alike, Biden and House Democrats chart a 2024 course based on their legislative track record, Ukraine is dominating the election in Estonia, a key NATO ally. The process may take up to two hours. When the war ended, he thought that Weeki Wachee was a perfect location for this new . 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. This event has been canceled. Discover the natural beauty of Floridian wildlife, flora, and fauna. 896. They always say once a mermaid, always a mermaid. I get to have a statue around forever, so it gives me a real feel of that, Kristy Lowman said. Located on the scenic Gulf Coast of Florida, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the ideal destination for your next group event. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (with the mermaid show and water park) are different than Weeki Wachee Springs kayaking but share the same parking lot. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It is not included in the $13 entrance ticket. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Join us at the Weeki Wachee Springs Buccaneer Bay Waterpark for an exclusive outdoor showing ofThe Goonies! The theater is air conditioned and it felt DIVINE to sit and wait for 30 minutes. This aquatic show, located in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Florida, was created by Newton Perry who trained US Navy SEALs to swim underwater during the Second World War. You can investigate Mermaid Paisley to find out her guilty pleasure is Ben & Jerrys Half Baked Ice Cream; discover Prince Anthony is from Spring Hill and has a celebrity crush on Anne Hathaway; and learn that Mermaid Giannas dream job would be to become a police officer and that her dream vacation destination is Italy. Using the air hose, a person could give the appearance of thriving twenty feet underwater with no breathing apparatus. More so, its the only place in the world where you can see real live mermaids swimming and performing right before your eyes! 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 . While we were in the Tampa area, we dropped by here just to see the mermaid show. The park had reached capacity by 9:30. It was hardly a promising tourist destination;the other roads were dirt; the areas population consisted mostly of alligators and black bears; and amenities like gas stations and grocery storesdidnt exist. A cascade of air bubbles rises on one side. The communities of Weeki Wachee Gardens and Spring Hill are nearby. 2022. . Visitors can watch the mermaids perform every day at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. during the month of January. The long-running mermaid shows at Weeki Wachee Springs, which date to 1947, became so beloved by crowds that even after the state of Florida acquired the springs and turned the area into a state . In addition, to live mermaid shows . Seating is first-come, first-served. 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. The park has changed a lot since then. 2022. View. So the mermaid's real name is 'Little Spring Mermaids' or 'Winding River Mermaids.'. 263 Reviews. The wilderness cruise is a boat that will take you along the river where you can see local wildlife like manatees and turtles. Can you swim here in January or is it too cold? Their equipment was in working condition, and nature always helps, but definitely going somewhere else and steering all our people away from this co. 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. Water & Amusement Parks, Outdoor Activities, More. Be patient for a response, as the mermaids are popular pen-pals. Mermaid Sam is an artist and can even play the ukulele. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. And when the park reaches capacity it is closed for the day - even if people leave. 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. Start your engines and join the Weeki Wachee Springs Car Show '23! Paying for one does not get you into the other. They offer grilled food items, ice cream, snacks and cold drinks including alcoholic beverages. Visit theFriends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Parkonline for more information as well as camp dates. Hours: The park is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm every day. Get directions. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. You will love to stay a little longer with the friendly staff. There are a few places to pull over and get out but the water is 72 degrees all year and Jan temps will be cool. From our legendary Mermaid Shows to our exotic River Boat Cruises and Wildlife Animal Shows, you and your family will be amazed and entertained from the moment you enter our enchanting park. Rachel has been an avid traveler for over ten years and has been all over the globe. I am trying to figure out my most economical way I don't want to spend $150 in food n drink for 2 ?where can I view these menus and prices online. 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. Open 365 days a year, Weeki Wachee Springs is a true piece of tantalizing Americana that will leave you breathless. You can register and payonline. 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 enjoyed the show. Weeki Wachee mermaids show times: The Little Mermaid - 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. You can purchase a 2018 calendar at the park, or online by visiting Merstar. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. cindyklenz. I believe Susan swam as a Weeki Wachee mermaid from 1965 to 1966." . Longing to have legs like him, she makes a deal with the sea witch, exchanging her exquisite voice for what she wants. Fish Tails Mermaid Show - 1:30 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday only through Dec. 22) 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. Weeki Wachee Springs. Located an hour north of Tampa the freshwater spring of Weeki Wachee is the perfect place to spend a warm summer day. Participants will be swimming in approximately 15 feet of water. Couldnt have been more pleased with visits to Homosassa Springs SP, Crystal River Archeological SP, and Crystal River SPeveryone was friendly and helpful. Wildlife Show: 10 AM, 12 PM & 2:15 PM The Wilderness River Cruise: Runs between 9:30 AM and 4 PM. To help find a favorite, you can Visit the Mermaid rosterfor a list of Weeki Wachis current mermaids. 2022 Apr 23, 2022; Facebook; Twitter; WhatsApp; SMS; . There will also be photo ops with Santa, the elves, and the mermaids. It then gets progressively deeper fairly quickly. Ages 5 and under admittedfree. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. We offer a range of indoor and outdoor venues for your next group outing. Unsubscribe at anytime. Weeki Wachee Springs presents the first live underwater mermaid show to the public in 1947. The Weeki Wachee mermaid show runs a couple times each day. Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 45 minutes Highlights: Mermaid show, natural spring waterpark, kayaking. The mermaid shows at Weeki Wachee have thrilled tens of thousands of . Weeki Wachee Springs is a spring located in Central West Florida in Hernando County, Florida. Posted: May 24, 2022 / 05:30 PM EDT. From the beginning it seemed like this place has so many rules + guidelines. Address: 6131 Commercial Way Weeki Wachee FL 34606. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 0. They are six feet tall and weigh about 80 pounds. It is currently closed due to social distancing requirements but they are hoping to find a way to reopen it soon (as of May 20th 2020). The selected artists will be paid $1,000 and the unveiling is scheduled for Oct. 13 at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. What little girl, or grown woman for that matter, doesnt have the thought that she would like to be a mermaid too? 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. There is plenty of free parking. Arising from the spring, the Weeki Wachee River wends its way 12 miles until it merges with the Gulf of Mexico. Solvent-based paint must be used by the selected artists. We invite you to come see our world-famous Mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park as they perform their version of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid live in our submerged 400-seat auditorium. Hosted by the Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, . Email address or phone number in the event the park needs to contact you. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (Andrew Brusso 2017). Im not sure how long the boat ride is but you could call 352-610-5660. At Weeki Wachee, mermaids must be able to freedive to 117 ft below the surface of the spring, as well as perform ballet-like choreography. The continuously running riverboats first depart . WORK FOR US. . Artists are required to submit designs to show how the the fiberglass statues will be painted. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. WEEKI WACHEE Shut down for a year due to COVID-19, the mermaids are swimming again as the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park reopened this week . - $122 avg/night - Weeki Wachee Gardens - Amenities include: Internet, Air conditioning, TV, Satellite or cable, Washer & dryer, Parking, No smoking, Heater Bedrooms: 1 Sleeps: 4 Minimum stay from 2 night(s) Bookable directly online - Book vacation rental 892691 with Vrbo. Rentals are for 2 hours and shuttle service is included. 3.5 Baths. We invite you to come and experience for yourself the fun and spectacular natural Florida splendor that has been amazing visitors since 1947. COVID-19 & Safety Updates. Mermaid show. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Published Mar. a casting of a well-known Weeki Wachee Mermaid's face will be used. Published. I hear the boats fill up so maybe the 9:30 and then mermaids at 11. Id love to go back and see this one sometime. 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. We splashed around a bit in the waterpark (two slides and a diving platform - the lazy river costs an extra $7 for a tube). The mermaid shows have been an attraction of Weeki Wachee Springs since 1947. Mermaid Lydia is quite the artist and loves to do special-effects makeup. 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. Weeki Wachee is the deepest freshwater cave system in the US and stays a crisp 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. Waterfront paradise off of the Weekie Wachee River with kayaks & paddleboard!! Spent some time on the West side of the state visiting state parks. Weeki Wachee FL 34606 NOT so at Weeki Wachi SP. The latest news and how to stay informed. According to the park's Facebook page, auditions to become a mermaid will be held Sat., Jan. 28. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. . 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. Gates will open at 6:30PM for an exclusive limited access to the slides, lazy river and more. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The Mermaids of Weeki Wachee perform underwater feats from the past six decades, including eating and drinking underwater. Both are popular two-day weekend camps where youll learn what its like to be a Weeki Wachee mermaid performer, with instruction in the ballet moves that the mermaids employ and training sessions in 15-feet of water with a watchful instructor. Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer . Mermaid shows are offered at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Prizes include kayaking trips for the top 3 cars (mermaid choice). Camp participants wont breathe off of the parks air hoses. Weeki Wachee celebrated its 75th year earlier this month. For full event details please visit our website . 6131 Commercial Way The reptile show started at 10 but we had to leave it early to catch the 10:30 boat ride. The show's kitsch, however, cannot be overstated. - Advertisement -. Children under the age of 17 can get first-hand answers to these and any other mermaid related questions they have, thanks to Tail Mail, sponsored by Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Parkand promoting literacy and penmanship has never been more fun. From weddings and concerts to corporate events and more, your group will have a memorable experience in the enchanted city of mermaids. Arising from the spring, the Weeki Wachee River wends its way 12 miles until it merges with the Gulf of Mexico. The mermaid show was packed (they let the line seat about 20 minutes before the show, so get in line about 30 minutes prior to show). If youre uncomfortable swimming in the spring, reconsider this camp. And dont forget your camera! Seating is first-come, first-served. Seating in the middle is best for viewing. The mermaids will read each letter, with their videoed response posted on the parksFacebook pageandTwitter page. * MARCH 25-26. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Karen S, . Once the theater is full, the doors will close. Since 1947, millions of visitors have been amazed and charmed by the world-famous mermaids who inhabit the spring. This show goes through underwater feats from the mermaids of yesteryear as well as history of the spring and the technical side of the show. No one there could give us consistent information on what to do or how to go about certain things. Despite all this the mermaids remain the main draw that brings people to the spring 365 days a year. If you have any questions regarding the camp, please [email protected]. Beside the spring is a man made beach with lounge chairs. * MAY 20-21. While this is a must-see at least once, there's so much more to explore at this Florida State . Your group will love the dining and entertainment options at Weeki Wachee. Visiting Weeki Wachee Spring State Park. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park 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. . No luck there! $359,900 Last Sold Price. Legendary mermaid Vicky Smith. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. You cannot use flash in the theater, and my camera phone did not end up with great picture. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. The Weeki Wachee mermaid show is included in your $13 admission price. 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. Diving Into the Past. You can purchase food inside the park at several different locations. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. So, what to do for 3 hours if we weren't swimming in the spring? After your breakfast, enjoy letters to the Bunny, coloring, crafts, games, and an Easter Egg Hunt! This requires SCUBA certification, first aid, CPRand several months of training, as well as being 18 years of age. Phone Number: 352-592-5656. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. These cookies do not store any personal information. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is located in Florida's Nature Coast. Its about one half an hour and the effervescent park ranger/guide, Valentine, pointed out different birds including George and Martha the sometime resident eagles! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 19, 2021 | Updated Mar. "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 . Nearby homes similar to 9407 Bearfoot Trl have recently sold between $356K to $549K at an average of $205 per square foot. Mermaid Morgan loves animals and dreams of one day owning a dog rescue. You cant take your eyes off of the smiling, beguiling creatures, their hair arcing around them in halos, their tails curving behind as they spin and twist. Show seats are first come, first serve so I recommend arriving earlier rather than later in order to make sure you get a seat. The public art project is a partnership between Floridas Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau, Brooksville Main Street and the Hernando County Fine Arts Council. The park has changed a lot since then. See the world-famous mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs. After the show, near the gift shop, you can get your picture taken with one of the mermaids! The spring is a true Florida roadside attraction but it is definitely worth a visit if you are in the Tampa area. Effective March 11-19: All water attractions will be open. A Florida classic since 1947, Weeki Wachee's mermaid show is the creation of Newton Perry, a former U.S. Navy man who trained Navy Frogmen to swim underwater in World War II. There is a souvenir shop across from the theatre area. In addition to their shows, Weeki Wachee mermaids guard the site of deepest active cave exploration in North America. Weeki Wachee kayaking: Beautiful . The event is on February 4th, 2023, from 4:00pm-7:00pm. Weeki Wachee also offers kayaking and paddleboarding on the river. In the camps, youll learn the daily responsibilities of being a mermaid and what it takes to put on a show. Mermaid Kiyomi aspires to become a labor and delivery nurse! We been bring our visitors to this place for many years for a day of fun.now it is way too short. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: Will be back to the river but will not be using this company again. The Mermaid Show is performed four times a day and there are two different shows: 1) Wonders of Weeki Wachee and 2) The Little Mermaid. A minute into the performance, mermaids appear from the bottom of the spring, a bit of magic. View. Visit Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park to learn about mermaid camps; volunteering; and donating; or check out their galleries. Thank you for your interest! BOOT CAMPY A mermaid performer at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, where visitors can participate in a weekend . Weeki Wachee Springs is a spectacular spring site. Do they rent umbrellas for the swimming rea? In those days, cars were scarce along U.S. 19. 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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. The mermaids performed Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, Snow Whiteand Peter Pan. See what upcoming events are scheduled at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. By the 1950s, Weeki Wachee had become one of the nations premier tourist stops, earning worldwide acclaim. ABC built the current theater, seating 400 and situated 16 feet below the springs surface. This event is from 7:30-9:00am! We also use cookies for functional and analytical purposes. More so, it's the only place in the world where you can see real live mermaids swimming and performing right before your eyes! February 12, 2023 May 28, 2022 by Melanie Lentz-Janney. Lots of peacocks strutting around. Seating is first-come, first-served. All Camp Dates Sold Out! It was nothing to brag about. 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. * APRIL 29-30. If they passed out tickets for the mermaid show to the first 300 people into the park we could have seen the show. Weeki Wachee Mermaid Show Near Tampa, Florida, Day Trip Guide to Devils Den, Florida A Prehistoric Spring, Flower Picking at Hunsader Farms in Bradenton, FL, Peach and Sunflower Picking at Southern Hill Farms, 11 Best Baby Carriers for Travel and Sightseeing (2023), Everything You Need for an Epic Vacation in Puerto Rico, Neuschwanstein Castle: A Day in the Life of a Princess, Best Way to Pack Makeup for Travel on a Plane, Packism Clear Toiletry Bag Product Review. 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 boat is wheelchair accessible. 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). Filmed October 2, 2021. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of Florida's original roadside attractions. Mermaid Paisley loves to indulge in half-baked ice cream and play with her pet hedgehog. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. You can find the all the application details on the Florida Mermaid Trail website.