I believe the State Park rules state you must stay in your kayak and no swimming allowed. As of the 2020 census, the community has a total population of 16. Weeki Wachee Springs is open from 9am until 5:30pm daily with mermaid shows running at 11am, 1:30pm and 3 pm on weekdays and at 10am, noon, 1:30 and 3pm on weekends. 896. In 1946, Perry scouted out Weeki Wachee for his new business. Legendary mermaid Vicky Smith. Camp participants wont breathe off of the parks air hoses. And what little boy wouldnt want to be the prince that glides through the water and wins the mermaids heart? The park will be open to guests daily from 9 a.m. to . Ft. 14180 Centralia, Brooksville, FL 34614. We have been going to Weeki Wachee for years. And I love that the mermaids are state employees can't wait. Their equipment was in working condition, and nature always helps, but definitely going somewhere else and steering all our people away from this co. Save. Rachel has been an avid traveler for over ten years and has been all over the globe. Just a note, stairs are the only way down into the spring. In this episode, we have a conversation with. 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. WORK FOR US. The selected artists will be paid $1,000 and the unveiling is scheduled for Oct. 13 at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. When the satiny blue curtain rolls up in Weeki Wachee Springs State Parks submerged 400-seat auditorium, its a mesmerizing scene. No luck there! We also use cookies for functional and analytical purposes. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer . This is the show we saw, it was very cute! 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. Generations of mermaids have sprung from Weeki Wachee Springs, but now they have a new home to flash their fins. Although there were only 4 couples in front of us, we waited until 9:25 to buy our tickets. It costs $32 for a 1 person kayak or paddleboard. Since 1947, millions of visitors have been amazed and charmed by the world-famous mermaids who inhabit the spring. 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.". This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. it was a little corny to think of watching the little mermaid show but was interested in seeing. Updated: 11:07 PM EDT August 3, 2021. Destination Mermaids: The Tail Trail Project. $359,900 Last Sold Price. Given it was an early December weekday, the park was quite empty. The famous mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the best attraction in Florida! Join us as we provide the community a safe & family-friendly alternative to the . I was a Weeki Wachee mermaid for seven years, so to be chosen for this, its really, really special. The mermaid show is about 30-40 minutes long. In the springs depths, the current is powerful enough to knock the mask off of a Scuba divers face. No one there could give us consistent information on what to do or how to go about certain things. Register today for $20 (spectators are free.) Mermaid Amanda has a love for Disney and a good prank! It was Saturday night July 2, 2022, and my wife and I were attending a small family birthday party, when my cell phone turned to be the object of everyone's attention. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Theater doors open 30 minutes before show time. (George Skene, Orlando Sentinel) With the stroke of a pen, Florida lost one of its smallest cities. 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. The process may take up to two hours. Visiting Weeki Wachee Spring State Park. 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? This would have been five stars except for the overall crowded feel and the inability of the park to just let folks come see the mermaid show. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. According to the park's Facebook page, auditions to become a mermaid will be held Sat., Jan. 28. Wildlife Show: 10 AM, 12 PM & 2:15 PM The Wilderness River Cruise: Runs between 9:30 AM and 4 PM. To continue, you must agree to our Privacy Policy. The show also includes several musical numbers. While the narrator introduces the story you can hear the audience chatter in the background. We been bring our visitors to this place for many years for a day of fun.now it is way too short. Gates will open at 6:30PM for an exclusive limited access to the slides, lazy river and more. . We also use cookies for functional and analytical purposes. 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. 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. Buccaneer Bay is the name the park has given to the swimming area of the spring. We splashed around a bit in the waterpark (two slides and a diving platform - the lazy river costs an extra $7 for a tube). Waiting for the boat a different ranger pointed out 2 manatees! The Little Mermaid. All Camp Dates Sold Out! 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. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Fees: $13 for adults,$8 for children ages 6 to 12. Despite all this the mermaids remain the main draw that brings people to the spring 365 days a year. Filmed October 2, 2021. Trying to book a double kayak AND 2 private launches was a 30+ min ordeal. Prince Nick loves watching Star Wars movies! Dianne McDonald, 91, was one of the first Weeki Wachee mermaids. read more. If you have any questions regarding the camp, please emailweekicamps@gmail.com. Reverso Context: Wir freuten uns sehr auf unsere Waoche in La Madonnina und wurden nicht enttuscht.-"Waoche" There are only eight openings per weekend dates. At $13 it is worth it considering the prices of the Orlando theme parks. You cannot use flash in the theater, and my camera phone did not end up with great picture. July 18, 2022. Weeki Wachee Springs is a spectacular spring site. The mermaids performed eight shows a day to sold-out crowds. Full concessions will be available! The first mermaid show was back in 1947, when U.S. 19 was a two-lane dirt road, and swimmers performed underwater ballet routines . The boat is wheelchair accessible. Contact the Statewide Information Line: Posted: May 24, 2022 / 05:30 PM EDT. View more homes. What little girl, or grown woman for that matter, doesnt have the thought that she would like to be a mermaid too? For the safety of the underwater staff, mermaid performances can be delayed or canceled due to weather-related issues. The juried artists who designed and hand-painted each statue will be on hand at this unveiling to meet and greet the public. The mermaid shows have been an attraction of Weeki Wachee Springs since 1947. A magical landmark for Hernando County. The Wilderness River Cruise runs between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. The mermaids perform daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., weather permitting. The last time we went there was about 30 years. Rachel helps parents with young kids get back into traveling in simple easy ways using tips and tricks she's learned from experience. The parks name is Weeki Wachee is a Seminole Indian name which means "little spring" or "winding river.". Instead they said we could go and stand in line for the 3:00 show and wait til the doors opened at 2:30. Mermaid Paisley loves to indulge in half-baked ice cream and play with her pet hedgehog. For full event details please visit our website . We went to Weeki Wachee Springs to see the live mermaid show. Call352-597-8484with any questions! Its iconic mermaids bring childhood dreams to life. Using the air hose, a person could give the appearance of thriving twenty feet underwater with no breathing apparatus. 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. 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. 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. Spent some time on the West side of the state visiting state parks. The second show is called Wonders of Weeki. 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. Please be sure , Start your engines and join the Weeki Wachee Springs Car Show 23! Mermaid Kelley enjoys listening to Brett Young and loves anything chocolate. Once the theater is full, the doors will close. The event is on February 4th, 2023, from 4:00pm-7:00pm. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. The park has changed a lot since then. There is a souvenir shop across from the theatre area. "Jaws's first victim, once was a Weeki Wachee Mermaid. A video I created for mermaid auditions held at Weeki Wachee Springs. Longing to have legs like him, she makes a deal with the sea witch, exchanging her exquisite voice for what she wants. Thankfully we knew that in advance of our end of June 2021 visit. On Oct.13, 1947, the first show at the Weeki Wachee Springs underwater theater opened. You will enjoy this classic told unlike any other as The Little Mermaid celebrates her birthday and comes face to . I think any artist that is considering it, go for it! Lowman said. There is a floating dock that you can swim out to and sit on as well. See the world-famous mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs. This makes it feel as though youre on the coast. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. cindyklenz. These cookies do not store any personal information. Lots of peacocks strutting around. Great, but plan ahead and arrive before opening hour. The sand is soft and fun for kids to play in. Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill. Effective Feb. 27-March 10, 2023:All water attractions are closed for maintenance. The mermaids performed Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, Snow Whiteand Peter Pan. Mermaid show. 263 Reviews. The park includes water rides, animal shows, mermaid costume shows, and manatee watching. 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. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (Andrew Brusso 2017). Between swimming in the spring, the mermaid show and the nature experiences, the whole family will have a great day together. Located an hour north of Tampa the freshwater spring of Weeki Wachee is the perfect place to spend a warm summer day. Located on the scenic Gulf Coast of Florida, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the ideal destination for your next group event. Prizes include kayaking trips for the top 3 cars (mermaid choice). a casting of a well-known Weeki Wachee Mermaid's face will be used. Whos hungry? As many as half a million people a year came to see the Weeki Wachee mermaids, who wore one-piece suits and were treated like Florida royalty. It is not included in the $13 entrance ticket. Cost: Park entry costs $13 for adults and $8 for kids ages 6-12. They have many fun mermaid themed souvenirs. First they offer a tour boat ride. * MAY 20-21. A minute into the performance, mermaids appear from the bottom of the spring, a bit of magic. Show seats are first come, first serve so I recommend arriving earlier rather than later in order to make sure you get a seat. Bring a date or bring the family this event is fun for all ages! This event is from 7:30-9:00am! I visited the state park today (1/24/23) and for $13 per person you could stay all day and attractions are included. is diving in with a new endeavor with an aquarium, including its own live mermaid show. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: It is absolutely normal for manatees, fish, turtles, and even alligators and snakes to be in the water with the . The Weeki Wachee mermaid show is worth it alone but getting to swim in the spring makes it a fun all day excursion. Do they rent umbrellas for the swimming rea? Seating is first-come, first-served. One of the mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Hours: The park is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm every day. 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. 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". Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. 2022 Apr 23, 2022; Facebook; Twitter; WhatsApp; SMS; . Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is located in Florida's Nature Coast. From the beginning it seemed like this place has so many rules + guidelines. While the mermaid show takes center stage at Weeki Wachi, thats just the beginning of the parks attractions. Participants will be swimming in approximately 15 feet of water. SPRING HILL, Fla. The mermaid shows and wilderness cruise at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park are temporarily unavailable, the Florida Department of . To continue, you must agree to our Privacy Policy. 6131 Commercial Way All in all Weeki Wachee is a great day trip from Tampa. Mermaid Sam is an artist and can even play the ukulele. We invite you to come see our world-famous Mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park as they perform their version of Hans Christian Andersens The Little Mermaid live in our submerged 400-seat auditorium. 1,343. Open 365 days a year, Weeki Wachee Springs is a true piece of tantalizing Americana that will leave you breathless. Register today for $20 (spectators are free. In this classic tale, the Little Mermaid comes face to face with her prince as she celebrates her birthday. 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. 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. Free parking and bathrooms. Facebook Tweet Pin LinkedIn. Email address or phone number in the event the park needs to contact you. Then we went to a fun amphibian/reptile owl presentation. Ages 5 and under admittedfree. Have your child handwrite a letter to their favorite mermaid (or Prince), asking about the environment they swim in or anything else mermaid related. After your breakfast, enjoy letters to the Bunny, coloring, crafts, games, and an Easter Egg Hunt! For $13 you get a full days worth of activity and fun. Phone Number: 352-592-5656. * MARCH 25-26. The communities of Weeki Wachee Gardens and Spring Hill are nearby. Arising from the spring, the Weeki Wachee River wends its way 12 miles until it merges with the Gulf of Mexico. We got in. 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. The continuously running riverboats first depart . In the mid-1940s, the first large-scale mermaid show began. Weeki Wachee is the deepest freshwater cave system in the US and stays a crisp 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. The park has changed a lot since then. it was a little corny to think of watching the little mermaid show but was interested . 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Effective March 20-May 26: The swimming area will be open daily. 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. . 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. 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. There will also be photo ops with Santa, the elves, and the mermaids. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. Solvent-based paint must be used by the selected artists. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Paying for one does not get you into the other. Do mermaids get cold when theyre putting on shows? Watch the "world-famous" Weeki Wachee Mermaids perform live in the spring, while you view the show behind the windows of a . We were told one thing and then another thing so many times. Each child will receive an autographed picture of their favorite mermaid. Contact Us. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Plan Your Visit. Due to the high demand, no refunds are offered, and theres no carry over to the following year. 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. We went to Weeki Wachee Springs to see the live mermaid show. Discover the natural beauty of Floridian wildlife, flora, and fauna. -Peter W. Cross & Patrick Farrell for VISIT FLORIDA. Park visitors may take a wonderful boat tour or paddling . View. According to the park's Facebook page, auditions to become a mermaid will be held Sat., Jan. 28. Open 365 days a year, Weeki Wachee Springs is a true piece of tantalizing Americana that will leave you breathless. Portions of the show may be scary to young children. Tickets are $13 for adults; $8 for ages 6 to 12; and free for ages 5 . After clearing the junk, Perry investigated underwater breathing hoses and came up with a way to breathe underwater from a free-flowing air hose supplying oxygen from an air compressor, instead of from a tank strapped to the back. Can you swim here in January or is it too cold? Courtesy 4 of 4 Weeki Wachee Kristy__Amanda___Cheyenne_Sep27_19_8715 What are those large pyramids next to the Skyway? Private and Luxury . Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. 3 Beds. The water slides, lazy river and kiddie pool will be open Saturdays and Sundays. COVID-19 & Safety Updates. 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. Then we missed the 11:00 mermaid show because it was full by the time we got off of our boat ride. Mermaid Lydia is quite the artist and loves to do special-effects makeup. And there's "legendary siren" Vicki . The spring is crystal clear and has a shallow end where you enter the water that comes up to about mid-calf. All rights reserved. Start your engines and join the Weeki Wachee Springs Car Show '23! $1,200,000. 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. 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. WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7 | Tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for . 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). It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It encompasses Buccaneer Bay Waterpark, complete with two scream-like-a little-girl waterslides that finish in the springs; and offers kayaking and a boat tour down the river. After closing for a year due to COVID-19 Weeki Wachee has officially reopened including the mermaid shows. 2022. The Mertailor Mermaid Aquarium Encounter is complete with fish, stingrays and a . The last time we went there was about 30 years. We invite you to come and experience for yourself the fun and spectacular natural Florida splendor that has been amazing visitors since 1947. Effective March 11-19: All water attractions will be open. There is the spring itself where everyone can swim. Thank you! Weeki Wachee Springs presents the first live underwater mermaid show to the public in 1947. River cruise is 9:30 and 12:30. Shows are subject to cancellation based on cold temperatures and inclement weather. Currently, due to COVID, you will be given an assigned show time when you purchase your ticket. But where do the mermaids come from? How hard is it to become a mermaid? Seating is first-come, first-served. 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.