It was a dreary day and my husband and I were staying in the Orlando area. I remembered going to Weeki Wachi as a child and my husband had never been there. It is about a 2 hour drive, so I wouldn't make this trip unless you had nothing else to do. The children that I saw there seemed to be having a delightful time in spite of the weather. There is a riverboat cruise (enjoyable but not much to see) and an animal show, which we missed. The big draw is the mermaid show. If you are in the area, it is worth seeing. The price is very reasonable, especially compared to the Orlando area attractions. There is also a water park which is open in the warmer weather.
We spent about four hours at Weeki Wachi - it's a pretty place. I can see that it was probably a unique destination about three decades ago. That said - the place is very nice, the area for the slides looked like fun - and we enjoyed the river "cruise"...(20 minutes)The mermaids show is cute when they have their tails... otherwise just OK... the swimmers (the girls) are much more talented than is showcased during the performance. They must be very strong and disciplined to handle that type of swimming.Overall, we paid $13 each for entry - and stayed four hours. As a Canadian, I didn't mind this fee - I saw peacocks, rode a boat, saw a show, wandered around gardens.... I'm OK with this. Others might find it a bit pricey. But when I realized that it had been an attraction for many decades and listened to the narration - I thought it was worth it, and should be preserved and enhanced.
This river is so nice. It truly is breath taking and peaceful. Come with a group or just with your family pack a lunch .
Weeki Wachee was the most impressive spring I have visited in the area. The mermaid show was quite impressive the underwater theater great. Boat ride was quite enjoyable swimming area nice. Women in the gift shop were a hoot I will go back.
I must be missing something. The mermaid show was fun although the building and entire park could use a new coat of paint at the least. The park seems like it is just waiting for something to happen. The gift shop was bare and all of the exhibits were "coming soon." We tried to get close to look at the springs but we're told to get back as this was a "restricted area." There were no signs stating that it was a restricted area, just a sign identifying it a the "Springs Overlook." I guess you can only look at the springs overlook, not the springs itself. Overall you are paying $13 for a mermaid show and a walk in the woods. Oh, there is a boat ride but it only runs every 30 minutes and can only hold 30 people so you have to be lucky to catch a ride. For me, the mermaid show was worth the trip but the rest of the park was missing in action...
The girls 9and guy) that are in the show have to be in great shape; performing in a constant 5 mile an hour current can't be easy. We had a lot of fun and after the show you can take pictures with one of the mermaids.
Growing up in Florida, it is easy to take parks that offer shows and entertainment for granted. I did just that with this place for too long. It is not extravagant and it is very affordable. The price of a state park and you can enjoy a peaceful day meandering through tall trees with a crystal blue Weeki Wachee river. A boat tour that is short but brings you up close and personal to many manatee and other wildlife. It is worth a day trip and although I didn't pursue it, they do have a cool waterpark for those interested in more than a leisurely stroll.
This is definitely a bucket list destination for Baby Boomers and it did not disappoint, as long as your expectations are realistic. It is hokey, kitschy, a bit tacky and absolutely terrific. Very laid back and nostalgic. We loved every minute of it. It may not be Cirque de Soleil, but it doesn't pretend to be either. The boat ride along the river was serene and informative. The park is undergoing improvements to dress it up a bit. All in all, a very enjoyable afternoon.
It was pretty cheap to get in but it was a state park so we thought maybe that was why. No the place is boring and dated. There is little to do or see. The mermaid show as the headliner and that was marginal. There is a boat ride but it was not the kayak tour. It was a small boat and the guy who ran it was rude. We asked before we got on the boat if he had room for our whole party and he said yes then let another party on and took my father off the boat!!!! Seriously!!!!!! He either couldn't count or was just a complete jerk. He told us it was a coast guard regulation. Okay, so why let the other people on instead????? Go to the tours of the springs on the other side of the parking lot.
We visited the Weeki Wachee State Park in Florida yesterday. What a great day. This is a wonderful trip for all age groups. We saw the mermaid show which was very entertaining and we also went on the boat trip. The guide for the boat trip was most informative. We had lunch at the park and we were pleasantly surprised at the prices. There are several places on the property where you could also bring a picnic lunch. The swimming venue looked like a fun place for families. This attraction is well worth the price of admission.