We are starting our Just A Day Away Series with a amazing Florida road side attraction that has been open and working since 1947. Weeki Wachee Springs is a Florida staple attraction. This beautiful, now state owned park and spring, is home to the beautiful mermaids that perform amazing underwater acrobats and graceful dancing. Orlando Fun and Food reciently went to the springs to check out all there was to do! We also spent some one on one time with Weeki Wachee’s newest mermaid!
History:
The spring was named Weeki Wachee by the Seminole Indians. The name means little spring. The spring, which produces over 117 million gallons of crystal clear 74 degree water year round, is home to the mermaids, turtles, manatees and many other creatures year round! Newton Perry, who was a former U.S. Navy SEAL found Weeki Wachee and decided that it was the place to showcase the mermaids and their underwater show. After clearing all the junk from the spring like old cars and refrigerators, Perry set to build a underwater viewing area for the shows, which is still located here today. The mermaids today still use the air hose method that Perry introduced to them over 60 years ago! In 1959 ABC bought the spring and installed the 500 seat theater that is still used today. The current theater sits 16 feet below the water level in the spring. The show hosted many famous people back in their days with ABC. People such as Don Knotts, Esther Williams,Arthur Godfrey, and even Elvis watched the mermaids perform!
Mermaid Show:
There are two shows right now that are performed at the underwater theater! The first show is entitled Fish Tails. This show showcases acts and feats from the last 60 years such as eating and drinking underwater, dancing acrobatic numbers, and the deep dive where the mermaid dives to the bottom of the 400+ foot cave without any air. This show also shows behind the scene information via video on the screen about how the show works.
The second show is the beloved story of a mermaid and her love with a prince. That’s right! The ladies (and gentlemen) of Weeki Wachee Springs present their version of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid! The Little Mermaid showcases how love triumphs over all!
Both shows are presented daily at the springs. The theater opens 30 minutes prior to showtime. Make sure you arrive early as the 500 seat theater fills quickly in the peak season! I recommend seeing both shows as they are very different. I really enjoyed Fish Tails as it showcased more about the history and different feats that the mermaids have performed for the last 60 years!
River Cruise:
Spend 30 minutes floating down the beautiful crystal clear river scouting wildlife, fish, manatees, and more! The boat captain and skippers will point out the natural history of the river while talking about the wildlife and the history of the park. It was a very beautiful ride! It was a high point for us! Make sure you go early as the boats fill quickly!
Wildlife Show:
Snakes, lizzards,turtles, alligators and more are showcased in this show. A staff member who is very informed about the animals show us about their species and how to react to them in the wild! This show is great for kids and adults and shows some amazing animals upclose!
Buccaneer Bay Water Park:
Water parks in Florida are a dime a dozen, however when you have a water park that is supplied by a spring that has a constant temperature year round! This water park has a sand beach, a lazy river, and multiple water slides. This water park also has a great kid pool area and a great tiki bar that has some great drinks for the adults in indulge in!
Overall Review:
This place was a lot of fun! I always have a place in my heart for history, and this place is packed full of it! The mermaid show is something that I feel like everyone should see in their lifetime. If you are down in Orlando and looking for a nice relaxing place for you and your family, come to Weeki Wachee Springs! Have you been to the springs? What did you think?
Jason Mayhew
My name is Jason Mayhew, and I am the owner of OFF On The Go. When not traveling with the website, I own my own marketing and PR company, J Mayhew Marketing. I have the best job where I get to travel the world and showcase the most amazing and unique experiences!
