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.". In the show, youll see the Mermaids of Weeki Wachee perform underwater feats from the past six decades, including eating and drinking underwater; enjoy several musical numbers; and learn about historical information(via video); and the technical aspect of the show. The spring is a true Florida roadside attraction but it is definitely worth a visit if you are in the Tampa area. If youre uncomfortable swimming in the spring, reconsider this camp. Calendars are only $20, and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. 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. Mermaid Cassidy is a local to Weeki Wachee and wants to travel to Hawaii. Its all or nothing before 9:00 if you want to enjoy the place. The juried artists who designed and hand-painted each statue will be on hand at this unveiling to meet and greet the public. 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. 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. 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. While this is a must-see at least once, there's so much more to explore at this Florida State . WEEKI WACHEE, Fla. (WFLA) Weeki Wachee Springs is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with a public art project named Destination Mermaids: The Tail Trail.. They swim with wildlife. 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. Mermaid Kelley enjoys listening to Brett Young and loves anything chocolate. By the 1950s, Weeki Wachee had become one of the nations premier tourist stops, earning worldwide acclaim. View. See the world-famous mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs. Nothing! But where do the mermaids come from? Mermaid Kelley has been performing at Weeki Wachee for six years now and is also the underwater theatre manager. WORK FOR US. While we were in the Tampa area, we dropped by here just to see the mermaid show. More so, it's the only place in the world where you can see real live mermaids swimming and performing right before your eyes! July 18, 2022. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 2022. The mermaid shows have been an attraction of Weeki Wachee Springs since 1947. The addition of the water park has made this place incredibly popular. Then theyd leap into the spring to perform. . These cookies do not store any personal information. And I love that the mermaids are state employees can't wait. Given it was an early December weekday, the park was quite empty. And no, you can't JUST get tickets to the mermaid show. Rachel helps parents with young kids get back into traveling in simple easy ways using tips and tricks she's learned from experience. The second show is called Wonders of Weeki. Bring a date or bring the family this event is fun for all ages! Here is the wonderful mermaid show called "Rudolph . Seating is first-come, first-served. 3.5 Baths. I visited the state park today (1/24/23) and for $13 per person you could stay all day and attractions are included. Georgiadis died at 86 in July 2022. . 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 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. For the safety of the underwater staff, mermaid performances can be delayed or canceled due to weather-related issues. 6131 Commercial Way Weeki Wachee, FL 34606. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. You can register and payonline. Contact Us. Unsubscribe at anytime. Swimming and beach access will open on March 11. 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. And what little boy wouldnt want to be the prince that glides through the water and wins the mermaids heart? In 1946, Perry scouted out Weeki Wachee for his new business. The park has changed a lot since then. The mermaids perform daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., weather permitting. Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill. Weeki Wachee Springs: Take your time - See 2,633 traveler reviews, 2,238 candid photos, and great deals for Weeki Wachee, FL, at Tripadvisor. 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. The show also includes several musical numbers. Lots of peacocks strutting around. 896. It then gets progressively deeper fairly quickly. View. Camp participants wont breathe off of the parks air hoses. Hope you enjoy the video and have the opportunity to visit Weeki Wachee I was a Weeki Wachee mermaid for seven years, so to be chosen for this, its really, really special. We also use cookies for functional and analytical purposes. Effective May 27: All water park attractions will be open daily for the summer. Reviewing the company NOT the springs. It was full so we asked for the 12:30 time. Weeki Wachee Springs. Water & Amusement Parks, Outdoor Activities, More. 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. . To continue, you must agree to our Privacy Policy. Be patient for a response, as the mermaids are popular pen-pals. I had a few hours between business trip meetings and decided to stop for a visit. . They are six feet tall and weigh about 80 pounds. 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 . Filmed October 2, 2021. The latest news and how to stay informed. Participants will be swimming in approximately 15 feet of water. "It's a group of about 20 girls, and you're with them almost every single day. Legendary mermaid Vicky Smith. 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. More so, its the only place in the world where you can see real live mermaids swimming and performing right before your eyes! We went to Weeki Wachee Springs to see the live mermaid show. Took the boat ride (about 20 minutes) and that was enjoyable as the guide explained about some eagles nests, fish and turtles we saw along the springs. Support WUSF now by giving monthly, or make a one-time donation online. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The boat is wheelchair accessible. $1,200,000. The wilderness cruise is a boat that will take you along the river where you can see local wildlife like manatees and turtles. Thankfully we knew that in advance of our end of June 2021 visit. The Weeki Wachee mermaid show is included in your $13 admission price. Reviewed 6 days ago. As of the 2020 census, the community has a total population of 16. Thanks to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, you can live the fantasy. Shop. 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! Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. 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! The prince prevails, proving that love conquers all.. Weeki Wachee celebrated its 75th year earlier this month. 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. And dont forget your camera! In the camps, youll learn the daily responsibilities of being a mermaid and what it takes to put on a show. 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. Where can I find menu's and pricing for all the consessions food places at buccaneer bay? The mermaid shows at Weeki Wachee have thrilled tens of thousands of . . I state park should at least have lots of picnic tables. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We respect your privacy. Rachel has been an avid traveler for over ten years and has been all over the globe. Despite all this the mermaids remain the main draw that brings people to the spring 365 days a year. 6131 Commercial Way Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is famous for its underwater mermaid shows. Mermaid Sam is an artist and can even play the ukulele. And when the park reaches capacity it is closed for the day - even if people leave. Jun 2021. Published. Hours: The park is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm every day. It's one of the United States' oldest roadside attrac. What little girl, or grown woman for that matter, doesnt have the thought that she would like to be a mermaid too? By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. It is not included in the $13 entrance ticket. A job posting you'll only find in this part of Florida offers a clue. Discover the natural beauty of Floridian wildlife, flora, and fauna. Theater doors open 30 minutes before show time. Paying for one does not get you into the other. 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. To ensure the safety of our performers, mermaid shows are subject to cancelation based on inclement weather. 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. 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). 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. 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. Its a real legacy project for them to be a part of. This requires SCUBA certification, first aid, CPRand several months of training, as well as being 18 years of age. Now, Weeki Wachee is celebrating its 75 th Anniversary with a mermaid reunion and unveiling of 26 individually decorated mermaid statues at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. One of the mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Have your child handwrite a letter to their favorite mermaid (or Prince), asking about the environment they swim in or anything else mermaid related. 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. Limited boat rides, limited mermaids, very limited value for money. 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. Gates will open at 6:30PM for an exclusive limited access to the slides, lazy river and more. Address: 6131 Commercial Way Weeki Wachee FL 34606. Get a first-hand encounter with some of Florida's native wildlife. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Ft. 14180 Centralia, Brooksville, FL 34614. 4 1. Phone Number: 352-592-5656. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. . 19, 2021 | Updated Mar. There are two shows that are run. . 4,186 Sq. I think any artist that is considering it, go for it! Lowman said. Turn them in to HCSO Valentines, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, Fast-moving 50-acre brush fire at 100% containment:, FBI searching for woman days before start of 1/6, Pasco County adds Mobi-mats to 4th park, Man charged after dead body, infant found in apartment, Infants death linked to contaminated breast pump,, Carjacking suspect caught after wild chase in L.A., CAT scan: Pet goes through X-ray machine at Virginia, FL lawmaker wants political bloggers to be registered, Spirit flight makes emergency landing in FL due to, Man accused of dumping 30 mattresses in Key West:, Bradenton family home ransacked by intruders: police, Florida woman claims $2M top lottery prize, Disney Worlds Typhoon Lagoon water park set to reopen, Universal Orlando adds vegan Butterbeer to menus, 4 new things to check out at the FL Strawberry Festival, Co-workers win $50K after buying ticket during lunch. - $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. 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. Once the theater is full, the doors will close. When the war ended, he thought that Weeki Wachee was a perfect location for this new . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The Mermaids of Weeki Wachee perform underwater feats from the past six decades, including eating and drinking underwater. What Mermaid Ashley enjoys most is hanging out with her animals. In addition, to live mermaid shows . Seating in the middle is best for viewing. 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. 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. Join us for Breakfast with Santa at Weeki Wachee and enjoy some delicious menu items like buttermilk pancakes, applewood smoked bacon, and more! We invite you to come and experience for yourself the fun and spectacular natural Florida splendor that has been amazing visitors since 1947. 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. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. View more homes. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. We are thinking of doing kayaking and swimming with manatees with the family in early April. The event is on February 4th, 2023, from 4:00pm-7:00pm. Joanna Keen is the WUSF Stephen Noble Digital News intern for spring of 2023. 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 $$. There is plenty of free parking. 11 AM and 3 PM (Weather permitting). Prince Nick loves watching Star Wars movies! Weeki Wachee mermaids show times: The Little Mermaid - 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. a casting of a well-known Weeki Wachee Mermaid's face will be used. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is located in Florida's Nature Coast. Contact the Statewide Information Line: Can you swim here in January or is it too cold? So, what to do for 3 hours if we weren't swimming in the spring? Once the theater is full, the doors will close. According to the park's Facebook page, auditions to become a mermaid will be held Sat., Jan. 28. Couldnt have been more pleased with visits to Homosassa Springs SP, Crystal River Archeological SP, and Crystal River SPeveryone was friendly and helpful. 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. 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. There will also be photo ops with Santa, the elves, and the mermaids. Updated: May 24 . I'm sure that in winter months this place is more manageable and this review is irrelevant. We offer a range of indoor and outdoor venues for your next group outing. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. We been bring our visitors to this place for many years for a day of fun.now it is way too short. The prince, and love, prevail. This event has been canceled. Great, but plan ahead and arrive before opening hour. Weeki Wachee celebrated its 75th year earlier this month. more, #4 of 14 Outdoor Activities in Weeki Wachee, Boat Tours Gear Rentals Kayaking & Canoeing. The kayaking itself is great, weeki wachee is beautiful and scenic. Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer . Seating is first-come, first-served. 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. Weeki Wachee Springs is a spring located in Central West Florida in Hernando County, Florida. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. February 12, 2023 May 28, 2022 by Melanie Lentz-Janney. How hard is it to become a mermaid? 1,343. The 12,000-acre Weeki Wachee Preserve and the Weeki Wachee Springs park are located in the area. Full concessions will be available! Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Rentals are for 2 hours and shuttle service is included. The instructors are the best anywhere: all are former mermaids who volunteer their time. 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. Waterfront paradise off of the Weekie Wachee River with kayaks & paddleboard!! Go early! A cascade of air bubbles rises on one side. 00 Day Owl Ave, Weeki Wachee, FL 34613. Mermaid shows are offered at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Thank you! The mermaids will read each letter, with their videoed response posted on the parksFacebook pageandTwitter page. In those days, cars were scarce along U.S. 19. 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. Is weeki wachee or crystal river/three sisters springs better? I hear the boats fill up so maybe the 9:30 and then mermaids at 11. Welcome to the world-renowned Weeki Wachi Mermaid Show, an old-Florida attraction that costs a pittance and delivers a blockbuster experience. Kids 5 and under are free. From weddings and concerts to corporate events and more, your group will have a memorable experience in the enchanted city of mermaids. Everyone their had a nice smile and seemed to enjoy their jobs. The continuously running riverboats first depart . Camping. The park had reached capacity by 9:30. 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. Currently, due to COVID, you will be given an assigned show time when you purchase your ticket. She is a strong swimmer and every day she can see the mermaids from her station performing their beautiful underwater show. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. Mermaid Paisley loves to indulge in half-baked ice cream and play with her pet hedgehog. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Between swimming in the spring, the mermaid show and the nature experiences, the whole family will have a great day together. There is a souvenir shop across from the theatre area. It is absolutely normal for manatees, fish, turtles, and even alligators and snakes to be in the water with the . The last time we went there was about 30 years. Cost: Park entry costs $13 for adults and $8 for kids ages 6-12. Check out the Mermaid Roster to get a personal glimpse into the lives of the shows stars. The communities of Weeki Wachee Gardens and Spring Hill are nearby. Mermaid Lydia is quite the artist and loves to do special-effects makeup. 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? 2022. 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 small (doable in a few hours, but very nice grounds and friendly and helpful staff). Weeki Wachees zenith began in 1959, when the spring was purchased by the American Broadcasting Co. (ABC) which aggressively promoted it. This is from the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Mermaid Christmas Show "Winter Waterland" holiday event. Reverso Context: Wir freuten uns sehr auf unsere Waoche in La Madonnina und wurden nicht enttuscht.-"Waoche" Arising from the spring, the Weeki Wachee River wends its way 12 miles until it merges with the Gulf of Mexico. We would like to actually get out of the kayaks to swim. The last time we went there was about 30 years. Karen S, . We also use cookies for functional and analytical purposes. 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. The reptile show started at 10 but we had to leave it early to catch the 10:30 boat ride. Weeki Wachee Springs presents the first live underwater mermaid show to the public in 1947. 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 Weeki Wachee mermaid shows started here in 1947 when Newt Perry opened the park as a roadside attraction. Weeki Wachee is the deepest freshwater cave system in the US and stays a crisp 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. Email address or phone number in the event the park needs to contact you. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. We splashed around a bit in the waterpark (two slides and a diving platform - the lazy river costs an extra $7 for a tube). You cannot use flash in the theater, and my camera phone did not end up with great picture. Do you need reservations? * APRIL 29-30. The spring is crystal clear and has a shallow end where you enter the water that comes up to about mid-calf. Published Mar. Last Updated on November 18, 2022. Visit theFriends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Parkonline for more information as well as camp dates. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Watch the "world-famous" Weeki Wachee Mermaids perform live in the spring, while you view the show behind the windows of a . Camp sessions are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. A video I created for Weeki Wachee Mermaid Kiyomi as she took her mermaid test. Join us in congratulating Kiyomi as she successfully passed her mermaid t. This includes, but isnt limited to, lightning in the area and temperatures below 50 degrees at showtime. From the beginning it seemed like this place has so many rules + guidelines. The Weeki Wachee mermaid show runs a couple times each day. It is well worth the cost of admission and the mermaid show is great. She echoed Delaney's sentiment that the bond between the mermaids is much more like family than co-workers. Solvent-based paint must be used by the selected artists. We enjoyed the show. In this classic tale, the Little Mermaid comes face to face with her prince as she celebrates her birthday. Effective March 11-19: All water attractions will be open. - Advertisement -. Full concessions will be available! When we visited they had a turtle, a tortoise and a snake. Tickets are $16 for adults ages 12+, and $8 for children 3-11. Visit Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park to learn about mermaid camps; volunteering; and donating; or check out their galleries. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Seating is first-come, first-served. In the springs depths, the current is powerful enough to knock the mask off of a Scuba divers face. Mermaids 11 & 3. 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. We were told one thing and then another thing so many times. 352-597-8484 phone. Here are the up coming dates. It's one of the deepest known freshwater cave systems in the United States. 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. You can purchase a 2018 calendar at the park, or online by visiting Merstar. We wanted the 9:30 boat ride. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Manatees are most abundant when the Gulf dips below 70, mostly January and February, on the west coast of FL. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Special Events. Effective Feb. 27-March 10, 2023:All water attractions are closed for maintenance. If you have any questions regarding the camp, please emailweekicamps@gmail.com. Applications and resumes should be sent to Kelley.Parker@floridadep.gov. 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. Then we went to a fun amphibian/reptile owl presentation. Thank you for your interest! According to the park's announcement, the mermaid auditions will include a swim endurance test and an underwater audition. Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 45 minutes Highlights: Mermaid show, natural spring waterpark, kayaking. A weekend camp teaches visitors aquatic ballet, complete with shimmering tail. We also use cookies for functional and analytical purposes. Destination Mermaids: The Tail Trail Project. Posted: May 24, 2022 / 05:30 PM EDT. 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606-1121. Hours: The park is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm every day. 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. A ferocious battle ensues between the prince and the malevolent sea witch, as the prince fights to save the Little Mermaids voice. We'd read those words before going, but thought, "If they open at 9:00, 9:30 should be early enough." And there's "legendary siren" Vicki . The chatter goes silent. Make sure to include the following in the letter: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park The mermaids took etiquette and ballet lessons. Weeki Wachee also offers a small nature show that is about 10 minutes long where they show you a couple animals native to Florida.