Clearwater Marine Aquarium

[slamommie]

Saw the movie Dolphin Tale on Saturday, and as soon as it ended, the kids and kids-at-heart all wanted to visit Winter (dolphin's name). I found some info on the internet, but was wondering if any one had visited the aquarium and can help me with some questions.

Is it worth taking a day from our WDW visit to go to the aquarium?

How long would it take to drive to Clearwater? (I've seen anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hr 45 minutes! We'll have cars.)

How much time do you need at the aquarium?

Is there anything else nearby to do?

Are there good places to eat nearby?

Any help you can provide is appreciated! TIA!

 

[2bagator]

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is about 1 1/2 hr away with traffic from Disney. You would only need 1/2 day, if that, for the aquarium. For a fee, you can also feed and pet a dolphin. A good nearby restaurant is Frenchy's http://frenchysonline.com/
I don't know that I would take a day to do just the aquarium. If you plan to go to the beach, Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa or something else in the area then it would be worth it.

 

[slamommie]

Thanks for the info! Not interested in beaches as we live close to ocean and no one's interested in visiting a zoo when there's AK. Thought about going to Busch Gardens Tampa, but several family members "don't do roller coasters"! Based on your comments, I'm beginning to think it may not be worth the time to go out there for a few hours...although it might be nice to get away from the Christmas crowds for a day!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

There's also Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise which is fun.

http://www.clearwaterbeach.com/

I don't think it would be worth the trip just for the Marine Aquarium but if you are combining it with the Pirate Cruise, then it would be a blast.