How much time to plan for in Key West?

[mouseclick1]

We will be in Key West on Easter Sunday, in just a little over 2 weeks! We would like to walk over to the southernmost point, taking a leisurely walk and possible stopping in a few places along the way if anything catches our eye. We would also like to visit the Hard Rock gift shop, and maybe grab a drink while we are there. Is 3-4 hours a reasonable estimate of how long this would take?

My plan is to have lunch on the ship, and be off by 1:30. I am hoping to get back on the ship by 5:00, change, then back off the ship to see the Mallory Square activities. The sun should set at 7:48 that evening, so we should be able to make it back on the ship for our 8:30 dinner seating.

Do these times seem right? Is there anything I need to adjust? I would hate to be rushing at any point because I misjudged my timing!

Thanks!

 

[Hans Solo]

Never been to Key West myself, I would like to know if anyone has walked from the dock to the SouthernMost Point and back to the ship ? How long does it take at a leisurely pace?

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hi there - I would suggest going down Whitehead Street for this is where the Southermost Point is (like 90 miles to Cuba) - the scenery is so neat - you will see much history and also where Key West got its famous name of Cayo Hueso (streets of bones) due to this was the pirates hang outs during the 1800's - Key West is 2 miles long and 4 miles wide - the streets are really short streets and a lot to see - if you are going during the summer, be prepared for it is very warm and very humid - I am use to it for I have lived here all my life - on the way back you can cross over to Duval Street and see how Duval life is --
You really need all day to see everything that goes on but you can do it in that time frame - I know cause I have done it too many times to count.
Always
Shirley

 

[Hans Solo]

I never got back to you but I finally received my SASE 3 weeks after it was postmarked in Key West. Go figure. I figured the Post Office must be pretty laid back down there.

Maybe next time, you could put the info in a bottle and drop it in the Gulf Stream. It would only take a week or so to wash up here on the Jacksonville Beach.

Thank you for all the info.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

We'll be in KW on July 4! I can't wait. My top sights are southernmost point, Kinos (have heard many good things about the sandals), Sloppy Joes, HRC and Margaritaville (just to buy T shirts mainly so it won't take long) and my mom wants to see the cats at Hemingway house.
Any idea how much more crowded it will be July 4? I am hoping we also get some cool fireworks that night back on the ship.
Robin M.

 

[dzneprincess]

I must be the only person who wasn't all impressed with KW. ? Maybe we toured wrong, but we took the trolley and I just wasnt impressed. Of course we were there the day after Fantasy week ended in October and that may have had something to do with my 1st impression.

 

[snelsonbrown]

Amanda, I was born and raised in Key West and a 4 generation conch (Konk) believe me I am very disappointed in my hometown - once upon a time it was very laid back, the natives were everything you would find on a "magical" island - yep many of the women did wear sarongs and hibiscus in the hair - there was island and latin music just about everywhere you went and the music was live - then all of a sudden, it became a playground and all that I grew up with disappeared - I am so very sorry that you wasn't impressed, you aren't the first and you won't be the last - What I can say tho is the island is so full of history and so impressive - no there aren't "ghost" all over KW - kayaking is questionable, fishing is great - prices outrages - if you will stay on the side streets, you will enjoy a great deal - this is why I offer the Key West packets so those going will have information to plan what they plan to see or plan to go - there isn't anything in this for me except to see that you have a good time.
Its ok and I do understand and all i can say is I am so sorry.
Always
Shirley

 

[mouseclick1]

Shirley-
Thank you so much for your helpful advice!

 

[dzneprincess]

Oh Shirley honey! I wasn't holding you responsible! LOL But I imagine it is disappointing to see your hometown changing and not for the better. Like I said, I think it probably had something to do with it being the day after Fantasy Fest. Any ideas on why they started that? Hey a bad day in KW is better than a good day at work!

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hi Amanda,
No need to apologize cause I really do understand - it is colorful and believe me it can be a funny farm place BUT i had to chuckle at your ending remark and you are sure right on that one -

mouseclick - you are most welcomed - hey if I can help, it doesn't cost anything to so -

Hans Solo so it finally made it huh - must have gone around the world twice - did you look at the postmark and did it get to you in time for your cruise? drop me a note if you have the chance -

Everyone have a great day.
Much love
Always
Shirley

 

[Jeanny]

Originally posted by mouseclick1
We will be in Key West on Easter Sunday, in just a little over 2 weeks! We would like to walk over to the southernmost point, taking a leisurely walk and possible stopping in a few places along the way if anything catches our eye. We would also like to visit the Hard Rock gift shop, and maybe grab a drink while we are there. Is 3-4 hours a reasonable estimate of how long this would take?

My plan is to have lunch on the ship, and be off by 1:30. I am hoping to get back on the ship by 5:00, change, then back off the ship to see the Mallory Square activities. The sun should set at 7:48 that evening, so we should be able to make it back on the ship for our 8:30 dinner seating.

Do these times seem right? Is there anything I need to adjust? I would hate to be rushing at any point because I misjudged my timing!

Thanks!

Hey Mouseclick1~
We took the trolley tour, which allows you to get on & off, and the tour guides show you interesting points and not so interesting points. I think the total tour is 1.5 hours if you stay on. We got off at the Southernmost point, the actual drop off is about 2 blocks from it, we walked down, got in line, took pictures and walked back just in time for the next trolley coming around the corner (about 1/2 hour). there are 10 stops you can get on/off at or you can stay on for the whole thing.

After the trolley tour, we wandered around the shops near Mallory Square & around Duval Street,,,, don't forget to stop at the Web Cam at Duval Street and wave to us!!!

If sunset is at 7:48 and you have to get back for 8:30 dinner, I'd suggest going over to the first part of the pier nearest the Magic, that way you're not too far away.... When you get off the ship, the pier is shaped like an upside down U. You can't just walk off the ship and be at the Sunset Celebration, you have to walk down and around. Still, you should have enough time, you just won't be able to enjoy all the artists and shows.

Have fun~ but check out Melody's (CRSNDSNY) information on the Catman show, I think she still can provide a link... I wanted to see the show, but not after reading her link!!

Get the information package from Shirley, it's packed with all sorts of brochures and things to do!!

 

[KarenB]

We will be there on July 4th as well. I know our town practially shuts down that day. Does anyone know if everything (shops, museums, etc) stays open for this holiday?

Also, I would love to read a book about some of the history of Key West-anyone know of a good book to purchase?

Thanks,
Karen

Robin-I just noticed we reached double digits!!

 

[max123]

Hi,

I am a veteran KYW vacationer, not a born and raised "konk" and I too have seen the island change in the 20 or so years we have called KYW our island home.

KYW has something of everyone, which is its strength and its weakness. The City has transformed itself in an attempt to compete with other "resort" vacation destinations.

To truly appreciate the Keys for their history and beauty, you really need more than one day. There are many "keys" with much to offer, like Big Pine with the key deer and local places like the No Name Pub or Bahia Honda state park for snorkeling and just relaxing.

We were on the Majic last Aug and had a stop in KYW and just hung out at the Fort Zachary Taylor beach and took in the Mallory Sq sunset celebration, which isn't even that special anymore now that they have built homes on Sunset Key.

So try to enjoy your short visit, the lighthouse is also an interesting stop. Tee shirts from the Hog's Breath Saloon are pretty neat too. If you have little ones, the aquarium is nice, my daughter has made that an annual stop since she was 2.

You could get in a half day fishing trip with Capt John's Greyhound. We have fished with John for 20 yrs and its a great time. This is a famly friendly activity and ot sport fishing, however if you desire that I know a couple capts who will show you a good time.

I would think Easter Week will be very busy and much to do on Mallory Sq. Try see that Cat Man, we have seen his performance at once a year for the last 20 yrs, again a favorite of my kids.

July 4th, may not be too bad. I have never gone to the fire works in town. We usually stay out on Cudjoe Key and go the fire works there.

No matter what you do, I hope you have a GREAT TIME.

 

[Hans Solo]

I never got back to you but I finally received my SASE 3 weeks after it was postmarked in Key West.

Hans Solo so it finally made it huh - must have gone around the world twice - did you look at the postmark and did it get to you in time for your cruise? drop me a note if you have the chance -

Yes it had the Key West postmark on it and we will be coming in on the Disney Magic Easter morning.

Would you be able to recommend a jet ski rental place??

Thanks again

 

[snelsonbrown]

Go to Key Kat and ask for Shelly - tell her I sent you and she will give you conch rates - in fact you should have her card - she is right there at Mallory Square -----glad you got your goodies - it was pretty packed huh? ---- the coupons will help save you some $$$$$ also - have a great and magical cruise
Always
Shirley

 

[mouseclick1]

One more question! Like I said earlier, the sunset takes place at 7:48 that evening. What time would the activities take place? How early should we plan to show up? How long after sunset do the festivities continue? OK, that was 3 questions. We have decided to make a 9:00 Palo reservation for that evening, so we have a few extra minutes to get back to the ship. Thanks for your help!