Key West--Conch Train Tour

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Has anyone ever done the Conch Train Tour in Key West. I went on their website and it seams like a good thing to do for the whole family. My DH and I would see Key West while DD6 & DS5 would enjoy being on the open air train.

Also, is it within walking distance from where the Magic docks?

Thank you.

 

[kcashner]

Yes, it is a good way to see Key West without walking...and my DD felt it was "OK, but some parts were great" (kid version). It is a very short walk from the dock. You can definitely do it cheaper on your own than on DCL. Also....if you do the train or tram tour, you will get coupons for other attractions (like the aquarium)...a couple dollars off. The aquarium is another good place for kids....

It is easy to do on your own, and does not have to be scheduled in advance.

Have fun.

 

[ELIJAH'S GRANDPA]

Did this tour in Dec. It's a short walk from the ship. I would agreee that it's an "ok" tour. You do get to see a lot of Key West, maybe too much. I one point I wondered when we'd be done. Then again, I wasn't thrilled with Key West. I do have to say that I was tired that day and that might be effecting my thoughts. If I remember right, the tour is fairly cheap isn't it?
John
On the plus side it does give you an overview of the island.

 

[eye R.N.]

Our trolley driver was a absolute hoot. He had us laughing the entire time. You also have the option of getting out, looking around and then catching another trolley later. We decided not to get out, we were having way too much fun with our driver.

 

[RKB]

I definitely would take the Trolley (you can get off and on) and not the Conch Train. Both have easy ticket purchases a short walk from the ship. You will have no trouble finding them. We thought the Conch train (2 adults, dd 15 and ds 10) was rather long and boring. We also got a bit sunburned (sitting in the last row facing out). After we saw the front of the hundreth house that looked like all of the others we couldn't wait to get done with the tour.. We had actually been excited to see Key West before we boarded the train. Once off my son and I walked 2 miles back to the Southernmost Point marker since you couldn't get off the train at all! We wanted to get our photo there. One bright point was that we found the butterfly museum and it was great. Butterflies flutter all around you. You can study them up close also while they are on flowers...

 

[snelsonbrown]

If you want to learn about Key West's rich history - the conch train is the way to do it BUT small children do get bored for it is over an hour long - I have taken it numberous of times just to check out what stories they have to say and sometimes I get amused and wonder ok are they talking about the Key West I was born and raised in? Some of the things that are said, I know for a fact is just "an add on" but again it is ok - Ed Swift that owns the conch train is an ol' conch and most of the time what is said is the gospel truth - I am still for the aquarium for small children and for heaven sake - do the tours on your own - it is much less expensive and everything is right there at Mallory Square - why pay extra?
Enjoy getting ready for the big cruise.
Always
Shirley

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Thanks again to all who posted.

I think we will definitely go with the trolley instead of the train now. I did not know you could get off. How often do they go by if you get off? Also, does it stop at the southernmost point?

Shirley: I will be sending you a postage, paid envelope. I am looking forward to receiving the information on Key West.

 

[inkkognito]

Yes, the trolley stops at the southernmost point. Hubby and I stopped there for a photo and then boarded the next trolley to come by. I think there were 7 or 8 stops in total, but we stayed on board for most of the trip. I know it stopped near Hemingway's house, too, but we didn't get off there...we ended up just walking back there later, as the six-toed cats were on my must-do list.
They don't give as much detail as the conch train (we've done that a couple of times, too), but it's the best bet if you want the freedom of getting on and off. The conch train does do one brief stop, but that's it.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Barb: Thanks for your input. I think the trolley ride will really be enjoyable for us and my brother's family.

 

[Jeanny]

We did the trolley tour because of the fact that you can get on/off when you feel like it. There are 10 stops overall but just make sure you're on the 4-4:30 p.m. trolley back or you're on your own getting back.. We walked up to their counter and bought our tickets ~ DCL was already sold out when I went to the excursions desk... but I knew I'd be able to get them at the tour itself and it was cheaper than going through DCL. The trolley leaves from their area every 1/2 hour. We did get off at the Southern most point in the US.. actually, they let you off about a block down from it... we walked straight down and got in line to take our pictures. The people in front of us were from the Disney ship, so we took their pictures and they took ours...so that worked out great... we walked back to the trolley stop and it was just coming around the corner to pick us up, it was about 20-25 minutes from the time we got off until the time the next trolley came by.

Some of it was "boring" but most was interesting. You do go onto the "new part" of the island.. I liked Old Key West (Shirley & Norm's hometown!!).

Don't forget to send an envelope to Shirley and she'll get you a bunch of wicked cool pamphlets and maps of KW.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Jeanny: Thanks to you also for your input. I really think that we are going to enjoy it. I will have the envelope out to Shirley by the end of the week. Also, the tickets can be purchased on-line--they offer a discount.

 

[Jeanny]

yep, you can purchase them online... I was going to, but decided against it in case we changed out minds and wanted to do something else. I think we paid $20 and DCL was charging $22 each, so we saved $4 by purchasing them right at the trolley counter..