Old Town Trolley or Conch Train ?

[Vivig]

HI All,

I was just wondering which is the better option the Old Town Trolley or the Conch train in Key West? Is there a difference? IS this an enjoyable excursion?

Any and all feedback is welcomed..

Thanks
Vivian

 

[RKB]

First I would definitely say to book whatever you do on your own - not through Disney. I say this because as soon as you walk off the ship and to the first street you will see various tour offerings, etc... that you can do at your own pace and time. Now having said that - we used this method with the Conch Train. I was actually very excited to see Key West since I lived there for a time as a child (my dad was stationed there in the Navy). Even with my enthusiasm I was quite bored by the end of the Conch Train tour (my kids were ready to jump off!). The problem with the Conch Train is that it does not have any stops. You are stuck on it for the whole tour - house after house after house... Also we were seated in the very back row facing out and were getting sunburned and could not escape! From what I have heard you can ride the Trolley where you want to then get off and on at various stops. If this is true I would definitely take the Trolley. Hope this helps.

 

[Vivig]

Thank You for the info RKB! I will definitely investigate the Trolley option.

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hi Vivian,
this is Shirley and an old conch from Key West - the conch train is very very informative, but it is long and boring for kids - with the trolley - you can get off and back on as many times as you like - I have a great deal of information on Key West with coupons, maps, history etc that I send out - the only cost is the large manilla envelope (self addressed) with about $3.50 worth of stamps - I will fill it up and return it back to you - there is NO STRINGS ATTACHED IN ANY WAY - mail it to The Perfect Gift, 6550 No Atlantic Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Fla 32920 --it will help you
Always
Shirley

 

[jmcross]

I just want to give Shirley a big thumbs up!

I ordered a basket for our cruise 2 years ago and my kids still rave about it and of course want one for our upcoming cruise!(They believe it was sent from Mickey Mouse) When I ordered the basket, Shirley sent me the envelope full of all sorts of information. I enjoyed reading it and found it very useful!

Joanne

 

[inkkognito]

I will second how great Shirley's baskets are!
We have done both the train and the trolley. When we did the train, we had never been to Key West before so we didn't mind not getting off. When we returned, we knew where we wanted to stop and do things (picture by the southernmost point, Hemingway house, etc.), so the trolley worked much better for us. Just be aware that at crowded times, there might not be room to get on the next trolley so you might need to wait for another one.
Barb

 

[Vivig]

Thank You all very much for the information.
I have read and heard so many wonderful things about Shirley. I will try to obtain some US stamps...if not then I will send along the cash value if that is not too much of an inconvenience.

I also wanted to order perhaps two gift baskets Shirley from you..one for my parents 45th anniversary and the other for our 7 year old son...this will be our third cruise and the first time vacationing with my parents and their 1st Disney cruise. I will reach out to you as we approach the time.

Thanks so much everyone for the info.....
Wishing you all a Wonderful New Year filled with all your heart's desires....
Vivian

 

[Doctor P]

There is also the Bone Island Shuttle which is not open air and is air conditioned if you are just looking for transportation. It is only $7.00 per day and you can buy tickets at the Old Town Trolley Tours kiosk right in the shopping area by the dock (they also sell discounted tickets for Hemingway's House that we took advantage of). The trolley is much better than the train for the reasons given, but will cost about $23 per person even if done on your own (which is the best option).

 

[Dreamer04]

Hi Vivian. As others have said, the trolley lets you get on and off but we went on the train-I forget why- and my dd 6 was bored. I did not see the tourist spots I wanted to see. For example, I did not get to tour Fitzgerald's house. Or get my picture taken at the southern most point of the US, or at the begin/end of RT 1-that kind of thing.

 

[snelsonbrown]

Norm and I are planning a trip down when the Magic will be in Key West - we thought that if some of those that were interested and had any questions abour our hometown, we will be there to help out - dont know yet when this will come about, but as soon as we know, will post it - the one thing you do want to remember that ANYTHING you would like to do is right there at Mallory Square where the ship is - if you have ANY concerns - there is a chamber of commerce right there also that will give you coupons, maps etc to help you while you are visiting Caya Hueso aka streets of bones aka Key West - most of the shops WITHIN Mallory Square I have found very honest and upfront - Kino's is right accross the street from there, TreeTop Restaurant is right here (they have great Key Limes Pies), A Touch of Gold is right by Kino's and Vinny will give you conch rates if you tell him that I recommended him (I have know Vinny and his brother for years and always always have found them to be honest) and no I do not get anything for praising their honestly - there is also Lovable Looks accross from TOG and Jay will also give conch rates by telling him Shirley from TPG recommended him - there are very few I will recommend simply due to the fact of most of them's reputation for ripoffs - Being a 4 generation conch, I feel very ashame when I learn of what is done to those visiting my hometown - that is why I am here if you have any questions - there is NO strings attached, you do NOT have to order anything from me - Norm and I are just here as your friends if in need.
Anyhow hope all had a great Holiday.
Always
Shirley and Norm
the two ol' conchs

 

[sillysmom]

Shirley, I would like to go on the trolley tour as well in key west. I really want to go the Ripleys museum, how far is it from where the boat docks, and could you give me directions? thanks Linda