Silver Springs Park

[meka15]

Hi

Would there be enough there to do for adults or is it a park more for children? How far from disney is it? How long is the boat ride. Can you spend the whole day there? What is the water park like? Is it worth the extra money to pay for it?

Thanks

 

[GEM]

We really enjoyed Silver Springs when we went a few years ago. It was just my husband and I, no kids. I think it's actually better for adults. Kids might find it a bit slow. It is very low key - a world away from Disney. It's like getting a glimpse into what the old Florida might have been. The boat ride is nice and the animal exhibits are neat. It's very lush and the grounds are beautiful. We got there at opening and left after lunch. I think we saw pretty much everthing. I would definately go again sometime. It's just outside Ocala, a little over an hour from Disney.

By the way, if you're looking for off site stuff, think about checking out Gatorland. We love it! It's another attraction that really takes you back to what the Orlando area must have been like before the Mouse moved in. It's also a half-day attraction. We've been several times and always enjoy it.

 

[spiceycat]

this in Ocala - so an hour to hour and half away.

 

[dixipixi]

Silver Springs is actually one of my favorite Florida attractions.

I can remember going there as a child and really enjoying it. We have always driven to Disney...so it's on our way. A few years ago I talked DH into taking our family there. We had a 16 y/o, 12 y/o, and 8 y/o. Everyone LOVED it.

I was kinda worried because when I was growing up...we were just glad to get to do ANYTHING and this was exciting for us. Our children have grown up with lots more entertainment options and I thought they would be bored. But I was very wrong.

I think Silver Springs is definitely worth the trip. We usually go at the beginning of our trip and everyone enjoys "easing" into our vacation in a beautiful place (the landscaping is great, the park is very neat and clean). We think its the best way to get in "Florida Vacation Mode".

 

[jtdl]

Silver Springs is kind of a sentimental place for me. I remember going there on my first trip to WDW when I was a kid. I now go there every time. We were there in February and the admission price has increased substantially. It is now a gov't owned park - I would have thought the price would decrease, but not! They will not allow you to bring in coolers for drinks, so be sure to carry in a water bottle in your hip pouch or something. The grounds are beautiful. My kids, aged 13 and 3, enjoyed it after our WDW vacation - I think because it was much more laid back, quiet and relaxing. There are a couple of rides - merry go round type rides and a play area for kids. There is also a jeep safari but every time I have gone there since this was established, it has never been operational.

 

[dolphindan1]

It is a wonderful place to take a break from Disney without taking a break if that makes sense....When we went it was soooo laid back and relaxing not hurrying from plaxe to place or jockeying for position in line....Very beautifully landscaped I always thought Epcot was beautiful til I saw this place...Our kids loved it....Animals and boats and jeeps and a play area.....try it you will be impressed....Also Gatorland like someone else said is worth it a laid back too....