What to do after cruise-anyone been to Silver Springs?

[tlt]

We are trying to decide what to do in Florida for a couple of days after our 7 day Eastern in May. Any suggestions? We have done Disney World, Universal, Islands of Adventue, SeaWorld, NASA...we are considering Silver Springs...any one out there been...is it any good? We don't want to go too far from I-95...that is how we will get back home. Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[ruvidu]

We have been there. Don't know that I would go back.
http://www.silversprings.com/index-flash.htm Here's their site.
$40 a head. Looks like they are having some extra concerts this summer.
If we were taking a couple of days coming back, I would stop at Daytona and do the track tour and museum and then go on up to St. Augustine see the light house and Gatorland.
If I was from Charleston I would hurry home so I could be back in one on the prettiest places in the state.
Russ (upstate SC)

 

[ErinC]

I grew up in Florida: we have visited most of these places. It's been a long time since Silver Springs, but I can't imagine it would be worth $40. (JMHO) If you have not been to Busch Gardens in Tampa, that would be my choice. I don't know if you have children, but they have some great rides. I haven't been in a while, but they have a new ride(the name escapes me right now) that is a land and water ride. They have tons of animals, and I would think there would be something that everyone in a family would like. And since it's May you could always try Adventure Island Water park, if you like that type of thing. I've always enjoyed Ebor City,and some other historical places in the Tampa area. Erin

 

[bizybea]

Hi, tlt! I have to say that I agree with ruvidu and ErinC. I have been to Silver Springs and I think the one visit was enough. I also don't think that it is worth $40. (We were fortunate enough to be in a group of 15 and got a reduced admission price, I think it was less than $20 ea. person and since Silver Springs is only attractions and no roller coasters or anything, that is what I would value it was worth.) The food prices were really high, too. It was a neat experience for us, though, since we are from Ohio, and the glass bottom boat was neat. JMHO!

 

[Werner Weiss]

Why is everyone writing that admission to Silver Springs is $40 ???

According to their Web site, regular daily admission to Silver Springs is $31.99, with lower prices for seniors and small childeren. Coupons for $7 to $10 off are plentiful in tourist brochure racks and free publications. (You can print a $10 off coupon at http://www.usatourist.com/coupons/silversprings.html .) Florida residents pay even less.

Annual passes for Silver Springs, which also provide access to Silver Springs' Wild Waters water park, have a regular price $49.99. That could be a good deal if you arrive in the afternoon, return the next day, and also visit the water park.

I haven't been to Silver Springs in almost 20 years. It was a very nice park -- an old fashioned Florida attraction with no roller coasters or high tech "adventures," just rides, boat trips, shows, and exhibits based on wildlife and nature. The park has been expanded and improved since I was there, but they have maintainted the same theme. I've wanted to return with my wife and kids for years, but we haven't done so yet. I think my family would really enjoy Silver Springs.

The cost of visiting Silver Springs should not be a big consideration for those who can afford Disney Cruise Line. But distance from Port Canaveral could be a real consideration. The drive from Port Canaveral to Silver Springs is around 2 hours and 45 minutes. (From WDW to Silver Springs, it's about 2 hours.) That's a lot of driving for a day trip, but not so bad if you plan to spend a night in the Ocala - Silver Springs area.

 

[ruvidu]

I thought it said $39.99 instead of $31.99. My eyes and ears are failing me.

 

[fortwilderness]

I went there once, around 10 years ago, and thought it was wonderful. It was very interesting but not thrill a minute so it is kinda relaxing. I especially loved the Glass Bottom Boats and their Jungle Cruise. It had an old fashioned feeling to it that I loved. Have you checked out their web-site yet ? It is very informative and should help you make your decision. I am actually considering stopping there on my way home from the cruise too

www.silversprings.com

 

[albiats]

I have been there several times, my annual pass has just recently expired and I intend to renew it soon.

Silver Springs is a wonderful 'Old Florida' attraction that predates Disney World. They have the original glass bottom boats that take you out onto the Silver River where the water temperature is about 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. The water is so clear that you can see the bottom with ordinary sunlight at a depth of 40 feet or more. It was the site of several under water movies.

They have a bird sanctuary, some reptile areas, some alligators and many other exhibits. They have a Jungle Cruise with boats but they do not have animatronics, just the real things. They have a petting zoo and they have several concerts with nationally known artists and a couple of car shows during the year.

It makes for a very relaxing day and is quite different from bumping into a lot of people at one of the theme parks. They're open from 9 am until 5pm most days of the year with extended hours during the holiday lights season.

They are located near Ocala, Florida which is known for its horse farms, similar to ones in Lexington, Kentucky.

There is another 'Old Florida' attraction a little bit southwest of Orlando in Winterhaven, Fl called Cypress Gardens. They are the originators of the Southern Belles, the girls with the big flowing skirts.

They are at www.cypressgardens.com. No roller coasters here either, but they have some of the old fashioned kiddy rides and a water ski show and lots of other attractions. Their Website has coupons for $5 off admission plus info on other discounts, concerts, and hours.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

albiats, how funny that you posted info about Cypress Gardens. That was <i>exactly</i> what I was thinking about during this discussion of pre-Disney old-school Florida attractions.