Grad trip to Florida

[AniaR]

So, In may I graduate with 2 degrees (7 years of my life, gah!) and Im starting the process of planning a trip and saving money for Florida! I've never been before, but my main goal is to meet Raven (gulfport) and the others mers, find a nice hotel to stay in for a few nights, hit the beaches, and see some sights! Florida is a BIG place. Im wondering if anyone has any suggestions for me for sights I should see? Im trying to get somewhat of an idea so I know where to book my stay so It's close to the places I wanna go and make sure I got $$.

Let me know your ideas! It may seem silly to plan this far ahead but this school year is going to be BUSY for me.

[Moonflower]

There's plenty to do here. A couple places you might want to look at (besides the obvious theme parks, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World here in Orlando):

Crystal River (http://www.crystalriverflorida.com/) - The only place in the world you can swim with wild manatees.
Devil's Den (http://www.devilsden.com/) - A gorgeous diving site.
Cassadega (http://www.cassadaga.com/) - A *supposedly* haunted area.
St. Augustine (http://www.oldcity.com/) - The oldest established city in the US. Great historical landmarks and ghost tours.
Kennedy Space Center (http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/) - Space museum that has some exhibits and fun rides.

There's also the Keys, which I've always wanted to visit because I hear they are incredible (clear water and great diving!).

If you're looking to stay anywhere in Orlando, may I recommend:
SpringHill Suites (http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=CIhj0OiVHTqvlJsuh0AHTxI20BPDdhNoBmKGn_huKlIY7CA AQASC5VFCprrvJBmDJ_rKH3KPcEMgBAaoEHk_Q745ceiPLD4-f7quNW8qxCpvLfJs1beZ5iCm1vIAFkE4&sig=AOD64_37G0czJBEeopitIDkx8v67iNb9xw&ved=0CA8Q0Qw&adurl=http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk%3B233549417%3B49962277%3Bx%3Bu%3Dms%26sv1%3D30 8029957%26sv2%3D7419756048%26sv3%3D613qt34872%3B%3 Fhttp://www.marriott.com/setSCtracking.mi%3Fscid%3D2010524t1632000159%26ppc %3Dppc%26mid%3D/springhill-suites/travel.mi) - This is where my parents stay while in Orlando. It's very central to everything, yet not in a super-busy area (so traffic isn't terrible as it is in other places). They are also very reasonably priced and are a brand new hotel, so everything is very clean and modern.

If you need a tour guide, I'd be more than willing to help out ^_^

[AniaR]

thank you Flower! I hope to meet as many mers as I can, so once it gets closer I'll start networking with you all and see if we can have a meetup or something!

[Moonflower]

That'd be great! Let me know if there's anything you're interested in seeing while you're here (things you've heard about or interests you might have) and I'll look into them for you ^_^

[Alveric]

If you go to Orlando, drive by the Convention Center and take a pic or wave. ;)

Alveric

[malinghi]

Raina, do you know when you're going? I've been tentatively planning to visit Florida this winter and if our trips overlapped it'd be awesome to hang out.

[Aquatarian]

There's also the Keys, which I've always wanted to visit because I hear they are incredible (clear water and great diving!).


YUSS! The keys are a must but you may be limited in your choices. I just went to Key West specifically. I don't really recommend staying there overnight (unless you can find a nice Bed & Breakfast) cuz the hotels are small and expensive if you go during the busy season. The beaches also can be quite rocky and are full of seaweed so I wouldn't plan on swimming (especially with a tail).

But it is a truly beautiful place. The sunsets are gorgeous and on the northern part of the island there's a shopping/tourist area with piers, restaurants, performers, and tons of cute shops (not to mention bars ;D).

Plus the drive through the keys is really gorgeous and can be very calming. There are some nice beaches along the keys too! :) Definitely recommend if you have the time and resources to borrow/rent a car.

[AniaR]

I wont be going til end of May beginning of June as I will be in the arctic this winter :D

[AniaR]

IT LOOKS LIKE THIS TRIP WILL HAPPEN FOR A WEEK IN MARCH!!! my BF and I have a place that we can stay for free for a week :D I'm nailing the dates and tix down now! I'd love to have a meetup, I'd also like to get some mers to model for me as I do professional photography too and I'd love to give my kin some great photos. I am planning on heading to week wachi and Disney too :)

[malinghi]

Cool! I'm definitely going to see if I can hang out with you guys. There are a couple reasons I've been meaning to go to Florida, so if my schedule permits it I can probably justify going to Florida.

[Moonflower]

I'm not sure if Weeki Wachee is open in March... However, I'd love to be your Disney guide if you need one! I know that place like the back of my hand ^_^