An Out-of-This-World Experience! Visiting the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex was an absolute highlight of our trip to Florida. From the moment we walked in, we were immersed in the incredible history and future of space exploration. The exhibits are not only visually stunning but also deeply inspiring — especially the Space Shuttle Atlantis display, which took our breath away. The Astronaut Encounter gave us the rare opportunity to hear firsthand stories from a real astronaut, which made the experience all the more personal and meaningful. The bus tour to the launch pads and the massive Vehicle Assembly Building was unforgettable and really put into perspective the scale of NASA’s work. Everything was well-organized, clean, and accessible. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about space. Whether you're a lifelong space geek or just looking for a unique and educational day out, the Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit destination. We left feeling inspired, amazed, and proud of human achievement. Highly recommended for all ages!

Visiting the Kennedy Space Center in Florida was an unforgettable experience! I had the chance to attend a rocket launch event, and it was truly incredible to witness a launch up close — something I will never forget. The NASA museum was equally impressive, showcasing fascinating exhibits, historic spacecraft, and inspiring stories about space exploration. One thing to keep in mind: the waiting time for the rocket launch can be quite long. I highly recommend wearing flexible and lightweight summer clothes, especially if you're visiting during the hotter months. Staying hydrated and bringing some sunscreen is also a must. Overall, it was an amazing day filled with excitement, inspiration, and awe. A must-visit destination for anyone interested in space and science!

If you’re interested in ‘space’ then Kennedy is a great place to visit. There are a couple of simulator rides here now and the coach tour out to the Apollo visitor centre. Saw lots of birds & a gator at the side of the road! The people I was with loved the space centre visit, but for me it’s not really my thing ( I have visited twice before but the others hadn’t). Not mega busy when we visited which made it nice & easy to get around. Unless you’re really into space I would give it a miss, but if you like space travel and history it’s a must for your visit to Florida.

Great experience to learn about the evolution of space exploration in the USA. You will learn about the great engineering by thousands of people to make these missions possible. The center is very focused on kids up to age 12, it does have things for adults and youth, but most of the activities are focused on younger kids. For me it was just the experience of seeing these great engineering marvels. Definitely take the ride out to the Saturn 5 building, it is included with emission. You will get a good view of the launch pads and will drive past the iconic NASA building where shuttles and rockets are made. For a little extra you can stop and tour it. Parking will be extra, about $15, and if you have AAA, look there for a discount on admission.

Amazing experience! At least one time in your life you need to go there ! How many times in life do you have occasion to meet an astronaut? Exactly! We are lucky to meet an astronaut Barbara Morgan. Thank you so much for making this day perfect !

Bucket list location. We went on a Thursday morning in April. Really quiet , no waits for anything. The displays and information are world class. The facilities are all amazing and the whole place is just superb. The restaurant also turned out a really decent cuban sandwich . The gift shop will bankrupt you as so much cool stuff to buy.

The history part is amazing, seeing the artifacts and learning the history. But, after you come through the main gate and $175 later, just for basic admission, there isn’t much to do if you haven’t paid for all the addons. The shows are mostly automated, lots of touchscreen interactions, I was pretty let down. If you spend the money (well into a grand per person), I bet it awesome. Just didn’t feel like the admission price warranted the basic tours.

Came kind of expecting an average experience but it was awesome! I picked up the Safari Groupon with meals, the Drive thru Safari also gives you access to the Animal Park. I recommend also paying for the giraffe feed ($5 per person).. We did Gator Park first, ate, and then ended with the Drive Thru safari and that was a good order of things I would recommend. I do wish we could’ve done the half hour airboats but it was sold out so make sure to plan ahead as that was sold out, so was the Capybara and Sloth experience which is $49 extra each. Definitely a well maintained and run park, staff was friendly, and everything exceeded expectations. 👏🏼

We had a really fantastic time visiting the Gator Park today (even though it was cold and drizzly), getting to see and meet so many animals!! They all look well taken care of and the signs are very informative. Great place, and the cafe has good food too! Highly recommend booking an animal encounter!

Highly recommend! Our airboat captain, Jeff, was both knowledgeable and entertaining. Our 30 min. ride went by so quickly, I wish we'd booked an hour. In that 30 minutes, we saw several gators and many different kinds of birds (including a bald eagle). After the boat ride, we spent hours exploring Gator Land. Even our teen loved it... and that is a big deal!

My family and I just got the general admission tickets, 100% worth it! Beautiful, calm environment. Exotic animals that you can get extremely close to, get to feed the gators and buy bags of gems for the kids to search through. Was fun over all. Only negative is once you get into the enclosure with all the animals, we couldn't find a single worker anywhere. Bonus tip, bring some hotdogs hidden away so you don't have to spend $10 for half a hotdog to feed the gators.

We recently enjoyed part of a day at Wild Florida for a second time in a few years. We purchased our airboat tickets on line, which I recommend because they do sell out for different times. After checking in we strolled around the zoo before going on our airboat tour. The 30 minute tour was just the right length for us. We saw various birds, alligators, and cattle that live on the surrounding ranches.

My family and I had such a WONDERFUL time here! So many beautiful animals to see! Everyone was very courteous and had the upmost customer service. We did the drive-thru safari, fed the giraffe, ate at the Chomp house and then ventured through the Gator Park. We spent about 5.5 hours total doing everything. So, def a great day out trip! I would definitely recommend!

It was a nice relaxing afternoon with two friends in a beautiful place, quietly observing manatees. We also saw a mother and her little one at the end of our visit. Remember sun screen and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Awesome experience! The staff took care of us by being flexible with our reservation time due to an unexpected circumstance with my kiddo! Then, after rescheduling us into the next available airboat tour, the kids and I really enjoyed seeing the 30+ alligators in the St. John’s River! Definitely worth the visit on Spring Break

What a fun experience. It was crazy to see so many alligators up close. My husband and I had a blast. Holding the baby gator at the end was super cool. Coco was a super fun perk too! Thank you for such a great time!

Just go ahead and book a ride! The Captains are great & really know their stuff. They're friendly and keep you entertained as you're whisked across the water. Amazing wildlife to see and they answered all our questions. Highly recommend it.

Sammy was a fantastic guide! Her humor, personality, knowledge and boat driving is fantastic! We loved the tour and learning all about the gators, river, and trees. We had the best time!

Must stop. The tour guide was awesome! At the end, you can hold an alligator if you want to. Nice little gift shop, coco the parrot is super friendly and loves to be pet!

So glad this airboat private charter was on our Florida agenda! Captain Justin knew where to find all the gators, birds and other wildlife. Such a fun experience. Everyone also got to hold the tiniest, cutest smiling baby gator!

Staff is super knowledgeable and they definitely have a love for the land and these wonderful animals. We got to see so many gators on our tour! We made our reservations last minute and it was quick and easy to do online.

It was a beautiful visit to Bok Tower Gardens. The drive through the orange groves reminded me of my childhood here in Florida. The visitor center had a wealth of information, clean bathrooms, a gift shop, and a little cafe to grab a bite during the visit. The gardens are beautiful. It was so nice to stroll leisurely while listening to the chimes from Bok Tower. This is a wonderful way to spend the day.

Beautiful Gardens and I experience. I was at first surprised when I arrived by the higher entry fee than other parks, but once inside, I fully understand. The gardens themselves are beautifully maintained and a delight for any photographer. The tower itself is otherwordly and seems like something out of a fantasy novel. A definite visit for anyone that what's to get away and enjoy nature. The Cafe on premises makes delicious food and great coffee and the shop and awesome curious and plants with very reasonable prices. I at last got to buy a bonsai tree I've been wanting to get.

Always a wonderful place to visit no matter the season...quiet, spacious and inviting. The 8 minute video in the visitors center is a must followed by the informative museum. There's a wide variety of beautiful plants labeled for identification throughout the grounds but the gorgeous tower is the highlight. The bells chime throughout the day and you'll want to be up close for the full effect. Bring quarters to feed the fish and don't miss the peaceful Window by the Pond. The children's area is unique, fun for all ages and encourages creativity and imagination. Be sure to visit the Cafe for an amazing meal and wide selection of drinks. Also, don't forget to stop by the gift shop on the way out and consider purchasing an annual pass which offers reciprocal privileges to many other gardens.

Beautiful gardens and the most impressive children's garden we've ever been to. My six and nine year olds could spend an entire day just in the children's garden. There is a sandbox, water play area, climbing structures, a place to make and display drawings, a stage with costumes to borrow, and the fan-favorite mud kitchen! The tower is also beautiful. Everything we got from the cafe was delicious. Employees were friendly and helpful.

I love going here. There are so many things to look at and beautiful experiences awaiting for you. If you’re an outdoors lover, this is a place you’ll enjoy going to. The history behind this place is very interesting. Bok Tower and its gardens bring me so much peace. I enjoyed hearing about its history and having the chance to go inside the Retiro was even more beautiful than I could have imagined. There are many trails for you to walk on and take in the scenery. I’m very thankful for having been brought to this beautiful land. I learn and experience something new every time I’ve been back there. There is a playground for children and parents to enjoy themselves. There’s a beautiful gift shop where you may purchase some souvenirs. They also have a picnic area where you may enjoy a snack or purchase something from their shop to eat. This is a great place to go with the family, go on a date, or even just go by yourself.

This was our third time there. I absolutely love this place. It is beautiful and one of the most peaceful places I have visited. The grounds are so beautiful. You can wander around and enjoy the beautiful flowers, birds and butterflies. Benches are placed in random places if you just want to sit and enjoy the tranquility. The sound of the bells are the icing on the cake! We enjoyed walking along all the trails. The restaurant serves very good food. Staff are all so friendly and helpful. Don't miss this place!

Ok! So, it’s $20pp which is not bad. We ended up spending the whole day here!! It’s beautiful & peaceful. And we had lunch at the cafe on site which was fresh & delicious! Parking is right at the entrance. There are restrooms throughout the trails & plenty of shade. My only negative was the $10 fee for dogs! I took my 3 dogs & they enjoyed their time exploring but I think $10 per dog is too much. It used to be $5. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that I was able to bring them but I’ve never been to a pet friendly attraction in which I’ve had to pay for dogs to come with me & I’ve been to MANY!! Not even the National Parks charge for dogs. But anyway, we enjoyed our time there. Definitely bring a water bowl & extra water for the pups.

A great Place for kids (4 to 9 years) older kids might find it less attracting. Most importantly is that the toilets in the park were very clean!!! That was outstanding. My kids were very happy in the Lego building center. The rides were somehow fun and did not have much wait time, on the other hand, some events were cancelled due to maintenance or malfunction, but overall it was good experience. Not sure if my older kids would want to revisit in the future but my toddler will definitely ask to come back.

The staff is very friendly at the resort. Prices on food inside the parks is astronomical as expected, I will include a couple menu photos, and LEGO kits throughout the entire attraction are priced correctly and same as if you were to purchase from your local toy stores. Surprisingly my 3yr old just made the requirements for riding the Dragon roller coaster which was amazing because he is a little thrill seaker. While we were out at the attractions/parks the cleaning crew did a nice job straightening the room, making the beds, leaving clean folded towels, and every time they would leave a new juice box for my kids and refill the Kurig K cups and leave 2 small bottles of water which was great. As far as the bad, our kids television did not work for the 3 days we were there and no one came to correct or fix it after contacting staff through the app on the first day there. The floors were dirty and appear to have never been cleaned, especially bathroom. The entire park looks to be lacking maintenance and several attractions were closed down each day we went. The boats were closed down, the water park attraction with the large bucket and obstacle course was closed down, the ride where you shoot the Lazer guns was closed, Ninjago one day, and beetle bounce as well are a few to name. Also, there is a super easy slow attraction for toddlers that involved jousting horses, and they changed the rules THAT MORNING to suit kids 42", and my 3yr old is 40" and was even able to ride the Dragon coaster (which he did 2x and absolutely loved) and the girl let a kid the same age and height in right infront of us after giving a speech and then did not let my son in. For our final day, we went to Walmart and purchased minnow nets for my boys to run around and catch wild Anoles to assist in their entertainment. Overall, my kids experienced new feelings with the Dragon coaster and Masters of Flight, but for a few grand in expenses I don't think we will go back.

It was a great park for my kids (all between 4 and 8) and not too packed. I think the longest we waited for a ride was 10 minutes. There were little events throughout the day, stations to play and make things at, a scavenger hunt where the kids felt a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day when they earned their ninja bandanas, etc. We paid a little over 100 a ticket as Florida residents (1 park, 1 day), so this may be a one time visit, but we really wanted to go while our boys were in this age range. There's also trading mini figures throughout the park, which works a lot like trading pins at Disney, but is a lot more fun.

We spent the day at LEGOLAND Florida Resort with friends and had a wonderful experience! Although we didn’t stay overnight, we did get to see one of the rooms — it was super kid-friendly, with fun LEGO décor and even a stash of LEGO bricks for kids to play with right in the room. A dream come true for little LEGO lovers! Throughout the entire resort, there are plenty of build stations where kids can stop, sit, and get creative with LEGO pieces. These spots were a big hit with our group and made the day feel interactive and hands-on. The park itself is well-designed for younger children, with rides, shows, and attractions that are just the right level of thrill. The staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was playful and relaxed. All in all, it was a perfect day for families — engaging, creative, and full of smiles.

We had a ton of fun at Legoland. We planned to be here 3-4 days but we were able to spend two days at the park and ride all the rides several times. We did a VIP tour with Teresa and she is the BEST! So knowledgeable, so friendly, and helpful! Highly recommended getting Teresa as your guide. The food in the park was good too. However I’m giving 4 stars because the food at the brick restaurant is not good. It’s complementary breakfast which was warm at best and the dinner buffet was horrible. We didn’t even eat our meals. So just keep in mind you’ll need to venture out for dinner options.

A nice spot for a family outing. Plenty of variety. No rides that are too much. Cypress Gardens is now a part of Legoland and a short walk through with some beautiful sites.

Awesome experience! The kids loved the pirate themed rooms and we all appreciated the attention to detail all over the hotel. There's something waiting to be discovered at every corner. The welcome treasure chest activity for the kids was a nice touch. The parks are great, lots of things to do and see.

!!WEAR APPROPRIATE SHOES and HYDRAYE TOO!! I went with a school as a volunteer, it was a fun -one-time experience. The rides are very BIG and fun. The park itself is really huge, I didn't get to see the other half of the park. For two people, it was $251, not including the food voucher/ meal ticket. I absolutely loved Sesame Street. It was soo nostalgic for me😅😂. I recommend the 13-15oz of dip-in-dots for $13 because ain't nothing like a cup of ice cream dots in a big cup😂

The whole family loved it! We will be returning. I would recommend preparing for this, though. The animals are spread out across the park, so it's a good walk from one show to the other. Also, if you plan on riding the rides, get a fast que. We went for the animals and decided to do one ride since it said the wait was 20 minutes, but we ended up waiting 45 minutes. Sesame Street is perfect for smaller children, and the lines move much faster for them. They also allow you to bring in water bottles and individual snacks. That helps because food is expensive there.

Great time with the family lots of things to do shows to see dining experiences with the orcas was a blast and so was dining with the sharks. They had a food and drink sampling of a bunch of foods from around the world which was fun. Highly recommend it and make sure you stop in the shop in the market area and get a angler fish hat it comes with a functional light and it's amazing and funny.

Great park. Lots of things to see. The dolphin and sea lion shows were great. Oral show was closed 15 mins prior to 3:30 show due to full capacity. Make sure you come a little sooner. All day did pass is definitely worth it. BBQ place was the most delicious. The little water park and playground next to it was awesome for my kids. We really appreciated the nursery/ quiet baby station! I would give 10 starts for that. Thank you for thinking of that. Lots of walking- make sure you have your most comfortable shoes on!

SeaWorld was such a fun experience! I got to ride three different types of roller coasters—a standard seated coaster, a stand-up coaster, and the wildest one: a flying coaster where you’re suspended face-down like you’re kneeling in the sky. That flying one was by far the most thrilling! The stand-up coaster came second—it felt really unique. Honestly, the regular seated one felt the least intense, almost like a warm-up ride. There were tons of live shows, and the orca show was definitely the best—so impressive and powerful to watch! The dolphin show was also fun and energetic. One of the coolest parts was going into an ice cave to see penguins up close. I’ve never been that close to penguins before—it was freezing but totally worth it! And I even got to feed stingrays! Some of them felt super smooth, like silk or jelly, and others felt like they had tiny underwater pimples—each one had a different texture. Super cool experience. Highly recommend getting there early and spending the whole day—there’s so much to see and do, from adrenaline rides to amazing animal encounters. A perfect combo of fun, excitement, and a little bit of penguin-induced joy.

Seven Seas Tour is great as a season pass holder. You receive a sample voucher and / or a discount. The concert series had some great performers. There's so much to do that I am happy we have season passes, so we don't feel rushed to experience everything in one day. The Glacier Penguin experience is definitely cold, so you have been warned. The Seasam Street park for kids is definitely a great add on to the park my girls loved it

Loved this park! Great shows and exhibits. The rides were also great but we didn't ride many. Sesame Place Land was fun but much smaller than expected, however they have the parade like original Sesame Place. You need to see the Orca Encounter and Sea Lion show and visit the penguins, they were awesome! The food venues and service was the worst part. Ridiculously long lines, slow and rude workers, insane food prices, and not enough seating. Great place for the whole family!! Get there before they open for good parking and ride your fave rides first.

Way overpriced, OK experience. This park costs over $100 a day, and you get nickle and dimed if you do anything else here. An express pass won't even get you a quick trip on the Hagrid motorbike ride and costs an additional $115+ per day! A VIP pass is an extra $300 per day! At best, you will get in about 8-10 thrill rides per day. Single rider, when available, might get you a few more rides, but not with your loved ones. The rides are fairly short. Velocicoaster and Hagrid are best, Hulk is also decent. The Rip Ride Rocket is also fun, but that is about it. Add to that a poor park layout with too narrow of walking paths makes for a long and aggravating experience. Universal's solution is to build more parks and raise prices more 🙁. NOT RECCOMENDED! One little tip: go see guest services for a pass if you experience a fire alarm or are unable to ride after a long wait (e.g., due to a malfunction). I was surprised hardly anyone else did this after someone pulled the fire alarm on Hagrid's ride (yes there are people that pathetic).

Very nice park. Not for people with mobility issues. The long lines don't accommodate people in mobility scooters. If standing for long periods is an issue this park is not for you. It will make the rides less enjoyable and more painful. Renting a mobility scooter is 75 and 95 for one with a canopy. Disney charges 60 for the day. Disney is very accessible. This park was not accessible in the lines for the rides. The kebabs and gyros were good. The refillable drinks cup is a good value. Soda was flowing all day.

This was truly epic! All the rides are amazing and the theme parks are just too fantastic! Being a potter head, I personally enjoyed the wizarding world the most! Along with that, I would highly suggest the velocicoaster ride available in the Jurassic world, which is absolutely thrilling and not for the faint-hearted.

I have visited several Universal Parks over the years. My experience has been mixed. I really enjoy walking around park just for the atmosphere and kids love it. With that said the price and the wait time for the rides is unreasonable. Plus this last trip Kong ride broke down after 30 minute wait, place almost all the rides over 1 hour wait. I highly pre buy tickets because it was over 30 minutes to buy tickets at the site. The line wasn't even that long the process was very slow compared to other amusement parks. Even pre buying tickets and passes has a wait line but not as long. Also you should really research each park before buying especially if your time is limited. Each park is a long day especially with kids you likely won't hit more than one park in a day.

4.5 stars. Cool park. Well planned theme park with excellent food options. The park has a nice flow to it, much better than most theme parks. I thought it was going to be a stressful day but it turned out to be very enjoyable day. A little expensive and some shameless profit grabs (Jurassic Park Boat Ride $7 group dryers and 3 beach towels for $66 gift shop). That ride was cool by the way. Cool park and friendly staff.

Got a big fan of Jurassic Park, so this was his choice for his birthday. Awesome place to bring the family for a fun packed day. Can't go wrong. Just one of the parks to choose from. Great place to come and enjoy.

Went on a work trip. Beat way to experience the parks, honestly. Limited options, but ALL good ones. Motorcycle ride at Harry Potter World was amazing. Unlimited Food and drink. And early departure buses! Will never do this again with work lol

Awesome park! There are a lot of great worlds to explore, built with a lot of attention to detail. The rides were a lot of fun and I'd recommend using the single line with which you can just skip the whole wait time (we waited 5 min max) and most of the time can still ride with your family, except on the Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit just use the normal line here it might even be faster.

Absolutely incredible experience! Universal Studios Florida deserves every bit of this 5-star rating. From the moment you walk through the gates, you're immersed in a world of excitement, entertainment, and pure fun. The rides are next-level—especially the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which feels like stepping into the movies. Whether you're flying through Hogwarts or escaping from a dinosaur in Jurassic Park, every attraction is thrilling, well-designed, and full of detail. The park is also super clean and well-organized, with friendly and helpful staff everywhere. The shows, parades, and character meet-and-greets add even more magic to the day. Plus, there’s something for everyone—from little kids to thrill-seeking teens and adults. The food options are great too, with lots of variety and cool themed restaurants. Overall, Universal Studios Florida is one of the best theme parks out there. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, the experience never gets old. Highly recommend for an unforgettable day of fun!

What an amazing place! I loved every minute of my visit. The staff were friendly and polite, and the wait times in lines were manageable since we went on a Tuesday. The pricing, food, and merchandise were all excellent, contributing to a fantastic overall experience. I highly recommend getting a park-to-park pass; it’s definitely worth it for everything you can enjoy. Although we only spent one day there, I would suggest planning for more time if you have the availability. There’s so much to see and do, and I still managed to ride many attractions and enjoy incredible entertainment. One highlight was discovering that wands purchased at Universal can be repaired or replaced for free if they break. My son’s wand wasn’t working, and since we bought it during a previous trip to Harry Potter World, they replaced it and even engraved a new one for him. I absolutely love Universal Studios, both in Hollywood and Orlando, and I would recommend it to anyone planning a trip. A tip: arrive an hour early to secure the best parking! Oh and bring a water bottle, water is free through out the park.

As soon as me and my family arrived (me,my sister,our family friend,and mom), it was crowded and very people-ly.I get that it is a very popular theme park which is okay and I completely understand.We went to universal and the first ride we went on was revenge of the mummy.Very impressed about how there was activity’s in line to keep people entertained while waiting to get on the ride.The line moved somewhat fast and the ride it self was amazing and very fun.We rode a couple more rides with the lines being at least 45 minutes long.After that we went to islands of adventure where things started making me and my family upset.we got in line for the guy to scan our tickets so that we can get into the actual park and let me tell you about it. I went first to scan my ticket. I got a picture of my face and asked him if he needed to scan my ticket and he said no which I thought was weird.I waited for everyone else to get passed thinking that they only had to get a picture too. My black friend was right behind me and she got her picture taken but she got her ticket scanned.everyone got passed with their tickets not getting scanned except for my black friend. Me and my sister and my mom are all white and we didn’t have to get our tickets scanned.I didn’t say anything but I thought it was strange that only my black friend had to get hers scanned but none of the white people did. After that, we got in line for the Hulk rollercoaster and after it I was amazed on how good that roller coaster was.a couple hours go by and the last ride we all wanted to ride was the Harry Potter motercycle one.we looked up the wait time and it said 1 hour and 30 minutes. We knew it was going to be long and that’s okay. But when we got in the castle, we keep on turning corners thinking we were about to get on the carts but no. It was just more lines and rooms. After almost 1 hour and 45 minutes go by and we were in what we thought was the last room, we were all getting mad and frustrated that we were waiting for so long and didn’t even get close to the carts. We eventually got close and got on the ride. The ride was very fun and unpredictable which is a good thing. After the ride we all said that the ride was very fun but not worth the line. Overall our visit was okay.

Universal Orlando exceeded all our expectations! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was electric. The rides were incredible—especially the Harry Potter attractions, which were truly magical. Everything was clean, well-organized, and family-friendly. The staff were kind and helpful, making sure we had everything we needed throughout the day. We also loved the variety of food options and entertainment. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or visiting with kids, there’s something for everyone. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and we can't wait to go back!

Super fun. City walk is free and fun in of itself, but inside the park is fun. Plenty of rides that aren't just roller coasters. (though there are those too). Stop by the minion café, the food is good there and, for theme park pricing, worth the $. The Szechuan chicken is literal half chicken. And quite tasty. Chop chop salad good option for no-bread folks. Also purple minion drink is fun ($9 for a drink... But, it's cute! And tasty.)

Universal Studios was an amazing family experience! The park is full of energy, fun rides, and incredible details everywhere you look. One of the highlights was the Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure — it was thrilling and so well done, easily one of the coolest rides I've ever been on. The Hogwarts Express train ride was another favorite, super immersive and magical, especially for Harry Potter fans. Overall, a must-visit!

Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando is pure magic! Every detail is incredibly well-crafted, making you feel like you’ve stepped into the Wizarding World. From the stunning storefronts to the immersive atmosphere, even the restrooms are on theme! The fire-breathing dragon is a must-see, and the shops are packed with authentic merchandise. The interactive wands add an extra layer of fun, bringing the magic to life. The only downside? It’s always crowded, even on quieter days. But despite that, the experience is absolutely worth it—truly a dream come true for any Harry Potter fan!

Hogwarts, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are incredible! I think the experience could be improved, being more immersive… but it’s must do if you are a truly HP’s fan. Waiting times in Hagrid’s ride are heavy…

If you are a fan of the books and/or movies, then you have to come here because it is simply magical. I love the atmosphere and watching all the kids (and adults) dressed in their robes and casting spells with their wands. You will definitely want to buy a park to park pass and ride the train into Hogsmeade where you can get a delicious butterbeer (my favorite is frozen 😋) The attention to detail is absolutely 💯 amazing 👏 great job Universal Orlando 😀

When the Ravenclaw chaperone has a group of Hufflepuffs to take out. It's a real run of controlled chaos. But at least all my lovely little Huffles had a great time! Even if we did run out of time to enjoy it all even more.

We went during Spring Break even though we are locals, so the crowds were a reality. But despite that, we enjoyed the amazing theming. The attention to detail was wonderful. Unfortunately my kids aren’t as captivated by Harry Potter as I was, so it was all a bit lost on them, but for the adults in the party it was a great experience. Knockturn Alley and the Tales of Beedle the Bard were favorites. The service left a lot to be desired however. We had so many bad interactions that actually felt borderline rude. More than once I greeted the person and thanked them and then when I walked away realized they had not said one single word to me. Not a hello or a thanks. Just pointed at the pin pad and handed me my receipt. It was very odd. It’s hard when your kids are with you and excited and trying to have a good time and the energy from the adults around them is very negative. Maybe I spend too much time at Disney but Universal suffers in comparison and will never be my first choice. I have worked in retail my entire life so we take a lot of pains to try to be pleasant customers and understand what it’s like to serve guests all day, but it just left me thinking Universal management needs to do something different to improve morale or support staff during peak periods. We sampled lots of snacks and treats. The actual meal was disappointing (breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron), but we loved all our snacks. I liked the hot butterbeer best, and the beef pasties. The butterbeer soft serve was the group’s favorite. We were able to ride everything but Hagrid’s, which was disappointing because that was a priority but it just never fit into our plans because there is no express option and I can’t justify investing in express and then spending two hours waiting in a line for a ride my children won’t ride. Maybe next time. We did enjoy all the other rides and waits were relatively low, even without a pass, and despite it being Spring Break.

Great recreation of the movies with great attention to detail. There are a lot of shops (that also look like the movies) where you can buy all sorts of Harry Potter merch

It's always a pleasure to visit universal studios and their many attractions! The Wizarding Works if Harry Potter is no exception. Everything from Diagon Alley to visiting to get selected by my wand. Which is interactive with quite a few amenities in the area! I definitely recommend visiting and purchasing the wand too

The theme parks are great. Kids loved meeting their favorite characters and the rides were awesome. Every theme park has 1-2 rides that are exceptionally good and worth the wait. Be prepared to wait upto 75+ mins for some of the rides if you are visiting during any school breaks.

This was our first time time at a Disney Resort! It was amazing! I loved the whole atmosphere, and everyone that we came in contact with was very nice and helpful. All of the nostalgic memorabilia everywhere was great. We all loved the attention to detail everywhere you went. Great 1st Disney Resort stay!

This is my paradise every time we are in Orlando. Now we are visiting with our little one. Clean, organized, Fun and adventurous for all ages with friendly staffs. We visit during weekdays with regular parking. There’s also a preferred parking with different price. Use mobile app to order your lunches, snacks, or reserve your time for attractions. It was busy during spring break, we reserved at Crystal restaurant ahead, foods were great with excellent services. Their burgers and fries from the cafe were good too. Reservations are a must if you want to try any of the restaurants at the park. Making great fun memories with family. Awesome fireworks to end the day. Can’t wait to return .

Great experience overall. It is spring break so there could be many crowds but it’s Disney so it can vary in predictably. To our surprise, wait times were not too bad, on average 30 mins per ride. We had a 3 y/o with us so I allowed other family members to ride Tron and Space Mountain. The Tron ride, as reported by family, was amazing! A nice update to Disney’s ride options in the Magic Kingdom. The Lightning Pass worked in our favor as well since the open rides were spaced out an hour apart and were in the same section of the park. My grandson had a great time. The park was clean and the staff tremendously helpful. My son misplaced his wallet and it was promptly sent to the lost and found with his money cards and ID present. Nothing missing which was heartwarming and gave me hope for the human condition. The food was just okay so if you have the ability and are willing to bring a cooler or a backpack with sandwiches and drinks, you would do well to bring that instead of spending gobs on park food. We also rented a stroller for only $12 for the day. Great fireworks show. Always a pleasure to visit the Magic Kingdom.

My wife and I visited here with family and had an amazing time. As with most amusement parks, there were lines and crowds of people, so have this expectation regardless of when you visit. I believe that the park can use some upgrading in a few areas, but overall, Magic Kingdom was a blast. We stayed in the park from open to close, so that would could catch the parade and fireworks. I love that Disney parks allow outside food, so we packed lunches and water in our backpacks to avoid spending too much money. I highly recommend the dole pineapple ice cream it was so amazing that we went back while at another park. Great experience!!

Our 2017 Disney Trip In 2017, we took a magical trip to Disney with our three little ones—and we’re hoping to take child number four soon! Disney is one of those bucket list experiences. Is it overhyped? Some think so. But it’s something you want to witness for yourself—and with your kids. The park was impressively clean and well maintained, even with the crazy crowds. We went in August (yes, the heat was real), and while some rides were easier to get on than others, the lines plus the heat made it an adventure of its own. What stood out most? The character interactions, the nighttime castle shows, and how each of our kids got to experience Disney in their own special way. We truly immersed ourselves in the full Disney magic. We stayed at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort—I'll share more about that and hopefully our experience with the other park next time! What was your AWEmazing Disney stay like?

Came to Disney World for my birthday week and had the BEST time ever! It really is the happiest place on earth. Make sure to get your tickets early and definitely grab the Lightning Pass the ride lines can get super long. Epcot was our favorite! The park is huge and so well organized, 5 days wasn’t even enough. Can’t wait to come back!

I only visited Animal Kingdom for this time Disney World trip. It's been at least 10+ years since my last visit. Avatar is totally new to me. It's surely an astonishing new section. Walt Disney never stops investing in these theme topics in detail. The Avatar world water ride and stunning 3D flying ride gave me the most impressive experience. Love it!!

Our family loved the full Animal Kingdom day at the park. The breakfast buffet food was amazing at Tuskers Disney character breakfast. The host was perfect ensuring kids had access to characters and were seated properly for their best experience. The Lion King Festival and Finding Nemo were amazing musical Broadway quality shows. We were all blown away by the performers singing and costumes. I am paralyzed and ride every ride I wanted to get on. Park has thought of ways that if you can transfer it allows you to ride. I used my IBOT power chair and 12 hours later had 1/3 of my power left. My wife and I loved the Expedition Everest roller coaster! 29.00 lightning passes and using the Disney App made it so easy to stay busy without lines.

I have visited Disney's Animal Kingdom several times. I find it to be one of the more relaxing parks. While the park has rides, I often go to walk around on a nice day and enjoy the watching the animals. Depending on the weather, you may find animals more active in the early morning or late afternoon/early evening, rather than the heat of the day during the summer. The park is separated into different lands that are spread out, so it is good to review the layout and get a sense of where you want to go before your visit. There are several places to eat, both sit-down and quick service. If you want a sit-down dining experience, I recommend making advance reservations, especially during peak meal times and busy crowd dates. Check hours of operations prior to your visit, as well. We have generally found the park to be open from 7am to 7pm. The park is enjoyable for all ages. Look for special activities the park offers to keep younger actively engaged in finding animals throughout the park.

Very nice place for more nature animal oriented Disney features. What was our best moments were the Lion King and Nemo's show. They were both incredible. The Avatar world and rides where nice too. The Tree of life is epic.

Absolutely loved Animal Kingdom—this park is an amazing experience from start to finish! The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, blending nature, adventure, and Disney magic seamlessly. The safari rides are a must-do, bringing you up close with exotic animals in a way that feels truly authentic. Seeing giraffes, elephants, and lions in a setting that mimics their natural habitats is unforgettable. The popular rides live up to the hype—Avatar Flight of Passage is breathtaking and easily one of the best rides I’ve ever been on. The level of detail and the sensation of flying on a banshee make it absolutely unreal. Expedition Everest is a thrilling roller coaster with incredible theming, and Dinosaur is a wild, intense adventure that keeps you on edge. The shows are fantastic, especially Festival of the Lion King, which is Broadway-level in quality. The performances, costumes, and music make it an absolute highlight. One absolute MUST to enhance your experience? Premier Access. It’s a game-changer if you want to avoid the long queues and make the most of your day. Skipping wait times means you can ride your favorites multiple times without wasting hours in line. Overall, 10/10, hands down. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, an animal lover, or just a Disney fan, Animal Kingdom is a must-visit.

Animal kingdom is good in terms of greenery and natural landscape. But their Safari is best that we liked. All good rides have long waiting period and there is not much to keep the kids entertained when in the line. It was an OK experience but nothing like “Once more” kind of

We took the safari and the animals all showed up. Went on the avatar experience and it was amazing. Wait time were all about 60 to 90 minutes. The kids loved the Everest roller coaster. It's a beautiful place. Be prepared for lots of walking

Great place to visit. Everything that involves the park, all the details, the streets, redes, everything is great. Please be mindful that Magic Kingdom is a park more focused to smallchildren, despite having some cool rides like the Space Mountain and the Tron ride. Most of the rides here are easy going, smooth and adorable. I really enjoyed the Little Mermaid ride and the Peter Pan. The most impressive and interesting one was the Pirates of the Caribbean. Maybe because I am a huge fan and this is the oldest ride in the park. I love that and I love that this still there. For those interested in more radical rides, Hollywood Studios is the one. I think one good idea is to have hop passes when going to Magic Kingdom. Even with long lines (40 to 70 minutes), I was able to finish everything before 5 pm (I arrived at 10:30). Just a quick note that they have 3 or 4 rides closed (today os April 26, 2025). Loved it and will comeback someday!

It's such a nice place to be. Everyone one go back to their kids' time and enjoy the magic of this place. Attractions are nice. We loved the Tiana ride. The shows are amazing, too. The characters are all charming and stay always in their role customers after customers. The magic is real. Hope to be able to go back there again soon.

We left Brooklyn by car on April 18th at 12:00 PM and arrived at Magic Kingdom on April 19th at 6:30 AM. It took us 15 hours to get there. We got to the park at 7:00 AM and bought a 1-day pass for 4 people. The ticket cost almost $800. There are a lot of restaurant for you to eat and enjoy the design of the restaurant, atmosphere. Bring water bottles with you before you come to the park because it’s a little bit expensive. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes because you’re gonna walk around all they 😁 it’s so hot there. Also bring raincoat you’ll definitely need it for the Tiana’s adventure. Don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen 🧴. Bring your backpack 🎒also. In addition, don’t forget to bring more money 😁 to enjoy your trip more. My advice is don’t go there on the weekends because a lot of people will be there and you have to wait 45 60 and more time for each adventures. Parking lot costs $30 sorry If I’m not mistaken

What is there to say, Magic Kingdom was amazing. I’ve been many times but this time was my first time riding Tron and Tiana - both rides that are fantastic. Food - good. Rides - great. Lines - average. Negatives Lighting passes - the system is terrible compared to the 2000s and earlier. Customer service - good but again, not as amazing as during the 2000s and earlier. Long gone are those small touches by staff that go a step beyond. No more magical moments. Price - around $500 Canadian for 2 adults to walk in the gates. Felt high especially compared to the experiences of the past. What is working - making reservations for meals on your phone is a game changer and so is ordering food ahead of time. Character autograph opportunities are wonderful as is the fireworks.

Most magical place on earth! Make sure if you want to do the lightning pass that you book 3 days in advance. Pretty much have to schedule out your entire day for Disney now, definitely recommend dinner reservations 3 days before too. Also best time to ride the fantasyland rides are late at night once all the kiddos go home or are watching the fireworks

If you have a little one under 10, I highly suggest planning to watch the parade. My little loved it. The fireworks seemed to be an adult favorite. It was a bit chaotic at night. I didn't care for it and I felt I was trapped in a traffic jam. We were able to get on alot rides with my 18 mon toddler which was nice. The lines weren't too bad. The food could be better grab and go items. However you can bring your own food. We went on a Saturday in April if that helps 🥰

Great experience, came here with my daughter's cheer team after Nationals. So much to do and see id recommend using a weekend pass to come here, you could litterly come see all 3 parks if so. We will definitely be doing that next year!

Free entrance. Free parking. Hollis Garden is a beautiful, well-maintained garden overlooking Lake Mirror. It’s a great spot for a peaceful walk, taking pictures, and enjoying the vibrant flowers and fountains. The landscaping is gorgeous, and the lake view adds to the charm. A perfect place to relax and unwind!

I absolutely love this GEM here in Lakeland. It's such a gift for the community. Please note, these photos were taken in December, post hurricane, and also while the grass is being seeded and the garden beds are being updated. It's such a stunning botanical garden and I've been many times over the years. My family and I love this beautiful place. ❤️💖🦋

This is a small garden but very well-kept. It is full of nooks and crannies and picture perfect spots. There is a bistro if you desire something to eat or drink. You can exit the garden onto the Lake Mirror walkway. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and would be happy to return.

Beautiful garden! Despite us visiting when they were pulling the dead flowers, etc for fall prep, the garden is an absolute gem in the middle of a bustling city! I can't wait to go back in spring. the two people working there were so nice, helpful and knowledgeable. Wish they had clones for other gardens. Its truly well kept, peaceful and I would say the star of Lakeland!

Peaceful & beautiful garden park. Perfect for a morning / afternoon stroll. Beautiful flowers and art sculptures.

We stopped on our way back to our friends house after a tasty lunch. This park is stunning. Plenty of spots to take photos. I wish we had a park like this back home. Palm trees, benches, waterfalls, a small pond/lake with Lilly pads, and of course bugs. If I lived here I'd be here taking photos all the time!

One of my favorite places is Hollis Garden. I love going and eating at the Garden bistro walking around Lake Mirror and ending my visit at Hollis Garden.

I was here for a private event at the youth camp, so can't speak to the springs themselves or the overall park amenities much, but I can speak to the overall things I've experienced. The check in process for a Tuesday afternoon in March was awesome, with no lines. Attending the private event at the Youth Camp does not require day pass reservations, so getting in was easy and didn't require as much planning as it would have to visit for the day. The park attendant at the gate was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, and gave adequate directions to get me to where I needed to go. The park itself is well maintained and very beautiful, with a wide variety of wildlife. While here, I have seen sandhill cranes, Sherman's fox squirrels, gopher tortoise, woodpeckers, turkeys, hawks, and others, and the ant situation was surprisingly good for a youth camp, with no fire ants and only scattered mounds of sugar ants near the fire circles. There is a bear proof dumpster on site, and one member of the group attending brought an unsecured cooler and quickly regretted the decision, as a medium sized black bear raided it the first night. It wasn't dangerous, and it ran away as soon as people came out and "looked big," but if you're afraid of bears, I'd suggest staying in a cabin or RV at night instead of a tent, and definitely use adequate measures to secure your food and animals. The cabins in the youth camp vary, from bunkhouses sleeping 10 without heat or A/C to the "Main Office" building that looks pretty much like a regular house inside. There are also small 2-bedroom cabins that sleep up to 6 that share a bathroom and have mini-split heat pumps, and one cabin that is stucco construction with 4 bedrooms (8 beds), 2 bathrooms, and a small kitchenette with a potable water sink, and a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. There is also a dining hall on site with a serve safe kitchen, but our group didn't have anyone certified to use it, so we had to make do without it. All the buildings were clean and well maintained, and worked as advertised, but the hot water wasn't turned on everywhere at first and we had to get some of the heaters turned on, but staff was really responsive in helping us get that sorted out, and I'm not sure if that was the park's fault or the event organizers', but it was handled quickly and then the bathhouses all had nice hot showers. There are other amenities in the youth camp, but this has gotten too long already. Overall, our group had a great time here, and found all the youth camp facilities to be a great value for the money.

Book in advance because you won’t be able to enter without reservation. Beautiful place but extremely crowded if you go mid day. There are campgrounds, picnic areas, swimming areas for adults as well as for little ones. We also saw people kayaking. We could easily spend an entire day here. Plenty of shaded spots and seating areas. Parking is very close to the picnic area if you come early you will get the spot right next to the walkway which leads to the park. We spent maybe an hour and it was just amazing. Would definitely spend more time on our next visit to Florida.

Wow! It’s simply stunning! We loved every minute! Getting in is a bit tricky, so it’s important to book an appointment in advance. It’s $6 per car, which can hold 4 people! There was plenty of parking, and the surroundings are very, very beautiful! Yes, you can kayak, and yes, there are alligators in the water, but we didn’t see any, and it was an amazing experience! The water is crystal clear, and the environment is very nice and well-maintained! For those who want to walk, there are plenty of opportunities! It will remain a lasting memory, and we will definitely come back!

The water was amazing, clear, and the perfect cool temperature. There is a small shop with floaties, but they don't inflate them for you, so come with your own. Do not buy the snorkeling gear it's cheap and doesn't work. The park itself is beautiful, spent an easy 5hrs there. We kayaked and saw alligators and turtles. There's a concession stand, with food wine and beer as well.

Always a beautiful visit. The grounds and bathrooms are kept up well. Refreshing springs with a moderate amount of semi-shallow water. Great nature trail, kayaks and canoes for rent and an educational center/animal display for the wildlife buff.

📢 Calling all nature lovers! Wekiwa Springs is the ideal place for the outdoorsy type but be sure to reserve your parking spot in advance as they fill up quickly. Once inside, there are plenty of open areas where you can set up before heading down to the spring. The water is cool and refreshing and there’s even a kiddie area for the little ones to enjoy. Or if you prefer, you can go kayaking or take a hike through the woods. Would you rather just lounge around and read a book or play some games? Well you can do that too! Want to sleep over? Guess what…you can even camp here! Although there is a concession stand, you are allowed to bring in food and drinks so be sure to bring along plenty of snacks or even a grill if that’s what you are in to. Overall this is a relaxing and enjoyable park with scenic views that the entire family can enjoy.

The park is stunning, but there are a few essential tips to ensure you have a smooth experience. First and foremost, make sure to schedule your appointment online before you arrive. With no internet service available in the area, it's crucial to secure your entry ahead of time, as they do not permit entry without an appointment. Additionally, the park is expansive and somewhat unstructured, so be prepared for some adventure! Plan your visit in advance, as there are no maps provided and you won't find anyone on-site to give directions. If you're a fan of camping or hiking, don’t forget to bring bear spray for your safety. Enjoy your visit to this incredible park!

We visited on a seemingly busy day during the holidays when kids were out of school, as it took close to 30 minutes to get inside. We paid with a card as they were walking down the queue to make it faster. We were fortunate to get parking close, so not much walking to the water. We went to see some manatees which we did. None got too close as they seemed to gravitate to a warmer portion of the water. There is plenty of other wildlife to see with birds and fish. We didn't see any gators or turtles. The Thurman House was nice and we visited the gift shop. There were also lines for the bathroom as the crowds were bigger, but overall, it was a nice experience. For a large family, the price for the boat ride on the river was out of our range as it would have been well over $100 for the short boat trip. There are picnic tables, and it seems you can grill there as well. There is also a kids' play area, but the kids didn't use it on this trip.

A beautiful park hidden away a bit. Well worth traveling to though. Manatees are here during winter time I'm told but it is still worth coming during the summer. There is a boat tour for 1 and 2 hours tours and kayak/canoe/paddle board rentals. There is also a hiking trail nearby and some campgrounds/cabins. Definitely will be back in the winter to check out the manatees!

Fantastic! We saw lots of manatees easily from the boardwalk. We did a boat tour too for an hour. Boat trip was fantastic super knowledgeable captain. Wheelchair/buggy accessible. Cafe good for some fast food.

Our stay at Blue Spring State Park was nothing short of magical. Nestled in nature, the cabins were clean, comfortable, and perfectly secluded, offering a peaceful retreat from everyday life. The park itself is beautifully maintained, with lush greenery, scenic trails, and crystal-clear spring waters teeming with life. One of the highlights was (as we went 3rd week of March), witnessing manatees gracefully gliding through the spring—a truly unforgettable experience. The sight of these gentle giants in their natural habitat was both serene and awe-inspiring. As night fell, the park transformed into something even more enchanting. The glow of fireflies dancing in the dark created a surreal, almost fairytale-like ambiance. Sitting outside our cabin, surrounded by the soft flicker of lights and the sounds of nature, was an experience we won’t forget. The park offers fantastic opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. The facilities were well-kept, and the entire experience felt both adventurous and relaxing. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape or an outdoor adventure, Blue Spring State Park is a must-visit. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to reconnect with nature and experience Florida’s incredible wildlife!

This was an impromptu visit today. Decided to take my mom to go see the manatees while they're still here and it was a beautiful day to go. As we approached the entrance, the line to get in was down the dirt road, then you basically loop around and wait until instructed to move forward to enter. There was a park ranger walking along cars to make the paying process easier, which was pretty convenient. Parking was tricky, but you drive around until you find one. There was some construction going on, but nothing too crazy. We walked along the boardwalk, stopping at each lookout area to catch a glimpse of the manatees. There were lots of them today, 794 that was counted. They have restrooms, gift shop, place to rent under tubes (in the summertime), couple of concession stands. The Thursby House you can tour kayaks to rent and boat tours (best to go on the star park website and make reservations). My mom loved seeing the manatees and all the fish and commented on how clear the water was. It was a very enjoyable day!

We visited on 03/11 and found the park fairly busy, though there were no lineups driving in. At just $6 per entry, this was easily one of the best and most affordable ways to see manatees up close. Swimming isn’t allowed currently and we had excellent views from the dock, where the manatees followed a distinct path from north to south. Beyond the manatees, we also spotted an armadillo and a cottonmouth. The boardwalk offered great walking conditions, making this an unexpectedly fun and peaceful way to spend the morning away from Orlando’s usual theme park crowds.

I knew ahead of time that the swimming area was closed because it's Manatee season still, and the manatees were what I went. It's beautiful there! One of my favorite spots to kayak and see the natural "real" Florida.

Stetson Mansion is a tastefully restored 1886 home once occupied by the Stetson family. Several different families have lived in the home and one still does. We actually saw some of their living quarters while on our tour of three floors, and the school house. Photos are only allowed outside and in the school house to protect the family's privacy. The home still has original wood floors, woodwork, staircase, and leaded glass windows, as well as some lighting and cedar siding. The original electric was worked on by Thomas Edison who also gifted the family lighting fixtures still in use. The home sits on over 2 of the original 300 acres.

Our Glass Guild toured the Stetson Mansion on a Saturday morning and we all felt it was “off the charts “ enjoyable, educational and enchanting! Kayla, the owner greeted us warmly and pleasantly checked in our 18 members. Then Alix, our energetic tour guide took group photos for us in front of the mansion before starting our enlightening tour of the 3 story 1886 Mansion. Alix was fascinating, weaving storytelling about the famous Hat maker, John Stetson and his family, and his connections to Thomas Edison, who personally wired this home for him. Alix was extremely knowledgeable about the architectural details of the woodwork, from the gleaming parquet flooring with unique patterns to intricate crown molding and staircases. We were impressed with all the leaded glass windows throughout each room! She kept us spellbound with the knowledge of this home and all the connections to Deland… We as a group highly recommend this historic tour!! Don’t miss it.

OMG! I have no idea this treasure was near me. It's an architectural masterpiece inside and out. I couldn't close my mouth. I went and it was Christmas decorated, and it was a dream every detail, every decoration was so beautifully placed. Definitely going back in a few months to see and have the full tour. Our tour lady was so inform and funny. The only thing wish they had like a small coffe and some snack or even a light lunch. That would round up the whole experience. Thanks for preserving this beautiful house and share it with us.🙌🙏❤️

Did the Xmas tour. Will be going back once the decorations are down.Well worth the price in my opinion. Really has personality. True Mansion. The only thing missing was Ted Cassidy who went to Stetson University. He played Lurch in the Adam's Family. You Rang ! Our tour guide was a young lady who was new and did a Superb job and was very knowledgeable. Wish I could remember her name. It was an unusual name, well done young lady.

This was a first visit for my family. We did the self guided audio tour. It is a holiday must. The mansion itself is beautiful and full of historic pieces. Add in the curated holiday rooms that are too fantastic to describe and you have a wonderful adventure.

This mansion is incredible both in terms of the rich historical value but also the owners, Kayla, incredible knowledge and obvious enthusiasm for the mansion. Fascinating to realize how many notable individuals visited Mr. Stetson and his wife over the years. Thomas Edison even installed the electric lighting in the house!! As far as I am concerned this is a most see if you are ever in the area.

The Stetson Mansion tour was outstanding on every level. Docent Kayla led us through the gilded age home with a plethora of fascinating personal stories and interesting facts. The home is meticulously maintained and is beautifully decorated. Cannot recommend this tour strongly enough. You won’t be disappointed!

Free entrance and wine tasting of this winery. The tastings are about 5-6 small samples. You exit into the main room where you can buy some of the sampled wines. There is a bar in here as well, but they were utilizing the one upstairs today. Upstairs, there was a self guided tour with an outdoor space. You end up in the upstairs bar where you can sample additional wines at a nominal fee. During the weekends they have an outdoor area that you can enjoy complete with free entertainment. They have food and wine for sale, so you don't have to go back inside.

What a delightful find! Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards truly shines as a gem in Central Florida. From the moment we arrived, the friendly and welcoming staff set the tone for an unforgettable experience. The tasting featured a handful of wines, each showcasing unique flavors that highlighted the region's charm. We visited on a Saturday afternoon and were thrilled to enjoy live entertainment, which added a lively and relaxed atmosphere to the already stunning surroundings. A pro tip: bring your lawn chairs! The outdoor setting is perfect for sitting back, sipping wine, and soaking in the music. Although the tasting selection was modest, it didn't take away from the overall enjoyment of the visit. We're already looking forward to our next trip back to this incredible venue! Highly recommend for a weekend outing or a quick escape into the world of wine and entertainment.

What a fun way to spend an afternoon. I went today for a tour and tasting (free!). Stuart was a fantastic host and tour guide. The video was super informative about Florida’s wine industry. The grounds weren’t as stunning as they would be in spring and summer, but still enjoyed seeing the hillside and learning about Lakeridge’s production. The tasting was fun and definitely informed my purchases—changing my opinion in some instances! Great store with everything you could need to enjoy wine at home.

What a gem to find in central Florida. The staff were friendly and welcoming. The grounds were lovely and the outside facilities with their restaurant and seating area under mature trees felt like you were in Europe. The wine was nice and I especially liked their California Petit Syrah which you taste upstairs for a small and reasonable additional charge of $5 for 2 glasses of their California wines. Highly recommended.

Beautiful winery, great tasting wines, good variety, awesome live music, food looked good, free tastings. Olga was the most friendly greeter, so adorable. We will visit again when in the area.

We recently visited Lake Ridge Winery in Claremont, Florida, and while we didn’t take many photos, the experience was unforgettable. The wine tour was fantastic—simple yet very informative, and truly educational. As someone who has sampled a fair amount of wine, I can confidently say the wine here is top-notch. It’s so much better than store-bought options, with none of that unpleasant aftertaste you sometimes get from mass-produced wines. The wines here are exactly what they’re supposed to be: smooth, flavorful, and enjoyable. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and the hosts were friendly and welcoming. After the tour, we headed into the shop to pick up some wine and souvenirs, of course. Outside, near the vineyards, there’s a large grassy field with a stage for live entertainment, typically on weekends. It’s very family-friendly, with people bringing lawn chairs, blankets, and even pets. Kids can run around near the vineyards (though not inside them), and we even saw some folks with a monkey, which was a surprising and fun addition to the atmosphere. Overall, it’s a wonderful spot to spend a relaxing day with family and friends.

Near Orlando. Established in 1988, ran by the Cox family privately. They’re the largest winery in Florida (they own the second largest in St Augustine), producing 2.5 million bottles a year: 40% is their sweet Southern Red. I like their Petite Sirah Sauvignon ($24.99) and Sauvignon Blanc ($16.99). They employ about 40 staff, from tour guides to field workers. The turn over is low and NO, they don’t hire extra hands during the picking season (done by machines) - there goes my free meal - still have to go to France for it if it’s still being offered. Wine tour runs every 20 minutes. 12 minutes movie about the winery, shown the father and son in the field - in Oxford shirt and khaki - seriously? Then go out in the open but under the roof , of their facility. Lastly the wine tasting, of a dozen of their wines, free of charge. $5 for their premium in an up stair room which we didn’t go for. The tour takes an hour but you can join or leave at will. There are a few tables in and outdoors. But we didn’t stay. It feels more like get the wine and leave - this is my first winery in Florida. They may run it differently than New York and Napa. Our tour guide Tom is wonderful, thank you.

This place is absolutely amazing! Lots of music, food, drinks! Entertainment every night on the town square 5pm-9pm. A must see and do! Golf carts welcome! They have other locations as well, such as Brownwood, Lake Sumter landing, and Village of Fenney.

A nice place to go for a walk and enjoy the surrounding stores/businesses and restaurants. My son loves going here and dance at the square in the evening

Absolutely wonderful spot to walk around and enjoy what the area has to offer. When I visited, they were getting ready to celebrate St Patrick's day. It was so much fun. They had beautiful antique cars on display, and they were getting ready for a parade. Absolutely gorgeous. I will definitely be back to explore some more of this area.

We went for a late dinner, it was crowded as expected. They had a DJ on the square who was teaching line dancing steps to the songs he was playing. One of the greatest things I have ever seen. Whether u like to people watch or enjoy dancing, it was a lot of fun.

Definitely a happening place in the evenings for live music cocktails and fun. Seems like there use to be a lot more restaurant choices in the vicinity, which appeared to have closed. Theater is currently under construction and I’m hoping to see more new restaurants come in soon. In the afternoon parking is a bit crazy near town square. I would recommend parking in the lots near by and getting some exercise instead of looking for parking for 45 minutes. All in all still a fun safe place to hang out in the Villages ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great place any time to have fun or a peaceful walk or enjoy the night festivities.

This is a great little town square area with plenty of places to eat and shop at. There is live music (free) every night starting around 5 pm. If you're in the area, stop by. There are also lots of special events going on. This is also dog friendly. There are public restrooms available, too!

An extremely fun experience! We saw many gators including babies. The ride itself is beautiful and the tour guide is funny and informative. We also got to take photos with a little gator! 🐊

If you want to see the REAL FLORIDA, this place is a must! I came here on my last day in FL and it was way better than I expected. Leia the little gator was so sweet and looked super cute in her santa costume. Captain Monte was awesome! He knew so much about the wildlife and even knew where the gators would be and had names for some of them. It was so cool to go back out on the lake that my parents lived by when I was born and where I caught my first fish. It's 100% worth the drive to come here. I can't wait to come back in warmer weather.

This place is AMAZING! Captain Kyle is very knowledgeable. And his skills on the airboat are phenomenal. Everyone on land are funny, smart, and they treat you like family. From the moment I got there to the time I left, everyone made sure my family and I had a great time. We saw all sorts of wildlife out there. From birds to alligators. The cherry on top was holding their 3 year old alligator Luke. I cannot wait to go back and experience this adventure again. If you have not been to Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures, you need to make it a point to go and experience natural Florida and learn all about the wildlife in the swamps. If I could give them 20 stars, I would.

Kyle was a personable, funny and knowledgeable guide. He was so polite and informative in answering our questions. We saw gators, birds, snakes, turtles and other wildlife and learned about their habitat. The facilities are well kept. Highly recommend this tour.

Captain Randy at Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures was awesome! We saw gator nurseries with lots of babies, as well as many adult sized gators throughout our ride. One was about 12 feet long! There were also many beautiful birds, turtles, and even an osprey nest. The natural springs and cypress trees were beautiful. There was a gator class before the ride and each person got a photo opportunity holding a baby gator. The business is located inside a really cute campground area (Idlewood Lodge) where you can play games and get a bite to eat at the Cantina. 10/10 Recommend!

Excellent airboat tour. The Captain was very entertaining and quite knowledgeable. The tour didn’t feel rushed and we saw all kinds of wildlife even baby gators and an osprey nest. Thanks for a phenomenal experience.

What a great time we had!! Kyle was our guide and he did a wonderful job! Informative and engaging with a great sense of humor. Kyle knew where to find some very large alligators and had great knowledge of the plants, springs and water conditions. The tour through the trees and swamp area was especially cool. We would not hesitate to recommend Swamp Fever to anyone that wants a great tour!

If you’d like to experience a quieter, more relaxing area on our West Coast Weeki Wachee is a nice place for the experience. They offer a very well known and one of the oldest tourist attractions in the state, the Mermaid Show. It lasts about 1/2 and hour and is entertaining especially for children. There is also a waterpark, kayaking, and general strolling all around the park. They have a ranger show that didn’t seem to be up and running when I visited 10 days ago. We went on the little boat tour they have and except for learning some tidbits I didn’t know from living here about forever, I wouldn’t spend the money on the ride as it’s all of 20 minutes from departure to the end. We visited one of the restaurants on site and enjoyed a hot dog which was very good and fries we didn’t enjoy. They had that weird crunchy stuff on them that so many restaurants seem to be offering recently; I believe they are rolled in potato starch. Just makes them not true fries. All in all though, we enjoyed our morning there.

We did the kayak trip then went to the water park for the rest of the day. Kayaking the spring was an amazing experience. Absolutely beautiful. The water park was a great value as well. The kids enjoyed swimming in the spring and the water slides. Get there early if you want a good spot. We were late due to the kayak trip in the morning, and made due with a beach towel. The alcohol prices are reasonable. The bar tender had a hard time keeping up with who showed up when and spent a lot of time yapping with some young guys that weren't purchasing when patrons were piling up. But that's not what we were there for and the park itself was great.

Nice natural spring. My boyfriend & I visited here for my birthday. We rented kayaks and kayaked the spring for the day. It wasn’t too crowded. Parking was easy. Wish it was closer to Tampa. Would definitely come again. Got to see some manatees while there.

This is such a cute place to take your kids! The mermaid show is so fun and entertaining! Although, the park does close early. There are only two water slides, but there's free lemonade and water! There's a lot of lifeguards and the place is very secure. There's also a little kids pool which is a bit boring and lame, but it's still fun for kids!! There is a food stamp and snacks, also a store. It has such cute little bathing suits! The bathrooms are so clean! The sand is nice and clean. The water is also nice and clean but the water is cold. The food is not really expensive. There's also a bar. There's a lot of trees and there's even kayaking! But that's in a separate place and you have to pay a separate amount of money for it. Overall, I would recommend this place! Just that if you're going to go to the water park side, make sure it is a WARM DAY! Or else you WILL BE COLD.❤️‍🩹

So much fun and so beautiful! My kids and I had a blast. You can bring coolers into the park. The spring water is chilly, but not too bad. My favorite part was swimming out to the floating doc, looking down into the water, and being able to jump in.

We have gone kayaking down the springs numerous times. Unfortunately it can be a hit or miss with manatees but that’s fine with us the trip is still fun! The kayak check in process can sometimes take forever and that is why I have it 4 stars. You can wait for upwards of 30 mins if people don’t following the check in process explained to them online and then you miss your reservation time. This isn’t necessarily a WWS issue but maybe they need a line for people who have done what they needed to do before arriving? Would recommend this place anyway its great.

Absolutely beautiful spring! The water is crystal clear. Great place to bring kids and family to swim and have a great time. Nice sandy area and relaxing chairs to lay down on put your stuff down. The water slide is only open on the weekends, and they have mermaid shows every day at 11:00, 1:30, and 3:00. Very nice spring in Florida to come to and have a great time.

Very nice place to visit and experience the great Gypsy Gold Horses. They have 2 tours. The short one is good with little kids and it’s about an hour long. If you are really interested in knowing the history then other longer tour is good which last around 2.5 hours. The location is beautiful and staff is super friendly. They will feel you like you are home. Do visit if you are near Ocala.

We really enjoyed the history that started the Gypsy Vanner's journey to the US. Eileen shared her love of these majestic horses during the tour. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the farm. It was a pleasure to meet the owners and see their beautiful farm.

The two hour history and farm tour was a highlight of my trip in this area. The beauty of the Gypsy Vanners is magnificent! The owner’s passion for his horses, their cultural history and helping others is so genuine. I loved meeting the special donkeys he has as well. It was a unique and heartwarming experience.

This is a tough one. About 3.5 stars for me. We were greeted when we arrived and they had water, coffee, and popsicles available at no charge which was a nice touch. The facilities were very clean and the horses were very well cared for. We did the shorter one hour tour, which had about 15 minutes of speaking before we started walking around. I think this was a good amount of talking and I enjoyed hearing the background of the breed, etc. We were a family of 4 with 2 children. Once we started moving from pasture to pasture, we felt invisible. The guide didn’t engage with us and the rest of the adults on the tour were constantly coming between my quiet, calm, well-behaved kids (ok not always but definitely for the walking tour they were lol) and the horses. So, we would have to wait for them to move to get a chance to pet/feed the horses and even with a short pause to pet we were left way behind. I know we can’t control the guests that were in our group but as someone who used to give tours I feel it could’ve been handled a bit better. The tour then seemed to abruptly end, or it was over without anyone saying anything to us. Possibly an off day, but for over $100 for our family it was a bit disappointing to feel that way.

This was a wonderful place to visit! It was very informative, educational for all. We visited yesterday, my 6yr &14yr old grandchildren are still talking about it! I know we will definitely be visiting again. Owner and all staff are exceptional. Animals are absolutely gorgeous! Thank-you for this experience!

This place was really beautiful. Horses, goats, donkeys and macaws. We had a blast walking around and feeding all the animals. Would recommend if you are in the area.

Greeted warmly by Dennis himself. He invited me to coffee and cookies and a comfy seat to settle in and hear the fascinating story about the Vanner horses. It puts a new perspective on the definition of gypsys and their culture. After the historical story, he escorted me around the property and I got to pet the magnificent Vanners and saw some mules. It was a wonderful and educational experience on this peaceful farm. I highly recommend booking a tour.

First time coming back in about 15 years and I am SO happy to have visited again. My first time coming was when I was around 6-7 in 1st grade. It is almost exactly as I remember it when I was little. Everyone is so nice and friendly and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Took the 90 minute glass bottom boat tour and what can I say- it was ABSOLUTELY worth it! I am horrible at remembering names, but the Captain for the 1:25-2:55 PM tour on the 20th was truly the best guide there is. She was so kind, answered any questions myself and my fellow passengers had, and even took us up close to look at the manatees! It was an amazing experience and I couldn’t be more happy. Highly recommend this beautiful spring! You will absolutely get your moneys worth.

Silver Springs State Park was amazing and beautiful! The family enjoyed the glass bottom boat ride and clear kayaks. We did the 30 minutes glass bottom boat ride. I recommend the thirty minutes if you get motion sickness. It was just enough! The family saw the natural springs, gators, monkeys, fish and manatees! The beauty of this park was breathtaking. I would highly recommend this park and it is budget friendly!

Wow! It's been 21 years since my last visit. It did not disappoint to return after so long. The extended tour of the glass bottom boat ride was so peaceful, full of wildlife and picturesque views. The walking trails were equally beautiful. Also, the park is pet friendly, and you can pack a picnic. Don't forget about kayak rentals. Everything was reasonably priced. $2 per person entry into the park. A wonderful daycation!!!

We really enjoyed our visit to Silver Springs State Park. We were just in the area for two days but we went to the park both days. We walked the trails and sat in the rocking chairs in the shade and it was so relaxing and peaceful. We took the 90 minute glass bottom boat tour which was very enjoyable and informative and the next day we went kayaking. Loved every bit of it. Entry to the park was just $2.00 a person which is extremely reasonable! Hope we make it back!

Silver Springs State Park is a breathtaking natural wonder, offering visitors a unique opportunity to connect with Florida’s wildlife and pristine landscapes. At the heart of the park are the crystal-clear springs, which maintain a refreshing 72-degree temperature year-round. Kayaking through its serene waterways is an unforgettable experience as you paddle past playful monkeys swinging through the trees, while manatees glide gracefully beneath your boat. The gentle presence of alligators adds an authentic touch to the park’s natural charm, though their calm demeanor offers peace of mind to visitors, as no harm has ever come to a park guest. While swimming is prohibited for safety reasons, the park’s diverse ecosystem more than compensates with its stunning array of turtles, birds, and wildlife that make every moment feel magical. For a relaxed adventure, you can easily launch a kayak and opt for a convenient shuttle service to bring you back to the launch site—eliminating the need to paddle upstream. Whether you choose to stay in a cozy cabin or nearby hotel, the park’s tranquil atmosphere makes for an ideal escape. For those looking to explore in a different way, the glass-bottom boat tour offers a fantastic alternative to witness the springs’ beauty from above. Silver Springs State Park is a must-see destination that perfectly blends adventure, nature, and relaxation into one unforgettable experience.

I LOVE kayaking down this river. Last time we saw tons of gators sunning and swimming. This time the manatee were the highlight. So beautiful! Recommend the 830 or 9 am timeslot as it gets busy as the day goes on. A MUST DO!

For the first time I did kayaking and I loved the experience. Eddie and his partner ( I don’t really remember his name, I think it started with the letter P) they explained very well how to maneuver the kayak. They had great informations and stories about Silver Springs. I was a little scared but they made me feel very comfortable and eventually I let go of that fear. Silver spring was beautiful, unfortunately people can’t swim on this water but it is worth visiting. I might visit again in the cold months so I can try and see A manatee.

A lot was closed down when we went due to the storm coming through and flooding the place. However, it was still a wonderful experience. We had an all adult group and were entertained the whole time. The gift shop is lovely and has a decent selection.

This place is awesome. This was the highlight of our road trip. The whole place is so well kept and clean. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and the animals are great. I think this is the gist time I've ever been so up close and personal with a hippo. We'll be back again for sure!

This state park was just sad. It was set up like a tourist attraction zoo from the 1960s with old rundown chain link fence around very small cages or areas for various birds, a bear that was neurotically walking back and forth, and other animals. The viewing area for Manatee was just beside a bunch of industrial equipment and everything was just pretty sad and poorly maintained. Definitely not what we were looking for and definitely not something we would go back to. Pretty bad smell too. But what do you expect for a zoo?. It would appear the only improvements that have been made over the last 50 years are switching the boards out to recycled lumber. The big tourist attraction on big signs of an underwater viewing area was closed, permanently, and looks like it was just a small room under a concrete bunker. Overall very disappointing and nothing worth seeing.

A beautiful and informative park! The underwater observatory and a few other things are currently closed due to the hurricane but there's still plenty to see and experience.

Great place to bring family that is visiting Florida! Been there a few times and really enjoy the pontoon boat ride with tour guide and the walkway to the various sites. Lucifer the huge hippo is awesome, and the under ground aquarium with windows in the river is a very unique experience to see all the fish in the river! Also seeing the manatees is a must. I really enjoyed the ride through the mangrove river with the tropical birds singing away! Lots to do and worth the trip!

We brought our granddaughter here for the day she really enjoyed it and we did as well. Definitely would recommend!

Beautiful sanctuary park! Great way to spend a couple hours in nature.

Absolutely one of the most beautiful places I've seen in the US. It's hard to imagine the colors of the water. Blues, turquoise, greens. Unfortunately we didn't get to swim with the manatees this time but we did see over fifty of them not only in Three Sisters Spring but also in neighboring Hunter Spring that runs along side the perimeter hiking trail. We counted at least 35 in one spot! Highly recommend you visit when I'm the area. Can't wait for our next trip here so we can swim with the manatees. All of the brown spots you see in the water of Hunter Springs in the photos are manatee!

It is kind of expensive to visit by land... but still very, very worth it in January and February to see all the beautiful manatees huddled in the springs. The BEST part though is accessing it by water. We kayaked there several times, tied up outside the springs in the canal, and swam into the springs to enjoy the water to ourselves when the manatees were out in the Gulf. Beautiful springs and beautiful area!

Nice park with viewing platforms on the springs to see the manatees. Park your vehicle across the street and walk over to buy your entrance tickets (no parking inside the park). From the entrance it is a few hundred yards on a flat gravel path to the board walk around the springs. There is also a shuttle if you can't walk. The board walk is U-shaped so make sure to explore both paths. The springs are SUPER clear so if the manatees are there you will definitely see them. There is also a longer 1 mile nature path. No food or water can be bought in the park so bring your own.

Nice location to see manatees and enjoy the beautiful scenery! The boardwalk is nice and kept up! They offer a shuttle to drive you over, one also takes you to multiple locations in the area!

Beautiful place to check out and especially during manatee (winter) season! We kayaked in the area and stopped to explore. You can tie up your kayak or paddle board outside the springs and swim inside. (Assuming it isn't too cold and the park has the entryway blocked off to protect the hundreds of manatees inside.) During the summer you can paddle inside when there isn't a lot of manatees present. The water outside the springs is most clear around high tide.

Absolutely beautiful setting. Best view of numerous manatees I've ever seen. The springs were very easily accessible with a boardwalk around the entire springs that brings you close enough to the manatees so you can easily see them yet they remain protected from the public. I would advise not to go on a weekend though.

When we visited there was no swimming allowed due to manatees. This s a beautiful walk-through park, couple different trails. Upon entering we were warned we may not see manatees as there weren't many sightings that morning. We ended up seeing a lot, some up close, others more at a distance. The springs are beautiful and clear and the walking paths are very "Florida". A bit pricey at $20 per person, but definitely a visit worth while.

Beautiful park to come walk through. The different trails give access to varied landscapes that make the walk interesting. I didn’t come here to swim but I can imagine that if you were just coming to hike around during the summer, you’d be hard pressed to get in with all the other people. Bathrooms were well maintained, unfortunately the gift shop shows it closes at 3 and I got there after that so I didn’t get to check it out.

Amazingly beautiful place. Our kayaked on the river for several hours and had a great time. Hard to believe how the water goes from blue to turquoise to green and it's crystal clear. Highly recommend a trip here when I'm the area.

Park entry is $5 Good to hike, better for swimming and kayaking 2 1/2 hours of nature trails Kayak $19 hour Paddle board $19 hour Canoe $26 hour Tandem kayak $26 hour Public restrooms available Lovely giftshop Im floored by how this bastion of Florida spring beauty is as it looks in the photos. If you're into kayaking, it's magical. You can see an alien planet when compared to most of Florida with its crystal blue waters, rolling waterfalls up to 30 feet tall, and a swimming spot that is easily reached and perfect temperature all year round. If you're not prepared to swim or go on the river, there are 40 minutes of perfectly paved walkways and 2 hours of unpaved nature trails that run through oak hammocks and pine flats. Interestingly, there are phosphate pits where trees and plants grow very tall inside of the nature trails.

Beautiful park. The waterfalls are beautiful and the trails. You may bring food and snacks. They do have a cafe and you may also bring water stuff like pool noodles. The park does get full and they close it so come early.

Absolutely breathtaking water. Clear as a bell and the colors of a rainbow 🌈... We saw alligators, fish, birds, ducks, and a panther taking a drink of water along the river. It's really a magical place. Can't wait to go back! If you want a magical, peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature, this is a great place. They have a wonderful place to swim too! We rented a canoe, and they have kayaks and paddleboards for rent.

Beautiful blue water! Our favorite place to kayak when it gets hot out. Lots of wildlife, i have yet to see an alligator which is fine by me! Have seen otters twice :)

Located well off the beaten path, this gem is well-worth the $5 admission per vehicle! This idyllic setting is a perfect example of native Florida in all its glory. Showcasing the woodlands, full of pine trees and oaks; just driving into this state park is a trip back in time. When you get to the headspring, you are greeted by a small waterfall with a cute pond and a friendly turtle 🐢 sunning himself next to the Welcome Center/Gift Shop where you can find friendly and helpful friends of Rainbow Springs to help guide you around this small but beautiful park. There is a well-paved walkway running throughout the park accessible by baby strollers and people walking in their kayaks to take advantage of the small launch where the rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Definitely get there early. There was a wait for a tandem kayak, but our schedule wouldn't allow us that adventure. Next time, we'll get there early and be sure not to miss it. The spring is a cool 72 degrees year-round and is only accessible by a boat dock with multiple ladders 🪜 or a set of stairs. Be careful, however! The springs are 10 feet deep with no shallow areas and no lifeguards. Swimmers are warned to swim at their own peril with either personal fpoatation devices (PFD's) or pool noodles; nonother floatation devices are permitted. No inner tubes or store bough inflatables. They do sell pool noodles for $4 at the gift store, so I would recommend getting them there or bringing them with you before you enter the park. We definitely wanted to snorkel, which is permitted, but thought about saving it for another time. The water is crystal clear and absolutely beautiful and tastes great if you happen to swallow a little. I would not advise it for younger children, but if they can get past the cool water and are supervised, they can enjoy it too. Make sure to check out the amazing waterfalls, and if you stop at the cafe beside the gift shop, they have some great food options. Make a day and enjoy all that this hidden jem has to offer.

This is a great free museum with so much to do! I had so much fun, and my kids enjoyed every part of it. There’s something for everyone — we’ll definitely be back! The hands-on exhibits kept my kids entertained for hours, and I loved how educational and interactive everything was. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the whole place was clean, well-organized, and easy to explore. It’s the perfect spot for a family outing — fun, engaging, and totally free. Highly recommend for anyone with young kids looking for a day of learning and play

We visited with my nephew and grandson to the Florida Museum in Gaineville and it did not disappoint. Was very well played out, educational and interactive. The children had a very fun day. Definitely recommend worth the travel.

WOW!!! This is such a special place to learn about the Geography, Geology, and History of Florida. And it is FREE!!!! As part of the University of Florida and attached to a Beautiful Butterfly garden( admission is required in that part) the museum has a large assortment of fossils and artifacts from statewide excavations and research. A FANTASTIC historical treasure. Open to the public. Free parking, free admission to the museum and a great hands on exhibit for kids, even a virtual "Glass bottom" boat ride! Plan on several hours and enjoy everything.

This is a wonderful museum on UF campus! After 3:30pm on weekdays and on weekends, the large parking lot lifts and is free. The museum has free entry and some exhibits are paid, such as the butterfly garden. There is something for everyone, some areas having activities for kids. The butterfly garden is the best part, I could go back over and over! Hundreds of species of butterflies and many birds walk around.

First of all, FREE admission is an instant win in my book. $4 parking and plenty of spots. It wasn't busy at all. The exhibits were very informative and well put-together. We spent over an hour looking at everything. We did some geocaching while we explored the exhibits as well. We did pay extra for the Butterfly Rainforest ($30 for x3 FL residents + veterans discount) and felt like it was worth it for the whole museum. Overall, I would recommend it to anyone who has kids or even the young at heart. 😊

Good way to spend the day in Gainesville. Be sure to check out their butterfly garden. I’d definitely visit again!

Great Visit! The butterflies were beautiful, and the museum was spot on, except for the lack of medieval stuff... It was $37 and a bit packed, but non the less it was still so fun and amazing, butterflies are the Best!

The day we went was cold and they opened exhibition at 1 pm. While we were waiting we walked around and it was pretty cool. After we went to see butterflies. I have never seen some such a big butterflies and different colours

From the outside, I wasn't overly impressed or enticed; it doesn't look like much. Furthermore, the external signage for this experience was almost non-existent .. Also, for the very good natural history museum. But, it's a hidden gem! Go there.

I visited the last day before they closed for renovations (planning to reopen in 2026). The line was long but the butterflies were worth the wait! Very lovely experience.

Great place to take the family, including kids. The Butterfly Rainforest is amazing. The museum inside is awesome. Gift shop is cool too.

Wow!! I was not prepared for how beautiful and immersive this Butterfly Rainforest would be. We planned a day to visit UF and see all the museums, let me just say that one day is barely enough to see it all. I could easily spend hours just chilling in the butterfly zone. This is truly a world-class exhibit, the butterfly enclosure is massive and has its own ecosystem of forests, rivers, fish, birds and of course the wonderful butterflies. We spent a good while touring the museum displays first, an incredibly impressive collection, working laboratory and breeding center, it is so inspiring to see the science in action! We then went into the rainforest itself to catch the daily release, the expert guide gave a description of several different species as they were released and displayed in the rainforest. I was blessed to have multiple butterflies land on my arm and try to drink from the leaves on my tattoos! Can't recommend UF enough and there is much more to see!

If you love butterflies, you should visit! Unfortunately, as of today, Monday, UF is closing the exhibit for remodel, and it isn't expected to reopen until 2026. I bet it will be worth the wait!

The museum is amazing!!. It's interesting, educational, and fun for kids. The entrance is free. They only charge to see the butterflies.

A really beautiful state park I'm proud to have had the pleasure of visiting. My dad, daughter and niece and nephew camped here in our tents for five days and enjoyed the abundance of nature and wildlife. We rented some kayaks and gently floated in the spring above the manatees. The water was so clear you could see the manatees at the bottom! The area that's separated for swimming was so cool to swim in and explore with the kids even though it was February and the water was cold. The local town of chiefland has plenty of amenities if needed. The bath house was clean and all the trails and locations were clearly illustrated with appropriate signage. We all had a great time!

I visit the last week of March and was surprised to see a few manatees still around. There was one that they were keeping an eye on and it was very interesting talking to the ranger and the researchers that had arrived that morning. It was the first time I had seen Manatees and the first time at this park. I highly recommend visiting and will definitely return. For this area I was told Mid October to Mid March is the best time to visit while the manatees are there. The boardwalk was beautiful to walk and even able to see 2 gators swimming around. It is a great place to kayak and the water temperature was perfect. Although I did not get in I couldn't resist getting my toes wet. I was told it is a heavy swimming area.

I absolutely LOVED this place. Book a site very early, as in months ahead, it was beautiful, great to swim in. We rented a canoe and saw alligators, manatee, ibis, cormorants, buzzards, white herons, and so many more things. It was totally worth a stop for the day. We didn't know how to book ahead so we just stayed in the parking lot for the day. I'm so glad that we went there!!!

Father / Son camping weekend. Camp sites were spacious and well kept. Electricity and water hookups were easily accessible. Showers and bathrooms were clean. Nice sized park for a 2 night camping trip. There are plenty of trails for bikes and hiking. We kayaked and fished (although the mullet were not biting anything. All the other guests we interacted with were nice as well. Off the beaten path, but great little state park.

Beautiful Florida State Park! Short walk from campground to springs ànd boardwalk that goes out to the river. We saw many birds-several different species, alligator, turtles, an armadillo and manatees. Ranger was very informative. People were swimming in the spring the first day, but it was closed for swimming the next day due to the presence of an alligator.

We tent camped in 44. It was a great spot other than the lack of shade during the day. If you’re going to kayak you should be aware of the strong current. Make sure when you turn out of the spring you take a right up the narrow canal and paddle against the current. You’ll see alligators sunning on the banks there. If you want to fish, Cedar Key is about 45 mins away. There’s places to put in and bay fish, there’s a beach, and lots of nice shopping, coffee, and eats. Magnolia 2 bathhouse has hot water. I heard the others had lukewarm. They clean that bathhouse between 10-11, so plan to go before or after. There are brown widows on the ceiling, so be alert to your surroundings. The concession stand closes at random times. If you want food or ice cream, get there before 3pm. The gate guards leave and close up between 3-4. You’ll need to check in prior if you need firewood. There are ticks, knats, ants, and mosquitoes, as to be expected. Plan prevention. The wrist bands work well for knats. We put one on the dogs collar as well. We used OFF with Deet on our shoes and socks. That kept the ticks off. Stay out of the tall grass and stay on the trails. The spots are sand. Bring a mat for the tent doors. Most spots have electric, take an extension cord. You can take dogs, but they aren’t allowed in most areas. I would not take them if you’re tent camping and want to swim. Best spots at Magnolia 2 are 44-46, 50, and 60. Any of the hickory locations are fine, and nicely shaded all day. Every night the fireflies come out. It’s such a pretty place to camp. I highly recommend.

My wife and I “glamped” here for our anniversary weekend. Had a great time! Staff was friendly and the facilities were overall clean. Lots of wildlife to see!

Family had a great time paddling down the Ichetucknee. We opted for two canoes and did the 3.5 mile trip from North Entrance to Last Take Out. Will probably do the longer 9 mile trip next time. Also ran into a lone manatee. When the canoeing was done we rode the team to the South Lot then drove over to the North to enjoy the springs. Come early!

Beautiful, old time living in florida you didn't think existed anymore. Clean, crystal clear waters, lazy river, wild life, and family fun. Clears the mind into tranquility and peace. Best part is you are outside in nature breathing fresh air and enjoying each other for a change. Besides a little laughter, you could hear a pin drop.

What an amazing and enchanting place... great way to spend the day wether as a couple or with friends and family. Line for entry was a little slow moving but worth it. Park was clean and you can purchase your tubes or have the option or bringing your own. Water was super clear and refreshing

It was a gorgeous day on the river! I enjoyed a nice float down the Ichetucknee River and then got a workout on the Santa Fe as I paddled to the takeout.

Confusing signage and if you don’t wanna go tubing, make sure you go to the entrance that is not the tubing entrance. I was very annoyed that I had been sent by Google to the tubing entrance. I wanted to hike some nature trails. Took me 20 minutes to get to the other side of the parkin my car. There were some very pretty trees in the parking lot.

We hiked the trails on the north end one day, then kayaked down the river the 2nd day. Beautiful park with springs and a great kayaking/tubing river. Always had this place on our to do list and finally did it.

Beautiful state park in Florida. Great paddling and tubing adventures. The restaurant at the general store and the food truck at the north entrance are great!

We really had a great time all the rides was not open but I would tell you The boomerang does not have to ever worry about seeing me again

Love the concerts. Water park is awesome

The water park is amazing! It's very safe right now. Not many people. Robert in the Mayfield ice cream shop was very helpful! I love the suggestion he gave me! Will be back!

Amazing concerts here every year. I always look forward to seeing Skillet. Request reserved seats wayyyyyy in advance for the best concerts or you will be miles away in the back.

Nice place to warch concerts. Make sure to check the schedule before you head for a concert. Winter schedule is way dofferent than Summer and Spring. Great place to hang out with your family.

Love this place . dont go to all concerts but the ones I do are always great. The sound the stage . everything is set up great.

When we are in our concert season, this is where it's all held. Me video in the concerts I'll tell you it's a site to see and experience. So come out to Wild Adventures and make it a memory worth remembering