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Looking to swim with manatees? Learn more about the one of the best places to snorkel alongside manatees and discover a beautiful Florida Staycation idea. While my family and I were hosted on our visit, our opinions and love of Crystal River are our own.

Best Places To Swim With Manatees in Florida

Florida Staycations

Are you looking for some fun outdoor activities to do with the family? I know we have been! With everything going on, it was very important to me as a parent to make sure the kids are still enjoying their summer. And safely. So we have been doing a lot outdoors. But, eventually (well, pretty quickly) we run out of ideas to do at home. We have gotten a little creative in our adventures and I have to say that our favorite excursion so far has been seeing the manatees at Crystal River.

We decided that a staycation was in order, so we drove about an hour north of Tampa and stayed at Plantation on Crystal River.

“Staycation” is the trendy play on words meaning a stay at home vacation, or a taking a vacation close to home. Many families are opting out of traveling too far this summer.  Sometimes you fail to stop and appreciate local sights and attractions. This is the summer to remedy that omission. You can become a tourist in your own hometown.

Using imagination and creative planning, the “staycation” can be as fulfilling as the traditional annual vacations of summers past. Even more!

From the moment we walked into Plantation on Crystal River, I felt like I was in “Old Florida.” There are huge trees bordering the river that heads out to Kings Bay. There are boats going in and out searching for the best fishing spot or just taking a relaxing cruise on the water. Sitting at the pool you had a beautiful view of the river. No white sandy beaches, but there is lush grass and gorgeous landscape that makes you really appreciate mother nature. We saw manatees within minutes of getting to out hotel room! We walked right out of our room, across our patio and to the water and we saw two manatees right there! The kids and I were so excited!

While seeing the manatees there by the resort was really neat, swimming beside them on the Plantation on Crystal River Manatee Tour was incredible.

And as an added bonus I laughed hysterically watching my children put their wet suits on. We woke up at 6:45 a.m. and headed to the Adventure Center at Plantation on Crystal River where we prepared for our 3 hour manatee tour. We watched a video on the safety of these beautiful creatures, put our wet suits on, got our snorkels and then headed out on a pontoon boat where our two guides took us to swim with the manatees.

Our guide was wonderful about making sure we not only saw manatees, but ensured that each of us had the opportunity to get up close! No touching manatees though…whether you are on a tour or out in the wild. It was amazing watching the manatees swim, eat and go about their mornings while we very quietly watched.

After watching the manatees we cruised over to the Three Sisters Springs where we jumped out of the boat again and our guide gave us the history of the springs and allowed us to snorkel around the explore. When we were done swimming they had hot cocoa and coffee on the boat ready for us. You wouldn’t think in Florida in the summer you would want either of those, but swimming in 72 degree water is definitely chilly!

The Snorkel with the Manatees Tours at Plantation on Crystal River start at just $65. You can learn more about the manatee tours and schedule your visit here.

One of the best places to swim with manatee is indeed Crystal River. In fact it is the only place you can swim with manatees in the winter because the water temperature is always 72 degrees. In the winter hundreds of manatees will come to Crystal River to take advantage of that “warm” water temperature.

While you are at Plantation on Crystal River be sure to check out all the fun outdoor activities. The kids and I also went kayaking and fishing. You can also go golfing on their 18-hole golf course and/or 9-hole executive course, take a sunset cruise, go paddleboarding, rent a boat, charter a boat, and if you happen to visit between July 1st and September 24th you can also go scalloping.

Have you ever been scalloping? My neighbors took my kids one year and they said it was such an unique experience. A popular activity for families, scalloping is like snorkeling, but with the simple addition of a mesh bag for storing the harvest. Most scallops can be found in the shallow grass flats of the Gulf of Mexico that range anywhere from three to six feet deep. Only two to three inches in length and located inside a fan-shaped shell, the scallops can be easy to spot with their 30-40 bright blue eyes, but provide a good chase, since all those eyes help them detect predators. Once daily scallop limit has been reached, they can be prepared by the hotel for a delicious cook-your-catch meal. Guests are asked to help protect the precious waters by not putting empty scallop shells back in the water.

Plantation on Crystal River has two different scalloping packages, one for a guided package that includes a room stay and one for those that bring their own boat that also includes a room stay.

Plantation on Crystal River has over 1,600 feet of seawall, so overnight guests can tie up their boats at any of over 80 spaces.

So, while you are planning your fun outdoor activities this summer, I strongly recommend planning a staycation at Plantation on Crystal River. There is so much to do and see (like swimming with the manatees!), you will forget that you are so close to home.

Tips to maximize the enjoyment of your family staycation:

Gather a consensus

Discuss the idea of spending vacation time locally with all family members. Receive input about what activities and leisure time is preferred. Determine together the style of your “staycation.” Will you be roughing it, i.e., pitching a tent and camping out in the backyard or at a local campground? Will you be treating yourselves to some luxuries, like fine dining and a brief stay at a hotel with amenities? By communicating and planning in advance, excessive expectations and minor disappointments will be aired and resolved. If you decide to stay at Plantation on Crystal River, I promise you there will be no disappointments.

Make advance preparations

Staying close to home creates a challenge for stepping out of the usual routine. So think outside the box…or just outside 😉 Think of all the fun outdoor activities you can do and enjoy as a family.

Record your activities and adventures

Take plenty of photographs and videos just as you would on a trip to another location. When your children go back to school in the Fall, there will be the usual show and tell pictures to accompany their “What I did on my summer staycation” essay. You will have memories of what might turn out to be one of the best summer vacations.

Additional hints and tips to enhance your “staycation” experience:

• Peruse local restaurants not previously visited. And if you don’t want to go far, there are several dining options at Plantation on Crystal River.
• Take advantage of the opportunity to visit attractions and entertainment venues your hometown area has to offer.
• Purchase souvenirs as a keepsake and reminder of your adventures
• Get a spa treatment, or give yourself a day of “spa” pampering at home.
• Fill your days with fun exercise activities: Hiking, biking, swimming, and nature walks.  All of which you can do at Plantation on Crystal River.

Putting the same planning and thought into your stay-at-home vacation as you would traveling to some distant location will give the added benefit of quality time with your family and a refreshed spirit when your vacation is over.

Will you be planning a staycation this summer?  Will your staycation include swimming with the manatees too?

Looking for more Florida fun? Here are some great family trip ideas that go beyond the beach!

Check out Plantation on Crystal River online and stay social by following on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Plantation on Crystal River is located at 9300 West Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429.
Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for more things to do in Florida, healthy recipes, and more.

Disney’s Boardwalk is full of shops, entertainments, incredible places to eat and more. Here is your complete guide to Walt Disney World’s Boardwalk.

Your Complete Guide to Disney’s Boardwalk

Walt Disney World is home to more than just theme parks – there are also two dining and entertainment districts at this Florida trip destination. One of these is the BoardWalk, where adult guests thrive without leaving their kids out of the fun. You’ll also find the BoardWalk Resort here, a deluxe resort for those who want to stay close to the action. Every trip to Disney World should include a night (or several) on the promenade!

With so much to see and do at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, it helps to know what to expect before you visit. This guide to Disney World’s Boardwalk will show you things to do in your budget, along with how to get to the promenade. We’ll also cover the pro’s and con’s of staying at the BoardWalk Inn. With the right planning, your visit to the Boardwalk could become the highlight of your trip!

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is a charming resort located at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The BoardWalk area, reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century Atlantic City boardwalk, is filled with entertainment, dining, and recreational options.

There are 11 places to eat at the Disney BoardWalk Resort, a Dance Hall, the ESPN Zone, Dueling Piano Bar and so much more. 

One of our kids favorite things to do is watch the magician that comes out nightly on the boardwalk to entertain pass-er-byes.

While you are at Walt Disney World, take a moment to experience some of the Disney Magic at the other resorts, we love Disney Resort Hopping.  It’s free, plus both kids and adults love it.

How do I get to Disney World’s Boardwalk?

Many Disney World resorts offer free transportation between the parks, hotels, and shopping districts. If you’re staying at one of those resorts, you can take a bus or boat to the BoardWalk Resort depending on where you are staying. Alternatively, you can drive up to the parking lot to get a free 3-hour parking pass. If you do this, be sure not to exceed the time limit – they’re pretty strict about it!

When is the Best Time to Go to Disney World’s Boardwalk?

While you can visit the Boardwalk at any time, the fun truly starts after dark. The adult-oriented venues don’t open until 7:00pm, so if you’re visiting without your kids, it doesn’t make sense to visit much earlier. If you have an early dinner reservation, check out the rest of the Boardwalk after you eat.

Things to Do on Disney World’s Boardwalk

Now, let’s talk about some of the best things to do on the Boardwalk: eat, drink, and dance the night away. Not nearly as large as Disney Springs (formerly known as Downtown Disney), but you will still find plenty of establishments to stop into.

One of the least expensive dining options on the Boardwalk is the To-Go Cart. You’ll likely still pay more for food here than you would at home, but you’ll still find burgers for under $10, along with mozzarella sticks and mac and cheese bites for $5.50. For a moderately priced sit-down meal, head to Big River Grille & Brewing Works. During dinnertime, main dishes start at $17.99, but you can get sandwiches, appetizers, and burgers for even less. Their kid’s menu features six dishes, and adults have dozens of alcoholic beverages to choose from.

If you’re seeking a fine dining experience, consider going to Flying Fish, but be warned – some menu items approach $60. If seafood is in your budget, try the swordfish meal with an artisan cheese tasting. If you don’t think the fancy menu will appeal to your kids, show them the customizable kid’s menu instead. Each kid’s entry comes with their choice of two sides, with options like macaroni and cheese, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Flying Fish is a highly-rated establishment, so it’s certainly worth the high cost of a meal!

Many of the Boardwalk’s bars serve food and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, so you won’t need to leave your kids behind. If you’re just looking to grab a drink without hanging out in a bar, head to BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas. Here, you can order a beer or margarita while your kids sip on a DOLE Whip Smoothie. You can also snack on some Mickey pretzels, which make for great Instagram photos. Alternatively, stop into the AbacadaBar lounge. While they don’t serve non-alcoholic drinks, they offer bar snacks from 5:30pm-9:30pm. The lounge allows kids, but it’s designed more for adults. For those looking for a more kid-friendly place to drink, Big River Grille & Brewing Works is likely the best option.

The entertainment venues on the Boardwalk are stricter about who they allow inside. Families should check out the ESPN Club, which hosts live radio sports shows. You can watch interviews with famous athletes inside the radio booth or at the sports desk while munching on some sports-themed food. Before booking your reservation, check the schedule to see if a live interview is taking place that day! If you’re seeking a more laid-back activity, stop into the Wyland Gallery, an art gallery that focuses on marine life. Don’t forget to take a picture with the 9-foot-tall dolphin statue!

Guests without kids have more options – they can get into the adults-only Jellyrolls and Atlantic Dance Hall. At Jellyrolls, you can watch a live piano performance while singing along with the crowd. There’s a cover charge to enter, so be prepared to pay $15 per person at the door. Since it’s such a popular venue, you’ll also want to arrive early to grab a table. If you’d rather not pay a cover charge, visit Atlantic Dance Hall. While you’re not dancing to 80’s, 90’s, and 00’s hits, you can relax on the balcony that overlooks Crescent Lake. The rest of Disney World may cater to kids, but the Boardwalk is the place for adults to have fun!

Places To Eat at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

1. Trattoria al Forno:
   • Trattoria al Forno is an Italian restaurant offering a diverse menu featuring classic dishes. Guests can enjoy pasta, seafood, and other Italian-inspired specialties. This restaurant is known for its character breakfast, Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast, featuring popular Disney characters.
2. Flying Fish:
   • Flying Fish is a fine dining seafood restaurant with an elegant atmosphere. The menu includes a variety of fresh seafood options, steaks, and an extensive wine list. It underwent a reimagining in recent years, updating its menu and interior.
3. Big River Grille & Brewing Works:
   • Big River Grille & Brewing Works is a microbrewery and restaurant. Guests can enjoy a variety of handcrafted beers along with a menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, and pub-style fare.
4. ESPN Club:
   • ESPN Club is a sports bar and grill that caters to sports enthusiasts. The restaurant features multiple screens showing live sports events, and the menu includes a variety of pub-style appetizers, burgers, and more.
5. BoardWalk Bakery:
   • BoardWalk Bakery is a quick-service bakery offering a variety of pastries, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. It’s a great spot for a quick breakfast or snack.
6. Pizza Window:
   • The Pizza Window offers quick-service pizza by the slice or whole pie. It’s a convenient option for those looking for a casual and satisfying meal.
7. Ample Hills Creamery:
   • Ample Hills Creamery is an ice cream shop known for its handcrafted, small-batch ice cream. The menu includes a variety of unique and delicious flavors.

These dining options provide a range of choices, from casual and family-friendly to upscale and fine dining. Keep in mind that the availability of restaurants and their offerings may change, so it’s advisable to check the latest information on Disney’s official website or contact the resort directly.

Should I Stay at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn?

While there are some benefits to booking a hotel room at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, it’s not necessary to do so. Whether or not it makes sense depends on your budget and what you’re focusing on during your Disney World vacation.

If you’ll be spending most of your time on the BoardWalk, it’s helpful to stay close to the action. You’ll also get complimentary transportation to the parks, access to an on-site spa, and the chance to book rooms with premium service. However, a room at the BoardWalk Inn is out of many travelers’ budgets. With rooms starting at $491/night, some people prefer staying at a Value or Moderate Resort hotel. Even at the least expensive resorts (Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, or Sports Resorts), you’ll have pools, an arcade, on-site dining, and complimentary transportation to the parks – all for just $119/night.  We have stayed at the BoardWalk Inn numerous times, there are just times that you want to be walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios and in the center of it all.

Can you see the fireworks from the Boardwalk Inn?

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn itself does not typically offer direct views of the fireworks shows from Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While the view might not be as direct or close as being inside the parks, you can take a stroll along Disney’s BoardWalk. Certain spots along the waterfront may provide distant views of the fireworks, especially if there are no obstructions.

We like to watch the Epcot fireworks on the walking path from Disney’s BoardWalk that leads to Epcot’s International Gateway. The bridge over the waterway between BoardWalk and Epcot offer a distant view of Epcot’s fireworks.

After a long day at Disney World’s theme parks, a night on the Boardwalk is the perfect way to unwind. Whether you’re heading there for dinner, drinks, or the clubs, you’re bound to have a good time here. Adults deserve to have fun at Disney, too – and they don’t need to leave the kids at home to do it!

If you are visiting the parks, be sure to check out the different festivals at Epcot, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is always one of our favorites.

And once you are home, if you are missing a bit of the Disney Magic Moments, make these Disney Park Churros.  It is the official Disney Parks recipe!

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