Fantasy Fest 2013
 

So who's going this year?

11 in a row, we'll be there all week.

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Our 8th, I think. Maybe we'll bump into you again.

DR

We want to go; can some of the veterans shed light on what is the best time to make reservations and what are some good places to stay (inexpensively if possible) and what to expect and what to take?

A small how-to guide would be amazing :)

Assuming you are going as a couple (we rent a house with other couples), you want a hotel close to the party zone but NOT right on Duval St. Those hotels are either outrageously expensive or downright ratty. A few blocks from Duval is good, between Front St and Angela St (as far as Truman Ave is OK if you don't mind a long walk. I can recommend the Hyatt on Front St.
Do NOT stay out by the airport - the shuttle buses stop too early, and if you rent a car, there will be no place to park it.
If you want to rent a house in Truman Annex, (inconvenient, but I know many people who stay there) look up http://www.susieskeywestestatesales.net/ . She is very helpful. Renting a house lets you have as many meals at home, saving restaurant bills, if that helps.

You should have made reservations already. Good luck.

Bring your digital cameras with extra batteries.
Casual clothing, with some layers and some rain gear. Comfortable footwear.
Costumes? You are newbies, so maybe best to maybe take a toga type thing so you have something, or skip costuming till you see what other people are doing (which can range from only body paint to elaborate costumes that show no skin at all (and are too hot, I think.))

The action builds up from the Sunday through Saturday night's parade. Fri and Sat nite, Duval St is so crowded it becomes a problem to just move around. Sunday is go-home day and hard to get flights or the drive up to Miami or Ft Laud takes all day. We go home Mon.

For the best place to view the parade, either pay $80-$100 for a good viewing position along Duval, or head into Truman Annex (where it starts) and is much less crowded. You might also enjoy the "family friendly" parade Sat afternoon. Check the FF web site for the route.

Best bar is Capt. Tony's on Greene St. Avoid Fat Tuesdays - too full of drunk college kids who start fights.
Lots of good restaurants. Mangoes, SaraBeth's...

Hope you make it. It's the best party in the world.

DR

Counting down
 

only 30 more days till FF

Spend some time at Capt. Tony's on Greene St (just off Duval).
Check out the Garden of Eden for an evening drink.
Watch the sunset from the roof of La Concha.
Do the Duval stroll.
Have a great time. You will want to come back for a longer stay.

DR

I agree with most of what DRDavenport says. Most rooms B&Bs book up months in advance, but there are always some that may have a room available, but maybe not the days you want to be there. There are lots of B&Bs and inns. I've only been a half of dozen times and have stayed in B&Bs close to Duval and as far out as Truman, and they are by far the most convenient but can be quite pricey with most requiring a 5 to 7 day minimum. The last couple of times I have stayed out near the airport, and while not within walking distance, I never had a problem parking at the Key West Garage on Grinnell, only a few blocks from Duval. On Saturday KW has run free bus shuttles. I have flown into Miami and rented a car and driven to KW and have flown into KW (can also be pricey) which is the best way to do it if you can find a flight and can afford it.

IMO the best days to be there are Monday thru Friday. Saturday gets way too crowded with a lot of the Miami teens and younger adults arriving for the weekend. On Saturday nights during the parade it is almost impossible to move on the streets and the clubs are packed. The Duval Street area is an open container zone and beer is sold on the street. Thursday is the free get naked pool party at Dante's (during the daytime), Friday is the Street Fair, which again makes it hard to move on Duval, but lots of good food.

Check out the Fantasy Fest website for a schedule of events. Most of the action happens along Duval Street. Captain Tony's is a great place to visit, as is the Whistle Bar. Lots of good restaurants, Blue Heaven for breakfast and BO's Fish Wagon are 2 of my favorites.

The weather may be hot, and probably will be humid, and it may rain. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a poncho. And don't forget plenty of memory cards and a spare camera battery. Hope that you can make it. It's a great party!

Some tips
 

Firstly not sure if its kosher to promote a travel site but, if looking for a room call Susie at keywestkey.com

Second Go for comfortable shoes! In KW you walk a lot

Get cheap business cards made to hand out to new friends

I put my cell number on my camera, I figure when I lose it some very kind soul will pick it up and call me.

Surprised
 

Only about a week away and no new posts?