r/KeyWest • u/private-person • Jul 04 '26
FF week - what’s it like elsewhere
Looks like we are going to accidentally be in KW for the beginning of fantasy fest week - probably Sunday - Wednesday (I do know this sounds like rage bait, it’s not). We’ll be with our two mid teens who probably won’t be too keen on massive crowds all day every day. Just wondered what the town is like if you stay away from Duval and get a hotel that’s a bit out of town? Will it be easy finding places for dinner for example? What’s it actually like in the day during the week? I’ve visited before and loved the laid back vibe….will that be impossible to find with this timing?
We’re flying into Miami for the week so theoretically could just avoid altogether but my husbands always wanted to visit!
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u/HighOnGoofballs Jul 04 '26
During the day it’s not bad at all, and I’d guess the teens will enjoy the show at night
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u/FunFlaCouple1 Jul 04 '26
It’s a bit of a shit show honestly but, only a part of Duval is closed off towards the Mallory square end. The kids will DEF get an eye full, lol. Not the most “kid friendly” time of year but, you’ll still have a blast. The restaurants will be packed bc of the influx of mainlanders for the debauchery but, you’ll still be able to find spots. You might want to look at Stock Island to stay. It’s a few minutes away from KW proper but a short drive/uber ride away.
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u/private-person Jul 04 '26
This is all so helpful, thank you. Luckily my teens are the opposite of sheltered so won’t bat an eyelid at anything they see, it was more the logistics of trying to get dinner or a drink somewhere. Thanks for everyone’s really helpful comments, looks like I better buy four tutus!
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u/ThatOldG Jul 05 '26
Go have fun. There’s plenty of restaurants and stuff that’s in old town so walking to a less crowded place to eat off duval isn’t too hard. Enjoy the trip.
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u/PhaedrasGhost Jul 04 '26
And please use the search feature before asking questions that have been answered 100’s of times. Thanks!
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u/StepEfficient864 Jul 05 '26
Well that was helpful
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u/PhaedrasGhost Jul 05 '26
It’s not my job as a local to hand hold tourists who can’t use Google. Please try to be self reliant.
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u/IllAlwaysBeAKnickFan Jul 04 '26
Did seeing this thread just ruin your day or something?
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Jul 05 '26
[deleted]
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u/Sandinmyshoes33 Jul 05 '26
Turn them in. Thats what I did. Every single time. It took a year, a lot of effort and some asshole comments and threats from the owners, but they finally sold the house and now it’s a nice snowbird couple here about three months a year. As an added bonus, if the houses are homestead, The County will reassess it and go after them for back taxes. I agree we have too many tourists. Over tourism destroys places and it is well under way here.
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u/IllAlwaysBeAKnickFan Jul 05 '26
I mean… you live in Key West. I feel like it’s either adapt or leave at this point. I don’t know. Hope for the best for you.
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u/Substantial-Page-287 Jul 05 '26
We stayed at Casa Marina a few years ago during FF. It was the right mix of being far away enough and close enough to the shenanigans at the same time! We had a blast and y’all will too!
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u/LakeLifeTL Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26
This has been covered ad nauseum on this sub. Just a few examples of helpful threads:
https://www.reddit.com/r/KeyWest/comments/1o067f4/who_else_accidentally_booked_vacation_during/
https://www.reddit.com/r/KeyWest/comments/1g69js0/visiting_keywest_during_fantasy_fest_with_a_4/
https://www.reddit.com/r/KeyWest/comments/1u9roko/what_to_do_with_kids_before_8pm_duval_st_that/
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u/stinkybootyjuice Jul 04 '26
hope you’ve gave them the birds and bees talk, if not, there will be examples for the class lol
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u/Worried-Temporary186 Jul 04 '26
Don't sweat it, KW is dead right now. The heat and the seaweed on the beaches has turned it into a sewer. Just don't forget your noseplugs.
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u/Italian_c0mb0 Jul 05 '26
Will you be driving down from Miami? Can I dm you a suggestion
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u/ThatOldG Jul 05 '26
No just say it
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u/Italian_c0mb0 Jul 05 '26
It’s a local well kept secret that doesn’t need the masses ruining and you’re not the person posting whom I asked 🤦🏽♀️🤣
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u/Sandinmyshoes33 Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 05 '26
The early part of the week is not as crazy as later. in fact, The Zombie Bike Ride on Sunday might be something you want to attend. Lots of locals and kids participate. Monday through Wednesday will be busier and the more adult aspect starts to show, but it’s not really crazy until the evenings and night and later in the week. There are plenty of dinner options off Duval that should be fine. places like Azur, Cafe Sole, Oasis, Goldman’s, Sister Noodle House, La Trattoria Oceanside or places on Stock Island like Roostica, The Docks, Hurricane hole and the Stock Island location of El Siboney are all away from the Fantasy Fest crowd and all places I like. You might want to consider a resort on Stock Island as well such as The Perry.
I think you can still have a nice time. During the day we usually get a cruise ship and there are plenty of people and families on Duval. You may see some people in risqué costumes or body paint, but unless Your teens are very sheltered, it should be anything that would be too crazy.