I've only been 8 times and always have so much fun with our Krewe and new found friends.

I have learned a few things through personal experience or the experience of others for key West & Fantasy Fest and thought I'd pass on the uncensored ones here

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Key West is a walking town especially on and around Duval Street so comfortable, soled shoes or sandals are a must. Don't walk downtown in barefeet as the streets are likely to have either debris or glass, etc. that could cut up your feet. Also, in the heat, both streets and sidewalks heat up tremendously and you don't want to either burn your feet or have to do an emergency purchase of shoes/sandals from a downtown vendor.

Toiletries & Medical Supplies: Essentials if you plan do to the "Duval Crawl" include: aspirin, Tylenol, antacids, Pepto-Bismol, and Chaser Plus. You should also have available at your hotel or B&B at least some insect repellent, sunscreen & aloe vera gel.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: If you plan to do the beaches, bring a blanket and or chair and some sort of sun protection. The sun is brutal on skin not normally exposed to this heat and at this latitude.

Transportation: During high season or any major event, parking can be almost non-existent near Duval Street even if you have a reservation at the Bed & Breakfast or small motel or hotel. Don't even think about parking in a resident's zone unless you have specific permission--the fine and/or tow bill will be huge.

There are parking garages, meters and some free side-street parking but again, if there is something going on in Key West (which seems to be most every weekend), then parking may be both expensive and limited.

Be cautious driving on the one-way streets, the narrow streets and the streets where the conch train operates. Watch out for bicycles, pedalcabs, small electric vehicles and of course, pedestrians.

Key West is small and compact in size and some streets are both narrow and have obscured sidewalks or side paths so watch your step--especially at night.

Be extremely careful driving as pedestrians (sometimes intoxicated, sometimes jaywalking) will walk right out in front of you driving from a previously hidden area.

Be careful on the streets of bicylists and people riding scooters or Vespa's that may not be used to operating them. It is easy to be distracted while looking and at the sites of Key West.

Key West also has a "conch "train that operates on both main and side streets-be sure to give it leeway as it is long in length.

Coming into Key West's "new town" at the north end of the island, is a culture shock after driving the previous 50 miles or so. Key West is modern and developed and fully recovered from 2005's devastating Hurricane Wilma but ongoing renovations and construction of new condo units continue. Be cautious of traffic controls, traffic workers, and slow-downs. Don't be in a hurry.

2008's theme is "Pirates, Pundits & Political Party Animals" from Oct. 17 to Oct. 26.

Key West during Fantasy Fest is definitely not for the timid or shy and small children should not be downtown after dark (or at all if possible). Bodypaint, nudity and skimpy, sexy clothing (or lack thereof) rules!

Nightly themes include that all should consider for costumes:

Monday night-- features a "Dungeons & Dragons" Leather-Fetish Party @ the 801 Bourbon St. Bar. It's not uncommon to see dozens if not 100's of people dressed in leather or latex or some variation for this party or the many others featured in non-sanctioned venues. Also Monday is Leather & Fetish @ Kelly's Kinky Karnival at Kelly's Caribbean. (Personally, I've attended the leather-fetish party @ Kelly's Caribbean Bar & Grill for several years and this is definitely NOT the place for anyone shy or timid).

I am sure that many of the people in attendance both on the streets and in the bars and private parties are amazed at the costumes and antics of the crowds.Words can't describe here what you might see-check my photos which only scratch the surface.

Tuesday night--features Plaid Nite & bodypaint @ Capt. Tony's Saloon & there are several parties throughout Key West. This is good as it keeps crowds down & separated so you don't feel as crowded & congregated.

Remember, Key West grows from about 25,000 to almost 100,000 for Fantasy Fest & most are primarily situated in an area on a one-mile section of Duval Street.

Tuesday festivities includ everything from an 80's Flash Back Dance Party at Fat Tuesday's to a Headdress Ball, a concert, free poster signing party and Capt. Tony's Saloon highlights the evening with its "Party in Plaid" event. I can usually be found spending my evening there.

Wednesday night--features Red Night @ Fogerty's & elsewhere on Duval Street & the crowds really start to arrive & Duval St. is blocked off to allow only pedestrian traffic late at night. There is a two block long section of Duval which is labeled the "Fantasy Zone" where open containers of beer, wine or alcohol are permitted and flow freely from bars and vendors. I often try to use vendors that use some of their proceeds for local charities.

Other events include:

Pet Masquerade & Parade at the Westin Key West resort (daytime)
Celebrity Look-a-Like contest @ La Concha
Cheeseburger's Feeling Lucky Luau
Rock till you hit Bear Bottom Party @ Bear Bottom Beach Club
Beach Party @ Hog's Breath Saloon with world famous Homemade Bikini Contest

While these official events are occurring, many bars & saloons feature their own party theme and of course, thousands of people flock into the streets & sidewalks of Duval where people-watching takes on a new level.

Thursday night--features Toga Night @ Sloppy Joes & everywhere else & there are 1,000's of toga variations everywhere because togas are relevant to party times and are easy to make or buy, and they feel great!

Fantasy Fest features several events throughout old town including Nightmares in Dreamland; Pretenders in Paradise costume contest (where the prize money is $10,000) at the Pier House Resort & Caribbean Spa; Monsters Ball at the Green Parrot Bar and of course, the famous (Hemingway used to hang out here) Sloppy Joes 24th annual Toga Party with a $1,000 cash prize.

Again, Duval Street becomes an event in itself with 1000's of people costumed & as many taking photos or just watching.

Cruiseship passengers that happen to be in port for the week sure get an eyeful.

The remainder of the festival has many events both Friday and Saturday night with Friday's highlight being the Duval Street Fair, Masquerade March and Pimp N Ho party while Saturday night features a Bourbon Street Tea Dance, Bodypaint Contest @ the Green Parrot and Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest parade where 70,000 onlookers and 50 or more floats are all part of the celebration's pending conclusion down Duval Street on Saturday Night.

Sunday night, the town almost returns to "normal" and has a children's day at a local park and a Parrotdise Bar & Grill Happy Hangover Party on Little Torch Key and a conclusion somewhere that focuses on "it's over when the fat lady sings".

The drive back home or the flight back home is always a challenge. Between hangovers, crowds, and general dismay about returning to reality, leaving Key West and Fantasy Fest is tough except for the knowledge that the next Fest is less than 360 days away!

I have a list of Do's & Don'ts if you are interested
& I have more specific info if you need/want it.

In the meantime, take care, travel safe and have safe fun!Ann, TTS