Did you miss Mardi Gras? Too old for Spring Break? Then grab your sunscreen and head down to Key West for Fantasy Fest 2001!

In case you've not heard, Fantasy Fest is Key West's entry into the Street Party Hall of Fame... tens of thousands of debauched crazies running the streets in bizarre costumes - or no costumes - drinking, laughing, and generally having a great time.

For more info and updates, go here- http://www.tripsmarter.com/keywest/s...antasyfest.htm

To see pictures from past Fantasy Fest's- http://www.tripsmarter.com/cgi-bin/i...irect=Key_West

Or check out the videos here- http://k.tripsmarter.com/wide/curren...tegory=fantasy

Enjoy!

So, what's the theme for Fantasy Fest this year? Can I just go as my usual scary self, or do have to do something funny to my hair and makeup?

Last year was Circus, right?

What's this year?

Yep, last year was Circuses & Sideshows - and I still think it was an injustice that you weren't made Grand Marshal!

This year's theme is "Secrets of the Zodiac Revealed!" So strap on your strategically placed Tarot cards, polish your crystal ball, and thank your lucky stars, 'cause Key West is going astrologically nuts.

The insanity is October 19th - 28th. Hotels are filling up quickly, so if you're wanting to make it this year, you'll have to act soon.

Can an old guy enjoy himself at this FantasyFest thing? People tell me I'm still on the wild side, but I think they may be humoring me. Will all the gorgeous ladies I saw in your photo gallery laugh at me?

Don't sweat it Yossarian, they may laugh with you, but I doubt they'll laugh at you - especially if your strikes their fancy!

Fantasy Fest is just that - it's all about fantasy and fun and having a good time. The people who make the trip to Key West for Fantasy Fest are more interested in individuality and eccentricity than they are age... if you're the type of person who enjoys watching the spectacle of life in all its variations while sipping alchoholic beverages under the tropical sun, then Fantasy Fest is for you! So enjoy!

I'll tell you what Yossarian, you send in pictures of you at fantasy fest and I'll tell you whether you'd get laughed at or not! I've never been, but hear cool things about it. Anyone make it last year?:D

txangel, darlin', you're getting an old man all worked up! The more I learn about fantasy fest the more I want to go. I just need to get up the guts to take my old a** down there! If I do I'll be sure and let you know!

Hi there! Can anyone point me in the right direction on a hotel to use during fantasy fest? It's for two adults and we don't care about a pool, but would like to be near the action and the water. Thanks!

There are great guesthouses and hotels in Old Town Key West, where you want to be during Fantasy Fest, if you want to be near the action. There is usually a 4 night minimum stay... sometimes 5 nights, and the rates are at their maximum, so be prepared to pay more if you're going to be in Old Town... the whole island fills up for this event.

I heard that Pier House is already full, but I think there are still some rooms at the Hilton, Ocean Key House and the Hyatt which are all on the water. Holiday Inn La Concha is right in the HEART of the action, overlooking the parade route, but I hear that all the rooms with views of Duval are gone already.... this hotel is not on the water, however.

It's also fun to stay at the Wyndham Casa Marina - they have several events there, and it's a great old hotel, right on the Atlantic Ocean.

Hope this helps!

;) Hey Frank, just FYI, if you're wanting to go--if you goto our accommodations for Key West section, which is located here:
http://www.tripsmarter.com/keywest/a...tion/index.htm
any hotel you see that has a "book it" button beside it can be instantly checked for inventory. If you click the book it button, you can check to see what days are still available. Hope you find it useful.

Thanks! That's too cool WWWill. We decided on the Wyndham Casa Marina (thanks for the advice Toni) and were able to book the room in a snap.

It's kind of pricey, but everything else we looked at comparably was too. A guess fantasy fest must be the biggest thing on Key West! Now if we can just stand the wait til we leave!

Damn! I'm going to miss Fantasy Fest again! Will someone please take more pix like you have in your photo gallery? They're helping get past not being able to go!

Very good description of Fantasy Fest Dean! Great job! Just wanted to pass this website on to other posters, so they can see whats for this year & some pictures as well:

http://www.fantasyfest.net/

:D

It's almost time! I'll be in Key West wed. the 17th. Man I can't wait. Confirmed our reservations at casa marina again. In fact we've done it twice! This is our first trip to Key West AND our first fantasy fest. WOW! I'll let everybody know how it goes.

I'd never really heard of fantasy fest before reading this stuff. How'd I miss it?! I thought mardi gras was the only thing like this in America.

Well Frank let us know how it was!