Best Route to Silver Springs

[Nostromo]

We missed Silver Springs during our previous 2 visits to Orlando and are determined to make that right this time. Moreover, with Cypress Gardens closed and Spledid China a bit iffy, this is one of the few remaining 'relaxing venues' between the big theme parks. We have rented a villa on US27 near its junction with US192. To me, the most straightforward route to SS seems to be driving north along the US27 for 70 miles into Ocola and turning right on to SR40 for 6 miles to reach the park. Yet, a lot of the guides talk of 'taking the Florida Turnpike and I-75' to go to SS. I am assuming that those directions are meant for folk coming from Kissimme/Orlando/I-Drive area and not for those on the US27 villas; unless, of course, US27 is very busy on a Tuesday (when we plan to go) or otherwise too slow. Please advise.

[orlandobabe]

Hi Nostromo-this is on our hit list too-we haven't quite managed yet. We are on Lindfields just 3 miles from the 27 so we use that road a fair bit.The furthest north we've been on it is to the 19 to Tavares and then on to MT Dora.

I would say it was our quickest route. You can pick up the turnpike from the turnoff just beyond the 19(I'm pretty sure) if you felt you were going too slow-but in all honesty I think the 27 would do you fine-it's never overly busy and once you are past Clermont there's not too many traffic light junctions. I think Silver Springs is about 70 miles from where we are. I know we took the 27 all the way down to Miami and once we got past Sebring we practically had the road to ourselves. It did take a bit longer but I really couldn't face zipping along and lane hopping in and out of heavy traffic.

Sometimes you have to give your nerves a holiday too-LOL!

[chrizzy100]

quote:Originally posted by Nostromo

We missed Silver Springs during our previous 2 visits to Orlando and are determined to make that right this time. Moreover, with Cypress Gardens closed and Spledid China a bit iffy, this is one of the few remaining 'relaxing venues' between the big theme parks. We have rented a villa on US27 near its junction with US192. To me, the most straightforward route to SS seems to be driving north along the US27 for 70 miles into Ocola and turning right on to SR40 for 6 miles to reach the park. Yet, a lot of the guides talk of "taking the Florida Turnpike and I-75" to go to SS. I am assuming that those directions are meant for folk coming from Kissimme/Orlando/I-Drive area and not for those on the US27 villas; unless, of course, US27 is very busy on a Tuesday (when we plan to go) or otherwise too slow. Please advise.

I loved Silver Springs so did my son who was about 10 at the time.....I thought he would find it boring....but he loved the glass bottom boats.....

[Debs]

We have been to Silver Springs twice and both times it was excellent. The day is so relaxing and interesting - our girls were 8 and 4 last time we went and they really enjoyed it. It makes such a change from all the queues etc and fast rides - it is almost like entering another world. For anyone that hasn't been, go - you won't regret it

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

We went to Silver Springs yesterday and would definately suggest that you invest in a road atlas. We went with just a print out from their website and it was sketchy to say the least. We could have saved a lot of time had we have gone on the Turnpike and the 301 - still we got to see a lot of the countryside. It does take quite a while to get there and back, and there is a badly signed junction at Belleview so beware. However, all of us enjoyed it and it was very relaxing. There was one puma that looked a bit stir crazy and it was sad to see the bears in captivity but thats just me....the boat trips were good and the captain's had some very cheesey banter that would surpass the Disney captain's on Jungle Cruise. Incidently the Jungle Cruise at Silver Springs is now a historic trip which was good but will not be fully completed until 7th or was it the 8th July. The place has real charm and you do get a sense of how courageous those first pioneer settlers were. "Little House on the Prairie" could have had a lot more appeal had it been set in Flroida but "little house on the swamp" does not sound too inviting. Silver Springs has been used as a set for many films including three James Bond ones.The whole experience was relaxing, we took a picnic with us that we ate before entering the turnstiles as there were beches provided - you are not able to picnic inside but there is a deli, pizzaria, homemade fudge and icecream parlour etc.

For children under 48 inches tall there is a play area and there is a carosel.

It was wednesday and according to the locals a quiet day to visit. There were no queues/lines and the children loved that.

So if you want a day of relaxation then this is a good place to visit. I would highly recommend it.

Sarah

[dick wroe]

i suggest if you like silver springs you also try wichee wachee (about 60 miles west of orlando- 27 to clermont and left onto the 50 (i think)
its great