The Travel Slut

Hello and get ready to the world of Fantasy Fest which has sometimes been referred to as Mardi Gras on Steroids....without the side effects.

I'll be back to Fantasy Fest for my 12th time this October>check out some of my FF videos (and Hedo ones too):

http://youtu.be/4OvLEWg15GY

I think you should be informed before you go as either a FF veteran or 1st timer to FF.

I would also say you should learn about the nightly group meets and learn where the best parties are for the night as many are announced the day of the party.

The TravelSlut® 's Top Tips for First Time Fantasy Fest attendees

You are in for a treat both for the Fantasy Fest event itself and for Key West. This year's 35th Annual FF is Oct. 17-26.

While I've only been 11 times, I have learned a few things through personal experience or the experience of others: (in no particular order):

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

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.

Watch your step--especially at night. Some walkways are not all level or unobstructed.

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.

Don't be in a hurry. Remember, you are on "Island Time" now and the 25,000 full time residents will appreciate patience as will your additional fellow 50,000+ Fantasy Fest revelers.

2014's theme is "Animéted Dreams and Adventures™" and is the 35rd Anniversary of Fantasy Fest and this year runs from Friday, Oct. 17 to Sunday, Oct. 26 with the parade on Saturday, Oct. 25 basically culminating the week of fun.

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:

1st SATURDAY NIGHT-- Anything goes but keep it PG on the streets. Little Black Dress @ Capt. Tony's

SUNDAY NIGHT--Pirate, Wench and Booty Night @ various venues around town including Capt. Tony's

MONDAY NIGHT-- features all those in leather, vinyl, rubber and all types of Fetish and Fantasy wear up to and including bodypaint (which is acceptable any night). Kelly's Kinky Karnival & again, Capt. Tony's Rubber Fetish Ball.

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.

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

Remember, depending on the statistics used, Key West grows from a small town of 25,000 to almost 100,000 for Fantasy Fest as crowds are estimated to be from 50,000-75,000 and most are primarily situated in an area on a one-mile section of town called Duval Street (famous for the infamous Duval Crawl).

There are also parties at Fat Tuesday's, the Headdress Ball, there is a 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 here.

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

The theme for the night is "Red" and Fogerty's & Flying Monkey's Bar is the place to be-- although other events are also fun including:

Pet Masquerade & Parade at the Westin Key West resort (daytime)
Celebrity Look-a-Like contest @ La Concha Beach party @ Hog's Breath Saloon with world famous Homemade Bikini Contest

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

THURSDAY NIGHT--features Toga Night @ Sloppy Joes & everywhere else and there are thousands of togas and variations of them everywhere in Key West. After all, 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: 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 29th annual Toga Party with a $1,000 cash prize.

Again, Duval Street becomes an event in itself with thousands of people costumed and 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 NIGHTS 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 conclusion somewhere that focuses on "it's not over until the fat lady sings".

2014 Fantasy Fest events listed on www.fantasyfest.net/

DO's AND DON'T's of Fantasy Fest:

Don't wear a mask you can't drink in.

Don't choose a costume you can't use the bathroom in.

Don't wear shoes you can't walk in.

Do dress sexier than you thought you might.

Do make sure you have a place to stay before you get too drunk.

Do realize that the shape and size of your breasts/penis will not change with spray paint.

Don't wear your thong with your leg in the wrong hole.

Do trim your pubic hair within the limits of your costume ...please.

Do donate your leftover items to locals who want to enjoy Fantasy Fest as much as the rest of us but often just make room for us.

Don't flash the cops.

Don't ask the cops to flash you.

Do understand that just because you are naked doesn't mean that others find you attractive.

Don't go out carrying valuable items that you are likely to lose when you get drunk such as a purse wallet, expensive jewelry or your spouse.

Do wrap your money in plastic or a ziplock first if you have nothing to carry it in but your bikini bottoms or sweaty shorts.

Do consider getting a personal catheter for parade night as unoccupied bathrooms will be scarce (just joking)

Don't verbally abuse anyone before stepping inside a porta-potty as the result could be disastrous and gross.

Don't step in front of moving parade floats to pick up candy or beads.

Do be aware that if you take Henrietta home with you may wake up with Henry.

Do take lots of pictures but use a disposable camera if you are prone to losing them. And asking 1st if it is OK to take a photo will usually mean yes and you will get a nicer, posed shot or two.

Do exercise a little tact and courtesy with the folks working in the bars through the festivities. They are there working days off for your enjoyment.

Don't tip in beads - they don't want or need beads--- tip with cash please.

Don't ask the female servers to show you their boobs--there are thousands of women on Duval Street dying to show you all that they've got.

Don't try to stick your tongue down the bartender's throat unless of course he wants you to (just joking, again)

Do carry some info or business card of your motel/hotel/B&B address so someone can help get you home if you need help late at night

Don't be afraid to dress up. Have an outrageous time and tip big.

And for those that can't make Fantasy Fest either this year or next here is an option--------------

The 9th Annual Mid-Year Reunion-Rendezvous of FantasyFesters and KrewedeKrazyLifers will occur June 20-27, 2015 at the wild and wicked Hedonism II resort in Jamaica where we will again enjoy theme nights like Fetish, PimpNHo, Plaid/Schoolgirl, Pirate/Wench and Toga, costumes, all-you-can eat and drink 24/7, a nude day cruise, and all in a cashless, clothing optional-nude environment.

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

See over 14,000+ photos of Fantasy Fest here: www.flickr.com/groups/fantasyfesters

Follow me on Twitter for daily updates and photos: twitter.com/TheTravelSlut

Ann, The TravelSlut :-) EMAIL: TheTravelSlut@yahoo.com