Just found out that Fantasy Fest will occur while I'm on vacation in Key West. Can anyone tell me what to expect or share your experiences with it? Should I change my plans? I really want to visit there and my time window is rapidly closing.

It is the craziest week of the year. Basically it is their Mardi Gras. The town gets packed with over 60,000 people and it is just one long party. It is a lot of fun if you are into it. Otherwise you might find it too carzy for your taste. It ends with a very cool parade that does down the main street.

Fantasy Fest is a pale imitation of Mardi Gras. Not nearly as crazy.

It is a very fun and enteratining time. BUT it can be overwelming if it wasn't what you were planning on. Basically it is a 10 day event (starting on a Friday and ending on a Sunday) but is only really crazy and more of a tourist event starting on Wed or Thurs. There are planned events at different businesses in town every night and a street fair Friday and Sat towards the end of the week. People are in costumes and you will see some pretty wild body painting.

I realize some people are INTO crowds so heavy you can't walk up or down Duval Street, and drunks spilling drinks on them or worse. Personally, once was enough for me. If you already have your reservations made and you're not paying outrageous prices BECAUSE it is Fantasy Fest time, learn the back streets in case you actually have to get somewhere quick!