RV Vacations & Camping Ideas
Southeast USA-Florida-Cypress Gardens
Enjoy the Old and the New at Cypress
Gardens by Howard Farmer
Cypress Gardens first opened in 1936.
The park started out as botanical gardens planted by the Pope
family. Water ski shows were added and became a popular attraction.
The park is known for the Southern Belles dressed in their finest,
strolling along the garden paths. This park was very popular, until
Disney World and other parks began to open in the Orlando area.
After this, attendance at the gardens began to decline.
The park closed in 2003, due to financial
difficulties. The park was purchased by a new owner and redesigned in 2004. It
reopened in November of that year. Many new attractions were added, but the
original charm was retained. The Southern Belles can still be found strolling
the paths around the gardens.
There are thirty rides and five roller coasters
in the park. This includes the Triple Hurricane wooden roller coaster. This is a
short ride that is not too scary. It is the calmest coaster in the park and is
perfect for your childs first experience on a real roller coaster. The Fiesta
Express is another roller coaster that is good for kids.
The other three coasters are faster, longer and
more exciting. The Swamp Thing is a suspended coaster. The Galaxy Spin is a
spinning wild mouse type roller coaster. The Okeechobee Rampage is a roller
skater coaster. Another coaster is under construction at the park. The Starliner
is a classic wooden roller coaster. This coaster was originally located in
Panama City, Florida at the Miracle Strip Amusement Park, which closed. It is
currently being constructed and is planned to open in 2007.
Cypress Gardens is famous for its gardens. The
park is home to amazing gardens and horticultural displays. A holiday display
can be seen from Thanksgiving through January 6 of each year. A Poinsettia
Festival is held at the park during the Christmas season. There are also a
variety of great water skiing shows held daily in the park.
There are a variety of specialty shops for
shopping in the park. Many of these contain beautiful hand made crafts made by
local craftsmen. Spend some time browsing in the shops and enjoying the crafts.
This is a great place to pick up a stunning and unique souvenir of your trip or
gift for family or friends.
Splash Island Water Park is part of Cypress
Gardens. You get admission to both parks with one ticket. This water park has a
wave pool, lazy river ride and slides. The park has a Polynesian theme. There
are water rides for younger children, older kids and adults. This is a great
place to cool off in the hot Florida summer.
Admission to the park includes access to the
gardens, rides, shows, concerts and admission to the water park. The concerts
vary throughout the year. Call to find out who is playing when you plan to
visit. There are specials allowing you to enjoy two days for the price of one.
Ask about this when you purchase your tickets.