Cypress Gardens

What is it? Cypress Gardens is one the original Central Florida Theme Parks. Originally  it was mostly based on beautiful gardens with ladies strolling around in Southern USA style crinolene dresses and a spectacular water ski show. Due to lack of support it suddenly, although not surprisingly, closed in early 2003. A deal was then agreed between Polk County and a Georgia entrepreneur, Kent Buschner, to reopen the park. Due to delays, mostly by the damage caused by the three hurricanes in 2004, the park re-opened in November 2004 - four months behind schedule.

Where is it? Located on Lake Eloise at Winter Haven, it took a leisurely 35 minute drive from our home near Champions Gate. From the Ronald Reagan Parkway (CR54) go south along the US27 to Cypress Gardens Boulevard (CR540) and go west for 4 miles and the park is on the left. The current admission charges ( autumn 2005) are cheaper than most parks at Adult: $39.95, Seniors and Juniors(3 to 9): $34.95, children under 3 is free. A second day is free. Car parking is $7 per car. Lockers are available.

For further information the web site is www.cypressgardens.com

What is at the park? Quite a selection for both young and old. On entering the park you are in Jubilee Junction, a small square containing shops, restaurants and restrooms. It is also where you will find the first "ride" - Sunshine Sky Adventure. This is a gentle excursion which elevates you in a slowly revolving dome giving excellent views of many square miles of surrounding countryside. There are eight shows, some inside and others outside, ranging from the Ski show to Swamp Critters.

There are 39 rides in all, including ample for the young ones. The larger rides are much gentler than those at other theme parks and are more compatible for the less daring of us.

Splash Island, the water park section, is only open 7 days per week in the summer months and at weekends only in spring and autumn. This is when the park is busier with locals. As with all parks it is advisable to telephone just before you go to check if anything is closed.

Internationally known singers, groups and entertainers are featured on many evenings throughout the year. Information is available on the web site.

Concluding the stroll through Plantation Gardens via Wings of Wonder (butterflies), Topiary Trail to the Botanical Gardens was enjoyable and relaxing. The ski show, although skillful, was a slight disappointment with only six performers. This is mostly a park which can be done leisurely in a day, especially for families, which the children will enjoy. It is very quiet compared to the other theme parks but is busier at weekends. We went at the beginning of the fall when there seemed to be a lack of atmosphere but we did feel that late Spring and Summer could be totally different. Splash Island and some shops and restaurants were closed but most rides were open. 

By Mike & Kath Trevena
(October 2005 web-site www.villadisneyusa.com )