Cypress Gardens " Florida's First Theme Park"

Cypress Gardens, FL – Founded in 1936 by Dick and Julie Pope, Cypress Gardens was a showcase for Central Florida and paved the way for other parks such as Disney and Universal to follow. Under his guidance, the beautiful botanical gardens became the backdrop for beautiful belles and peaceful boat rides, as well as many movies and thousands of advertising campaigns over the years. Proclaimed the Water Ski Capital of the World, Cypress Gardens became the birthplace of performance water skiing in 1941. In 1962, Dick Pope turned the reins of the park over to his son, Dick Pope, Jr., and then committed himself to promoting tourism and the development of Florida.
The park left control of the Pope family in 1985 when it was acquired by HBJ/SW. Four years later, Busch Entertainment Corporation, a subsidiary of Anheuser Busch Companies, Inc. purchased the park and ran it until it was sold to a private partnership in 1995. The decision to close the park came in April of 2003 after a serve blow to the tourism industry on September 11, 2001.
            Kent Buescher, owner of Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Ga. initially became interested in purchasing the Christmas displays for Wild Adventures, but was captured by a vision of Cypress Gardens’ potential. Working hand-in-hand with the state, local government and the Trust For Public Land, a historic deal was inked early in 2004 to save the venerable attraction with Buescher at the helm. His plans for the park were based upon the same simple formula that made Wild Adventures such a success; provide a great variety of affordable family fun that all ages can enjoy.
Work revitalizing and restoring the park began immediately but was almost derailed by the hurricane season of 2004. However, Kent Buescher and his staff persevered in the Pope tradition and Cypress Gardens Adventure Park was reborn in November of the same year. Now, guests will find an exhilarating world of thrilling rides, Splash Island water park, dazzling entertainment, historic gardens, animals, the famed Southern Belles and world-famous water ski show, as well as Jubilee Junction, an old-fashioned village chock-full of exceptional shopping and fabulous food.Approximately 1.4 million guests sampled the delights of the newly refurbished park in 2005, one of the highest attendance counts at Cypress Gardens in the history of the park and the trend continued into 2006.
            In 2007 Land South Adventures, LLC, out of Mulberry, Florida purchased Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, however Kent Buescher, remained as the interim manager until Baker Leisure Group took over the management in January 2008. The Baker Leisure Group is an Orlando-based company and has been involved with more than 100 theme parks, attractions and related assignments around the world since the firm was founded in 1988 by 40-year theme park and attractions management specialist Steve Baker.
The owners and cast of Cypress Gardens invite guests to leave their cares behind as they step into the natural beauty of real Florida. Best known for historic botanical gardens and world-famous ski shows, Cypress Gardens has continued to grow just like the garden it’s roots were planted in 1936. With more than 40 new rides, Splash Island water park, all-star concerts and annual special events, guests will discover fun for all ages complimented by southern charm and hospitality.

Dining and Shopping
            Food and shopping can be found throughout Cypress Gardens; however the largest collection is in Jubilee Junction, a bustling village where delicious food and shopping take an entertaining old-fashion twist. Guests won’t be able to keep their hands off the leather belts, purses, wallets and coats at Tan Yer Hide. It’s Christmas all year long at Kringle’s where visitors can discover miniature Christmas villages featuring Department 56 and Snowbabies. Jubilee Mercantile resembles an early village store where guests can find an amazing variety of goods. Enjoy a mouthwaterin’ southern buffet at Aunt Julie’s Country Kitchen or visit the Jubilee Marketplace for All-American fare. Make sure not to miss the Bakery for a delightful treat. In the mood for BBQ? Backwater Bill’s offers slow-cooked ribs, smoked chicken and pulled pork along with a host of tasty sides.
            Other culinary delights throughout the park include Cherry on Top where sweet lovers can get their favorite milkshake or enjoy a delicious wrap. Adventure Grill is located in the middle of Adventure Grove and serves up some of the tastiest hamburgers and cheeseburgers around! If pizza, wings or a salad are on your mind stop by Big Daddy’s Pizza in the Adventure Arcade and satisfy your taste buds.

Rides, Shows and Entertainment
            Today guests can experience more than 40 exciting rides when they visit Adventure Grove and Bugsville. Children can choose from favorites including the Red Baron where little pilots get to fly petite planes and Dizzy Dragons where kiddies can step into a colorful dragon to take a circular adventure, spinning the dragon itself! Adults can enjoy the adrenaline rush of Florida’s first coaster, the Starliner. First built in 1963, this classic wooden coaster will thrill coaster aficionados of all ages with its negative g-forces and plenty of lift and “air-time.” Visitors looking for more heart-pounding fun will get blown away by Triple Hurricane, named after the three hurricanes that passed through central Florida in 2004. This coaster is sure to take guests on a wild ride. Hop aboard a spaceship car at Galaxy Spin and hang on as it twists and turns along the track, spinning all the while.
            Come see the ski show that made Cypress Gardens the “Water Ski Capital of the World!” Daring lifts and jumps, as well as barefoot skiing, tandem jumps and the world-famous Cypress Gardens water ski pyramid will amaze guests. For a slapstick pirate comedy, guests of all ages will enjoy Treasure of Cypress Cove. Get up close and personal with some of the reptile, feathered and fury friends while experiencing Swamp Critters, where visitors can learn about some of the animals of Natures Way. Guests can also stroll along beautifully landscaped walkways and visit with the 150 animal residents of Natures Way including reptiles, mammals and a variety of birds. Hands-on interactions include daily “Keeper Talks” in front of selected animal habitats and possible photo ops with baby gators, birds, a lemur and more.
Cypress Gardens continues to host many impressive performance artists and groups. Guests can choose from a variety of shows including oldies, country, pop, rock, R&B and Contemporary Christian. Some outstanding acts in the past included the Beach Boys, the Steve Miller Band, Third Day, Trace Adkins, George Jones, Willie Nelson and many, many more. Shows are included in park admission and guests are encouraged to take advantage of the complimentary bleacher seating or bring their lawn chair to relax on the lawn. Reserved seats are also available at an additional charge to park admission.

Splash Island
            A park within a park, Splash Island offers the chills and thrills of any other water park, with only one thing missing; a separate admission price. Crash rolling waves in Kowabunga Bay, the 20,000 square foot wave pool or grab a tube and relax in Paradise River, with more than 1,000 feet of curves and bends. For those daring enough, climb to the top of the 60-foot platform and experience Voodoo Plunge. These two lightning-fast speed slides send bathers slipping and sliding on a heart-stopping drop. Guests can enjoy these and other fun water adventures at Splash Island. When hunger strikes, guests can also visit Volcano Jim’s Snack Shack & Tikki Bar for great food and frosty drinks.
            Cypress Gardens is located in Winter Haven, Florida four miles west of SR 27 on Cypress Gardens Boulevard. Regular admission is $39.95, plus tax for ages 10-59, Child admission is $34.95 plus tax for ages 3-9 and Senior admission is $34.95, plus tax for 60+. For more event details visit www.cypressgardens.com or call 863-324-2111.