splash zone – the suite life of travel

Cypress Gardens closed in 2009 but the gardens have been preserved in today’s LegoLand.

My parents were coming to Florida to board the SS Veracruz where I was working as the crew purser. The ship went out of Tampa, so my boss, Chief Purser Sylvia, let me have the weekend off so I could spend time with my Mom and Dad. We would all be coming back to the ship to set sail for Mexico on Monday.

It was a beautiful Florida afternoon for visiting Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven. Their first time visiting the Sunshine State, we headed east on I-4 to explore this beautiful theme park, considered the first theme park in Florida.

Created by Dick and Julie Pope in 1936, the couple set out to update the canals and lakes in central Florida, opening Cypress Gardens Theme Park. The hanging gardens of Lake Eloise were the main attraction of the estate’s prized blossoms and blooms.

From duck topiaries to Southern Belles, the park represented 90 countries by showcasing over 8,000 types of flowers. The tropical weather was perfect for displaying thousands of exotic blooms. With gorgeous warm temperatures all year around, this was the perfect location.

In addition to the spectacular gardens, the Popes would draw visitors with their water shows where skiers would entertain the guests with their dangerous stunts. From slalom jumps to barefoot skiing, onlookers were entertained with such athletic feats of skill.

One of the attractions that we enjoyed was the boat ride along the canals. Passing colorful floral arrangements and large cypress trees with their hanging moss, we spotted a few heron and storks along the way.

Cypress Gardens grew in popularity between the 1940’s and 60’s and would eventually be sold to a large publisher. The park struggled to keep up with the technology of other attractions but resurrected once more when purchased by Merlin Entertainment Group combining Cypress Gardens, a local botanical garden and splash park, reopening in the fall of 2009.

The property is now a part of Legoland Florida Resort and the owners continue the traditional ski shows on Lake Silver that were once a part of the success of the Cypress Gardens Theme Park. The gardens have also remained with displays of exotic plants from all over the world and the original Banyan Tree, planted in 1939 is one of the main attractions.

Did you visit the Cypress Gardens Theme Park before it became Legoland? What did you think of the gardens and attractions provided by the park? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for exploring Florida’s Cypress Gardens Theme Park through my post and I wish you many happy travels!

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What to See and What to Do:

Legoland Florida Resort, formerly Cypress Gardens Theme Park
One LEGOLAND Way
Winter Haven, FL 33884
Telephone: 888 690 5346
Website: www.legoland,com

Admission Fee: $99.99 per day for one day; 72.50 per day for two day entrance to the park and waterpark; $60 per day for a two day entrance into the park only.
Hours: Refer to the website’s calendar as the hours of operation change based on season.
Amenities: waterpark, restaurants, group rates, handicap accessible, annual passes, discounts and promotions, attractions, live shows, rides, lego minilands, movies, gardens,
Length of Visit: all day
Tips for Your Visit: Be prepared to stand in long lines in peak season. Wear plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated. Wear comfortable shoes.

Where to Stay:

Legoland Florida Resort, formerly Cypress Gardens Theme Park
One LEGOLAND Way
Winter Haven, FL 33884
Telephone: 888 690 5346
Website: www.legoland,com

Where to Eat:

Legoland Florida Resort, formerly Cypress Gardens Theme Park
One LEGOLAND Way
Winter Haven, FL 33884
Telephone: 888 690 5346
Website: www.legoland,com

Dragon’s Den, Panini Grill and Funnel Cake Factory

What to Eat: