Cypress Gardens looks depressing. Should we go?

[johnvree]

We are going to Universal in August for 10 days. We wanted to use the extra time to take in some of the other attractions in the greater Orlando area and we were looking forward to Cypress Gardens. I was excited when I heard they were reopening the park and that it would have 37 rides.

Then I saw pictures.

I got concerned when I noticed that the park's website still doesn't have very many pictures of the attractions, despite the fact that the park has been open for more than half a year. If you click on a ride, it simply says 'picture not yet available'.

Now I know why. I found a site that has a few dozen pictures of the park including almost all of the 'rides'. Holy glorified carnival! First, there appears to be absolutely no theming. When I saw ride names like "Okeechobee Rampage" and "Swamp Thing", I envisioned attractions woven into the parks beautiful gardens and intriguing marshes. Nope. Looks like they basically carved out an area in the middle of the park, knocked down all the trees and threw in a bunch of rides. There is absolutely nothing around them, including shade. The area looks like a great place to get a tan, but that's about it.

And the rides seem pretty lame. We are really talking traveling carnival quality. The coasters are basic kiddie coasters, on the scale of something like the Flying Unicorn, minus the theming. The rest are small versions of cool rides or big versions of crumby ones. It kind of looks depressing to me.

Anyway, am I wrong? Is Cypress Garden worth visiting? I was really looking forward to going and now I just want to stay away.

Here's the site with the pictures if anyone is interested: http://www.themeparkreview.com/cypress2004/cypress1.htm

 

[GIOny]

That looks pretty pathetic! Is this the park that use to have the beautiful gardens and the ladies with the big old fashioned hoop dresses? I didn't see any sign of gardens. What are they charging to get into this place? I would find that out first and maybe if they have gardens and if you want to go for that but I wouldn't go for the rides. I'm sure somewhere in central Florida they must have other parks with rides in them !

 

[timeos2]

Cypress Gardens is an old school attraction not meant to be themed as Disney or Universal are. The attraction is the talented group that does the waterski shows plus the natural old Florida setting. The rides are an afterthought.

Worth a visit to see the old Florida but you will be disappointed if you expect a Disney experience.

 

[Brian Noble]

My understanding is that, under the new management, cypress gardens has done quite well in terms of attendance, so they must be doing *something* right.

Note that the themeparkreview photos were taken before the grand opening, so YMMV. Maybe not much has changed, but maybe it has.

But, it's a small, old-time, classic-style amusement park that just happens to be recently reconstructed. It's not a theme park. There is no notion of "theming," and there probably never will be. If that doesn't interest you, you definitely shouldn't go.

 

[indigoxtreme]

We were the in Frebruary, the park was wonderful then, they were still working on some of the plants and flowers but 90% was done. I remember the park from bygone days and couldn't wait to get back to see it. No it is not Disney, Universal, Bush Gardens or Sixflags, basically it still has the wonderful gradens and the water ski show. There is a great Butterfly building and so many other things. The rides are the to basically passify the children. I found it to be a great experience. Look to see if they have any concerts there while you visit, they are included in the admission. If you want reserved seating for 10.00 more your can get this. We got to see Gary Lewis, BJ thomas and Billy Joe Royal all together. We are going to go back in September. The park was delayed by several months in opening quiet a bit due to the Hurricanes. The man who purchased the park to restore it has spent over 50,000,000 to bring it up to date. iF Your family would enjoy THE FIRST OFFICIAL TOURIST SITE IN FLORIDA and some place that is no so hectic as the other parks, a good relaxing old fashioned fun place then go. The price is 34.95 with 2nd day free up to 7 days later. CHildren 3-9 are 29.95 of course add tax. HOpe your family enjoys it as much as we did.

http://cypressgardens.com/welcome.asp

 

[johnvree]

Thanks for the info and it's nice to hear that some have enjoyed the park. I am definitely considering including this park on our August trip. Thanks again.

 

[safetymom]

Cypress Gardens is supposed to be doing quite well since they reopened. I would give it a try.

 

[sammi]

We've been many times and hopefully they'll have all the Christmas light displays back.We've loved this park and can't wait to go again!

 

[Ted and Holly]

I haven't been there or seen pictures since before they closed. Sort of boycotting, but that is another thread. But from judging from those pictures, I have to say. WOW! It looks WAY nicer than it did before they closed.

Cypress Gardens was separated into two halves. One side were the gardens. Beautiful. The other side was the "attraction" side. That side really showed its age.

I don't know if they still have the "sides" but those attractions and the landscaping looks pretty nice.

Ted