First Universal, Now Cypress Gardens

yaytezIOA

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Sorry for posting this here...but it seems in the world of disney there is disney, Universal and Sea World...hmmmmm.
But anyway, Cypress Gardens announced that they too would be hosting a large number of additions in 2007, though they have filed for Bankruptcy protection:
Winter Haven, FL- Children of all ages will discover new adventures next year at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park. Kent Buescher, President/CEO, announced plans today for new capital investment in 2007, including the rebuilding and opening of the historic Starliner roller coaster, as well as the addition of an all-new children’s area, “Bugsville.” Season pass options also have a new look for 2007, as free parking is now included in the Passport 2007.

Buescher also announced a pass exchange program, in which passholders from other parks can experience Cypress Gardens at no charge. Between now and December 24th, 2006, guests can present any other theme park’s valid 2006 pass and receive free admission to Cypress Gardens. And just like the season pass; guests can take advantage of the opportunity as many times as they want. They will also receive a $10 discount off any of the 2007 Passport options.

Coaster enthusiasts will be able to take their first ride on an old favorite next summer, as the historic Starliner will change the skyline of Cypress Gardens as it is carefully rebuilt. The classic wooden coaster was the first of its kind in Florida when it was built in 1963 at Panama City Beach’s Miracle Strip Amusement Park. Cypress Gardens acquired the ride when the park closed late in 2004. Once built and reopened, it will be one of 11 remaining John Allen coasters in operation. Allen has been long-considered the grandfather of coaster design and created the now-classic “out and back” coaster. This particular design is renowned for its negative g-forces and “lift,” that feeling of coming out of your seat while riding along its 2,640 feet of hills, bunny hops and turns. Starliner will be the park’s 6th roller coaster.

Young guests will soon have place to call their own with the addition of “Bugsville,” a children’s area comprised of rides, a special theater and eventually, a large interactive play structure. The first phase will be completed in 2007 and will include 13 rides. Theming will be done from a bug’s point of view, thus making everyone feel small and “bug-like” as they travel through. Of course, “Bugsville” wouldn’t be complete without some critters and the park will introduce Buzzby, Lady B and Whiff to the guests. The park’s bugs are stars, as well, and a new show “A Bugsville Adventure” will take the stage in the spring as part of the new area.

Another stage will be lighting up throughout the year as the Star Haven Amphitheater welcomes another diverse line-up of artists. Already scheduled to appear: Bobby Goldsboro, Charlie Pride, Bobby Vinton, Trace Adkins, Tommy James & the Shondells, Engelbert Humperdinck, Neil Sedaka, Sara Evans, MercyMe, Audio Adrenaline, the Steve Miller Band, Third Day and more.

Guests will also enjoy even more activities associated with the park’s special events, starting with this December’s holiday festival, “An Old-Fashioned Christmas.” Invited to escape the hustle and bustle of the season, patrons will experience the simple pleasures of Christmas; the traditions that hearken back to a simpler time. More than 500 lighted displays will blanket the park with holiday cheer, creating a glorious backdrop for a host of seasonal activities.

The natural beauty of the park will be showcased during “Blooms & Blossoms,” as well as do-it-yourself clinics for lawns and gardens. “Kidzpalooza” shifts to the spring, bringing with it a park-full of pintsized activities. Red, white and blue is the order of the day during “Celebrate America,” where every day is the Fourth of July. “Phobia” descends in October, full of new thrills and chills and the year will wrap up with yet another “Old-Fashioned Christmas.”

Aside from the addition of “A Bugsville Adventure,” the daily show line-up will enjoy entirely revamped shows. The new ice skating show, “Frosty Follies,” opens November 17th as part of “An Old-Fashioned Christmas” and then an all new ice show debuts in January. Discover entertaining and informative animal shows in Nature’s Way and other surprises during the year. The park celebrates 65 years of water ski history with the debut of a new show in January. Explore the evolution of the sport and its relationship with Cypress Gardens since the first show debuted at the spur of the moment one sunny afternoon. Many records have been set and firsts have been attempted at the park through the years and some of these will be revisited through the show.

Cypress Gardens will also see a multitude of improvements throughout the park in a variety of areas, from the midways and rides to the gardens and Nature’s Way. Additional food and shopping is planned for the year, including some menu changes. The first of these changes is already in place aboard the Cypress Belle. Patrons can now choose from Prime Rib, Chicken Cordon Bleu and Orange Roughy for the dinner cruise.

All the rides, Splash Island Water Park, gardens, shows, animals, concerts and special events are included in park admission. Daily admission will remain the same for 2007, with Regular admission priced at $39.95, plus tax, for ages 10-54. Junior/Senior Admission is $34.95, plus tax, for ages 3-9 and 55 and over.
 
Actually Cypress Gardens announced about 2 weeks ago that they were going to have a press release today. I think that Universal decided to do it the same day as them so they can over shine them. Then again there really isn't any comparison with their parks.
 
the pass exchange program is sweeeet. thanks for the heads up on that one.
 
rangebob said:
Actually Cypress Gardens announced about 2 weeks ago that they were going to have a press release today. I think that Universal decided to do it the same day as them so they can over shine them. Then again there really isn't any comparison with their parks.

I seriously doubt that Universal would in any way need to worry about when Cypress Gardens posts a press release
 

I went to Cypress Gardens on July 4th and was very surprised how nice it actually is. There wasn't any theming going on but as an amusement park it is very good. There is a water park right in the middle of the park which you get into free with admission to the regular park. (Imagine how nice that would be in the middle of the day in the hot summer) They also have *alot* of kids rides. My kids were falling over each other with all the choices of rides they could ride. Their coasters aren't anything to brag about, but they are good. I think this is a good promotion that they are offering because maybe some people that haven't thought much about Cypress Gardens will now give it a chance.
 
IMHO, It's not the press release at the same time. Neither Cypress Gardens or the sister park Wild Adventures have any thrill rides I'm interested in. Each park does have a wooden roller coaster, but that's about it. I drove past Voldasta on my way to Atlanta and didn't stop. None of the rides made me want to visit. I haven't been to either park and really have no desire to visit.

This just proves that family rides can't sustain a park. When people like me scream for thrill rides, the forum admins and A-listers always say the family rides & shows are important. Sure they are, I agree, but then the parks over do it with the family stuff. If it's so great, then why is Cypress Gardens in Chapter 7? Because they have no major thrill rides, that's why.

Six Flags is heading down the same road. Mark Shapiro is trying to turn SF into Disney just by having costume characters walk around and an opening celebration. Meanwhile, when you get in, none of the thrill rides are running until noon or not at all. And Shapiro has no plans for any thrills rides for years to come. Watch the attendance drop.

Universal isn't completely off the hook either. A new show in each park (BMG and iVillage), hotel announcement, and a gut friendly ride to replace BTTF. Translation, a family ride. You don"t get people talking about new attractions when they are family. Coasters bring out the most buzz. Here, I'll prove my point. Over at Thrillnetwork, they have a construction forum for new rides. Guess what topics get the most views and replies? Roller Coasters. Click the link and look at the replies column. Maverick at CP is the winner for next year. Guess where I'm flying next year?

http://www.thrillnetwork.com/boards/forumdisplay.php?f=155
 
We have 2006 fun cards from Busch Gardens Tampa.
Long story sorry:

We went to Busch Gardens mid-Dec 2005 and asked to buy 2005 fun passes. We were told they had just stopped sellingthem and we would have to buy one day tickets. We planend on going three tiems in a week so that woudl be $$$$.
I showed them an email I received from Busch Gardens the week before stating that YES, the 2005 fun cards would still be for sale ont eh first day of our visit (Dec 19 2005).
They agreed to sell us the 2006 fun cards on that day and activated on that day (Dec 19, 2005).

The fun cards we were givent hough do not have a pic onthem or the word fun cards. They just look like regular tickets I think.

So does anyone think that we could use these to get into Cypress Gardens next month. Since they don't say FUN CARD on them', plus no pic, plus I don't know if a fun card would even qualify as an annual pass, I don't know .

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
PS - I just looked at the tickets. On the back it says Busch Gardens Tampa Bay bronze. Expires 12/31 (no year is listed.) Before leaving Busch Gardens on our last day (Dec 26, 2005) I checked at guest services and was told that yes they expire Dec 31, 2006. I sure hope so since we are planning on going again next month.
I know when they sold us the tickets there was a lot of confusion and these were the third set of tickets that they printed out for us. A supervisor had to come over and assist.
 
/
riu girl said:
We have 2006 fun cards from Busch Gardens Tampa.
Long story sorry:

We went to Busch Gardens mid-Dec 2005 and asked to buy 2005 fun passes. We were told they had just stopped sellingthem and we would have to buy one day tickets. We planend on going three tiems in a week so that woudl be $$$$.
I showed them an email I received from Busch Gardens the week before stating that YES, the 2005 fun cards would still be for sale ont eh first day of our visit (Dec 19 2005).
They agreed to sell us the 2006 fun cards on that day and activated on that day (Dec 19, 2005).

The fun cards we were givent hough do not have a pic onthem or the word fun cards. They just look like regular tickets I think.

So does anyone think that we could use these to get into Cypress Gardens next month. Since they don't say FUN CARD on them', plus no pic, plus I don't know if a fun card would even qualify as an annual pass, I don't know .

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
PS - I just looked at the tickets. On the back it says Busch Gardens Tampa Bay bronze. Expires 12/31 (no year is listed.) Before leaving Busch Gardens on our last day (Dec 26, 2005) I checked at guest services and was told that yes they expire Dec 31, 2006. I sure hope so since we are planning on going again next month.
I know when they sold us the tickets there was a lot of confusion and these were the third set of tickets that they printed out for us. A supervisor had to come over and assist.

I'm sure they'll work. Funcards are labeled Bronze. Silver passports are annual passes as well. they're both one year passes, but Funcards are
just for a calendar year. ours just say 'Platinum Fl' on the back. our WDW AP's are the only ones with expiration dates on them.
 
robvia said:
IMHO, It's not the press release at the same time. Neither Cypress Gardens or the sister park Wild Adventures have any thrill rides I'm interested in. Each park does have a wooden roller coaster, but that's about it. I drove past Voldasta on my way to Atlanta and didn't stop. None of the rides made me want to visit. I haven't been to either park and really have no desire to visit.

This just proves that family rides can't sustain a park. When people like me scream for thrill rides, the forum admins and A-listers always say the family rides & shows are important. Sure they are, I agree, but then the parks over do it with the family stuff. If it's so great, then why is Cypress Gardens in Chapter 7? Because they have no major thrill rides, that's why.

Six Flags is heading down the same road. Mark Shapiro is trying to turn SF into Disney just by having costume characters walk around and an opening celebration. Meanwhile, when you get in, none of the thrill rides are running until noon or not at all. And Shapiro has no plans for any thrills rides for years to come. Watch the attendance drop.

Universal isn't completely off the hook either. A new show in each park (BMG and iVillage), hotel announcement, and a gut friendly ride to replace BTTF. Translation, a family ride. You don"t get people talking about new attractions when they are family. Coasters bring out the most buzz. Here, I'll prove my point. Over at Thrillnetwork, they have a construction forum for new rides. Guess what topics get the most views and replies? Roller Coasters. Click the link and look at the replies column. Maverick at CP is the winner for next year. Guess where I'm flying next year?

http://www.thrillnetwork.com/boards/forumdisplay.php?f=155
You cant convince me of that. People flock to MK because it has no "thrill rides"....actually I wont say the reason they really flock to MK, its not a popular theory. Everyone is trying to get in on that family market, its been researched and studied and people are more apt to go to a family park than a thrill park.....want proof? Look at WDW's numbers every year. Dont get me wrong, I love thrills just as much as anyone else, and cant wait for a chance to go back to PKI or CP again....but people dont spend 8000 dollars for a week at CP (I just read that on another thread on this board and I am simply stunned...but thats another story for another time) But there is room for all at these parks. I dont think IOA really needs a "thrill" ride, but more along the lines of just a big ride...like a huge dark ride.
 

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