Floridas oldest theme park closed yesterday.

[WDWHound]

Before the mouse arrived in Florida, one of the state's top attractions was Cypress Gardens. The park was famous for its water skiing shows and lush Gardens. Esther Williams shot many of her movies there.

Cypress Gardens closed its doors forever on Sunday, a victom of a drop in attendenance following 9/11.

I never made it out to Cypress Gardens, but recently, while going though some old photos my mom had, I found some pictures my dad had taken there back in the early 60's when he working for NASA. It looked like the type of park we don't see much anymore, very laid back and relaxed.

Before WDW came along, Cypress Gardens was the thing to see when vacationing in Florida. Its passing marks the end of an era.

Here are a few shots from the internet of the park

 

[Dan Murphy]

I recall seeing it in movies if they were in Florida back in the 50's. The line of lady water-skiers is such a famous look. Sorry I never made it there.

 

[Jeff in BigD]

We went there once.

 

[philaround]

Ever since my first trip to WDW in 1971 I always made it a point to take one day for Cypress Gardens. It always made for a very relaxing and calm day. Nothing to do but wander thru what seemed like endless paths into all the different "rooms".
We also remember Ringling Bros, Barnum & Bailey Circus World not too far away from Cypress Gardens. Later a rather large amusement park was built on that site call "Baseball & Boardwalk"
Sadly all these attractions are now gone and while there is now much more in the way of attractions in and around Orlando, these older attractions will be missed.

 

[grinningghost]

One of my favorite old pictures is my dad with one of those Cypress Gardens girls. He looks like he died and went to Heaven.

 

[helenabear]

I have such fond memories of that place from when I was a child. I will certainly miss it

 

[luvflorida]

We were in Orlando a few months ago and we were trying to decide between a day at Cypress Gardens or a day at Sea World. We finally decided on Sea World, and now I wish we had picked Cypress Gardens. I have never been there and now I've lost that chance. If I only had known...