Ocala-Silver Springs-it has been 30+ years since I have been........

[bethie]

has anyone been more recently? LOL I remember the glass bottom boats when I was a kid and how freaky it was for me. I was so scared. Has it changed much? I would love to visit again with my children and hubby. Is it worth it?


When I went years ago, I also went to Six Guns Territory! Anyone remember that place???? WOW-I am getting old!!! WDW had not even opened.

 

[spiceycat]

I was kind of disappointed. It is still nice. but the glass bottom boats you use to see a bunch of colorfully fish. on our last trip - well it was the same 3 styles of fish over and over.

not a lot of color.

hoping for better this time.

more of everything before.

now it seems like they are pushing there concerts. Since I have a problem with smoke (any kind and I think you know what I mean) - concerts are not something I can do and live.

have you seem their website.

 

[safetymom]

We enjoyed Silver Springs. We went on a "cold" day and the gators where on the bottom. Didn't see a lot of fish.

I enjoyed the day, especially the boat tours.

 

[gullyf]

... I also went to Six Guns Territory! Anyone remember that place???? WOW-I am getting old!!! WDW had not even opened.

I have almost forgot that I remember Six Guns Territory! We used to go there quite often, living in nearby Dunnellon for many years in the 60's and early 70's. I vaguely remember some kind of mountain facade and a steam train, but it was sooo long ago. Surprised to read that it actually stayed open until 1984.

It seems that Silver Springs is one of the few local attractions that has managed to carve out a niche and survive. So many others have disappeared or are mere shadows of their former selves: Rainbow Springs, Ross Allen Reptile Institute (used to be part of Silver Springs if I recall correctly), Weeki Wachee, and Homasassa Springs just to name a few that come to mind.

Wow, so this is what it is like to get nostalgic...

 

[caribear]

We went to Silver Springs 2 years ago around Christmas time and they had a nice walk-through light display. We enjoyed the glass bottom boats too. Everything looks a little dated, but we still enjoyed the day.

 

[bethie]

Thanks for the replies. I would like to give it a try again. I remember the dueling monkeys on either side of the river. LOL

Is is monkeys or monkies?? Hey, hey where the ..........

 

[spiceycat]

Silver springs didn't make it. Neither did Cypress Garden - both now belong to the state of Florida.

I think they separately managed.

 

[KristinBelle]

Silver Springs is still great! We love it there, the park is well kept and very clean. They have animal shows, a new lighthouse tower ride and the glass boats. It's a great park.

http://www.silversprings.com/

 

[KristinBelle]

Silver springs didn't make it. Neither did Cypress Garden - both now belong to the state of Florida.

I think they separately managed.

Not sure where you got that from but Cypress Gardens is owned by Kent Buescher, who owns Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Georgia.

We have annual passes for both parks and they're both well kept, clean with friendly staff.

Here's the website for Cypress Gardens. http://www.cypressgardens.com

 

[deej696]

I grew up in Ocala, and it is still home so I may be a bit biased, but not how you would think...

If you were thinking of stopping on your way to WDW, just keep going It is definitely a "seen it once and thats enough" park. Its gorgeous dont get me wrong, but I havent been since I was a kid, and there really isnt a need to cause its still the same....

Six Gun Territory is now a shopping center with an Outback

 

[spiceycat]

Not sure where you got that from but Cypress Gardens is owned by Kent Buescher, who owns Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Georgia.

We have annual passes for both parks and they're both well kept, clean with friendly staff.

Here's the website for Cypress Gardens. http://www.cypressgardens.com

I still think the FLorida owns the parks - but someone else manages them.

It was a big story here a couple of years ago when Florida bailed out the Cypress Garden like it had done Silver Springs a few years ago. They did it to prevent certain timeshares owners from developing that area.

I don't think Florida has sold the parks to anyone. Then it would be fair market price. the land that both parks are on - is worth more than the parks.