Cypress Gardens

[steph_goodrum]

This is worth a look if you want somewhere without too many rides. They have a water ski show, which is one of the best in the world, an ice skating show . Last summer they had a whacky waterworld play area for the children, I assume this will probably be a regular event. Just walking round the park, there is a paddle steamer around the lake, makes a very pleasant and calming day out. There are too many things to list them all here but you can check out all the attractions and special events (they have live groups playing several times a year), at www.cypressgardens.com.

steph

Edited by - steph_goodrum on 12/02/2002 08:39:12

[orlandobabe]

We love CG-although we don't go at every visit. February is a great time to go-I believe they have the park lit up until about April on a night.

One of the highlights on one trip was when my then 22 year old daughter dressed up as a southern belle for about 2 hours for $45. She looked like someone out of Gone with the wind. They do an official photo and you can take as many as you like with your own camera. We had a great time and surprisingly so did she. We left the framed official photo in the lounge and we know that a couple of guests let their daughters do the same.

It's something different.

Orlandobabe

[semerton]

I went at the beggining of December as saw the talest Christmas tree in the world being lit up and the shows was wonderful well worth the money also great for a year pass they change the shows every month<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

[porky]

Despite living so close to here, it's somewhere I've never been. I've driven pat it many times. Can't get hubby motivated enough to give it a go. Oh well, maybe one year.

Jacqui

[steph_goodrum]

Try telling him Pamela Anderson and the other "Baywatch Babes" are in the ski show, maybe that will work.

Babblin Boo

[esprit]

They have a brilliant display of lights at Xmas, not quite as good as the Osborne ones at MGM but good. And a huge display of poinsettias. There is also carol singing in front of the Gone with the wind mansion, really Christmassy. I love the ice show also, however the circus was not brilliant, not as good as the Cirque de la Mer at Seaworld. Mind you, I had just been to the Cique du Soleil when we visited so perhaps I was biassed. One thing, the price at Cypress has really gone up over the years we have been visiting. They do special offers of free children and half price children so its not bad for families but for a party of adults, it is dear for what it is. And they now charge for the car park just like Disney ( that is new).

Julie Carty

[esprit]

Dont think any one has mentioned the Island in the Sky. That is a unique attraction as the only other one is at Efteling, the Dutch theme park. A whole "island" with you standing on it is lifted by hydraulics very high into the sky and revolves around giving you a fab view of the park and all around.
The butterfly house and the aviary are also worth a mention. Aviary is no good for anyone who found The Birds scary as the parrakeets all land on top of you, especially if you have bought the bird food or are standing near someome who has.
The gardens are famous for their Southern Belles and they look even more delightful in Winter when they have fur trimmed velvet capes over their Scarlett O'Hara gowns and muffs. There is one who sits in the wedding pavillion and waves at the people going past on the boat trip ( what a job!!)
The only thing I would winge about is the price. It is nearly as dear as the main theme parks for adults though they do free kids and half price kids tickets with vouchers so it makes a good deal for a family.
And the paddle steamer is extra, except we did not find out that you had to pay for a ticket for that at the main gate until we had queued up for it thinking it was included. They have also started to charge Disney type fees for the car park which used to be free.

Julie Carty

[imported_n/a]

Chrysanthemum Festival - November


The autumn festival features more than two-and-a-half million blooms displayed in arches, "poodle" baskets, mum-filled gazebos and acres of flowing mum beds in scarlet, peaches, pinks, lavenders and ivories.

[blott]

You also used to be able to get caricature pictures done here but I don't know if they still do these? We had ours done under a tree and loads of caterpillars kept dropping down our necks (well, everywhere really!) so we weren't very good sitters (which probably explains the way we look in the pictures!).

The Island in the Sky is great, even for people afraid of heights, as it rises and turns so slowly that you don't really notice it.

Lots and lots of flowers made into figures and amazing shapes (they must use miles of wire!) and you can hire a southern belle dress and get your photo taken in one (from tinies to adults).

Don't miss the water ski show which is spectacular!

Blott

[esprit]

For anyone thinking of getting married, Cypress Gardens is a really good place to do this. 500 weddings a year take place in the romantic wedding gazebo on a hill above the big lagoon at prices starting froma round $1000. There is a wedding co-ordinator at the park who will take care of all arrangements.

Julie Carty