The Wandering Disciple

Central Florida has long stood as a preeminent destination for tourism, a reputation established well before the advent of the region's current colossal attractions. Decades prior to the opening of the mega theme parks operated by industry giants like Disney and Universal, a pioneering attraction known as Cypress Gardens was already successfully drawing visitors from around the globe. Cypress Gardens originated with a focus on its natural beauty, conceived as a botanical garden featuring the lush, semi-tropical flora native to the area. Over time, however, its appeal expanded beyond horticulture, and the park evolved into a full-fledged theme park. It became famous for its Southern Belles, who greeted guests, and its internationally recognized water ski shows, which showcased impressive aquatic acrobatics and artistry on Lake Eloise. This combination of botanical beauty and unique entertainment cemented its status as a foundational element of Central Florida's tourism infrastru...

The sound of water cascading over the waterfall provides a tranquil environment at the former Cypress Gardens theme park in Winter Haven. Although the theme park has been reopened and redesigned as Legoland Florida, much of the garden elements of the Cypress Gardens theme park still remain. (Photo: July 4, 2005)

Guest hold on for a wild ride on the Swamp Thing roller coaster at Cypress Gardens.  Swamp Thing was one of four roller coasters at the former central Florida theme park.  Cypress Gardens closed in 2009.  It was redesigned and reopened as Legoland Florida in 2011.  This coaster is now the Flying School in the  Lego City portion of the park.  (Photo of the Day: July 4, 2005)

The colorful flowers and beautiful sculptures were the heart of the Cypress Gardens theme park. Cypress Gardens was Florida’s first theme park, long before the mouse moved in up the road. Although Cypress Gardens was closed forever in 2009, elements of the park like the gardens and the famous water ski show have been incorporated into Legoland which now occupies the land. (Photo: July 4, 2005)

Soaring high in the sky, the ferris wheel offers riders a birds eye view of Cypress Gardens. Opened in 1936, Cypress Gardens was Florida's first theme park. The park served as both a botanical gardens and an adventure park. They were forced to close their gates in 2009. The park was later purchased and reopened as Legoland Florida in 2011. (Photo: July 4, 2005)

Winter Haven, Florida: Nestled away, off the beaten track in central Florida is the oldest theme park in Florida, Cypress Gardens. The park was known for its southern hospitality, gardens and eventually as the Water Ski Capital of the World. In 1936, Dick and Julie Pope opened Cypress Gardens as a botanical garden, it quickly became one of the largest attractions in the state. People came from far away to see the lush tropical gardens and mingle with the Southern Belles that entertained the guests. By the early 1940’s the popularity of the park grew with the addition of water skiing. The park quickly became known as the Water Ski Capitol of the World. Over fifty water ski records were broken on the lake at Cypress Gardens. The park changed hands several times in the later years, first to their son Dick Pope Jr. and eventually Anheuser-Busch in 1989. Anheuser-Busch operated the park until 1995 when a group headed by a park manager purchased the park. The group kept the park op...