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Legoland to Build Itself a New Water Park for Summer 2012

Legoland in Florida still has its new theme park smell, but it’s already time to upgrade. The Lego bricks aren’t looking forward to the hot and humid summers, so they’re adding a brand new water park. Officials had mentioned this during the park’s October debut, but now we know that’s it’s all on scheduled and ready to arrive in time for the 2012 summer season.

Obviously there will plenty of spots to splish and splash for the kiddos, and as with the rest of the park it’s going to be tailored to the likes of loves of little ones. Some of the attractions planned for the new waterpark include a Lego Wave Pool, along with something they’re calling Twin Chasers—where you and a buddy twist and turn through intertwined tube tracks.

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Live From The LegoLand Florida Opening

Theme park openings are awesome, and today we plan to bring you all the latest and greatest as the fine folks of Legoland take the cellophane off their latest park in Winter Haven Florida and let us take a look around today.

It is media day, and Legoland Florida was kind enough to invite us and let us have a look around a day before the park opens to the public.

Miniland, Aqua Wave Racers, and maybe even some Lego Battles await -- so sit back relax and get ready to be awash in the inimitable Lego color palette -- live blog style.

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Cypress Gardens is Closed Once Again

Troubled old Florida theme park Cypress Gardens has been shuttered once again, with the owners declaring that it's no longer financially viable to keep it open. They're seeking a buyer, but it remains to be seen whether and when it might reopen, and what it might look like if it does. As the AP reports, Cypress Gardens has been closed several times over the past decade as it struggled with sagging attendance and a fierce local rival whose name rhymes with Schmisney Schmorld.

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Cypress Gardens Another Victim Of End Times

One of the country’s oldest theme parks, Cypress Gardens, is closing yet again. Park owners say they want to refocus on the things that initially made the park popular, like water ski shows. As of now, it's scheduled to reopen in March.

The last time the park rebooted they added a zoo, roller coasters and other amusement rides. They’re now no more. The botanical gardens within the park will operate along side the water-skiers--the same entertainment that kept the park functional and successful for years.

Sitting between Orlando and Tampa the park was definitely hit hard by the economic slump, as well as high gas prices. More than 200 workers at the park will be let go until the reopening; no word if they’ll be guaranteed a new job when things get rolling again in 2009.

Related Stories:
· Cypress Gardens Closing Again [Orlando Sentinel]
· Cypress Gardens [Official Site]
· Theme Parks coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo of better times: Jim Moore]